Whether you want scares just in time for Halloween, a gripping drama to immerse yourself in, or a hilarious comedy, Amazon Prime Video has tons of options in the TV space. But when it comes to finding a show you want to watch on Amazon Prime, the process can be frustrating. Sometimes, shows are listed only for you to click and realize that you require a secondary subscription in order to watch (which inevitably costs more money). To help you avoid that frustration, we have compiled a list of the best TV shows on Amazon Prime Video that you can watch without a base Prime subscription, but that are also the best of the best, period. From Amazon originals to network shows you can watch in their entirety, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best shows on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, and the best movies on Disney+.
Informer (2018)
Genre Drama, Crime
Created by Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani
Cast Nabhaan Rizwan, Paddy Considine, Bel Powley
Seasons: 1
Paddy Considine (The Outsider) and Bel Powley (The Morning Show) star in this six-part BBC drama about Raza (Nabhaan Rizwan), a British Pakistani from London who becomes an informant after being coerced by a counterterrorism officer (Considine). The situation gets murky for Raza as he tries to balance his alliances, his life as a normal civilian, and his new role with the national safety team. The series has been lauded for its “striking visuals” and Rizwan’s “promising performance.”
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004)
Genre Comedy, Mystery, Action & Adventure
Created by Richard Ayoade, Billy Brown, Matthew Holness
Cast Matthew Holness, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry
Seasons: 1
Perfect viewing for Halloween (or any time of the year, really), this British horror parody series centers on fictional horror author Garth Marenghi. He came up with the idea for a low-budget show set in the Darkplace Hospital where a doctor deals with both day-to-day life in the medical field and fighting forces of darkness. Through each episode, Marenghi and the original cast of the never-broadcast series discuss behind-the-scenes of the lost ’80s show, including the fashion, special effects, and hilarious concessions made thanks to the low budget. It’s presented as a spoof of cookie-cutter ’80s TV dramas. The series was not popular when it first aired in 2004, but has since developed a cult following.
Jessy & Nessy (2020)
Genre Kids
Created by Jam Media
Cast Jamie Buchanan, Alexa Bauer, Shai Matheson, Paul Tylak, Vincent Brimble, David Menkin, Clementine Milward, Sophie Feldman
Seasons: 1
A great watch with the kids, Jessy is a curious young girl who is able to see the world and objects from a literally different perspective thanks to her Inspectables, magical glasses she can don whenever she wants to know more. As she heads out on various adventures, Jessy is accompanied by her furry best friend Nessy, a 5,000-year-old purple sea monster. Together, the pair learn about the world around them while teaching kids watching at home interesting facts along the way.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)
Genre Action, Adventure, Drama
Created by Rick Berman, Michael Piller (based on Star Trek by Gene Roddenberry)
Cast Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Terry Farrell, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, Armin Shimerman, Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor
Seasons: 8
As the fourth series in the Star Trek franchise and a third sequel to the original, Star Trek: The Original Series, this sci-fi series aired back in the ’90s and focused on the space station, Deep Space Nine. Located in a wormhole on the far side of the Milky Way, it’s a future world from the 24th Century where Earth has become part of a United Federation of Planets. Follow Commander Sisko and his crew members as they fend off attacks from aliens and enemies and make it through all kinds of challenges that threaten their survival. While DS9 was often lost in the ratings shuffle, it has since been lauded as one of the best, if not the best, series within the franchise thanks to fabulous writing, acting, and production value making it one worth watching, or re-watching.
Goliath (2016)
Genre Drama
Created by David E. Kelley, Jonathan Shapiro
Cast Billy Bob Thornton, William Hurt, Maria Bello, Olivia Thirlby, Nina Arianda
Seasons: 4
Billy Bob Thornton is at his best as Billy McBride, a down-on-his-luck, disgraced but brilliant lawyer who, after helping set a criminal free who went on to kill an entire family, has decided to drown his sorrows in alcohol and women. But when a small-time DUI lawyer/real estate agent discovers a case that is out of her depth to handle, she begs for his assistance. Seeing an opportunity to redeem himself and right injustices that see the wealthy skirt the law (thanks to lawyers like he was once), he decides it’s time to turn things around. With a stellar supporting cast each season, from William Hurt in season 1 to Morris Chestnut in season 2, Dennis Quaid in season 3, and Geoffrey Arend in season 4, it’s one of those series that has quietly flown under the radar but deserves far more accolades than it receives.
The Mentalist (2008)
Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery
Created by Bruno Heller
Cast Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, Rockmond Dunbar, Emily Swallow, Joe Adler, Josie Loren
Seasons: 7
Patrick Jane used to work as a psychic, but people take him seriously when he begins to consult for the California Bureau of Investigation and demonstrates a knack for solving cases. Sure, he uses unorthodox methods to arrive at his conclusions and doesn’t always follow the rules. But it really does seem like he can read people’s minds, which makes him an invaluable, if not rebellious, member of the team. Is it fantastical with storylines that make you roll your eyes? Yes. But as far as escapist dramas you can watch episode by episode as they fit into your schedule go, it checks all the boxes for a satisfying late-night watch.
Creepshow (2019)
Genre Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Created by Greg Nicotero, based on Creepshow by Stephen King, George A. Romero
Cast Various
Seasons: 2
See the first season of this horror anthology series that serves as a continuation of the 1982 movie of the same name. Each episode features two stand-alone horror stories, each based on the Creepshow comic book, that will send chills up your spine. From an alcoholic father who transforms into a monster after drinking a “bad beer” to a man who discovers a severed finger that grows into a strange creature, the stories are both dark and bizarre. With The Walking Dead‘s Greg Nicotero as a producer and comics from Stephen King and George A. Romero providing the stories, you can imagine how gory and deliciously morbid each is.
