Reacher season 6 officially confirmed by Prime as author Lee Child reveals what he wants from episodes

Prime Video has renewed Reacher for a sixth season, extending one of the streamer's most reliable hits just 12 days after the fourth season finale landed.

The news arrives with season 5 already filming in Toronto, and with author Lee Child weighing in on which of his Jack Reacher novels he would like to see brought to the screen next.

Alan Ritchson will return as the drifter ex-military policeman, known for his hulking stature, who will find himself in the midst of more dangerous conspiracies.

Reacher has been such a hit for Prime Video that the show has enjoyed a run of early renewals dating back to its season 3 order – which came before season 2 had even premiered.

This latest recommission will make Reacher the second longest-running live-action scripted series on Prime Video, behind only Titus Welliver's Bosch. Fold in animation, and the drama is tied with Invincible.

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According to Prime Video, 66 million people worldwide tuned into season 4 within its first 28 days, with seasons 2, 3 and 4 ranking as the most-watched seasons of a returning series in the streamer's history.

Peter Friedlander, head of global television at Amazon MGM Studios, said (via The Hollywood Reporter): "Reacher hits hard. What Lee Child has built and [showrunner] Nick Santora and his creative teams have brought to life is, simply, incredible.

"Alan Ritchson is Jack Reacher, he's delivered a performance that has captivated audiences around the world."

He added: "We couldn't be more excited to continue this journey. Reacher is a truly iconic series, and we're thrilled to be on the ride with this extraordinary cast and crew for season 6."

There is no word yet on a release date, plot or source novel for season 6, but we do know that the fifth entry is based on Make Me, the 20th book in Child's series.

Child has been open about which stories he wants adapted, and about the ones that give him pause.

When asked by Collider about 61 Hours, one of the most popular books in the run, the author admitted it may be close to impossible to film.

The novel unfolds across a vast, untouched, snow-covered landscape, and Child noted that any trace left by cast or crew would shatter the illusion, making it a difficult prospect.

"That that sort of thing is impossible to make because it depends on snow," he said. "You can't plausibly shoot in snow because you've got this virgin, snow-covered landscape. You can only ever do take one."

Ritchson, meanwhile, has his own wish list. Asked on Threads about a possible adaptation, the star singled out Die Trying, the second Jack Reacher novel, as his favourite book.

The actor said he "had it approved" for a season of the show "until someone got re-elected," implying that its political elements may have barred it from moving forward.

Reacher is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. You can sign up to Amazon Prime Video for a 30-day free trial.

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