Reacher Season 2 is not based on the second book in the Lee Child series

When most books are adapted, it’s done in order. That’s not the case with the Reacher series. Which book is Reacher Season 2 based on, and what is the season about?

Reacher Season 1 adapted the first book in the Lee Child book series, Killing Floor. That made a lot of sense. With the first season of a show, we need the introduction to the main characters and we need some backstory. That’s what the first book offered.

From there, we usually see adaptations follow books in order. As we look at what Reacher Season 2 is about, we can see that is not going to be the case.

It’s not the first time this has happened. We just have to look at the Alex Rider series, which jumped over the first book’s storyline for Season 1 and then jumped to the fourth book for the second season. What’s going on with the Reacher series?

What is Reacher Season 2 about?

The second season will jump all the way to the 11th book in the Lee Child series. It’s all about Bad Luck and Trouble, which brings up more of Reacher’s past in the military.

Throughout the book, Reacher and remaining members of his investigation unit are pulled into a case that affects them. Other members of their unit have been killed, and it’s up to them to get to the bottom of it before they become the next victims.

Opting to jump ahead makes sense for a TV series. This allows at least one other returning character other than Reacher. After all, the book series brings in a lot of new characters over the series because the titular character moves around all the time. He’s a drifter. It’s hard not to have consistency with a TV series. Yes, it can work, but it’s difficult.

This also allows more development of Reacher’s military past, something that was mentioned in the first season. His team was mentioned, with one team member even showing up. It’s clear that there is a backstory, and fans won’t want to wait until a potential 11th season to find out what that backstory is. Bring it in while the thoughts about it are fresh to grow the main character.

There is also a chance to adapt books with these characters in mind. This creates further consistency, which tends to be needed for a TV series to succeed.

Reacher Season 2 premieres on Friday, Dec. 15 on Prime Video.