Burn Notice (2007)
Genre Action, Crime, Drama
Created by Matt Nix
Cast Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, Sharon Gless, Coby Bell
Seasons: 7
When intelligence agencies want to discredit information provided by seemingly unreliable agents or sources, they issue something called a burn notice. A spy who has been “burned” is essentially left without an identity, which puts them in a precarious position. Using voice-overs and a second-person narrative, this series follows covert operations agent Michael Westen as he provides advice to burned agents who have no more access to money, a job, or a support network. Dry humor combined with fast-paced action make for a winning combination.
The Night Manager (2016)
Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery
Created by David Farr, based on The Night Manager by John le Carre
Cast Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, Tom Hollander, Elizabeth Debicki, Alistair Petrie, David Harewood, Douglas Hodge, Antonio de la Torre, Tobias Menzies
Seasons: 1
Hugh Laurie leaves his comedic roots behind in this British drama/spy thriller about Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), the night manager of a luxury hotel in Cairo who moonlights with a task force to help take down an illegal arms dealer, Richard “Dicky” Onslow Roper (Laurie). Jonathan’s past as a British soldier provides him with the knowledge and means to do more than just rent out rooms. With a star-studded cast, it’s no surprise that the series, based on the 1993 novel of the same name by John le Carre, was nominated for 36 Primetime Emmy Awards throughout its run and took home 11. It’s just six episodes, making this series a quick and fulfilling binge.
How I Met Your Mother (2005)
Genre Comedy, Romance
Created by Carter Bays, Craig Thomas
Cast Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan
Seasons: 9
“Ha-ave you met Ted?” Told from the perspective of Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) talking to his teenage kids in the year 2030, the premise of this sitcom is the story of how Ted met their mother. But like any long-winded dad regaling stories of his past, before Ted can recall how he met the love of his life, he waxes nostalgic about all of the women he dated first. Naturally, going into detail about being a single man in his late ’20s and early ’30s in New York means delving into everything else in his life at that time, including his career and, most importantly, his close-knit group of friends. The sitcom is Friends for a new generation, and the ensemble cast is made for comedy gold. While there are nine seasons and a total of 208 episodes to get through, it’s worth the investment of time, not only for the big reveal (who’s mom?) but mostly so you can finally be in on the joke when friends and family quote the endless one-liners and references from the show.
Modern Love (2019)
Genre Comedy, Romance
Cast Kit Harington, Anna Paquin, Ben Rappaport, Garrett Hedlund, Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy García, Dev Patel, Cristin Milioti, Ed Sheeran, Judd Hirsch
Seasons: 2
A weekly column in The New York Times inspired this romantic comedy anthology series, which premiered in 2019 and features an impressive cast of A-list actors in the first two seasons of eight episodes each. The series follows various residents of New York City as they deal with the trials and tribulations of finding romance and keeping it alive in the modern era. Among the actors appearing in the series’ half-hour episodes are Kit Harington, Anna Paquin, Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy García, Dev Patel, John Slattery, Catherine Keener, Cristin Milioti, Sofia Boutella, Ed Sheeran, and Judd Hirsch.
30 Rock (2006)
Genre Comedy
Created by Tina Fey
Cast Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski
Seasons: 7
This satirical sitcom created by and starring Tina Fey was inspired by her experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live and ran for seven seasons, earning an astounding 103 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and winning 16 times over the course of its run. The series follows the showrunner of a sketch comedy series who’s forced to juggle the competing interests of her brash network boss, narcissistic actors, and sensitive writers as she attempts to keep her show on the air and successful. Along with Fey, the series’ impressive cast included Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Judah Friedlander, among other familiar faces.
The Pursuit of Love (2021)
Genre Drama, Romance
Cast Lily James, Andrew Scott, Emily Beecham, Dominic West, Dolly Wells, John Heffernan, Beattie Edmondson, Assaad Bouab, Shazad Latif, Freddie Fox, Emily Mortimer
Seasons: 1
Set in pre-World War II Europe, Linda and Fanny are cousins who are on the hunt to find true love, marriage, and the perfect husband. But as their priorities change and their lives begin to go in different directions, their friendship is tested. With a decent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this British romance drama has been lauded for its spot-on casting and “stylish proceedings.” The New Yorker calls the series, which was created by Emily Mortimer (The Newsroom) and is based on the novel by Nancy Mitford, a “scathing satire of the British upper class.”
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The Underground Railroad (2021)
Genre Drama, History, War
Cast Thuso Mbedu, Chase W. Dillon, Aaron Pierre, Joel Edgerton
Seasons: 1
Imagine if the Underground Railroad, the hidden routes and safe houses that were used to help enslaved Black people escape in the 1800s, was an actual railroad? This is the premise taken in this historical drama based on the novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead. Made by the same creative team that produced the Oscar-winning film Moonlight, critics praise the “superb ensemble” and director Barry Jenkins’ “singular eye” and call the story “challenging and necessary.” At the heart of the story is Cora, who meets Caesar, and together they try to make it to the train and ride toward freedom.
Bones (2005)
Genre Comedy, Crime, Drama
Created by Hart Hanson
Cast Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin, Eric Millegan, T.J. Thyne, Jonathan Adams, Tamara Taylor
Seasons: 12
If you’re looking for your basic and predictable yet thoroughly entertaining crime procedural comedy-drama, Bones will fit the bill. And there are a dozen seasons to get through. As is typical of the genre, each episode deals with a new FBI case file involving human remains and the special agent who works alongside a forensic anthropologist to try and solve it. Stories also delve into the personal lives of the main characters. Loosely based on the life of real forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs and her novels, it’s an interesting look at the intersection and debates between science and empirical evidence and faith and intuition.
