Entertainment Best Prime Video shows: 20 great series to stream in the US
Best Prime Video shows: 20 great series to stream in the US
What are the best Prime Video shows? It’s a question you’ve probably asked yourself as you scroll through the streamer service’s never-ending list of TV offerings.
Luckily for you, we have the answer. Below, we’ve assembled a list of the 20 best TV series available on Amazon’s streaming platform, which caters for fans of every kind of genre. Each one comes with our experts’ stamp of approval, to, so no matter your TV sensibilities, you’ll find something of interest to stream this weekend.
The latest entry in our best Prime Video series article is Jungle, a UK-produced, rap and grill-centric drama that’s positioned as something wholly unique in the musical TV show space. If you’re a fan of gritty, urban, true-to-life storytelling viewed through the prism of music, this will be one for you to check out. If not, though, one of our other 19 options should appeal to you.
It’s possible that we’ll see some Prime Video discounts, such as a subscription price drop, during Amazon’s second Prime Day of 2022, which takes place in mid-October. If there isn’t, you’ll still be able to purchase a Prime Video subscription or try it out for free with our expert guide.
But we digress. Here are the 20 best Prime Video shows to watch in the US as of September 30, 2022.
Jungle
A story told from multiple perspectives, Jungle follows the connected lives of several London-based strangers who struggle for survival in the UK’s capital. At its core, Jungle is a show styled on Darwin’s ‘survival of the fittest’ theory, albeit a series that trains its plethora of narratives through the lens of the rap, drill, grime, and hip-hop genres.
Creators Junior Okoli and and Chas Appeti have captured the unseen world of the backwaters of London; regions where communities govern themselves and where every action has consequences. With its signature blend of music and dialogue, creatively ambitious cinematography, and timeless tale about the complexities of humanity, Jungle isn’t a show that should be dismissed so easily by any TV aficionado.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
The Rings of Power
Set during Middle-earth’s Second Age, The Rings of Power tells the multi-narrative tale of the forging of the titular rings, Sauron’s ambitiously evil masterplan to become the world’s dictatorial ruler, and Middle-earth’s various races uniting to stop him.
That’s the basic premise, anyway. There’s more to Amazon’s Lord of the Rings than that – it’s a majestic, sweeping, and epic fantasy series that long time Tolkienites and Lord of the Rings newcomers will thoroughly enjoy, which we cover in more detail in our spoiler-free review.
A second season was greenlit by Amazon Studios way back in November 2019, so we’ll be getting at least another installment down the line. Filming is due to begin soon, while the show’s cast and crew have spoken exclusively to TechRadar about its development and how episode 6’s explosive ending was made. Simply put, it’s one of the best Prime Video shows around.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
A League of Their Own
Based on the 1992 film of the same name, A League of Their Own tells the story of the Rockford Peaches, an all-female baseball league team that not only has to navigate the perils of the Second World War but also the era’s tormenting levels of misogyny and chauvinism.
The show primarily follows Abbi Jacobson’s Carson and Chanté Adams’ Max and their journeys to become professional players. But its study of other characters and their respective arcs, evocative themes, and thrilling baseball-based drama gives A League of Their Own plenty to work with. It’s lacking in neither style or substance, which is a rarity for a sports-centric TV series.
Critics have raved about the TV adaptation, so it’s certainly worth watching this weekend if you’re at a loss over what to stream.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
Paper Girls
Based on Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang’s graphic novel series of the same name, Paper Girls is a Stranger Things meets Doctor Who-style series that may be one of the best Prime Video shows of 2022.
Set around Halloween 1988, Paper Girls follows four 12-year-old girls – Tiffany, Mac, KJ, and Erin – who, during their usual paper round, get caught in the crossfire of warring factions of time-travelers. Unwittingly sent into the future, the quartet wind up meeting their future selves. And, after learning how their futures play out, the foursome must decide to accept the fate laid out in front of them or make a defiant stand, alter the course of their lives, and save the world in the process.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
The Terminal List
Based on Jack Carr’s novel of the same name, The Terminal List stars Marvel movie actor Chris Pratt as James Reece, a Navy SEAL suffering from survivor’s guilt and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after his entire platoon is wiped out during a covert mission.
