In the third season of Prime Video’s massively popular thriller series “Reacher,” the title character is once again drifting through the United States while investigating an intricate criminal conspiracy.

The action-packed series returned Thursday for an eight-episode run after the second season was its most-viewed release ever, Prime says. This time around, Jack Reacher, portrayed by Alana Ritchson, has gone undercover to probe a smuggling ring threatening the life of a DEA informant.

The new season is based on  Lee Child’s novel, “Persuader,” the seventh book in the author’s “Jack Reacher” series. As has become a hallmark of the series, while Reacher metes out justice – and throws a punch or two – the former military investigator finds that he has a personal stake in solving the case as he is forced to confront his past.

Fans of the series also have plenty of reasons to be excited, as “Reacher” has already been renewed for a fourth season.

Here’s a what to know about “Reacher” Season 3, as well as a look at the episode schedule.

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Interviews:In ‘Reacher’ Season 3, foes and feels are bigger for Alan Ritchson’s action hero

When do new ‘Reacher’ Season 3 episodes come out?

“Reacher” Season 3 premiered Thursday, Feb. 20 with three episodes.

Following the release date, new episodes will roll out every Thursday, according to Prime Video. Here’s a schedule:

• Feb. 27: Episode 4
• March 6: Episode 5
• March 13: Episode 6
• March 20: Episode 7
• March 27: Episode 8, the season finale

How to watch ‘Reacher’ Season 3

“Reacher” will stream exclusively on Prime, requiring a Prime membership. Those without one can sign up for a 30-day free trial, after which a subscription will cost $14.99 per month.

Whether you’re in need of a refresher or if you want to catch up on it before the new season, Seasons 1 and 2 are also available to stream on the platform.

‘Reacher’ Season 3 trailer

‘Reacher’ Season 3 cast

Season 3 of “Reacher” includes some familiar faces, along with some new characters. Here’s a look at the cast:

• Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher
• Maria Sten as Frances Neagley, a confidante of Reacher’s who served with him in the Army
• Anthony Michael Hall as Zachary Beck, a crooked businessman who will be Reacher’s antagonist
• Johnny Berchtold as Richard Beck, Zachary Beck’s son
• Olivier Richters as Paulie, Zachary Beck’s imposing bodyguard
• Sonya Cassidy as Susan Duffy, a DEA agent
• Roberto Montesinos as Guillermo Villanueva, a DEA agent who crosses paths with Reacher
• Daniel David Stewart as Steven Elliot, another DEA agent
• Brian Tee as Quinn, a former lieutenant colonel who Reach investigated a decade ago 

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Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]