One Mississippi (2015)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Created by Diablo Cody, Tig Notaro
Cast Tig Notaro, Noah Harpster, John Rothman
Seasons: 2
The death of a loved one does not seem like the most auspicious start to a comedy series, but One Mississippi is anything but conventional. Starring comedian Tig Notaro as a fictionalized version of herself, the show draws on several tragedies in her real life. Still reeling from breast cancer, fictional Tig returns to her hometown in Mississippi to witness her mother being taken off life support and decides to stay and reconnect with her stepfather and brother. Despite the depressing first chapter, One Mississippi is not an unrelenting drama. The show balances grief and joy in equal measure, examining the long, up-and-down process of trauma and recovery.
Mr. Robot (2015)
Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller
Created by Sam Esmail
Cast Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Carly Chaikin
Seasons: 4
As information technology creeps into every aspect of life, one can’t help but look at the people controlling that technology (corporations, government agencies) with a wary eye. The modern world, at times, seems like the prelude to a cyberpunk dystopia, at least the way Mr. Robot portrays it. The show follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a paranoid security engineer who, in addition to his day job working for a massive corporation, engages in acts of vigilante hacking.When Elliot is courted by a mysterious activist-hacker known as “Mr. Robot,” he has a chance to use his skills for more than acts of petty justice. Mr. Robot has a grand plan to topple society, and Alderson could play a key role. Mr. Robot is a cyber-thriller with a keen grasp of the technology it represents, but don’t mistake technical accuracy for realism — the show dives headfirst down a rabbit hole of paranoia and espionage, with a plot that constantly challenges the viewer’s perceptions.
Bosch
Genre Crime, Drama
Created by Eric Ellis Overmyer (developed for television by)
Cast Titus Welliver, Annie Wersching, Amy Price-Francis
Seasons: 7
Titus Welliver plays Los Angeles homicide detective Harry Bosch in this Amazon Studios original series based on Michael Connelly’s series of novels. The first season of the critically acclaimed series has Bosch standing trial for the killing of a serial murder suspect while simultaneously confronting his past when a cold case involving a missing boy suddenly heats up again. After six well-received seasons, Bosch was renewed for a seventh and final season in February 2020.
Tales from the Loop (2020)
Genre Drama, Sci-fi
Created by Nathaniel Halpern
Cast Duncan Joiner, Rebecca Williams
Seasons: 1
Inspired by the futuristic paintings and designs of Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, the Amazon original series Tales from the Loop centers on a small rural town where people live above “The Loop,” a machine built to unlock and explore the mysteries of the universe. Duncan Joiner and Rebecca Hall star in this drama that aims to make the science fiction appear more real-life than ever.
Flack (2019)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Created by Oliver Lansley
Cast Anna Paquin, Sophie Okonedo, Genevieve Angelson, Lydia Wilson, Rebecca Benson, Arinze Kene
Seasons: 2
In her first big television role since True Blood, Anna Paquin trades vampire blood for high heels as Robyn, a public relations executive from America navigating the industry in Britain. Despite her best efforts, however, it seems that at every turn, her clients, which include high-maintenance personalities in entertainment, fashion, and sports, keep getting themselves into ridiculous messes, leaving her (alongside her sassy colleagues) to pick up the pieces. Ironically, while Robyn always knows just what to do to get her clients out of tough situations, her sharp wit translates to self-sabotage when it comes to her own personal life.
The Man in the High Castle (2105)
Genre Drama, Sci-fi, Thriller
Created by Frank Spotnitz
Cast Alex Davalos, Luke Kleintank, Geoffery Blake, Rupert Evans, Luke Kleintank
Seasons: 4
World War II seems to be the most common source for the “What if?” scenario in fiction. The Man in the High Castle, based on Philip K. Dick’s novel of the same name, starts with the premise that not only did the Axis powers win the war, but they also occupied the United States afterward, with Imperial Japan governing the West Coast and the Nazis controlling the territory east of the Rockies. The show follows a few different characters living in different regions as they try to endure the occupation and simultaneously investigate a mysterious film reel that depicts an alternate universe where the Allies actually won the war. Dick was a true visionary author, and The Man in the High Castle captures the otherworldly, authoritarian nature of the world he imagined. Rich with intrigue and superb direction, The Man in the High Castle is an exciting thriller. The series wrapped up its impressive run with November 2019’s season 4.
Comrade Detective (2017)
Genre Action, Comedy, Crime
Created by Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka
Cast Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jenny Slate
Seasons: 1
In the 1980s, with the Cold War getting warmer, American pop culture produced a bounty of movies expressing the anxieties and patriotism of the era: Films like Red Dawn, or 1985’s lesser-known Invasion U.S.A. (starring Chuck Norris). Comrade Detective lifts the aesthetics of ’80s action cinema and filters them through a (sardonic) communist lens, following a pair of Romanian detectives investigating a plot by Western imperialists to subvert the communist order. The show — which is framed as an actual show from Romania, dubbed over in English with voices from actors like Channing Tatum and Joseph-Gordon Levitt — begins with detective Gregor Anghel (a hard-nosed cop who plays by his own rules but gets results) and his partner busting drug dealers, only for a sniper to shoot Anghel’s partner. Out for vengeance, Anghel and his new partner, Iosif Baciu, hunt the killer but stumble on a conspiracy of international proportions. Comrade Detective is a strange show even by the inventive standards of modern television, a parody wrapped in a layer of faux-authenticity, but its odd charms are worth watching.
