Even though a Prime Video show seems to be the perfect replacement for Reacher, its protagonist is seemingly nothing like the Alan Ritchson character. The show in question landed on Amazon Prime Video before Reacher and played a crucial role in paving the way for other dad shows on the streamer.
Long before Reacher even landed on the streamer, another incredible book adaptation triggered Amazon’s “dad show” reign by perfectly portraying a brooding and layered spy protagonist. Over half a decade after its release, the show also seems to be showing no signs of slowing down and serves as the perfect replacement for Reacherin the action thriller genre.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Is The Best Alternative To Reacher On Prime Video
Credit: MovieStillsDB
Just like Reacher, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on Prime Video introduces a detective spy character who was previously in the military. Jack Reacher’s primary shtick in the Prime Video series is massive size and nearly superhuman strength. During most of his confrontations with bad guys, he seems to dominate his way through by putting his physical prowess on full display.
Although Jack Ryan is not as physically imposing as Reacher, he, too, manages to stand his ground quite well during hand-to-hand combat. In both shows, each season presents a self-contained narrative, where the main characters are initially exposed to a small-scale, singular threat. However, as the plot progresses, it all usually ties into a larger conspiracy.
The two shows are also based on compelling book series and benefit immensely from how well their protagonists have been drawn out in their respective source material. With so many intriguing similarities between the two, it would be fair to call Jack Ryan a worthy Reacher replacement or alternative.
John Krasinski’s Jack Ryan Is The Total Opposite Of Alan Ritchson’s Jack Reacher
John Krasinski in a scene from Jack Ryan wearing a backpack standing outside and looking serious
Despite all the similarities between the two characters, Jack Ryan and Jack Reacher could not be more different. They share the same name and also have a military background, but Reacher’s past in the Military Police makes his worldview significantly different from Ryan’s more structured and idealistic approach.
After leaving the U.S. Marines, Jack Ryan willingly works as a CIA operative. Jack Reacher, in contrast, only hopes to travel the United States as a self-proclaimed hobo and avoid trouble. To his dismay, though, trouble always finds him, and he often gets embroiled in criminal conspiracies.
Show
Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Reacher (after 3 seasons)
96%
81%
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (after 4 seasons)
78%
73%
While both characters have the ability to work alone, Alan Ritchson’s Jack Reacher is portrayed as a typical lone wolf who heavily relies on his own instincts and brute strength. His violent acts of vigilantism also make him a borderline anti-hero at times, which makes Jack Ryan a more heroic character in comparison.
Both The Jack Ryan And Reacher Shows Work Because Of Their Lead Characters
Both Jack Ryan and Jack Reacher are the primary drivers of their respective shows. Without them and their unique personalities as action thriller leads, their respective shows would have been just like other additions to the genre.
While it is Jack Ryan’s analytical thinking and relentless dedication to his duty that make him a compelling character, it is Reacher‘s stoicism and self-reliance that make him a great lead in the Prime Video series.
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