Prime Video is set to dominate May 2026 with the return of the espionage series Citadel and the debut of the noir‑flavoured Spider‑Man spin‑off Spider‑Noir, both headlined by high‑profile talent. At the same time, the service is bolstering its catalog with a sizable batch of modern‑classic films, signaling a dual‑track strategy aimed at both acquisition and retention.

Citadel returns in early May 2026

Amazon’s streaming arm will launch the long‑awaited second season of Citadel on May 3, a big‑budget spy thriller produced by the Russo brothers’ company. The series, which was first announced in 2023, has generated buzz for its cinematic scope and star‑studded cast.. According to the source, the rollout marks “a clear commitment to making May a significant month for Prime Video’s original content.”

Spider‑Noir caps May with Nicolas Cage

Closing the month, Prime Video will premiere Spider‑Noir on May 28, a stylized, noir‑inspired take on the Spider‑Man universe fronted by Nicolas Cage. The choice of Cage, described as “versatile” in the report, underscores Amazon’s willingness to attach marquee names to its original series. The source notes that the show “taps into the enduring popularity of the Spider‑Man universe,” positioning it as a counter‑programming move against rival releases.

Prime Video adds over 30 modern classic films

Beyond television,the platform is expanding its library with “a surprisingly large number of films that can be classified as modern classics,” according to the source.. While the exact titles are not listed, the addition spans multiple genres and eras, offering a curated experience for both casual viewers and cinephiles. This film boost is intended to deepen the catalog and improve subscriber stickiness, a tactic often used by srteaming services to reduce churn.

How the TV‑heavy slate challenges Netflix and Disney+

By foregrounding original series, Prime Video is directly confronting the dominance of Netflix’s binge‑ready dramas and Disney+’s franchise‑driven lineup . the source emphasizes that the strategy “aims to compete more directly with other streaming giants by offering high‑profile, star‑driven shows.” Analysts see this as a shift from Amazon’s historically balanced approach of mixing movies and series, now leaning heavily into television to capture higher engagement metrics.

Will the classic film boost retain churn?

One open question remains: will the influx of classic titles translate into measurable retention gains, or will they simply serve as filler for existing subscribers? The source does not provide data on expected churn impact, and Amazon has not disclosed any internal forecasts. Observers will be watching subscriber metrics in June to gauge the effectiveness of this dual strategy.