Outer Range Tops Amazon Prime Video, Surpassing ‘Fallout’

“Fallout” has been dethroned as the most-watched show on Amazon Prime Video by a new contender. After briefly being unseated by Anne Hathaway’s movie “The Idea of You,” it’s now a TV show that has taken the top spot. “Outer Range” has returned for its second season, featuring Josh Brolin as a rancher who discovers a mysterious, giant hole on his property. The deeply strange sci-fi western first debuted in April 2022 and has taken two years to return for its second season.

Unlike its fellow sci-fi series “Night Sky,” which was canceled, “Outer Range” has survived and come back with more of its unique brand of weirdness. Season 2 is receiving better reviews than Season 1, with an 88% critic score compared to the first season’s 79%. Audience scores have also improved, jumping from a lackluster 61% for Season 1 to the 80s for the new season, suggesting notable improvement.

Despite its intriguing premise, “Outer Range” has received mixed reactions. While the show was engaging enough for some to watch the entire first season, many found its odd concept and frequent plot holes frustrating. Predictable twists and underwhelming reveals left some viewers, including the writer, uncertain about continuing with Season 2.

Meanwhile, “Fallout” remains a dominant force on Amazon Prime Video. Its enduring popularity is evident from its continued presence in discussions more than a month after its debut. The show set Nielsen ratings records, with back-to-back weeks of a billion minutes watched, making it a binge-worthy hit. Season 2 is already in the works.

The future of “Outer Range” may hinge on the performance of its current season, but debuting at #1 is certainly a positive sign. There’s even talk of a third season. Josh Brolin, who plays the lead role of Royal, expressed his unexpected enthusiasm for the series in an interview with Variety. Despite generally disliking long-term projects, Brolin is intrigued by the idea of a third season, which speaks volumes about the show’s impact on him.

For a film actor like Brolin to be so invested in a long-running TV series is noteworthy. His portrayal of Royal is a highlight, and it will be interesting to see how Season 2 fares and whether Amazon decides to greenlight a third season.