Amazon’s ‘Citadel’ Series Incurs $250 Million Cost
Despite high expectations and a star-studded cast, Amazon’s spy-thriller series, ‘Citadel,’ has fallen short of both audience and critical acclaim.
According to Bloomberg, the heavily promoted show has failed to deliver the anticipated returns for Prime Video.
The report highlights that ‘Citadel,’ a global spy thriller, cost Amazon a staggering $250 million for just one season, making it a prime example of the company’s lavish spending.
Even with Richard Madden, renowned for his role in ‘Game of Thrones,’ leading the series, ‘Citadel’ has struggled to meet its ratings targets.
The lack of viewer interest is evident as the expensive production failed to secure a spot among the top 10 most-watched streaming shows in the U.S. since its premiere.
In an interview with Variety, Odetta Watkins, Amazon Studios’ chief of drama series, defended the show and expressed optimism about its potential for growth.
From a creative standpoint, Watkins considers ‘Citadel’ a victory, noting its universal appeal. She believes that as the franchise evolves, the viewership numbers will increase both domestically and globally.
Watkins acknowledges that not every show resonates with all audiences immediately but expresses confidence that ‘Citadel’ will find its footing over time.
She further explains that in the U.S., viewers can be critical and compare each season, making it necessary for ‘Citadel’ to have room to develop.
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