The Americans (2013)
Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery
Created by Joseph Weisberg
Cast Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Holly Taylor
Seasons: 6
It’s 1981, President Ronald Reagan has just been elected, and like most Americans, Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) are enjoying the country’s rising prosperity as the Cold War heats up. Unlike most Americans, however, the Jennings are actually KGB spies. From that singular premise emerges one of the most exciting thrillers on the air today. The political intrigue is exciting, but what makes The Americans stand out is its focus on the Jennings’ marriage. In examining the tensions of married life, the show demonstrates that personal issues like spousal conflict can be every bit as exciting as geopolitical maneuvers.
Dexter (2006)
Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery
Created by James Manos Jr. (developed for television by)
Cast Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Erik King, Lauren Velez, David Zayas, James Remar, C.S. Lee, Desmond Harrington
Seasons: 8
Taking Jeff Lindsay’s dark and disturbing series of novels and turning them into a compelling crime drama mystery series, Dexter is easily one of the best shows to ever grace the small screen. The sub-par ending aside (redemption may come with the limited series revival), the story of a vigilante serial killer who learns to follow his father’s code and harness his dark urges to only kill criminals who “deserve it” will quickly get you addicted to its unique premise. Viewers find themselves puzzlingly rooting for and sympathizing with the title character (Michael C. Hall), even though he’s, well, a cold-blooded killer. Dexter struggles to appear “normal” despite just going through the motions of life, mimicking the behavior of others. His day job helps him accomplish his after-hours pleasures with ease: He’s a skilled blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police, using his access to research victims before he kills. It’s a deliciously devilish series that’ll have you anxious for the upcoming revival.
House (2004)
Genre Drama, Mystery
Created by David Shore
Cast Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard
Seasons: 8
Over the course of eight seasons, actor Hugh Laurie turned the irascible Gregory House into one of pop culture’s most iconic physicians in this medical drama that ranked among the most popular shows in the world during its run. The series followed House as he used his unique insights to diagnosis puzzling illnesses while simultaneously battling his own addictions. Laurie’s unconventional medical genius was the show’s titular star, but his supporting cast played a big role in making House one of the highest-rated series in the U.S. between 2004 and 2012.
Red Oaks (2014)
Genre Comedy, Drama, Sport
Created by Joe Gangemi, Gregory Jacobs
Cast Craig Roberts, Jennifer Grey, Paul Reiser
Seasons: 3
Red Oaks doesn’t offer much in the way of length. However, while you could easily binge the entire three seasons over a single weekend, the casual pacing makes it more suitable for quick installments. Set during the 1980s, the show is centered on a young tennis player (Craig Roberts) who opts for a job at the exclusive Red Oaks Country Club during the summer between his sophomore and junior year of college. What ensues is a warm and heartfelt nod to the sex comedies that were a staple of that decade. Boasting dry humor and a solid ensemble that includes Ennis Esmer as the hilarious tennis pro, Nash, Red Oaks rises above the raucousness to create characters you really care about.
The Tick (2016)
Genre Action, Adventure, Comedy
Created by Ben Edlund
Cast Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman, Jackie Earle Haley
Seasons: 2
People who watched Fox in the early 2000s may have vague memories of a short-lived superhero sitcom called The Tick (based on the comic of the same name), in which a blue-costumed superhero played by the unmistakable Patrick Warburton dealt with supervillains and awkward situations. Amazon’s The Tick is a fresh adaptation of the franchise, with no Warburton in sight (he was just as disappointed as we were), but it maintains the comic’s absurd, cheerful sense of humor.The show follows a superhero called The Tick (Peter Serafinowicz) and his companion, Arthur (Griffin Newman), who fight crime and investigate a conspiracy involving an infamous supervillain called The Terror (Jackie Earle Haley). The Tick is an upbeat palate-cleanser after years of more dour superhero tales, even if it only lasted two seasons before cancellation.
Invincible (2021)
Genre Animation, Action, Adventure
Created by Robert Kirkman (screenplay), Ryan Ottley, Cory Walker
Cast Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons
Seasons: 1
With a star-studded cast and Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead universe, behind it, it’s no surprise that this new Amazon original series is already receiving rave reviews. While it’s an animated superhero series, Invincible isn’t a show to watch with the kids. As per Kirkman’s signature style, there’s a lot of violence and gore. At the heart of the story is Mark Grayson (voiced by The Walking Dead‘s Steven Yeun), the teenage son of the world’s most powerful superhero, Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons). Once Mark turns 18, he begins to develop his own superhero skills and must balance becoming Invincible with being a typical coming-of-age teenage boy, and learning the truth about his dad. Keep an ear out for the members of the Guardians of the Globe superhero team, loosely based on the Justice League, all of whom are voiced by Walking Dead cast members, past and present. Also lending their local talents to the series are A-listers like Zachary Quinto, Gillian Jacobs, Walton Goggins, Seth Rogen, Mark Hamill, Mahershala Ali, and Zazie Beetz.
Orphan Black (2013)
Genre Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Created by Kim Coghill, Andrew De Angelis, Jeff Detsky
Cast Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Dylan Bruce
Seasons: 5
In this critically acclaimed Canadian series, a young woman named Sarah (Tatiana Maslany) has a chance encounter with a woman who looks just like her. This sets Sarah down a path to discovering that she is one of several clones who have been created as part of an ongoing experiment. Soon, she is at odds with the corporation that created her and a mysterious organization that wants to get rid of her. It’s a fast-paced thriller that takes the time to explore themes of self-identity and bioethics. And Maslany does a beautifully captivating job of playing several clones, each of whom has very a distinct personality, mannerisms, and style. Her performance alone, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2016, is worth watching, with the fascinating story surrounding it as icing on the cake.
