67 Of The Best TV Shows To Stream On Prime Video In April
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1.The Affair (2014–19)
Allison (Ruth Wilson), who waits tables in a diner, is struggling in her marriage to Cole (Joshua Jackson). Noah (Dominic West) is a teacher vacationing at his in-laws’ in the Hamptons with his wife (Maura Tierney) and kids. Noah meets Allison at the diner, and the namesake affair of this critically acclaimed drama begins. Eventually, the indiscretion causes things to unravel in both of their lives. The series uses the memory biases and perceptions of each character to tell the story, flipping back and forth between perspectives. It is an unusual form of storytelling but works very well in taking the audience on an emotional journey as each character is broken down to grow anew.
Watch it on Prime Video.
2.Alias (2001–06)
I can always tell how good a series is going to be by how much story is packed into the first episode — and let me tell you, J.J. Abrams' Alias pilot could basically be a stand-alone film. Before she was kicking ass in Peppermint, Jennifer Garner starred as Sydney Bristow, a college student turned double agent working for the CIA to infiltrate and bring down an international organization. Garner’s performance is magnetic (as is her assortment of wigs) as she navigates her responsibilities as a superspy and her relationships with her coworker, Michael (Michael Vartan), and her father, Jack (Victor Garber). This series, which also starred Bradley Cooper as Will, earned 36 Emmy nominations throughout its five-season run (three of those were Garber's, by the way), and I’ll be surprised if you don’t make it through at least three episodes in the first sitting.
Watch it on Prime Video.
3.American Horror Story (2011–)
Now is the perfect time to dive into this Emmy Award–winning horror anthology series. Created by Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck, Glee), this show does a great job showcasing some of horror's most beloved tropes. Murder House, Coven, Freakshow, Asylum, Hotel — each season of the FX series is self-contained with its own storyline. In essence, you can start with any season, but there are some minor connections between the seasons as you continue through the series. Some seasons are noticeably better than others, but if you’re a fan of horror, you’ll find this show a treat. Not only does each season contain reimagined stories pulled from real headlines and passed-down folklore, but they’re also stacked with all-star casts. Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Lady Gaga, Matt Bomer, Emma Roberts, Taissa Farmiga, Gabourey Sidibe, and so many more grace the screen throughout AHS via a solo feature or recurring appearance. If you’re looking for a show that comes with a massive cult following that’ll live-tweet through each episode, this one is it.
Watch it on Prime Video.
4.The Americans (2013–18)
Keri Russell (Felicity) and Matthew Rhys (Perry Mason) star as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet spies deep undercover in America during the Cold War. Fully submerged in their suburban neighborhood with their two children, the Jenningses struggle to balance the relationships they’ve fostered over the years under their aliases and their loyalty to the missions of their motherland. Winner of four Emmy Awards, this spy-thriller is a dynamic watch that always has you wondering who will betray whom and who will remain loyal. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle, but they don't feel overwhelming to the viewer. If you’re looking for a series that maintains a steady pace of story and characters, this is a great option for you.
Watch it on Prime Video.
5.As We See It (2022–)
From executive producer Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) comes a dramedy that follows twentysomething roommates on the autism spectrum as they try to navigate a world that eludes them. The series stars Rick Glassman, Albert Rutecki, and Sue Ann Pien — all of whom identify as being on the spectrum, which adds an invigorating authenticity to the show. We watch as Jack, Harry, and Violet strive to get and keep jobs, attempt to date, and make friends. As We See It has humor and a lot of heart. My eyes got a little misty more than once. With the help of their families, their aide, and sometimes each other, we see what life is like through their unique lens as they journey toward independence and acceptance.
Watch it on Prime Video.
6.Bones (2005–17)
Emily Deschanel (My Sister's Keeper) and David Boreanaz (Angel) star in this intriguing forensic drama based in Washington, DC. Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Deschanel) is a brilliant forensic anthropologist at the Jeffersonian Institute. A bit stiff and somewhat awkward, she initially clashes with cocky-yet-empathetic FBI agent Seeley Booth (Boreanaz). Along with Brennan’s team — which includes her best friend, forensic artist Angela Montenegro (Michaela Conlin); forensic entomologist, aka “bug boy,” Jack Hudgins (T.J. Thyne); and a string of interns — they work together to solve murders where sometimes the only evidence is literally a bone. While the cases are interesting, the thing that really makes this show work is the character building that results. You’ll enjoy all 12 seasons of this one-hour drama series — the longest running of its kind from 20th Century Fox Television.
Watch it on Prime Video.
