50 Best TV Shows on Amazon Prime Video including The Americans, The Man in the High Castle, and more!
Looking for a new TV show to watch on Amazon Prime Video? For your streaming pleasure, our team at Amazon Adviser has ranked the 50 Best TV Shows on Amazon Prime Video that you can watch for free!
Obviously, only Amazon Prime subscribers have the ability to watch the shows for free. Nearly every show on the list is available to purchase per episode or per season through Amazon Video, if you don’t have access to a Prime subscription.
To make sure we have the most up-to-date ranking on the web, we will update our ranking weekly and every time a new show is added to Amazon Prime Video that we feel deserves to be included in the ranking! So, bookmark this page now, and check back once a week or so for more great shows joining the ranking!
Let’s get to it!
50. Final Life
1 Seasons
Starring Taemin, Shota Matsuda
The international additions to Amazon Prime Video often get overlooked and tend to be underrated. Well, it’s time for one in particular to get the recognition it deserves. Final Life comes from Japan, with 12 episodes to stream in its first season. There may be more to follow.
Korean pop singer Taemin stars with Japanese actor Shota Matsuda in a foreign language thriller. Both come from vastly different backgrounds with their own secrets, but both have to work together to solve a series of mysterious cases as part of a special police unit.
Matsuda is a tough detective on the case. Taemin stars as a young Korean medical student. He’d been in the United States and took part in an experiment that had gone wrong. Now he has no memory of who he is or what he did.
It’s a buddy cop drama with a twist. The two don’t realize that they can team up well until they have to. The question is whether they can help each other with the mysteries and secrest in their lives.
Final Life: Even If You Disappear Tomorrow is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
49. Patriot (2017)
2 Seasons
Created by Steve Conrad
Starring Michael Dorman, Michael Chernus, Kathleen Munroe, Aliette Opheim, Kurtwood Smith, Terry O’Quinn, and Chris Conrad
Patriot is the newest Amazon original series. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 24, 2017. If you like spy thrillers with a comedic edge, this is the new show for you. Binge-watch on Amazon now!
In the series, John Tavner (Michael Dorman), a spy, is assigned an undercover mission to stop Iran from producing nuclear weapons. Everything is not as it seems.
We will keep you posted on the future of this series. We think it will be back for another season, but Amazon has not announced whether or not the series will be bak for a second season.
48. I Love Dick
1 Season
Created by Jill Soloway and Sarah Gubbins
Starring Kathryn Hahn, Kevin Bacon, and Griffin Dunn, Roberta Colindrez, India Menuez, Sherry Cola, Lily Mojekwu, and Phoebe Robinson
I Love Dick is the newest Amazon original series. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, May 12.
I Love Dick is based on the book sof the same name written by Chris Kraus. The seris tells the story of a wife and husband, Christ (Katheryn Hahn) and Sylvere (Griffin Dunne), who become infatuated with a man named Dick (Kevin Bacon).
I really think you are going to like this series! The first season only consists of eight episodes.
47. The Grand Tour
1 Season
Starring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May
In The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May pick up where they left off in BBC’s Top Gear. The trio drives nice cars, laugh, and entertain us as they travel the globe.
The trio agreed to a 36-episode deal with Amazon, and they’ll release about 12 episodes per year according to the initial reports/
The Grand Tour will definitely be moving up in this ranking if the next episodes are as good as the first episode! We’ll keep you posted! Here is a look at the trailer for the series!
46. Hannibal (2013-2015)
3 Seasons
Created by Bryan Fuller
Starring Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas, Hettienne Park, Laurence Fishburne, Scott Thompson, Aaron Abrams, Gillian Anderson
Hannibal is loosely based on the novel Red Dragon written by Thomas Harris. The series was developed by Bryan Fuller.
In the series, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), an FBI profiler, begins therapy with Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelson) after the job of hunting serial killers becomes too much. Lecter, a killer himself, tries to manipulate Graham into becoming a killer.
Despite critical acclaim, Hannibal was canceled by NBC after three seasons.
After NBC canceled Hannibal, there was a ton of buzz that Netflix or Amazon would pick up the series for a fourth season, but that never happened. While Fuller won’t let Hannibal die that easy, it seems like this could be the end of the road for the series.
The first two seasons of Hannibal are currently on Amazon Prime Video. We expect the third season of the series to be added to the streaming service some time in 2016, likely around January or February.
Next: Red Oaks
45. Red Oaks (2015-Present)
1 Season
Created by Joe Gangemi and Gregory Jacobs
Starring Craig Roberts, Ennis Esmer, Jennifer Grey, Gage Golightly, Paul Reiser, Richard Kind
Released on October 9, 2015, Red Oaks is one of the newest Amazon original shows to be released exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. And, I have to admit, it’s fantastic!
Set in the 1980s, the series follows David (Craig Roberts), a college student working as a tennis pro at the exclusive Red Oaks Country Club in a New Jersey suburb. Over the summer, David tries to find himself, what he wants to do with his life, and explores a new summer fling.
Overall, Red Oaks isn’t going to be Amazon’s next award-winning comedy, but with solid acting performances across the board, great writing, and some hilarious jokes, Red Oaks is one of the best comedies available right now on any network or streaming platform.
Amazon has not announced if their will be a second season of the series; however, I think it would be a mistake to not explore a new season! I’m hooked and I want more Red Oaks.
Next: The Fosters
44.The Fosters (2013-2018)
5 seasons
Created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige
Starring Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci, Cierra Ramirez, Noah Centineo
There are many family dramas around, but The Fosters offers something special. It’s one of the most inclusive and supportive shows around.
The series follows police officer Stef Adams-Foster and her wife Lena Adams-Foster. Lena is the vice principal in the area, and the two together raise their blended, multi-ethnic family. Brandon is the biological son of Stef and the twins Jesus and Mariana were adopted into the family. At the besting, the two also foster two other children, Callie and Jude.
Then there’s Mike Foster, Stef’s ex-husband and Brandon’s father. There’s this need to coparent and manage the children’s needs fully, which isn’t always easy. One thing the show has always done, though, is offer a realistic and positive view, even during the bad times.
It’s certainly not an easy life, but it’s theirs. And they will fight for what’s right to support their children. We get plenty of stories for all characters throughout the five seasons, offering full character development for them.