Jack Ryan (2018)
Genre Action, Drama, Thriller
Created by Carlton Cuse, Graham Roland
Cast John Krasinski, Abbie Cornish, Wendell Pierce
Seasons: 2
Tom Clancy’s “Ryanverse” franchise makes the leap from film to TV with this spy thriller that premiered in 2018 and casts John Krasinski as the titular CIA analyst who finds himself investigating one far-reaching international threat after another. Lost co-creator Carlton Cuse serves as co-creator and executive producer on the Amazon Original series along with Krasinski and Michael Bay (among others), and the show has offered up two well-received seasons so far, with a third on the way.
Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams (2017)
Genre Sci-Fi
Cast Geraldine Chaplin, Steve Buscemi, Richard Madden
Seasons: 1
You could call this Amazon Prime’s Black Mirror, and you wouldn’t be wrong. The Show is an anthology sci-fi series based on stories from the late science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick, whose work inspired Blade Runner and Amazon series The Man in the High Castle. Electric Dreams‘ first season explores injectable consciousness, mind readers, humans beings replaced by robots, and a genocidal presidential candidate, to name a few. The production value is impressive, with Hidden Figures and Moonlight actress Janelle Monae playing an artificially intelligent robot in a metallic suit that looks convincingly realistic. Like Black Mirror, Amazon’s sci-fi series employs some major stars, including Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston, Steve Buscemi, and Anna Paquin. Those looking for a gripping dose of dark sci-fi will definitely find it here.
Star Trek: The Original Series (1966)
Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Created by Gene Roddenberry
Cast William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley
Seasons: 3
A groundbreaking science fiction series from Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek follows the crew of the Starship Enterprise as they travel on a five-year mission of peace and exploration. Starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy in the roles that launched them into stardom, the Original Series’ 79 episodes serve as a cornerstone of television history that spawned nine more (and counting) TV series, both live-action and animated, and 13 feature films. Each episode explores timeless philosophical and social ideas. Star Trek also was famous for its ethnically diverse cast in the tumultuous 1960s, making the series far ahead of its time. Roddenberry envisioned a future where humanity would bring its best traits and ideals into space, and the show shares his boundless idealism. The primitive special effects can make Star Trek seem a bit cheesy to the modern eye, but even its most inept action scenes have a certain bizarre charm to them.
Chuck (2007)
Genre Action, Adventure, Comedy
Created by Chris Fedak, Josh Schwartz
Cast Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski
Seasons: 5
Consumer tech clerk Chuck Bartowski suddenly finds himself at the center of an international battle between rival spy organizations in this series that aired on NBC for five seasons and starred Zachary Levi and Yvonne Strahovski. Levi portrays slacker hero Bartowski, whose college pal puts him on the CIA’s radar when he sends him an email containing many of the agency’s most important secrets — a treasure trove of data that ends up stuck in Bartowski’s brain. His predicament soon finds him paired with CIA agent Sarah Walker (Strahovski), who must work with Bartowski to use the information in his head and somehow keep him alive while doing so.
Mozart in the Jungle (2014)
Genre Comedy, Drama, Music
Created by Alex Timbers, Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman
Cast Gael García Bernal, Lola Kirke, Malcolm McDowell, Bernadette Peters
Seasons: 4
One of Amazon’s first original series was created by Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Alex Timbers and stars Gael García Bernal, Malcolm McDowell, and Bernadette Peters as luminaries in the modern classical music scene. Not a bad get for the platform’s first show. Bernal stars as Rodrigo, the brash new conductor of the New York Symphony Orchestra, whose style clashes with the more straight-laced symphony benefactors behind the scenes. However, his talent is undeniable, and as he strikes up a friendship with an up-and-coming oboist (Lola Kirke), it becomes clear that the two of them can bring out the best in each other.
Monk (2002)
Genre Comedy, Crime, Drama
Created by Andy Breckman
Cast Tony Shalhoub, Traylor Howard, Ted Levine
Seasons: 8
An eight-time Emmy Award winner, Monk casts Tony Shalhoub as private detective Adrian Monk, who assists the homicide department of the San Francisco Police Department with various cases. His powerful deductive skills are matched only by his myriad phobias, which — along with his obsessive-compulsive disorder — complicate his work with police investigators. The series concluded its eight-season run in 2009 with a finale that wrapped up one of the show’s longest-running mysteries.
The Grand Tour (2016)
Genre Comedy, Talk-Show
Cast Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May
Seasons: 4
For years, the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond drove cool cars and clowned around with each other on the BBC’s Top Gear. Despite their departure from that series, however, the good times keep rolling on The Grand Tour, which reunites the three snarky hosts for a show that is very similar in format to Top Gear. Episodes often feature studio segments and test drives on the show’s test track, the “Eboladrome.” As with Top Gear, the best episodes are the ones where the hosts venture to foreign lands, testing unique vehicles on unfamiliar terrain. For car enthusiasts or Top Gear fans not satisfied by that show’s new hosts, The Grand Tour is a welcome return to form.
Billions (2016)
Genre Drama
Created by Brian Koppelman, David Levien, Andrew Ross Sorkin
Cast Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, Maggie Siff, Malin Akerman, Toby Leonard Moore, David Costabile, Condola Rashad
Seasons: 5
Check out the first three of the current five seasons of this riveting Showtime drama that follows Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis), a ruthless hedge fund manager in New York who continues to grow his wealthy portfolio, and increase the power that comes with it. He doesn’t accomplish this on the up-and-up, though, and his sometimes illegal dealings have caught the attention of prosecutor Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), who is intent on taking Axelrod down. With a mix of fiction and storylines that mirror real-life financial crimes, the series has been lauded for its fresh narrative each season and new character introductions that represent a who’s who of the A-list Hollywood scene.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino
Cast Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen
Seasons: 3
If you want to watch a star being born, stop what you’re doing and immerse yourself in Rachel Brosnahan’s work as Miriam “Midge” Maisel on the 1950s-set comedy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Midge is a housewife who pursues a career in stand-up comedy after her husband, Joe Maisel (Michael Zegen), unexpectedly leaves her. After a drunken, impromptu, and mile-a-minute stand-up set that ends with Midge being arrested, hard-nosed venue employee Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein) takes Midge under her wing in hopes of molding a diamond in the rough. The show has won numerous awards and is on track for a fourth season.