Reece, whose PTSD causes him to flash back to that devastating event – episodes that make him unable to separate fact from fiction – blames himself for what happened. But, as new information emerges that puts the responsibility on morally gray characters within the armed forces and US government, Reece decides to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge on those who wronged him and his deceased squad members.
The Terminal List hasn’t been well received by critics, with some Rotten Tomatoes reviewers calling it a by-the-numbers TV show that doesn’t deliver thrills beyond what viewers have seen numerous times before. Others, though, have praised Pratt’s performance, the show’s action sequences, and its thematic resonance. In short: check it out for yourself and see if it deserves to be on our best Prime Video shows list.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
The Boys
The Boys is based on a simple premise: What if superheroes sucked? Like, really, really sucked? What if they were egotistical, selfish, corrupt and downright, well, unheroic? That’s the crux of Amazon’s live-action adaptation of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s R-rated comic series.
Now sure, many of those questions have been explored in other media, but Amazon’s over-the-top series does it with visual panache, dollops of humor, plenty of gore and ultraviolence, and some tender moments. The first season showed plenty of promise, the second delivered on it, and the third went above and beyond its predecessors. We suggested as much in our spoiler-free review, so go and read it for more details on why that’s the case. Season 4 has been greenlit and filming is underway. Meanwhile, a Walking Dead star has joined the season 4 cast.
While you’re here, check out The Boys’ first spin-off series, aka Diabolical. Read our review first and then get the lowdown on its development in our exclusive chat with showrunner Simon Racioppa.
Seasons on Prime Video: 3
Outer Range
Billed as a sci-fi mystery thriller, Outer Range stars Josh Brolin (Avengers: Infinity War, Dune) as Royal Abbott, a Wyoming-based rancher fighting to keep his land out of the hands of a rival herder.
When a mysterious black hole suddenly appears on the Abbott estate, Royal uses the seemingly infinite void to his advantage – including disposing of a body of one of his rival’s sons following a tragic accident. But, when a drifter called Autumn (Imogen Poots) catches Royal in the act, the head of the Abbott family must fight for his family, to maintain their secret, and keep Autumn – who seems to have supernatural ties to the black hole – on side as his foes (and the police) close in around him.
Critical reception has been largely positive, with reviewers praising Outer Range as a “cosmic cowboy mystery (opens in new tab)” and “the best new show of 2022 (opens in new tab)“. Despite its often muddled and weirdly paced plot, in our opinion, it deserves to be part of our best Prime Video shows article.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
Upload
Set 15 years in the future, Upload tells the tale of Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell), a 27-year-old computer programmer who’s mysteriously murdered and uploaded to a ‘virtual afterlife’ location called Lake View. As he adjusts to his new life, Nathan finds himself romantically drawn to his customer service angel Nora Antony (Andy Allo), despite Nathan still technically being involved with living girlfriend Ingrid Kannerman (Allegra Edwards).
It isn’t long, too, before Nathan and Nora begin to unravel the mystery behind his death. As the pair head down the rabbit hole, their lives become entwined in an elaborate game of cat and mouse as Nathan tries to find out who’s responsible for his murder.
If that all sounds a bit dramatic and bleak, don’t fret: Upload is one of the funnier Prime Video shows out there. With Greg Daniels – creator of The Office US – at the helm, Upload is an endearing TV series that straddles multiple genres including comedy, drama, whodunnit, and horror. It also offers an intriguing look into the real world’s technological-based future, metaverse and all. Speaking of which, check out our chat with Daniels and Upload’s cast concerning season 2, and how it leans even further into the metaverse’s potential arrival. Amazon Studios has renewed the show for a third season, too.
Seasons on Prime Video: 2
Dexter
Set in Miami, this crime drama series follows forensic technician Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. By day, he works for the Miami Metro Police Department but, once the sun goes down, Dexter hunts down murderers who, in his eyes, didn’t get the punishment they deserved from the US justice system.
The original show ran for eight seasons – they’re all currently available to stream on Prime Video – and received plenty of acclaim and awards for its compelling and superbly crafted horror-esque crime-drama tale. The show struggled to recapture its best form post-season four but, early on at least, Dexter was one of the best shows of the mid-2000s.
