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Prime Video’s Latest 8-Part Action Series Has Quietly Outperformed Its Biggest New Shows of 2026
Prime Video's new eight-episode series Ride or Die has become a surprise hit, reportedly outperforming other major new releases on the platform this year despite receiving little fanfare ahead of its launch. The show stars Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer as longtime best friends whose relationship is upended when one of them is revealed to be a professional assassin, marking a departure into action-led roles for both award-winning actresses.
The series, which premiered on 15 July 2026, follows Debbie Claybourne (Spencer) and Judith Burton (Waddingham) as they flee across Europe after one of Judith's assignments goes wrong in front of Debbie and her husband. The pair are pursued by Interpol, the Albanian mob and a assassin named Ana (Sylvia Hoeks), while Bill Nighy plays Judith's mysterious handler, known only as The Director. Executive producer Peyton Reed, who also directs the first two episodes, has been credited with setting a fast-paced tone through car chases and inventive fight choreography, helping the show establish itself as one of Prime Video's standout titles of the year within days of release.
In short
- Prime Video's Ride or Die is quietly beating other major 2026 releases
- Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer star as best friends turned fugitives
- Series follows a secret assassin and her friend fleeing across Europe
Explained simply
Ride or Die is an eight-episode action series on Amazon Prime Video that premiered on 15 July 2026. It centres on two longtime best friends, Debbie and Judith, whose relationship is upended when Judith is revealed to be a professional assassin. After one of Judith's assignments goes wrong, the pair flee across Europe whilst pursued by Interpol, the Albanian mob and another assassin.
The series stars award-winning actresses Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer in action-led roles, marking a departure into this genre for both performers. Bill Nighy plays Judith's mysterious handler, The Director. Executive producer Peyton Reed directs the opening two episodes and has established the show's fast-paced style through car chases and choreographed fight sequences.