The Fosters spawned a spin-off, Good Trouble. The spin-off currently airs on Freeform.
Next: Humans
43. Humans (2015-present)
3 Seasons
Created by Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley
Starring Emily Berrington, Ruth Bradley, Lucy Carless, Gemma Chan, Katherine Parkinson, Pixie Davis, Tom Goodman-Hill
Based on the Swedish series Real Humans, this British sci-fi drama makes us question AI and the future of technology. If you love the likes of Electric Dreams and Black Mirror, this is definitely a series that you’ll want to check out.
In the UK, the series airs on Channel 4 and it airs on AMC in the U.S. However, episodes eventually end up on Prime U.S., which is why it ends up on our list of 50 best TV shows on Amazon Prime Video.
The show has gotten better with age. While the first season was rated highly, it wasn’t as good as the second and third seasons, both of which are rated 100% by critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The ratings are certainly based on the acting, as some of the storylines are certainly ones you’ve seen before.
What’s interesting is the preparation for the roles. Gemma Chan and her fellow Synth actors went to a “Synth school” to learn how to grasp the idea of being a robot. You’ll certainly feel like you’re watching a real form of AI on the screen.
Next: Grimm
42. Grimm (2011-Present)
5 Seasons
Created by David Greenwalt, Jim Kouf, and Stephen Carpenter
Starring David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Silas Weir Mitchell, Sasha Roiz, Reggie Lee, Bree Turner, Claire Coffee
In Grimm, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a police detective, discovers he is a descendent of guardians known as Grimms, who protect humans from the supernatural forces and creatures from Grimms’ fairy tales. As a Grimm, Burkhardt has special powers, so to speak, which he uses to solve crimes and hunt creatures.
Overall, Grimm hasn’t received great ratings on NBC. However, the show has found a very large, cult following thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
The first four seasons of Grimm are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The fifth season of Grimm premieres on October 30, 2015, but if you’ve missed a couple episodes, you can buy individual episodes of the fifth season of Grimm the day after they air on TV.
41. The Unit (2006-2009)
4 seasons
Created by: David Mamet
Starring: Dennis Haysbert, Regina Taylor, Scott Foley, Robert Patrick, Audrey Marie Anderson, Max Martini
If you love military dramas, The Unit is something to put on your list. Unlike many of Foley’s more recent projects, this isn’t as humorous but more of a serious look at the lives and involvement of the Special Forces around the world. If you watch CBS’ SEAL Team or CINEMAX’s Strike Back, you’ll get an idea for this particular series.
All four seasons of The Unit are now available on Amazon Prime Video. Based on the book “Inside Delta Force: The Story of America’s Elite Counterterrorist Unit” by Eric L. Haney, you’ll be taken through the lives of these Special Forces soldiers, whose number one objective is to complete the mission. Of course, that’s easier said than done!
Despite four seasons, there are only 69 episodes. The first season was a midseason premiere, so only got 13 episodes (as is standard even today in TV). The third season only got 11 episodes due to the Writer’s Strike in 2008. Unlike many other shows, The Unit didn’t return after the Writer’s Strike was over and instead was picked up for a full-season order fourth season.
Next: The Feed
40. The Feed
1 Season
Created by Channing Powell, based on the novel by Nick Clark Windo
Starring Michelle Fairley, Guy Burnet, Nina Toussaint-White, David Thewlis
Technology is growing at an exponential rate. People are finding ways to place tech safely in pets (microchipping for safety) and The Feed opens the idea of putting what is pretty much a chip in the brain. This chip allows people to share memories, feelings, and much more with those around them.
While the technology sounds great, there is always the potential for danger. Which is something this series focuses on. The Hatfield family has to figure out why people are murdering without really meaning to. Who is hacking into their feeds and forcing them to do things they wouldn’t usually do?
Within the dangers of the technology, there’s also a story of family. The Hatfields are driven apart from the events happening around them, divided on how to deal with the situation. And then there’s the fact that one member of the family is using the technology to spy on others.
At the same time, there’s a movement to remove the technology, completely against the feeds. When you see what could happen, it’s easy to understand why people are against it.
The series is in limbo at the moment. With plenty of source material still available, there’s hope that a second season will happen.
Next: Mozart in the Jungle
39. Mozart in the Jungle (2014-Present)
2 Seasons
Created by Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Alex Timbers
Starring Gael García Bernal, Lola Kirke, Saffron Burrows, Hannah Dunne, Malcolm McDowell, Bernadette Peters
The Amazon original series Mozart in the Jungle is loosely based on the Blair Tindall’s memoir Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music. Tindall was an oboist in the New York Philharmonic and other shows over her long career. The memoir was adapted for TV by the great Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Alex Timbers.
Mozart in the Jungle is fictional behind-the-scenes look at the lives and activities of musicians and symphony performers in New York City.
The second season of the series was just added to Amazon Prime Video on December 30, 2015.
Next: Counterpart
38. Counterpart (2017-2019)
2 Seasons
Created by Justin Marks
Starring J.K. Simmons, Olivia Williams, Harry Lloyd, Nazanin Boniadi, Sara Serraiocco, Ulrich Thomsen, Nicholas Pinnock, Betty Gabriel
There are many spy dramas out there and sometimes it can be hard to keep track. However, Counterpart is one of those dramas that immediately interested fans of the genre as a whole. It was smart, unique, and entertaining to watch.
We got the chance to see J.K. Simmons’ acting skills. He doesn’t just play one character, but two versions of the same character—and the only person he can trust is himself. Yet, when they’re not on screen together, you can always tell them apart. There are little signs that point to whether you’ve got the Prime version of Howard Silk or not.
Overall, the series was smartly written. It’s a shame that it was on STARZ and not Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. I think if the series had landed on the right streaming service from the beginning, it wouldn’t have been canceled after two seasons. And that’s why it doesn’t make it higher on the list. It’s not a complete series, but it an excellent one to watch.
37. Goliath (2016-Present)
3 Seasons
Created by David E. Kelley and Jonathan Shapiro
Starring Billy Bob Thornton, William Hurt, Olivia Thirlby, Maria Bello, Sarah Wynter, Molly Parker, Britain Dalton, Nina Arianda, and Tania Raymonde.