The Expanse (2015)
Genre Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Created by Daniel Abraham, Mark Fergus, Ty Franck
Cast Thomas Jane, Steven Strait, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper
Seasons: 4
Imagine a future in which humans have colonized every part of the solar system. The Expanse turns that hypothetical future into a powerhouse sci-fi drama. The series is set 200 years from now and centers on a conspiracy that threatens to wipe out the human race. Don’t let the CGI effects and space setting fool you, The Expanse is a riveting drama that tackles the nuances of human conflict in a way that rivals shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld. Here’s a list of the best sci-fi movies on Amazon if you’re looking for more like this.
Downton Abbey (2010)
Genre Drama, Romance
Created by Julian Fellowes
Cast Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter
Seasons: 6
Set in the English countryside shortly after the turn of the 20th century, Downton Abbey follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their hierarchy of servants. A fascinating look at the English aristocracy at the dawn of the modern age, Downton Abbey deftly balances historical drama with the steamy character-driven conflicts that exist within the family and the staff.
American Horror Story (2011)
Genre Drama, Horror, Thriller
Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk
Cast Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott, Evan Peters
Seasons: 9
The horror anthology that is Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, though novel, continues to surpass expectations with every passing season. Each essentially functions as a self-contained miniseries, focusing on a repertory cast of characters and a storyline that features its own beginning, middle, and end. Each season — whether it revolves around a coven of witches, an insane asylum, or a haunted house in the middle of Los Angeles — features lavish set pieces and campy aesthetics, which add to sterling performances from the likes of Lady Gaga and Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning Jessica Lange. Many of the seasons even take jabs at current social issues, and they often leave a weird and wonderful impression. Well, that, and an awful taste in your mouth.
Upload (2020)
Genre Comedy, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Created by Greg Daniels
Cast Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Zainab Johnson
Seasons: 1
In 2033, people who are near death can be “uploaded” into virtual reality afterlives of their choosing. These VR afterlives are run by six tech firms, setting up a new kind of corporate competition over human death. When Los Angeles party boy Nathan’s (Robbie Amell) self-driving car crashes, his girlfriend uploads him into the luxurious Lakeview digital afterlife. There, he meets Nora, a customer service representative for Lakeview, who onboards Nathan to his version of heaven. The series follows their friendship as Nathan grows accustomed to life away from his loved ones while Nora balances her connection with the virtual Nathan with her real-life financial and personal struggles.
The Wilds (2020)
Genre Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Created by Sarah Streicher
Cast Rachel Griffiths, Sophia Taylor Ali, Shannon Berry, Sarah Pidgeon, Erana James, Jenna Clause, David Sullivan, Troy Winbush, Helena Howard, Reign Edwards, Mia Healey
Seasons: 1
This addictive series captures the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl, combining them with the trauma of being stranded on a deserted island following a supposed plane crash. The Lost meets angsty teen drama examines each young girl, all from very different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, and the hardships they face back home that have shaped their reactions and actions on the island. But to survive the elements means banding together, despite their differences, to make it out alive, even though they all dread what the real world has waiting for them if they do eventually get back home. Viewers are let in on the juicy twist early: The girls didn’t end up on the island by accident. It’s a thrilling series that has quickly become one of the best Amazon originals.
The Affair (2014)
Genre Drama
Created by Hagai Levi, Sarah Treem
Cast Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney, Joshua Jackson, Julia Goldani Telles, Jake Siciliano, and others
Seasons: 5
What ripple effects do extramarital affairs have? This intriguing drama explores the answer to that question with a star-studded cast that includes Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney, and Joshua Jackson. In a unique format, every episode is divided in two, with each half being told from the perspective of one party involved in the infidelity. Naturally, memory bias comes into play as events are recalled far differently by one person than they are by the other. Airing on Showtime for five seasons, the first season, which is now available for streaming, focuses on the perspectives of husband and father Noah (West) and Alison (Wilson), a married waitress with whom he begins a torrid affair. Viewers get to see things from each person’s lens, with subsequent seasons focusing on other characters and how they view the situation.
Small Axe (2020)
Genre Drama, History
Cast Leticia Wright, Malachi Kirby, Shaun Parkes, John Boyega, and others
Seasons: 1
This British anthology film series by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) has garnered almost universal praise, with the first episode called Mangrove lauded for its strong performances and fierce convictions. It has been described as a “powerful indictment of institutional racism.” Organized as six independent films to make up season 1, episodes are set in the 1960s, ’70s, or ’80s, and each focuses on a different story that involves London’s West Indian community and its fight against racism and discrimination. Episode 1, which stars Leticia Wright (Black Panther, Black Mirror) and Shaun Parkes (Lost in Space), follows a group of Black protestors who are wrongfully arrested and charged with inciting a riot and the trial that follows. In episode 3, titled “Red, White, and Blue,” John Boyega (the Star Wars sequel trilogy) stars as a young Black man who wants to join the police force but must fight racism to achieve his goals of changing the institution from within.