7.Bosch (2014–21)
If you’re looking for a solid cop show, look no further. Our story starts with Harry Bosch, a detective working to solve the murder of a 13-year-old girl. Sounds pretty routine, except he’s also standing trial in federal court for the murder of a serial killer. It’s a gritty crime drama that viewers found deliciously bingeable with solid suspense and twists around every corner. The series ended after its seventh season on a high, going out with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. But don’t worry, it’s okay to fall completely in love with the show because there’s a spinoff coming to IMDb TV (now called Freevee) on May 6.
Watch it on Prime Video.
8.The Boys (2019–)
This Amazon Original series, based on the Garth Ennis–Darick Robertson comic books, offers a gritty subversion of black-and-white renderings of superhero morality. Granted, in the age of Jessica Jones and Watchmen — which examine a similar question of whether superheroes can also have flaws or even go so far as to commit evil — it's hard to say if we can really call this a "subversion." Where we can say the show paves its own exciting path is in its framing of capitalism as the greatest villain of all. The main group of superheroes in The Boys are known as the Seven — complete narcissists, interested only in helping people if it furthers their celebrity, influence, and pockets. Sometimes, as we see, that means committing crimes themselves. After Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid) experiences a tragedy at the hands of a super, he links up with Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), a vigilante who provides Hughie with a chance to get payback. Enter the Boys, a group of nonpowered anti-supes hunting the Seven and looking to expose them and the multibillion-dollar conglomerate that's been covering up their crimes. Season 3 drops this summer, so you have plenty of time to get caught up.
Watch it on Prime Video.
9.The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022–)
While you’re waiting for The Boys to come back, please enjoy this animated short series from the minds behind the series. It’s an eight-episode anthology that delivers the same maniacal entertainment that you love about The Boys, only with even more insanity. The story doesn’t revolve around the Seven; instead, it gives us new characters and unseen stories that take place within The Boys universe. And if that doesn’t have you sold, the series also features episodes from the minds of Awkwafina, Ilana Glazer, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, Andy Samberg, and Aisha Tyler. It’s no wonder the series received a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a violent and bloody live-action that’s definitely not for kids and has been described as “cartoons with the safeties off.” There are few better ways to spend your time while you’re waiting for the next season of The Boys, set to drop next month.
Watch it on Prime Video.
10.Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
So you’re super into Vampire Diaries, huh? Well, some would say that Buffy the Vampire Slayer walked so Vampire Diaries could run. In every generation, there is a chosen one. In this case, that “one” is Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a vampire slayer who, with the help of her friends, defends her hometown, Sunnydale, from vamps, demons, and other supernatural dark forces. The quotables alone will have you coming back to rewatch the action drama over and over again (I’ve seen it from start to finish at least five times). At the end of the day, Buffy just wants to be a regular high school student. But unable to outrun her destiny, she struggles to find the balance between slaying midterms and slaying vampires.
Watch it on Prime Video.
11.Catastrophe (2015–19)
Sharon Horgan (This Way Up) and Rob Delaney (Deadpool 2) wrote and starred in this Amazon Original comedy series about an American ad exec, Rob Norris, who has a fling with an Irish schoolteacher, Sharon Morris, during a business trip in London. Rob no doubt thought he’d never see Sharon again and is shocked when he receives a call from her telling him that their week together resulted in her becoming pregnant. Rob decides to move to the UK in order to figure out if this relationship could actually have a future. The Emmy-nominated series is a British import, originally airing on Channel 4. It could be compared to Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up, as the two come from different worlds, and from the outside looking in, their current situation could seem like a catastrophe — staying true to its name. But the series does a great job incorporating realistic discourse and weighing out all the options, including the consideration of whether to have an abortion. As you’d expect, there’s a lot of turbulence in this story. Not only are they from two different cultures, but they also don’t know anything about each other, including their last names. This makes for a truly adorable comedy that you’ll hope ends in anything but a total disaster.
Watch it on Prime Video.
12.Community (2009–15)
Art imitates life in this series created by Dan Harmon, who uses his own community college experience as the blueprint. Community is one of the best shows to come out of the '00s. Joel McHale stars as Jeff Winger, an attorney who gets disbarred after his firm finds out he faked his bachelor’s degree. In order to get a real degree and redeem himself, he enrolls in Greendale Community College, where he develops a crush on classmate Britta Perry (Gillian Jacobs). In an attempt to get close to her, he pretends to run a study group. Much to his surprise, Britta doesn’t come alone, and the pretend study group becomes a real thing full of interesting characters played by an incredible cast — Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover, Alison Brie, Danny Pudi, Jim Rash, Chevy Chase, and Ken Jeong. With its clever writing and use of meta-humor and pop culture references, all six seasons of this popular sitcom are a delight to watch.
Watch it on Prime Video.