There are many legal dramas out there. We’ve even had some on this list. However, Goliath stands out as a great one to follow. Billy Bob Thornton gets the chance to show off his acting skills and his ability to play a great guy, even if he is flawed.
The flaws are what make Billy McBride so excellent. He’s relatable and funny, and we just want to see him succeed.
At first, he goes up against his old law firm, landing himself in more trouble. Over the seasons, we’ve watched him take on bigger cases and find himself in life or death situations.
The series is certainly created for binge-watching in mind, so Amazon was always going to be the perfect home. Each season tells its own story, with a little bleeding into other seasons when it comes to personal lives. However, you can pick up at any of the seasons and get an idea of what McBride has been through.
Goliath has been renewed for a fourth and final season, bringing an ending to the show. It’s necessary with the cliffhanger we were left with!
Next: Vikings
36. Vikings (2013-Present)
5 Seasons
Created by Michael Hirst
Starring Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgård, George Blagden, Gabriel Byrne, Alexander Ludwig, Alyssa Sutherland, Donal Logue, Linus Roache, Ben Robson, Kevin Durand, and Lothaire Bluteau
Vikings is based on the legends and stories of Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the most well-known Norsemen and Vikings in history. Ragnar lived during the 13 century, which is when the series is set.
Vikings follows Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), his men, and family as they raid English and French villages.
The series has seen almost nothing but positive reviews since the show premiered on the History Channel in 2013. In its first three seasons, Vikings has also been nominated for six Primetime Emmys.
Vikings season 5 part 2 was added to Amazon Prime Video in April 2019.
Next: The Man in the High Castle
35. The Man in the High Castle (2015-Present)
4 Seasons
Developed by Frank Spotnitz and Ridley Scott
Starring Alexa Davalos, Rupert Evans, Luke Kleintank, DJ Qualls, Joel de la Fuente, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Rufus Sewell
The Man in the High Castle is based on Philip K. Dick’s novel of the same name released in 1962. The series is an alternate history of the United States that revolves around the U.S. losing World War II to the Japanese and Nazis.
The series is set in the 1960s and tells the story of a resistance and espionage group growing within U.S.
The Man in the High Castle is not quite exactly like the book. Apparently, the book focuses on the West Coast controlled by the Japanese, but the series, in an effort to give a more well-rounded worldview, connects stories from both coasts, the Japanese Coast and the Nazi-controlled Coast.
The Man in the High Castle was the most-watched Amazon pilot. Based on what we’ve seen of the series so far, there’s no doubt it will be nominated for several awards. The series is fantastic.
The fourth season brought an end to the story. While in some aspects it was fitting, there were certainly some flaws and it could have done with one more season.
34. The Night Manager (2016)
1 season
Created by David Farr
Starring Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, Tom Hollander, Tobias Menzies, Elizabeth Debicki, Douglas Hodge, and Antonio de la Torre
The Night Manager is based on the book of the same name written by John le Carré.
In the series, Jonathon Pine (Tom Hiddleston), a manager at a hotel, is recruited to try to take down and international arms smuggling ring that is working with the local law enforcement.
The series only consists of six episodes, which makes it a relatively quick binge-watch! The Night Manager is considered one of the best miniseries of 2016. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out!
Next: Victoria
33. Victoria (2016-present)
3 seasons
Created by Daisy Goodwin
Starring Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Peter Bowles, Catherine Flemming, Daniela Holtz, Nell Hudson, Rufus Sewell, and many more
If you’re looking for period dramas, Victoria is a series to watch. Based on the true story of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, the series starts with her finding out that she’s queen at the tender age of 18. In a world where men dominate, she quickly works on proving that she can rule the country.
However, to rule, she needs help. That help starts with turning to her favorite advisor, Lord Melbourne. Of course, this may not be the best of people to turn to, as he certainly has a dark history that she’s not completely aware of.
Over the course of three seasons, we’ve watch Queen Victoria grow. She’s become a strong-willed queen, a wife, and a mother. She’s learned lessons in trust and negotiation, but at the same time, learned lessons of love and loss of the people around her.
If you haven’t watched the series yet, now is the time to start. You can watch all three seasons on Amazon Prime Video. A fourth season hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we have plenty of hope about it.
Next: Suits
32. Suits (2011-2019)
8 Seasons
Created by Aaron Korsch
Starring Gabriel Macht, Patrik J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres
In Suits, Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a young, college dropout, is hired to work at one of the biggest law firms in New York City with Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), although Ross has never attended law school.
Over the years, the focus has certainly moved on. As you would expect, eventually, everyone found out Mike was a fraud but what would happen to him and the law firm? That’s something you’ll definitely want to watch the series for to find out.
One thing that Suits is able to offer is a mixture of the serial and procedural elements to legal dramas. Each season has some sort of story arc to unravel but every week there’s a new case for the law firm to figure out.
Over the last few years, Suits has been one of the best shows on USA. For a period, I would have even considered the show the best USA show, but that was before Mr. Robot. Suits is still a great series, and if you’re into legal comedy-dramas, Suits is the show for you!
All eight current seasons of the show are on Amazon Prime Video right now. It’s been renewed for a ninth and final season, which will premiere on USA Network in July 2019.
Next: The Tick
31. The Tick (2016-2019)
2 seasons
Created by Ben Edlund
Starring Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman, Valorie Curry, Brendan Hines, Yara Martinez
The Tick is one of Amazon’s most underrated comedies. It’s one that so few people have heard of but everyone should be watching. Whether you know the comic books, the original series adaptation, or nothing at all, this is a comedy series for you.
It’s set in a world where superheroes and villains are a common part of life. Everyone knows about them and just accepts that they’re real. But that doesn’t mean everyone wants to accept their role in the world. There’s a strict governmental agency designed to regulate heroes and villains.
Amazon took a cautious approach in picking up The Tick. The pilot was released a year before the first half of Season 1. The second half of the season was released six months later. It took more than a year for the second season to be released. Now all eyes are on whether the series will be renewed for a third season.
It’s one of the funniest shows on the service. At no point does the series take itself too seriously, giving us the chance to laugh with it instead of at this. When you just want something to watch to get over a bad day, The Tick is always the place to turn.