Fleabag (2916)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Cast Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Ben Aldridge, Sian Clifford
Seasons: 2
At times introspective and moody, at others absurd and raunchy, Fleabag defies easy categorization. In its funnier moments — such as the intro, which is an elegant, extended soliloquy ending in a sudden smack of a sex joke — it is one of the sharpest comedies around (season 2 won the 2019 Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series), but underneath it all runs a current of sadness. The show follows a lady known only as “Fleabag” (Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who took home Emmys herself for acting and writing), a neurotic woman juggling a failing business and disastrous personal life.The term fleabag immediately conjures images of filth, and the protagonist’s problems run deeper than her name. Selfish, wanton, and a compulsive liar, she fits in with the various antiheroes that have become popular on television. Uniquely, Fleabag does not keep its damaged lead at a distance; she frequently speaks directly to the viewer in frantic monologues, offering insight into her unquiet mind.
Scrubs (2001)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Created by Bill Lawrence
Cast Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins, John C. McGinley, Judy Reyes, Eliza Coupe, Kerry Bishe, Michael Mosley, Dave Franco
Seasons: 9
Streaming services are flooded with various medical shows, but none quite like this comedy-drama that takes a far more comedic look at the life of medical interns (eventually doctors), nurses, hospital administrators, and even the hilarious hospital janitor. The chemistry between the two leads, Zach Braff and Donald Faison, who play co-workers, doctors, and super-close best friends (who often still act like they’re in college), is off the charts. But it’s the entire cast, brilliant writing, and unique concept that sees the protagonist John “J.D.” Dorian (Braff) narrating his story, interspersed with daydream sequences, that make it stand out from the many other more serious and intense medical dramas.
The Boys (2019)
Genre Action, Crime, Drama
Created by Eric Kripke
Cast Jack Quaid, Elisabeth Shue, Jessie T. Usher, Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty
Seasons: 2
Of all the superhero movies and TV shows out there, none of them are quite like The Boys, a dark, depraved deconstruction of super-powered heroes and villains. Based on Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s comic book series of the same name, The Boys follows a group of vigilantes who take it upon themselves to police the super-powered heroes who abuse their abilities and take advantage of the trust the public has placed in them.As grim and shockingly violent as it is clever, the series is set in a world in which superpowers, corporate greed, and media consolidation have bled together to create a particularly frightening form of corruption. The audience sees it all through the eyes of Hughie, an average guy whose chance encounter with a superhero changes his life forever.
Mr. Bean (1990)
Genre Comedy, Family
Created by Rowen Atkinson, Richard Curtis
Cast Rowan Atkinson
Seasons: 1
Rowan Atkinson drags audiences along on an adventure in ineptitude in this British sitcom created by Atkinson and Richard Curtis. Originally broadcast in the early 1990s, the 15-episode series follows the titular Mr. Bean (Atkinson) as he throws the most mundane tasks into chaos, pinballing from one scenario to the next as he goes about his day. The series earned international acclaim and countless awards for its simple, silly stories that often use little to no dialogue and rely on Atkinson’s gift for physical comedy.
Tumble Leaf (2013)
Genre Animation, Adventure
Created by Drew Hodges
Cast Christopher Downs, Zac McDowell, Alex Trugman
Seasons: 4
Tumble Leaf, Amazon’s heralded foray into the realm of children’s programming, is a stunning example of what a children’s show should be. The recent stop-motion title is based on the short film Miro and aimed at preschool-aged children, though it remains charming enough to entertain adults who want to further engage with their children.Each episode follows Fig the Fox (Christopher Downs) and his science-centric escapades around the whimsical world of Tumble Leaf, a woodland locale laced with a melange of quirky creatures with whom Fig is friends. Together, the humanoid creatures discover how reflections, shadows, and other facets of our natural world work, examining the value of friendship and kindness as they do so. The scenery is as vibrant and colorful as are the characters, rendering it both eye candy and a conversation starter.
Dino Dana (2017)
Genre Adventure, Comedy
Created by J.J. Johnson
Cast Michela Luci, Saara Chaudry, Nicola Correia-Damude, Amish Patel
Seasons: 3
If you’re looking for a family-friendly series for the young dinosaur enthusiast in your household that adults can enjoy as well, add Dino Dana to the list of must-see TV. The popular Amazon Original series is a spinoff of the Dino Dan series, but improves on the original show’s formula with better dinosaur effects, clever dialogue, and a diverse cast of characters that both kids and older viewers will find endearing. The series follows a young girl named Dana (Michela Luci) who uses her ability to see dinosaurs in the world around her to conduct “dino experiments” that not only teach her about the aforementioned creatures, but often teach a valuable lesson about life. The series encompasses three seasons and a feature-length film, Dino Dana: The Movie, which was released in September.
Alias (2001)
Genre Action, Drama, Mystery
Seasons: 5
The show that really put now super-creator J.J. Abrams on the map, as well as its star Jennifer Garner, Alias is a sexy, high-octane thriller that aired on ABC for five seasons — all of which are available on Amazon Prime. The story follows superspy Sydney Bristow in her adventures and battles against shadowy intelligence agencies, along with her own wacky family. Famous for over-the-top characters, hilarious disguises, and jaw-dropping twists, Alias is alternatively good-humored fun and provocatively dark.
Catastrophe (2015)
Genre Comedy
Cast Rob Delaney, Sharon Horgan
Seasons: 4
One of Amazon’s most popular Original Series, Catastrophe follows two unlikely parents after a weekend tryst turns into a lifelong commitment. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney write and star in this series as an Irish woman and a Boston ad exec who have a torrid affair in London only to accidentally get pregnant. Despite this “catastrophe,” they decide to try to make it work. Delaney and Horgan are both outstanding as well-meaning, deeply temperamental people who are desperately trying to make the best of this new life they didn’t really choose.