13.Dexter (2006–13)
Crime dramas are often a big television hit. Following the detectives and crime analysts as they gather evidence to catch the bad guy is exciting. But this Showtime original series is a little different. Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) works with his sister, Detective Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter), at the Miami Metro Police Department as a blood-spatter analyst. Charming, smart, and fun, Dexter leads a complex double life, using his expertise to help solve crimes and also to commit some of his own as a serial killer. But he doesn’t kill just anyone. His personal code of honor allows him to target only bad guys who escaped justice. The inner turmoil Dexter experiences as he struggles with his compulsion to kill and his desire to be a good person carries this series for eight great seasons. Well, seven great seasons and one divisive eighth season that fans are still disturbed over. Catch them all now so you can dive into the reboot, Dexter: New Blood.
Watch it on Prime Video.
14.Do, Re & Mi (2021–)
In the midst of a pandemic where kids are stuck inside more than usual, a new animated series feels like a godsend. Do, Re & Mi centers on the musical adventures of three feathered besties, voiced by Kristen Bell, Jackie Tohn, and Luke Youngblood. Each episode is split into two adventures that feature original songs that span genres. Through music, preschoolers will learn not only a lot of fun tunes but also how to work through different emotions and solve problems.
Watch it on Prime Video.
15.The Expanse (2015–)
We’re 200 years in the future. The UN controls Earth, and Mars is an independent military power. Air and water are scarce resources and are found only on the asteroid belt. Tensions are high at the series’ opening, and things quickly escalate. When a rich girl goes missing, a hardened detective and rogue ship captain come together to expose a larger conspiracy. This sci-fi political thriller originally aired on Syfy but was canceled in 2018 after Season 3. Amazon, at the ready, scooped it up for Season 4, and the show hasn’t missed a beat. The series features an impressive cast, which includes Thomas Jane (Hung, The Mist), Steven Strait (The Covenant), Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Punisher, Star Trek Beyond), Dominique Tipper (The Girl With All the Gifts), Cas Anvar (How to Get Away With Murder, The Strain), and Chad L. Coleman (All American, The Walking Dead). If your sci-fi palate has been underwhelmed since the end of Battlestar Galactica, you’ll be more than happy with this show.
Watch it on Prime Video.
16.Fairfax (2021–)
If you’ve ever sat around with your friends poking fun at influencers on Instagram and all of the random trends that keep popping up, then you’ll find this new adult animated comedy series hilarious. The show follows four middle school best friends on their quest for clout in the heart of hypebeast culture: Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. The series pokes fun at today’s culture and the need to flex in order to seem cooler than you actually are. Created and executive-produced by best friends Matthew Hausfater, Aaron Buchsbaum, and Teddy Riley, the series touches on everything from the pressure of establishing a social media presence to standing in line for the chance to cop the new sneaker drop. Main voices include Skyler Gisondo (Santa Clarita Diet), Kiersey Clemons (Dope), Peter S. Kim, and Jaboukie Young-White. It also features actors Billy Porter, Zoey Deutch, Camila Mendes, Rob Delaney, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ben Schwartz, and more.
Watch it on Prime Video.
17.Farscape (1999–2003)
If you’re a sci-fi fan who loves to dip into a good classic on a weekend, this show is a good contender. Farscape is an Australian-American science fiction epic series about an astronaut on an experimental space mission who gets lost after traveling through a wormhole right in the middle of an intergalactic conflict. With no time to figure out how to get back to Earth, he quickly has to figure out how to survive uncharted territories, navigating new allies and new enemies. The show ran in the late ’90s and early ’00s, so it’s filled with deliciously corny effects (you simply love to see). The series was canceled after its fourth season and fans rioted, leaving the Sci-Fi Channel with no choice but to offer a bit of fan service and create the miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars. If you’re a fan of the genre but haven’t seen this show, you’re in for a special treat.
Watch it on Prime Video.
18.Flack (2019–)
I’ve always wondered how far PR agents would go to protect the images of their clients. While I suspect this show is an exaggerated version (it is), something tells me it’s not far from the truth. Anna Paquin (True Blood) stars as Robyn, an American publicist working in London. Robyn is a great public relations flack, excellent at covering her clients’ bad behavior and protecting their public image. But when it comes to her own life, let’s just say she could use a crisis manager of her own. Originally, the show aired on Viacom CBS’s Pop TV, but the network pulled the plug on the series days before its Season 2 premiere. Their loss is our gain — now we get Paquin in all of her antihero glory, stooping to some rather despicable (albeit entertaining) lows to protect her clients. Here she joins the ranks of Walter White in Breaking Bad, Nancy Botwin in Weeds, and Jason Bateman in Ozark.
Watch it on Prime Video.