Next: Informer
30. Informer (2019)
1 Season
Created by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani
Starring Paddy Considine, Nabhaan Rizwan, Bel Powley
There aren’t many shows about terrorism that leave a mark anymore. Many of them tell a basic story about an event and then don’t follow through with the aftermath. That’s not the case when it comes to Informer. This British import and an Amazon Original in North America has captured the hearts of many.
It’s more than just a show about a terrorist attack. There’s a buildup to the event. This is a show about family and about what one man will do for those he calls his own blood. Raza is unfairly chosen as an informant but puts his life at risk for the sake of those he loves. Unfortunately, his life as an informant affects more people than he would like.
Set in current-day Britain, we get to see the relationship form between informant and police officer. There’s this trust that each one needs, helping to form a friendship on the top of the initial task at hand.
This is, by far, one of the best British imports on the service right now. There are still more stories to tell, so if Britain doesn’t renew it, Amazon should pick it up as a worldwide original.
Next: World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji
29. World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji (2020-Present)
1 Season
Created by Mark Burnett
Presented by Bear Grylls
There are a fair few reality TV shows out there. Amazon Prime Video doesn’t carry too many of them, but that is changing. World’s Toughest Challenge: Eco-Challenge Fiji is now available to stream in full.
This is a reboot of the original World’s Toughest Challenge series, and it is still hosted by Bear Grylls. Created by the man behind Survivor, Mark Burnett, the series follows a group of contestants who want to prove that they are the toughest people in the world.
However, there are a few twists along the way. This is a series that is more than just about one person showing off their abilities. They all need to work as teams. If one person drops out of a stage of the race, the entire team is gone. It encourages teamwork, support, and determination. Nobody wants to let their fellow teammates down.
Along the way, contestants are knocked out. Only one team can be crowned the champions.
The series shows people pushing themselves to the limit. It’s certainly inspirational for those of us who would only ever dream of doing something like this.
Next: Free Meek
28. Free Meek(2019)
1 Season
Starring Julian Blondell, Jay Z, Van Jones, Meek Mill, Chris Parker, Ron Parker, Paul Solotoff, and many more connected to Meek Mill’s case.
Free Meek is a one-season docuseries that’s focused on the life of Meek Mill. From start to the current day, it’s a look at the events that led to his initial arrest and everything that has happened since then. With his retrial looming, it’s a series to support why he should be freed after all these years.
The series offers a retelling of the story with Julian Blondell in the role of Meek Mill. However, the man himself is featured in the documentary at the same time to tell his side of the story. There are some high profile names throughout, especially when it comes to the music business.
This is a step forward for Amazon Prime Video. I don’t think there’s anything like this on Prime Video as an Amazon Original, although there is something similar with Lorena. This is a chance for Amazon to support causes and tell stories from another view point other than the version being told to and by the media for so long.
Unless something happens with the retrial, this will likely remain a mini docuseries. Hopefully, it only has to stay a miniseries because there are changes made.
Next: Modern Love
27. Modern Love (2019-Present)
1 Season
Based on the Modern Love column in the New York Times
Starring Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy Garcia, Dev Patel, Caitlin McGee, John Slattery, Brandon Victor Dixon, Catherine Keener, Julia Garner, Cristin Milioti, Olivia Cooke, Andrew Scott, Sofia Boutella, Ed Sheeran
Amazon has struggled with its anthology shows over the years. That changed with Modern Love. The series brought eight compelling tales that made us need far more of the series. And fortunately, more is on its way. Breaking the curse of the anthology romance shows, Modern Love was swiftly renewed for Season 2.
The series offers different stories throughout the season. Each episode is a different tale, focusing on the different versions of love. For some, it’s a gay couple matched to an expecting mother who is looking for someone to adopt her baby. For others, it’s finding love.
Anne Hathaway arguably gave an Emmy-winning performance, even if she was completely overlooked. She brought mental illness to life, and the show was also kind and caring, giving her a friend who she could confide in as well as the hope for love in the future.
Modern Love reminds us that love has a way of touching us. It brings people together in ways they never expect, and it’s definitely never too late!
26. Sneaky Pete (2015-2019)
3 Seasons
Created by David Shore and Bryan Cranston
Starring Giovanni Ribisi, Bryan Cranston, Margo Martindale, Marin Ireland, Peter Gerety, Libe Barer, and Shane McRae
Sneaky Pete is the newest Amazon original series! It premiered Amazon Prime Video on Friday, January 13, 2017.
Here is the synopsis for the series, via Amazon:
"A con man (Giovanni Ribisi) on the run from a vicious gangster (Bryan Cranston) takes cover from his past by assuming the identity of his prison cellmate, Pete, “reuniting” with Pete’s estranged family, a colorful, dysfunctional group that threatens to drag him into a world just as dangerous as the one he’s trying to escape – and, just maybe, give him a taste of the loving family he’s never had."
If you like interesting dramas, you have to watch Sneaky Pete as soon as possible. It could be Amazon’s best series yet! Check out the trailer for the series below!
Next: Poldark
25. Poldark (2015-2019)
5 Seasons
Created by Debbie Horsfield, based on the novels by Winston Graham
Starring Aiden Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed, Jack Farthing
There are many book adaptations out there, but none quite hit the mark in the way that Poldark. Rather than attempt to tell the full story Winston Graham created, Debbie Horsfield and her team of writers adapted multiple books at the same time, telling a stronger tale for the screen.
You know what happened during the American Revolutionary War in the United States, but what about the aftermath back in England? That’s something fans get to learn as they follow Capt. Ross Poldark back to his hometown of Cornwall, where he finds out his father has died and his true love is going to marry someone who most certainly isn’t him.
Does he end up marrying his love? Not quite. Instead, he meets Demelza, a woman dressed as a boy who is regularly beaten by her father. He decides to offer her work as a kitchen maid in his run-down, in debt family estate, which also includes lodgings. Now he needs to figure out how to run the copper mines he’s been left and help the tenants on his father’s estate.
It’s a story of love, loss, and the aftermath of a war that he never necessarily wanted to fight in. More importantly, it’s a story of life. Poldark isn’t perfect and that’s okay! In fact, it adds a layer to him that other works of fiction can’t.
All five seasons of Poldark are currently on Amazon Prime Video.