Transparent (2014)
Genre Comedy, Drama
Seasons: 5
A trailblazing, original series straight from Amazon, Transparent follows Maura Pfefferman (Jeffrey Tambor), a transgender woman who comes out to her family. Not content to merely present a novel premise, the show explores the relationships and neuroses of Maura and her children. A show that never wavers in its attempt to mine the depths of the human condition, it’s a bold offering from Amazon. Transparent is also the first show from a streaming service to win a Golden Globe for Best Series, which likely bodes well for the future of Amazon’s original content. Harassment allegations levied against Tambor put a damper on the show’s legacy, and the actor didn’t return for Transparent‘s final season, but it’s a special show anyway. It’s worth watching for its musical series finale alone.
Sneaky Pete (2015)
Genre Crime
Created by Bryan Cranston, David Shore
Cast Giovanni Ribisi, Marin Ireland, Margo Martindale
Seasons: 3
Amazon’s original series Sneaky Pete crafts a nail-biting drama out of an intricate case of identity theft. Marius Josipovic (Giovanni Ribisi) is a con man recently released from prison who assumes the identity of his former cellmate, Pete Murphy, who spent years regaling him with childhood stories of his tight-knit family (who he hadn’t seen since he was a child) and their bail bonds business. The show shines thanks to its ensemble of critically acclaimed actors including The Americans’ Margo Martindale, but the core of its brilliance lies in the clever writing. Watch all three seasons, which complete the series as it was canceled in 2019.
Image: https://www.amazon.com/Sneaky-Pete-Season-1/dp/B01347V50Y?tag=digitren08-20
Undone (2019)
Genre Animation, Drama, Fantasy
Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Kate Purdy
Cast Rosa Salazar, Angelique Cabral, Bob Odenkirk
Seasons: 1
From the creators of BoJack Horseman, Undone is an Amazon Original Series that tells a young woman’s complex journey to solve the mystery of her father’s death and uncover the keys to her past. A genre-bending animated series, Undone sees Alma Winograd-Diaz (Rosa Salazar) come apart at the seams after a near-fatal accident induces visions of her late father, Jacob. The persistent visions begin to tap into a mysterious ability that allows her to pass through space and time, with the ultimate goal of stopping his untimely death.
Poldark (2015)
Genre Drama, History, Romance
Created by Debbie Horsfield
Cast Aiden Turner, Heida Reed, Eleanor Tomlinson
Seasons: 5
After three years fighting in the American Revolution, Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) returns to his home in Cornwall, England, only to find his estate in shambles and his lover, Elizabeth (Heida Reed), married to his cousin. As Ross attempts to rebuild his family’s tin mines, he rescues a young woman named Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) and gives her a job as a maid. Making things more complicated for Ross is his rival, George Warleggan, an ambitious industrialist. Based on a series of 20th-century novels, this adaptation of Poldark moves at a brisk pace befitting a modern show, deftly juggling romance, action, and political maneuvering.
Hanna (2019)
Genre Action, Drama
Created by David Farr
Cast Esme Creed-Miles, Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman
Seasons: 2
Esme Creed-Miles stars as the title character, a young teenager who was raised in isolation in a remote forest in Poland with a man named Erik (Joel Kinnaman), who escaped the CIA with her. She was part of a program called UTRAX where children were given enhanced DNA to become super soldiers. But when Erik fell in love with Hanna’s mother, he fled with her to protect the young girl. Based on the 2011 film of the same name, and called a “gritty reimagining” of it, season 2 follows Hanna along her journey now that she knows who and what she is. She also discovers that UTRAX never actually shut down after her escape and that there might be other “sisters” out there like her.
Farscape (1999)
Genre Action, Adventure, Drama
Created by Rockne S. O’Bannon
Cast Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe
Seasons: 4
This cult-favorite series that premiered in 1999 follows a modern-day astronaut whose accidental journey through a wormhole finds him joining the colorful crew of a living spaceship in an unknown region far from Earth. On the run from a powerful military force known as the Peacekeepers, he and the crew attempt to find sanctuary — and a way home — in a strange galaxy. The award-winning series is notable for being a production of The Jim Henson Company and including multiple featured characters created by the company’s Creature Shop. The show’s four-season run was followed by a three-hour miniseries that concluded the story, and also inspired a long list of spinoff stories in novels, comic books, and other formats.
Vikings (2013)
Genre Action, Adventure, Drama
Created by Michael Hirst
Cast Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig
Seasons: 6
For those who enjoy the political maneuvering and messy military battles of Game of Thrones but want something a bit more grounded, Vikings is sure to please. A down-to-earth historical fantasy saga, Vikings chronicles the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) from farmer to legendary warrior. Ragnar sails around Northern Europe searching for plunder, accompanied by his warrior wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and other allies.It’s a grim series, drawing on the legends surrounding Viking raids in the Middle Ages. Although not the most historically accurate show, Vikings does maintain a grittier aesthetic than some of its fantasy contemporaries; there’s a lot of blood and a lot of mud.
Shaun the Sheep (2007)
Genre Animation, Short, Comedy
Created by David Fine, Alison Snowden, Richard Starzak
Cast John Sparkes, Justin Fletcher, Richard Webber
Seasons: 6
From Aardman Studios — the creators of Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and Creature Comforts — comes the children’s series Shaun the Sheep. Shaun is a sheep who doesn’t follow the herd. In fact, he often brazenly leads them into all sorts of madcap shenanigans around Mossy Bottom Farm. The show also features the iconic studio’s stop-motion animation and remains free of dialogue, which is actually a welcome reprieve for parents who simply can’t get on board with the high-pitched voices and exuberant makeup of many modern children’s shows.
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