Seeking suggestions for worthwhile content on Prime Video? We present our curated selection.
Back in 2014, we used to joke about the idea of the same place where you buy replacement phone charger cables and bulk toilet paper also making TV shows. Little did we know that in the span of almost a decade, Prime Video, now known as Prime Video, would become a major player in the television industry. They have invested in some of the most exceptional dramas across various genres, avoiding the tendency to focus solely on one type of show or rely on a single blockbuster. Instead, they have taken on a wide range of projects, and for the most part, they have been very successful. Their lineup includes daring science fiction and alternative history series like “The Man in the High Castle,” “The Underground Railroad,” and “The Power.” They have also produced action-packed thrillers like “Reacher” and “Jack Ryan,” and exciting collaborations like “Swarm.” Below, our writers share their personal favorite Prime Video shows.
The Boys
The Boys doesn’t simply present a “anything you can do, I can do better” approach to superhero content. Instead, it brilliantly mocks and satirizes the genre to such an extent that it becomes nearly impossible for other superhero franchises like the MCU and the DCEU to replicate its success. Developed by Eric Kripke, known for his work on Supernatural, and featuring a talented cast including Antony Starr, Colby Minifie, and Karl Urban, this Prime series takes its inspiration from dated comic book source material and completely reinvents it. It creates a fiercely contemporary stage for an ensemble performance that explores the concept of “what if superheroes existed in the real world but were absolutely terrible?”.
However, be warned: watching this show requires a strong stomach. Each season pushes the boundaries even further, showcasing some of the most disturbing and revolting content ever seen on television. But if this kind of dark humor appeals to you, you’ll have an incredibly enjoyable time (Rest in Peace, Lucy).
The Power
It’s surprising that not enough people are talking about the outstanding adaptation of Naomi Alderman’s bestselling speculative fiction. This furious, polished, and star-studded sci-fi series should definitely catch the attention of fans of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” In this show, teenage girls suddenly gain the extraordinary ability to generate electric charges from their fingertips. The implications of this newfound power on the girls themselves, society, and the world are explored in a sprawling narrative.
The series expands from the perspective of Toni Collette’s character, an American politician, and her family, delving into various captivating storylines across nine episodes. It touches on subjects like religion, organized crime, male radicalization, journalism, and sex trafficking, among others. The ensemble cast shines, with notable performances from Ria Zmitrowicz as the abused crime heiress Roxy and Zrinka Cvitesic as Tatiana, the wife of a dictator. However, every member of the cast delivers great performances.
While the show does justice to the wonderful source material, there is still plenty of material left for a potential second season. Hopefully, Amazon decides to renew the series.
Invincible
When Amazon subscribers stumble upon “Invincible” while browsing Prime Video’s collection of TV shows, they might initially question if they really need yet another superhero tale. Unfortunately for their attention spans and free time, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Based on the comic series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, known for “The Walking Dead,” “Invincible” follows the superheroic journey of Mark Grayson (played by Steven Yeun) as he comes of age. Mark, who is half-Viltrumite due to his superhero father Nolan, also known as Omni-Man, always knew that he would develop supernatural abilities and join Earth’s league of heroes. However, aspiring to be a hero and actually becoming one are two separate challenges.
To be honest, “Invincible” doesn’t stray significantly from the familiar superhero narrative that audiences are accustomed to. It features costumed crime fighters, otherworldly threats, and plenty of onomatopoeia. What sets “Invincible” apart is the exceptional execution of these well-known tropes. Both Kirkman’s original comic series and the first season of this hopefully long-running show are brimming with creative enthusiasm for the storytelling possibilities that superheroes offer. Additionally, “Invincible” pays meticulous attention to the physics of super-powered individuals, surpassing anything else in its genre. When punches are thrown, skin is torn, and bones are shattered, the series presents it all with an anime-like grandeur, adding an unexpected level of intimacy to the story of one young person navigating the complexities of growing up.
The Devil’s Hour
In this intricate six-part mystery thriller, Peter Capaldi delivers an astounding performance that will send shivers down your spine. As Gideon Shepherd, a suspected serial killer with an uncanny ability to foresee the future, Capaldi’s portrayal is deeply unsettling. He leaves no doubts about his character’s creepiness. Jessica Raine, known for her role in “Call the Midwife,” plays Lucy, a social worker who finds herself pitted against Gideon. Her young son Isaac becomes a crucial element in Gideon’s disturbing plan.
Prepare to be captivated and constantly guessing as “The Devil’s Hour” takes you on a suspenseful journey that keeps you on your toes until the very end, and perhaps even beyond. The title itself refers to the time of 3:33 am, when Lucy wakes up each night with the same haunting dream. This multi-threaded story is ambitious, blending elements of crime mystery, the supernatural, and sci-fi thriller, all wrapped up in a mind-bending premise. With the second and third seasons already ordered, you can anticipate more intriguing weirdness to come.
Good Omens
Back in 1990, the celestial collaboration between Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett birthed the devilishly hilarious novel, “Good Omens.” This irreverent tale revolves around the unlikely friendship of the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley, who join forces to prevent the rise of the Antichrist and thwart the impending apocalypse. Fast forward to the Amazon Prime adaptation, and we witness a rare gem where the TV series matches, if not surpasses, the brilliance of the book. Unsurprisingly, it has garnered an immense and devoted fanbase.