Next: Catastrophe
24. Catastrophe (2015-2019)
4 Seasons
Created by Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney
Starring Sharon Horgan, Rob Delaney, Carrie Fisher, Ashley Jensen, Mark Bonnar
Catastrophe was created by Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney for Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, who are the stars of the series. The do-it-all duo are also executive producers of the series.
In Catastrophe, Rob Norris (Rob Delaney), an American staying in London on a business trip, and Sharon Morris (Sharon Horgan), an English school teacher, begin a romantic relationship over the length of Rob’s stay in the city. A few weeks after, Sharon finds out she is pregnant with Rob’s baby. Rob returns to London to figure out what to do.
If you like comedy at all, Catastrophe is a must-see! It’s so funny!
Next: Jack Ryan
23. Jack Ryan (2018- Present)
2 Seasons
Created by Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland, based on the novels by Tom Clancy
Starring John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Abbie Cornish, Ali Suliman, Dina Shihabi, John Hoogenakker, Noomi Rapace, Jordi Molla, Francisco Denis, Cristina Umana, Jovan Adepo, Michael Kelly
If someone told you that The Office’s John Krasinski would play Jack Ryan, what would you have said? You’d have likely laughed, but the comedic actor made a major transformation and has brought the role to life. He had some big boots to fill with the movies, too, especially following Harrison Ford!
But he’s managed it. And now Jack Ryan is finally on the list of 50 best TV shows on Amazon Prime Video. It should have made it to the list with the very first season, which is arguably the best. This wasn’t just the season that introduced us to the characters, but it showed us the terror of refugees from the side of a victim. It gave us a look at the wife of a terrorist scared for herself and her children, something we barely get to see.
Jack Ryan isn’t afraid to push boundaries. And in the middle of the action, it gives us a real story. The series has brought the character and his worldwide adventures to the modern day. Despite the showrunner changes, we can’t wait for the third season!
Next: Fleabag
22. Fleabag (2016-2019)
Seasons: 3
Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Andrew Scott, Sian Clifford, Jenny Rainsford, Olivia Colman, Bill Paterson, Brett Gelman
Fleabag is one of those comedies that you just can’t get enough of. The series is filmed and set in Britain, and originally a British comedy. However, Amazon scored the rights to air in North America on the Prime Video streaming service.
The first season was originally adapted from an award-winning play about a young woman who just wants to cope with her life. After a recent tragedy, she tries to make sense of the world and everything around her, but it’s not always easy. While still struggling with her feelings, the second season sees her meeting a priest who starts to change her view.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is both the creator and lead star of the series. She’s brought together an excellent ensemble of cast members, although it was Amazon who brought on Brett Gelman after struggling to find someone to play the role.
So far, the second season is set to be the last. That could change in the future, but the second season did wrap things up.
Fleabag is now streaming in full on Amazon Prime Video in U.S. and Canada.
Next: Doctor Who
21. Homecoming (2018 to present)
2 seasons
Created by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg
Based on the podcast Homecoming by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg
Starring Julia Roberts, Bobby Cannavale, Stephan James, Shea Whigam, Alex Karpovsky, Sissy Spacek, Janelle Monáe, Hong Chau, Chris Cooper, Joan Cusack
While many other shows are based on books or movies of the past, Homecoming transformed a podcast into a show. One of the best things was that the creators of the podcast were behind the creation of the show, so we knew we’d get to know the characters we’d already met.
The first season developed a thrilling story with a strong cast. While it was a slow burn, it was a realistic slow burn. There was the chance to connect with the characters and unravel the mystery at the same time.
During the second season, we got to meet new characters. There was a new mystery to unravel. One character crosses over to further build on the mystery of Homecoming, but the first season isn’t fully needed to understand. This does allow new fans to tune in at a later stage.
A strong point of the season is that it’s a quick binge-watch. The episodes last 30 minutes, so it doesn’t take long to find out if this is something for you.
Homecoming is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Next: The Hunters
20. The Hunters (2020-Present)
1 season
Created by David Weil</strong19
Starring Al Pacino, Logan Lerman, Jerrika Hinton, Lena Olin, Saul Rubinek, Carol Kane, Josh Radnor, Greg Austin, Tiffany Boone, Louis Ozawa, Kate Mulvany, Dylan Baker, Jeannie Berlin
The Hunters brings a tale of Nazi hunters in the 1970s. At first, they think they’re just getting vengeance against the worst in the concentration camps, but they’re actually taking steps to prevent the Fourth Reich from rising. It’s a take of horror that mixes drama and comedy to bring an entertaining story.
This is one of those shows that will certainly raise awareness of the horrors that happened in th concentration camps. The stories are fictionalized—the human chess game didn’t happen—but that doesn’t take away from the actual events that happened. In fact, it avoids telling one or two real stories that could hurt the family members of the real victims, and tells a story of heartbreak and atrocities to make yu purely hate the Nazis.
The Hunters is well written and created. You can feel the sorrow of the various members of the group, while you understand their need for revenge.
And within all that is a story of an American FBI agent who is up against the world due to her sexuality and color of skin. However, she’s smart and willing to play the games to get to the bottom of the various killings happening across the country.
It’s a series you need to watch at least once.
Next: Mr. Robot
19. Mr. Robot (2015-2020)
4 Seasons
Created by Sam Esmail
Starring Rami Malek, Carly Chaikin, Portia Doubleday, Martin Wallström, and Christian Slater
Mr. Robot premiered on USA in June 2015, and it was easily one of the best new shows of the year!
The series follows Eliot (Rami Malek), a cyber expert who ramps up defenses for a corporation. After Eliot is contacted by a hacker group that wishes to take down the Eliot’s corporation, he must decide whether to join them or stay loyal to his employer.
Mr. Robot was a huge critical success, and it was one of the best shows of the summer. The series won the Golden Globe for Best Drama TV series in 2015.
The second season of Mr. Robot premieres on USA on July 13! Make sure you watch all those episodes and get caught up for the second season premiere.
Next: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
18. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-Present)
3 Seasons
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino
Starring Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen, Marin Hinkle, Tony Shalhoub, Kevin Pollak, Caroline Aaron, Jane Lynch
When it comes to comedies, Amazon Prime Video has some of the best. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has to be on this list. And I’m actually surprised that this is the first time the show has even made it onto the list of 50 best TV shows. It’s already the number on on the 50 best comedy TV shows!
