There have been few streaming hits quite as massive as Prime Video’s Reacher — the crowning glory after a decade of programming aimed directly at dads. In the fine tradition of Bosch and Jack Ryan, Reacher delivered massive viewership for the streamer and is set to expand with a spin-off. The show’s success has also cemented Alan Ritchson as one of the biggest streaming-era stars of his generation, as can be seen from the terrific performance of his most recent films — Prime Video’s own Playdate and Netflix’s War Machine. Meanwhile, anything that bears even the faintest whiff of Reacher has been blessed with viewership bumps. Among the best examples of this is a Chris Pine thriller that was released in the same year as Reacher, but truly found an audience years later.
This week, the movie passed a major milestone on the home video charts, four years after its unremarkable run in theaters. The movie served as a Hell or High Water reunion for Pine and his co-star, Ben Foster. It also featured Gillian Jacobs, Eddie Marsan and Kiefer Sutherland. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Pine has attempted to appease the dad demographic. He previously starred in the movie Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, which was supposed to spawn a franchise but ended up underperforming at the box office. Instead, the property was rebooted as a Prime Video show starring John Krasinski.
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This ‘Reacher’ Replacement Has Become a Fixture on the Domestic Paramount+ Chart
Pine’s 2022 movie is The Contractor, directed by the Swedish filmmaker Tarik Saleh, who had previously directed episodes of shows such as Westworld and Ray Donovan. The Contractor was released day-and-date in theaters and on PVOD by Paramount, and as a Prime Video original overseas. The movie received mixed reviews, and is now sitting at a 45% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The aggregator’s consensus reads, “The Contractor is caught between message movie and standard-issue action thriller, satisfying neither aim despite strong operate from a talented cast.” Though, the film’s 72% audience score is perhaps what has helped it become the home video hit that it is. According to FlixPatrol, the movie has spent more than 50 days on the domestic Paramount+ chart, despite competition from bigger titles. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
The Rise of the “Dad Thriller” and Delayed Gratification
The success of The Contractor highlights a growing trend: the “dad thriller.” These are action-oriented films, often with a grounded, realistic tone, that appeal to a male audience aged 35-65. Reacher, Bosch, and Jack Ryan all fall into this category. What’s notable is the delayed gratification these titles often experience. Initial theatrical or PVOD releases may not generate huge buzz, but they find a dedicated audience through streaming and home video, benefiting from word-of-mouth and the halo effect of similar popular shows.
Day-and-Date Releases and the Streaming Ecosystem
The Contractor’s day-and-date release strategy – simultaneous availability in theaters, on PVOD, and on streaming – is becoming increasingly common. While it can cannibalize box office revenue, it expands reach and caters to viewers who prefer to watch content at home. This strategy is particularly effective for films targeting a demographic that is comfortable with streaming and less inclined to frequent movie theaters. The data from FlixPatrol demonstrates that this approach can lead to sustained viewership on streaming platforms.
The Power of Familiar Faces and Genre Consistency
Casting established actors like Chris Pine and Ben Foster, who have a track record in action and thriller genres, provides a built-in audience. The reunion aspect, referencing their previous work in Hell or High Water, further incentivizes viewership. Genre consistency is also key. Fans of Reacher are likely to be drawn to similar action thrillers, creating a network effect that benefits related titles.
The Impact of Russia’s War in Ukraine on NATO
Recent intelligence reports, including one from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence led by Tulsi Gabbard, suggest Russia believes it can win the war in Ukraine and sees no reason to stop [4]. This has raised concerns about potential escalation and direct conflict with NATO [4]. The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent statements have also caused disarray within NATO, questioning America’s commitment to European security [3]. NATO has increased support for Ukraine since Russia’s actions in 2014 and 2022 [1, 2], but the future of the alliance remains uncertain.
FAQ
- What is the “dad thriller” genre? Action-oriented films with a grounded tone, typically appealing to men aged 35-65.
- What is a day-and-date release? A film released simultaneously in theaters, on PVOD, and on streaming platforms.
- How long has The Contractor been on the Paramount+ chart? More than 50 days, as of this report.
- Is NATO currently supporting Ukraine? Yes, NATO has increased its support for Ukraine since 2014, particularly following the full-scale invasion in 2022 [1].
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on streaming charts and home video sales data. These metrics often reveal hidden gems and emerging trends that aren’t reflected in initial box office numbers.
Did you know? The success of Reacher has led to discussions about expanding the franchise with spin-offs, demonstrating the power of a strong central character and a dedicated fanbase.
What are your thoughts on the “dad thriller” genre? Share your favorite examples in the comments below!