Portrayed by David Tennant (of “Doctor Who” fame) and Michael Sheen (from “Quiz”), Crowley and Aziraphale captivate audiences with their irresistibly humorous and endearing performances, resulting in a genuine off-screen bromance. The exceptional cast also includes Jon Hamm (known for “Mad Men”) as the angel Gabriel, Anna Maxwell Martin (from “Line of Duty”) as Beezlebub, along with the talents of Miranda Richardson, Nick Offerman, Jack Whitehall, and more.
The eagerly anticipated second season of “Good Omens” is set to arrive in the summer of 2023, raising the excitement levels among fans to celestial heights.
Homecoming
Adapted from the gripping narrative podcast of the same name by Gimlet Media, this enigmatic psychological thriller seamlessly transitions to television, creating a complementary experience between the two mediums. In fact, the second season introduces an entirely new story. Julia Roberts takes the lead as Heidi, a former social worker at the Homecoming Transitional Support Center, a facility designed to aid ex-soldiers in reintegrating into society. Or so it appears. Four years later, Heidi finds herself working as a waitress, her memories of her time at the center fragmented and hazy. However, when a Department of Defense official begins probing the facility, the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, unraveling a Twilight Zone-esque mystery. With stellar performances and a captivating narrative, this two-season series is undoubtedly worth indulging in from the comfort of your own home.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
Jack Ryan, the heroic CIA analyst created by prolific author Tom Clancy, stands as one of Clancy’s most iconic characters. With numerous books and notable portrayals by Hollywood’s leading actors such as Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck, and Chris Pine, it’s clear that Jack Ryan has made a lasting impact. However, when it comes to Prime Video’s television adaptation of Jack Ryan, what sets him apart? To be honest, not a whole lot.
John Krasinski’s portrayal of Jack Ryan bears a striking resemblance to previous iterations of the character. And that’s because if something isn’t broken, you simply don’t need to fix it. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan offers perfect “dadcore” television. Across three, soon to be four, seasons, Krasinski’s Jack, alongside Wendell Pierce’s James Greer, faces various fictional international threats that endanger America, all while enjoying themselves along the way. Both the character of Jack Ryan and the show itself possess a certain old-fashioned charm, appealing to those who enjoy watching a square-jawed American hero take on Cold War-era challenges.
Reacher
“Reacher” is the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and intense action, making it an irresistible TV show. Alan Ritchson takes on the role of the eponymous character, Jack Reacher, a former military policeman who wanders the country, seeking a simple life while staying under the radar. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case in the small town of Margrave, Georgia. Determined to clear his name, Reacher must employ both his intellect and formidable combat skills to uncover the truth. Alongside Detective Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin) and Officer Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald), he delves into a deep-rooted criminal conspiracy that extends beyond a single murder, reaching into the very heart of Margrave and its police department. Prepare for a thrilling journey as Reacher fights to expose the truth and seek justice.
Too Old to Die Young
The production of “Too Old to Die Young” remains shrouded in mystery, leaving us to wonder about the behind-the-scenes events. Perhaps one day, we’ll have a tell-all autobiography that reveals all the details. Nonetheless, this intriguing series stands as one of Prime’s most exceptional and peculiar offerings. Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn (known for “Drive” and “Only God Forgives”) spent a significant portion of the late 2010s bringing this project to life. However, upon release, it was seemingly buried by the streaming platform, leaving us to speculate on the reasons behind this decision. It appears that Amazon learned a regrettable lesson about granting auteur filmmakers complete creative control.
Refn, alongside esteemed comic book writer Ed Brubaker, crafted a dark, violent, and unsettling tale of the relentless clash between a cop and a killer. With its sleek visuals, deliberately paced storytelling, and an abundance of neon aesthetics, the series encapsulates everything one would expect from Refn’s distinct style. Brace yourself, as it will test your limits, with its meticulous atmosphere residing somewhere between the infamous floor sweeping sequence in “Twin Peaks: The Return” and a cut scene from “Grand Theft Auto.” “Too Old to Die Young” is undeniably a genuine masterpiece, albeit one that may resonate with a niche audience of perhaps only ten individuals. Who knows? You could be one of them!
Dead Ringers
Rachel Weisz takes on a unique challenge in this adaptation of David Cronenberg’s renowned body horror film, where she stars opposite herself. It may seem like an improbable feat, but the result is truly captivating. The Rachels portray twin gynecologists, Beverly and Elliot Mantle, who are at the forefront of groundbreaking fertility treatments. While they share an identical appearance, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Elliot is confident, daring, and seeks thrills, whereas Beverly is nurturing and introverted. As they secure funding for an experimental clinic, their success hangs in the balance due to Elliot’s potential to endanger everything they’ve achieved. This intense and intellectually stimulating series delves into significant themes surrounding women’s bodies, showcasing career-best performances from Weisz. With only six episodes and a self-contained story, it’s perfect for a day-long binge-watching session, leaving a lasting impact that will stay with you for weeks.