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel brings an empowering story of a woman who finds herself going after a dream she never initially had. When her husband leaves her for his secretary, she drowns her sorrows and does a stand-up comedy skit that she never intended doing. All she wanted to do was tell her story.
That led to a comedy career dream she didn’t realize she had, a new friendship with one of the best characters ever on our screens, and a chance for everyone to see that dreams are worth pursuing. By the third season, it looked like her career was on a high, but you know that it’s all going to crash and burn before she finds true success, right?
The series has won a number of awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys for Best Comedy Series. Binge-watch it right now!
Next: The Good Wife
17. The Good Wife (2009-2016)
7 Seasons
Created by Michelle King and Robert King
Starring Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth, Josh Charles, Matt Czuchry, Archie Panjabi, Graham Phillips, Makenzie Vega, Alan Cumming, Zach Grenier, Matthew Goode, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski
After her husband Peter Florrick (Chris Noth), a former state’s attorney, is jailed for corruption, Alicia (Julianna Margulies) returns to work in litigation after nearly 15 years as a stay-at-home mom.
From CBS, The Good Wife, a procedural drama, is always one of the highest rated shows on TV.
And, year after year, The Good Wife is almost always nominated for Golden Globes and Emmys in the biggest and best award categories. Depsite being nominated for Best Drama Series for three of the last five years at the Golden Globes, The Good Wife has never taken home the award. Julianna Margulies, however, won the Golden Globe for Best Lead Actress in Drama Series in 2010.
While the rating have stayed up, I think the best days of The Good Wife are in the past, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not one of the best and most popular shows on TV.
Season 7 of The Good Wife premiered on October 4, 2015.
Next: Bosch
16. Bosch (2015-Present)
Created by Michael Connelly and Eric Overmyer
Starring Titus Welliver, Jamie Hector, Amy Aquino, Lance Reddick, Annie Wersching, Sarah Clarke, Jason Gedrick
Bosch is one of the first Amazon original series to draw attention from the masses. The series is loosely based on Michael Connelly’s novels City of Bones, Echo Park, and The Concrete Blonde.
In the series, Los Angeles Police Detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) tries to do his job and solve the murder of a 13-year-old in the city. At the same time, Bosch is being sued in civil court for the wrongful death in the shooting of a suspect a few years earlier.
Overall, Bosch has received good reviews for its first two seasons. The series is very methodical, so if you’re a fan of the police drama, it’s definitely the style of show you’ll be interested in.
Bosch Season 7 has been confirmed. It will be the final season of the series.
Next: Prime Rewind: Inside The Boys
15. Prime Rewind: Inside The Boys (2020-present)
1 season
Hosted by Aisha Tyler with appearances from Eric Kripke, Karl Urban, Antony Starr, and many other cast members of The Boys
It’s not often that we get an inside look into an Amazon series. One of the downsides of binge-watching is the lack of after-show availability. There’s no water cooler chatter about the last episode you watched.
For The Boys Season 2, Amazon and the EPs decided to do things a little differently. Instead of one big binge-watch, the episodes will be released weekly. This has opened the world to Prime Rewind: Inside The Boys. It’s a chance to delve deeper into the series, looking at the characters and what the actors are trying to portray.
This is also a chance to get to see the actors for who they are. Sometimes, it’s possible to get so focused on the show that we forget the actors and characters are not the same people. The after-show will certainly change that, especially when it comes to Antony Starr’s Clark Kent look.
Overall, the after-show is just a chance to have fun. The cast and EPs answer questions and respond to fans’ criticism or praise. New episodes are released after each episode of The Boys, giving us double the content of an awesome show.
Next: Orphan Black
14. Orphan Black (2013-2017)
5 Seasons
Created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett
Starring Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Évelyne Brochu, Ari Millen, Kristian Bruun
Orphan Black is the best show on TV that you’re not watching right now!
In the series, Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany), a girl in her mid-20s with no real future or direction, notices a woman that looks identical to her while waiting for a train. As the train arrives, the woman jumps in front of the train. Looking to make a quick buck, Sarah steals her purse and identity. However, everything isn’t as it seems, and Sarah is quickly pulled into a world she knows nothing about.
That’s all I will say because I don’t want to give too much away because the suspense is part of what makes the show so captivating. If you haven’t seen it, you have to check it out. It’s fantastic, especially Tatiana Maslany!
For her role in the series, Maslany was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Currently, the first two seasons of Orphan Black are available on Amazon Prime Video. The third season, which already aired BBC America, should hit the streaming service some time around February 2016.
Next: Undone
13. Undone (2019-present)
1 Season
Created by Raphael Bob-waksberg and Kate Purdy
Starring Rosa Salazar, Bob Odenkirk, Angelique Cabral, Constance Marie, Siddharth Dhananjay, Daveed Diggs
When we heard about Undone, we weren’t really sure what to expect. All we knew that it was coming from the creators of BoJack Horseman. That meant one thing: it was going to feel real.
And that’s exactly what we get. This adult animation touches on grief, mental illness, and much more. Rosa Salazar’s lead character, Alma, is a flawed leading lady. It’s not often a show will even attempt to offer this, so having her take us through this journey is essential for the growth of television.
The reason this series is one to watch isn’t just for the story—although that is certainly important. It’s all about the way the series has been created. It’s filmed and then animation is drawn over the top. This adds a whole new level of realism to the series, making it feel like we’re watching the actors in real-time on the show.
However, the filming adds that surrealism that the show needs to succeed. It makes it possible to have two Almas in the room together and add the mystery of the time traveling abilities.
Not sure what to watch right now? Undone is a must.
Next: Six Feet Under
12. Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
5 Seasons
Created by Alan Ball
Starring Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, Rachel Griffiths, Jeremy Sisto, James Cromwell, Justina Machado
Created by Alan Ball, Six Feet Under tells the stories of the Fisher family, who happen to be the owners of a funeral home in Los Angeles.
Sounds depressing, right? Well, it is at times, but the show has elements of a dark comedy and doesn’t stay too true to the typical arc of a drama series.