A 10-part limited series called Dexter: New Blood ran on Showtime from November 7, 2021 to January 9, 2022, too. There’s no word on whether it’ll come to Prime Video in the future, though.
Seasons on Prime Video: 8
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel tells the story of ’50s housewife Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel as she attempts to become the best female stand-up comic in the US.
After her husband confesses he’s been having an affair, ‘Midge’ drunkenly gets on stage at a comedy club and discovers that she’s utterly hilarious. In a time when women aren’t encouraged to be publicly funny, Midge pursues her new-found comedic talent in the male-dominated stand up comedy world. But, unbeknownst to ‘Midge’, the journey is far from a straightforward one.
The multi-award winning period comedy-drama’s first two seasons drew plenty of critical acclaim. But, while season 3 was still pretty good, it didn’t live up to the expectations set by its predecessors. The show’s fourth season was a return to form for the series, so catch it while you can – season 5 is set to be its last instalment in one of the best Prime Video shows ever made.
Seasons on Prime Video: 4
Reacher
Nearly six years on from Tom Cruise’s somewhat unsuccessful movie stint as the ex-military operative, Amazon Studios brings Lee Child’s iconic novel series to life for television.
Alan Ritchson (Titans) stars as the titular character – aka Jack Reacher – a drifter owning few possessions following his departure from the armed forces, Reacher arrives in Margrave, Georgia at the exact moment that the small US town is reeling from its first major crime in 20 years. Somehow, Reacher is wrongly framed for the crime and, following his arrest, agrees to help the authorities get the bottom of the case in exchange for his freedom. Given his army expertise and his hulking frame, it seems that those responsible picked the wrong guy to pin the crime on.
In our view, it’s definitely one to check out if you’re a fan of action and mystery thrillers. And, after it became the first Prime Video series ever to top Nielsen’s streaming charts, it’ll come as no surprise to learn that a second season has been greenlit. While wait for its next season, check out these six similarly styled shows.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
The Legend of Vox Machina
Set in the fictional Exandrian kingdom of Tal’Dorei, The Legend of Vox Machina tells the story of a band of mercenary misfits hired to eradicate an unnamed evil entity that’s plagued the realm. It isn’t long before the seven-strong group, though, realize that they’ve become embroiled in a battle against a far more sinister and potentially world-threatening enemy.
Prime Video’s adaptation of Critical Role’s beloved D&D webseries retains plenty of what made the original show such a hit with fans. It’s hilarious, action-packed, emotional and full of twists and turns. It’s also pretty gruesome and horror-esque on occasion, so those of a grisly inclination will get a kick out of it as well.
The original Critical Role cast have returned to voice their characters, while there’s a whole slew of famous actors who cameo as other individuals in this fictional fantasy world. Best of all, episodes are only 25 to 30 minutes in length, meaning that those lengthy sessions, complete with convoluted D&D terminology, has been removed to make for a freer, tighter narrative throughout. Season 2 is coming soon, so one of the best Prime Video shows of recent times will be back on our screens in the future.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
The Wheel of Time
Based on Robert Jordan’s beloved book series, The Wheel of Time is a fantasy show that blends the best of Game of Thrones, The Witcher and The Lord of the Rings.
Rosamund Pike (I Care A Lot, Gone Girl) plays Moiraine, a powerful sorceress whose quest to find the Dragon Reborn – a prophesised champion who can defeat the Dark One – leads her to the small village known as the Two Rivers. When Moiraine and her Warder companion Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) are forced to rescue five of the village’s young adults from the Dark One’s forces, they realize that one of this quintet is the so-called Dragon Reborn. Cue an epic quest to work out who this ancient warrior is, and whether they’ll be able to save the world or not.
Expect plenty of drama, R-rated violence (it’s not a family friendly show), a dashing of humor, and plenty of fantastical elements that’ll wow and shock you. Season 2 has wrapped filming, while a third season has been greenlit. If you want to learn more about the show’s overall production, our chat with the cast and crew is worth reading. Suffice to say, it’s one of the best Prime Video shows around.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
Invincible
Amazon’s animated adaptation of Robert Kirkman’s superhero comic series isn’t for the faint of heart. Sure, it may not be a live-action production like The Boys, but Invincible is full of blood, gore, violence and other adult content.
