Alan Ritchson’s Reacher Finally Loses Prime Video’s No. 1 Crown to Stephen King Series

For weeks, Prime Video had belonged to Jack Reacher. Alan Ritchson’s hit series Reacher wrapped up its fourth season in September, and its spinoff Neagley, led by Maria Sten’s fan-favorite investigator, kept the franchise firmly at the top of the streamer’s charts. Between the two of them, nothing else on the streamer stood a real chance.

That finally changed this weekend. Mike Flanagan’s Carrie has stormed past both of these action thrillers to claim the No. 1 spot on Prime Video. On October 11, 2026, it stands as the top-streamed title on the platform worldwide, according to FlixPatrol.

It’s an impressive feat for a show that only dropped on Prime Video on October 7. In just a few days, Flanagan’s eight-episode take on Stephen King’s first novel has knocked down one of the platform’s most dependable franchises. And with Halloween around the corner, its run at the top may be just getting started.

Why Is Carrie Beating Reacher and Neagley on Prime Video?

Timing is the biggest factor in favor of Carrie. The show arrived in early October, right as viewers start hunting for something scary to watch. Reacher fans had already finished Season 4, and Neagley had been out long enough for most viewers to catch up. A fresh horror series had the perfect window.

Also, fans will have little doubt when picking a Mike Flanagan show for spooky season. He is arguably the most trusted name in TV horror right now, thanks to The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher.

He also has a strong history with King, having adapted Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck. Even King, who once called another Carrie a dumb idea, praised the series as “brilliant” (via Threads).

The format of the show also helps. All eight episodes dropped at once, perfect for a weekend binge. And instead of a straight remake, Flanagan updated the story for the smartphone era. Summer H. Howell’s Carrie now faces bullying that spreads online and follows her home.

Flanagan regulars like Samantha Sloyan, Kate Siegel, and Rahul Kohli delivered solid performances. They were joined by horror icon Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle. Flanagan also delivered some twists, so don’t expect the prom to play out the way it did in the movies.

Summer H. Howell as Carietta “Carrie” White in Carrie | Credits: Prime Video

Carrie has been adapted plenty of times, and one version still towers over the rest. Brian De Palma’s 1976 film earned Oscar nominations for both Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie, and its prom scene remains one of the most iconic sequences in horror history. Flanagan’s series comes close, but doesn’t top that.

FandomWire’s review gave Prime Video’s Carrie a 5/10, calling it repetitive and slow. The bullying plot keeps circling the same beats, and the later subplots pull focus from the story’s heart.

What are your thoughts on the new series? Let us know in the comments below!

Carrie is now streaming on Prime Video.