Six Feet Under is often recognized as one of the best TV shows ever made. On top of that, fans and critics actually enjoyed the series finale, which is pretty rare for a TV series, honestly.
Six Feet Under won three Golden Globes over its four-year run, including Best Drama Series and two Best Supporting Actress for Rachel Griffiths and Frances Conroy in different years. The series also won nine Emmys.
Next: Utopia
11. Utopia (2020-Present)
1 Season
Created by Gillian Flynn, based on the British series created by Dennis Kelly
Starring Sasha Lane, John Cusack, Rainn Wilson, Ashleigh LaThrop, Dan Byrd, Desmin Borges, Jessica Rothe, Christopher Denham, Javon Walton, Corey Michael Smith
Amazon Prime Video has certainly upped its game when it comes to original shows. Utopia is one of those surprisingly great additions to the streaming service, bringing a mixture of comedy and thriller.
Based on the British series of the same name, there are multiple questions you’ll get stuck in your head from the beginning. Where is the boy? Where is Jessica Hyde? What have you done today to earn your place in this crowded world? You can hear each of the characters ask those questions so clearly in your mind once you’ve watch the season just once.
While it’s a fictional tale, there are a lot of elements that feel free. It teeters between real life and fantasy, which can make it a daunting show to watch. There aren’t many shows that would do this for fear of upsetting too many people, but Gillian Flynn wants you to either love or hate it. That certainly sparks a discussion.
But in the end, it’s a fictional tale. There’s a lot of entertainment mixed in, especially when it comes to Jessica Hyde and the group trying to get away from the Harvest all because they’ve seen Utopia.
Next: Absentia
10. Absentia (2017-Present)
3 Seasons
Created by Gaia Violo and Matt Cirulnick
Starring Stana Katic, Patrick Heusinger, Cara Theobold, Neil Jackson, Bruno Bichir
Absentia kicks off with FBI Agent Emily Byrne being found in a cabin. This doesn’t sound that strange, right? How about if I told you that she was barely alive when found? The twist is that she was abducted years earlier and presumed dead at the hands of the serial killer she was hunting.
The nightmare doesn’t end there. Emily can’t remember what happened to her and her family has moved on. Now it’s time to get back some of the life that she left behind, but it’s not going to be easy when the memories start coming back to her.
Absentia is one of those crime dramas that stays with you for a time afterward. It’s riveting TV, bringing you a mystery to unravel and some sort of closure at the end of each season. It’s just not always the closure that you want.
There’s development for each character on the series. Emily’s husband suffers from the guilt of giving up on her, while his new wife tries to be gracious but worries about the safety of Emily’s son, Flynn.
While the first season only holds a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes from the critics, it is a series with international appeal and certainly worth the watch. You can check out both seasons currently available on Amazon Prime Video.
Next: Good Omens
9. Good Omens (2019)
1 Season
Created by Sir Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman (book), Neil Gaiman (show)
Starring David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Jon Hamm, Frances McDormand, Nick Offerman, Sam Taylor Buck, Jack Whitehall, Michael McKean, Mireille Enos, Lourdes Faberes, Yusuf Gatewood, Brian Cox, Benedict Cumberbatch
Based on the novel of the same name, Good Omens/em> is one of those book adaptations that will immediately draw you in. It brings everything that the book offered and so much more. One of the strengths is having one of the source material creators involved in the series.
Casting is perfect, writing is on point, and the graphics are just over-the-top hilarious. This was always going to be worth the hype.
This is one of those shows that doesn’t need any more episodes. Billed as a miniseries, it’s going to remain as that if Gaiman gets his own way – unless, of course, he realizes that he needs to add more to it. However, there’s no more source material and I have a feeling Gaiman will never add more to the series.
Good Omens is one of those perfect binge-watches. There are just six episodes that are all an hour long. If you haven’t check it out yet, you’ll want to do so right now.
The series is now available on Amazon Prime Video.
Unfortunately, only the first three seasons of Boardwalk Empire are available through Amazon Prime Video for free.
Next: The Wilds
8. The Wilds (2020-Present)
1 season so far
Starring Sophia Ali, Shannon Berry, Jenna Clause, Reign Edwards, Mia Healey, Helena Howard, Erana James, Sarah Pidgeon, David Sullivan, Troy Winbush, and Rachel Griffiths
The Wilds focuses on nine teenagers who are on their way to a retreat in Hawaii. However, their plane crashes on a deserted island, and the nine need to figure out how to work together to survive until help gets to them.
But what if the accident wasn’t an accident? What if there are cameras all over the island, making it not as deserted as it initially seems? There is something bigger happening to these teenagers, watching how they react and perform while fighting for survival.
The series offers diversity and inclusivity. It’s more than just “another LOST” and more like a coming-of-age drama set on an island rather than in a high school. We get a group of flawed women, but you end up rooting for them all.
If you’re looking for a drama that leaves you with more questions than answers, you’ll need to check out The Wilds. A second season has been confirmed, so answers will eventually happen, but this is a show that leaves you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end.
Next: Downton Abbey
7. Upload (2020-Present)
1 season
Created by Greg Daniels
Starring Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson, Kevin Bigley, Owen Daniels, Andrew Rosen, Jordan Johnson-Hinds
When Greg Daniels is involved, you know there’s a gem to watch. That’s especially the case when it’s a series that has been a dream for years. All that was holding anyone back for Upload was the technology. Now that the graphics are in a good place, a series involving a digital afterlife was possible.
There’s a mixture of genres in one with this comedy. You get a murder mystery, a romance, and just a light comedy at times. There’s something for everyone, and characters that you’ll love and hate—I don’t think there is an in between.
We also can’t forget the CGI. The graphics are infused in a way that helps support the story, creating the setting or just helping the characters continue the tale. Whether it involves grounding the digital afterlife or making the world of 2033 look like it could be our world of 2033, the graphics will draw you in.
The series is so good that Amazon renewed it for a second season just a week after the first season dropped. If you’ve not watched it yet, get on it right now.
Next: Hanna
6. Hanna (2019-Present)
2 seasons
Created by David Farr
Starring Esme Creed-Miles, Joel Kinnaman, Mireille Enos
Out of all the Prime Originals on Amazon Prime Video, Hanna is one of those that stands out. It’s a series that focuses on the strengths of a young girl – who is perceived as weak because of her size and her gender. This perception is something that she can use as a strength to defeat her enemies.
