Kevin Bacon, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, is now making significant strides in the television landscape. While audiences may fondly recall his performance in the iconic *Footloose* (1984), his illustrious career spans a variety of influential films over the decades. Notable works such as *Tremors* (1990), *JFK* (1991), *A Few Good Men* (1992), *Apollo 13* (1995), *Mystic River* (2003), *Frost/Nixon* (2008), and *X-Men: First Class* (2011) have solidified his standing in Hollywood.
As he transitions into the 2020s, Bacon continues to diversify his portfolio. His recent ventures into the horror genre have garnered attention, particularly with appearances in *You Should Have Left* (2020), *They/Them* (2022), and the anticipated *MaXXXine* (2023). Bacon is also set to star in the upcoming *Toxic Avenger* movie, further showcasing his willingness to explore unconventional roles. His latest television project, capitalizing on his horror theme, is gaining widespread acclaim and engagement from fans.
The Bondsman: A Streaming Sensation
Kevin Bacon’s New Show Dominating the Charts
*The Bondsman* has quickly risen to prominence, landing in the top 10 of streaming hits. Starring Bacon alongside Jennifer Nettles, Damon Herriman, and Beth Grant, the show has received an impressive 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Following the premiere of all eight episodes on Prime Video on April 3, the series quickly climbed to the third spot in Reelgood’s ranking of U.S. streaming titles for the week of April 3-9. It has outperformed prominent titles such as *MobLand* (2025–), *Dying for Sex* (2025), and *The Life List* (2025), although it ranks just below *A Complete Unknown* (2024) and *The White Lotus* (2021–), and second among all TV shows.
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Reelgood Top 10 List – Movies & TV (April 3 – 9) |
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1 |
The White Lotus |
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2 |
A Complete Unknown |
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3 |
The Bondsman |
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4 |
MobLand |
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5 |
Dying for Sex |
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6 |
The Life List |
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7 |
The Pitt |
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8 |
Anora |
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9 |
Tombstone |
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10 |
Holland |
Implications for *The Bondsman*
Factors Behind the Positive Reception
The success of *The Bondsman* is no accident; its strong debut in the top 10 is an indicator of its potential. Critics have lauded the series, highlighting Bacon’s riveting lead performance and the show’s distinct blend of humor, horror, and action, which creates an engaging viewing experience. In a review on ScreenRant, critic Felipe Rangel awarded the show a 7 out of 10, noting its robust ensemble cast, and drawing comparisons to cult classics like the *Evil Dead* franchise:
The Bondsman is definitely an acquired taste. Fans of horror projects like the Evil Dead franchise or the Preacher TV show will find a lot to enjoy in Prime Video’s new supernatural series. The Bondsman is unapologetically campy, knowing exactly what tone it is going for and never backing down. Sure, there are many serious moments throughout the show’s eight episodes, but the comedy is the beating heart of the series and, for the most part, it works.
Importantly, *The Bondsman* has not been advertised as a limited series, suggesting that its current streaming success could pave the way for a second season. While an official renewal has yet to be announced, and may take weeks or months as performance data is reviewed, their current success indicates that Kevin Bacon continues to resonate profoundly with audiences.
Source: Reelgood