For the last few weeks, those who have Amazon Prime Video subscriptions have watched the first season of Citadel play out. The thriller, which counts the Russo brothers as executive producers, is a big gamble for the streamer, but reports would suggest that it’s paying off thus far. The entertainment giant is definitely going all in on this IP, as there are a number of international spinoffs in the works right now. And before the premiere, it was alleged that a second season of the U.S. show starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas had already been ordered. Now, the series creator/EP has provided a response to reports that this drama has scored a renewal.
The spy thriller was created by David Weil, who’s previous credits include Invasion and Amazon Studios productions Solos and Hunters. I had the opportunity to speak with the TV producer amid the recent press day for Citadel, where he discussed his work on the show. He confirmed that he is indeed currently working on the spinoff shows with his collaborators. Of course, I also couldn’t help but ask him for details on a second season and, when faced with that question, he wasn’t so quick to corroborate what’s been said:
Well, so we’re not officially… I know, there was reporting on it. We’re not officially greenlit for a second season. However, what I can say is that, you know, the Citadel universe is robust, and there are so many threads by the end of the season that would be very thrilling to pick up in a second season and hopefully beyond. So there’s a lot of mythology to unpack. You know, myself and the other members of the creative team – we’ve been living with this series for so many years now. So, you know, sort of strap in, I would say, because there’s certainly a ride to come, hopefully.
Based on his comments, it sounds like he and the creative team at least have an idea of where they’d like to take this story next. It makes sense, especially when you consider just how invested they’ve apparently been in building out this world thus far. Of course, that fact alone makes me think that Season 2 is a go, if I”m being honest. As mentioned earlier, Amazon has pumped a lot of resources into this franchise, and it’d be weird if the company just cut it loose after only one season (which has solid viewership).
There was a lot of discussion about Citadel’s development process, with many media pundits making note of its large budget. The show underwent heavy reshoots and, as a result, it reportedly cost the streamer $200 million. Few creatives can fetch that kind of sum, and Joe and Anthony Russo are definitely two that fall into that category. David Weil has enjoyed working with and learning from the sibling filmmakers. During our interview, Weil said that the most “extraordinary” thing he’s picked up from them is how to understand one’s audience.
Surely, David Weil and co. are hoping that those current viewers watch the remainder of the series and that more eventually tune in and increase the odds of a second season. With the six-episode season ending in just a few weeks, an official decision could be announced soon. We’ll see if the show’s story and Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden’s stunts manage to keep audiences interested.
New episodes of Citadel (opens in new tab) drop on Fridays as part of the 2023 TV schedule. When you’re not watching those, do yourself a solid and read up on the best Amazon Prime original shows.