Invincible tells the story of Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), a seemingly normal teenager – expect for the fact that his dad Nolan (J.K. Simmons) is the world’s most powerful superhero. Soon after his 17th birthday, Mark develops abilities of his own and begins to train under his father’s tutelage. It isn’t long, though, before Mark realizes that his dad’s legacy isn’t what it appears to be.
It’s a slow burn to begin with – well, apart from a specific scene in episode 1 that shocked viewers who haven’t read the comics before. Its subversion of superhero tropes, emotional story beats, and ensemble cast will keep your attention until things really start to pick up from episode 4 – by which point you should be fully hooked.
Invincible season 2, as well as a third instalment, is currently in development. That won’t come as a major surprise to you once you’ve seen it, too, as it’s one of the best Prime Video shows of all-time.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
Small Axe
Traversing the boundaries between film and TV, Small Axe is a set of feature-length stories centred around West Indian people living in London from the ’60s to the ’80s.
Directed by Steve McQueen, the first starred Letitia Wright as the so-called Mangrove 9 faced trial following the harassment of a black-owned restaurant by racist police officers, with another featuring John Boyega training to be the first black police officer in the London MET. None of them, especially Lover’s Rock, are to be missed due to their harrowing depictions of racial segregation in the UK that, in some instances, still exists today.
Another McQueen show – Uprising – is also available to stream on Prime Video. If Small Axe was an eye-opening experience for you, Uprising will hit similarly hard.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
The Expanse
Arguably the best science-fiction show since Battlestar Galatica, The Expanse is based on the series of novels by James S. A. Corey, the pen name of authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.
It’s set in a future where humans have colonised most of the solar system, but there are big divisions between the occupants of Earth, Mars and ‘Belters’, who reside on space stations beyond the asteroid belt. It’s full of politics, heart-wrenching emotional stories and some of the most breath-taking scenes of outer space we’ve ever seen.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi, you’ll love this. The series’ sixth and final season is currently available on Prime Video, so hop to it: there’s plenty of catching up to do.
Seasons on Prime Video: 6
Good Omens
Good Omens came out of nowhere and swept us off our feet. Based on the book by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Good Omens is an addictive, bonkers yet heart-warming tale about good and evil, friendship, demons, angels and a future-gazing witch. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty British (in a good way) and has an all-star cast.
The series can be binged in one weekend, or one sitting if you can’t face waiting a whole night for the final few episodes. For the bibliophiles out there, the TV series brings a few fresh characters and twists to the story, but is also faithful enough to the book to give those who have been fans for nearly thirty years a real treat.
Season 2 has just wrapped filming (opens in new tab), so hopefully it’ll return to Prime Video soon. Best catch up on one of the best Prime Video shows to emerge in recent years, then.
Seasons on Prime Video: 1
Star Trek
There’s a lot of Star Trek on Prime Video, if you’re in the mood to watch hundreds of episodes set in that universe. The original series is available, as are later entries The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise.
Star Trek: Picard season 1 is also available as part of an Amazon Prime package that includes Paramount Plus, while its second season arrived in March. Additionally, the animated Star Trek: Lower Decks series will return with a third season later this year, and Star Trek: Discovery season 4 is available to stream now.
Seasons on Prime Video: 3 of The Original Series (and many spin-offs)
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has created two of the best TV shows of the modern age in Killing Eve and Fleabag. The latter is her self-starring comedy drama, adapted from a stage show, and it’s a hilarious but sometimes painful portrait of a damaged person trying to keep it together.
The supporting cast, which includes Andrew Scott’s ‘hot priest’ in season 2, helps make this one of the best shows around full stop. With six half-hour episodes per season, you could binge it in just a few days.
Seasons on Prime Video: 2
The Grand Tour
Having departed the BBC years ago and struck up a deal with Amazon Studios, petrolheads Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have found similar levels of success on the streamer with The Grand Tour: an excuse to send the trio around the world, partaking in various challenges and sniping at each other for hours on end.
If you enjoy watching middle aged men burn rubber in the middle of the desert, like a scene out of Mad Max: Fury Road, then this is for you.
Seasons on Prime: 4
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