AMC has struck gold with its newest action-adventure series. Nautilus, a high-stakes reimagining of the Captain Nemo legend, premiered to massive success, becoming AMC’s most-watched series debut in the past 15 years—surpassing even the highest-rated premieres from the Walking Dead franchise.
A Historic Launch
According to AMC Networks, Nautilus drew 2.6 million viewers across all linear platforms on its premiere night, making it the network’s strongest scripted launch since 2010. The performance also outpaced February 2024’s highly successful The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, positioning Nautilus as AMC’s most significant breakout hit in over a decade.
The show also topped AMC+ streaming metrics during its opening weekend, with engagement levels exceeding expectations. With strong word of mouth and critical buzz, Nautilus has quickly become a must-watch title for summer television.
An Ambitious Steampunk Epic
Nautilus tells the origin story of Captain Nemo, portrayed by Star Trek: Discovery actor Shazad Latif. Once an Indian prince, Nemo is betrayed, imprisoned by colonial powers, and sets off on a dark journey of revenge and redemption aboard his legendary submarine. The series blends steampunk aesthetics, high-end visual effects, and practical set design to deliver an immersive experience unlike anything currently airing on AMC.
Critics have praised the show’s world-building and visual style, calling it “a stunning and fresh take on a classic character,” and “AMC’s most cinematic production since Breaking Bad.”
Uncertain But Hopeful Future
Despite its strong start, a second season of Nautilus has yet to be confirmed. Lead actor Shazad Latif admitted in interviews that he hasn’t received word about renewal plans, noting, “I don’t know what the future holds. I just hope people enjoy it.”
Originally developed for Disney+, the show was shelved before AMC and Prime Video stepped in to distribute it. This multi-platform arrangement may play a role in future season decisions, with potential renewal depending on continued audience growth and backend negotiations between AMC and Amazon.
A New Era for AMC?
Nautilus arrives at a critical time for AMC, as the network seeks to build beyond the zombie-led dominance of the Walking Dead universe. With its sweeping production design, emotionally grounded performances, and global storylines, Nautilus could be the cornerstone of AMC’s next great franchise.
Whether it remains a one-season event or sails toward a longer voyage, one thing is clear: Nautilus has already made television history.