Set in Norway, Hanna is 16 and has never seen the outside world. Raised by only her father, she has learned all about survival, believing that she needs to remain in the wilderness to remain safe from the woman who killed her mother and is after her and her father.
Things come to a head when she meets a young boy and decides to explore the world a little. When her father is just about to be captured, she decides to turn herself in. That starts a journey of discovery, as she learns what it’s like to be a “normal girl.” However, can she also protect herself from the conspiracy around and search for her father?
Based on the movie of the same name and created by one of the movie’s co-writers, Hanna has more time to delve into the world a little more. There’s a chance to explore who Hanna is and finally see her as a young girl and not some extraordinary being.
You’ll want to check out the series now that it’s on Amazon Prime Video.
Next: The Americans
5. The Americans (2013-2018)
6 Seasons
Created by Joseph Weisberg
Starring Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Holly Taylor, Maximiliano Hernández, Keidrich Sellati, Noah Emmerich, Annet Mahendru, Susan Misner, Alison Wright, Lev Gorn, Costa Ronin, Richard Thomas
In The Americans, two Soviet KGB spies, Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell), pose as the average American family living near Washington D.C to spy on the U.S. government. The series is set in the 1980s, begins shortly after Ronald Reagan was elected President, and focuses on events of the Cold War that happened in the ‘80s.
The Americans is one of the best period dramas of the last few years. I’d argue that The Americans is as good or better than any other series. It’s complex, riveting, and the writing is basically as good as it gets!
One of the more interesting things about The Americans is that the show was created by Joseph Weisberg, who also happens to be a former CIA agent.
Next: The Sopranos
4. Tales from the Loop (2020-Present)
1 Seasons
Developed by Nathaniel Halpern
Based on Tales from the Loop, 2014 narrative artbook by Simon Stålenhag
Starring Abby Ryder Fortson, Rebecca Hall, Tyler Barnhardt, Daniel Zohlgadri, Duncan Joiner, Jonathan Pryce, Nicole Law, Ato Essandoh
Tales from the Loop quickly became one of the most anticipated shows during the month it was released. That’s not surprising considering the lack of news we have going into the series. All we knew is that it would bring science fiction to life.
One small town is connected by something called “The Loop.” It quickly proves to connect the entire town, bringing science fiction to life. Whether it’s body-switching, time loops, or freezing time, we get a look at what could be.
However, it’s soon clear that the series isn’t just about sci-fi becoming real. It focuses on the heartbreak that science fiction can lead to. That ability to switch bodies and be another person isn’t necessarily a good thing for life. The chance to freeze time and be alone isn’t always going to be something fun.
The episodes can be watched out of order, but they do connect to each other. In some cases, you need to watch a previous episode to fully understand a connection, especially as you get to the second half of the first season. There is focus on friendship, love, and family in the individual episodes, bringing a grounded approach to the sci-fi genre.
Next: Carnival Row
3. Carnival Row (2019-present)
1 Season
Created by Travis Beacham and René Echevarria
Starring Orlando Bloom, Cara Delevingne, Simon McBurney, Tamzin Merchant, David Gyasi, Andrew Gower, Karla Crome, Arty Froushan, Indira Varma, Jared Harris
Carnival Row is Amazon’s newest Prime Original and it’s immediately entered into first place on the list. Is that just? Well, we certainly think so.
It wasn’t clear what we should expect from the series at first. We got a look at the world overall and the two lead characters, but the show became so much more. It’s a fantasy series mixed with history, drama, thriller, and much more. There’s a real-worldliness element to it, making it seem possible.
This is a show that isn’t afraid to touch on real politics. Humans and fae live in the same place, but refugees are treated as a lower class. Even those born with the humans are seen as different and lesser-than. However, there are a few humans out there who see beneath the surface.
Is it enough to put the police on a mission to find a killer? Not until a human becomes a victim. Then it’s time to find out who is the murderer—and anyone will do, as long as it makes sense.
This is a show we could see becoming as big as Game of Thrones. It certainly has many of the same themes, but offers a deeper story from the get-go. It’s clear Amazon has high hopes, renewing it for a second season before the first was even released.
Next: The Boys
2. The Boys (2019-Present)
2 Seasons (so far)
Created by Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Starring Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Jack Quaid, Chace Crawford, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Dominique McElliott, Laz Alonso, Jessie T. Usher, Tomer Capon, Elisabeth Shue, Simon Pegg
The Boys is based on the graphic novels of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. However, it is only loosely based. The characters are (mostly) the same, but the storylines have some slight twists. And that’s a good thing, giving new life to the series and bringing it into the current day.
Overall, the series is fast-paced, full of action, and definitely full of excellent character development. The writing is on point and funny when it needs to be, but there’s also plenty of focus given to the main characters of the series. Introducing the vigilante group one person at a time also helped to give us time to get to know individuals before being thrown into the big war.
Now we have plenty of questions for Season 2. The second season was confirmed ahead of the first season debut on Amazon Prime Video. We’ll see if the show gets to move up the list then.
Next: The Expanse
1. The Expanse (2015-Present)
4 Seasons
Created by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby
Starring Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham
The Expanse was originally a SYFY series that ran for three seasons. Based on the novels of the same name by James S.A. Corey (a penname of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck), the series is set hundreds of years in the future. Mars has been colonized, along with other parts of the solar system. However, that colonization hasn’t necessarily been peaceful.
With different military branches, Mars and Earth are on the brink of war. The only thing that may save them is the growing conspiracy that could unravel everything about the human race. Of course, the conspiracy could also break them!
After being canceled just ahead of the third season finale, fans campaigned to save The Expanse and Amazon obliged. The fourth season is coming to the end of filming and will be with us sometime in 2019.
Fans aren’t the only ones who love the show. Critics have enjoyed the character development, political story, and visual effects. It won the Best Dramatic Presentation Hugo Award, while also being nominated for Best Science Fiction Television Series three times at the Saturn Awards.
The show is more than just a show. It’s expanded into a franchise, with comic books created to tie into both the books and the TV show.
What are your favorite TV shows on Amazon Prime Video? Let us know in the comments!