19.Fleabag (2016–19)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays a maladjusted woman processing grief and guilt following the death of her friend in this bitingly funny series adapted from a one-woman play of the same name. While Fleabag's first season was a quiet, critical darling, its second (and last) had the whole internet clamoring for the "hot priest" and awards organizations lavishing it with every statuette under the sun. (This series is the first British-made show to win an Emmy for Best Comedy Series.) There's no doubt that the Amazon show served as a tremendous launchpad for Waller-Bridge, who has since acted in the film Solo: A Star Wars Story and, more recently, cough, a Harry Styles music video for his Fine Line track "Treat People With Kindness."
Watch it on Prime Video.
20.Goliath (2016–21)
I was three episodes deep before I realized I liked this show, mainly because the series propels you into a story that gives you no choice but to see how it unfolds. As an avid fan of legal dramas and a Law & Order: SVU connoisseur, I can’t promise you that this show will add something revolutionary to the genre. What I can say is that it is a competitive installment with a cast of characters that help the lead maintain the attention of the audience. Billy Bob Thornton stars as Billy McBride, a once-powerful, now-disgraced lawyer who jumps back into the courtroom to take on a wrongful death suit, which will lead him to face off against his former law firm. McBride has the gift of gab, as do most lawyers. He’s a sweet-talker and has a way of getting what he needs from people. A few things are clear at the start of the series: He was a big-shot lawyer, and for some unknown reason, he’s not anymore. Thornton isn’t new to the antihero role, which makes it no surprise that the Academy Award winner melts over the character effortlessly. Equally, if not more, delightful is the assortment of supporting cast members scattered throughout this gritty crime show, including William Hurt, Maria Bello, Dennis Quaid, Jena Malone, and J.K. Simmons. There’s no better time to sink your teeth into this series, wedged somewhere between Your Honor and The Good Wife.
Watch it on Prime Video.
21.Good Omens (2019–)
After numerous attempts at an adaptation, the 30-year-old comic fantasy novel of the same name, cowritten by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, finally found its home on Amazon — and it was well worth the wait. David Tennant and Michael Sheen star as Crowley and Aziraphale, a demon and an angel who are trying to prevent Armageddon. The Antichrist has been born, and this unholy bromance is on a mission to sabotage the end-times by interfering in the child's upbringing with hopes of postponing the apocalypse so they can continue living the earthly lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed. Nominated for three Primetime Emmys, this whimsical tale is filled with so many characters to fall in love with, played by top-notch actors including Frances McDormand (Nomadland), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), Michael McKean (Better Call Saul), and Brian Cox (Succession). The series is beautifully shot, ridding us of the stereotypical dark and shadowy scenes in which you can barely tell what’s happening. It’s comical, with witty scripting and British humor that turns what should be a perilous time for the world into quite an exciting ride.
Watch it on Prime Video.
22.Grimm (2011–17)
A police drama inspired by Grimms’ Fairy Tales? Yes, please! Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) is a homicide detective for the Portland PD. After a visit from his aunt, Nick’s world turns upside down when he finds out he’s descended from a long line of monster hunters known as Grimms. As a Grimm, Nick can see things that others can’t, including the half-human, half-mythological creatures known as Wesen. Now Nick has to figure out how to balance his role as a detective and his role as a Grimm, which doesn’t always leave him on the right side of the law. Each episode starts with an excerpt from a fairy tale that gives a hint at what the theme of the episode will be. If you’re into crime shows and the supernatural, this show offers a healthy serving of both. FWIW, Grimm was labeled TV's "most engaging" show by Nielsen back in 2011.
Watch it on Prime Video (all six seasons are available to stream for free with a Prime membership).
23.Half & Half (2002–06)
This early-'00s sitcom focuses on the lives of half sisters who don’t have much in common except for their father. Rachel True (The Craft) plays Mona, a free-spirited music exec, and Essence Atkins (Marlon, A Haunted House) plays Dee Dee, a recent college graduate and aspiring attorney. The two become neighbors in their father’s apartment building in order to develop a closer relationship. Getting to know each other proves to be challenging as they navigate familial issues and heal old wounds. This is further complicated by the ongoing feud between their mothers, brilliantly portrayed by Telma Hopkins and Valarie Pettiford. With relatable sibling struggles and a great cast, it’s easy to see why this show was the second-most-watched show on its former network for four seasons.
Watch it on Prime Video.
24.Hanna (2019–)
Action series have proved to be one of Amazon's greatest strengths in original programming, and Hanna is another strong entry in their portfolio. Based on the 2011 movie of the same name, the series takes a slightly different approach to its 15-year-old protagonist. Hanna (Esmé Creed-Miles) is a young girl living in the forest with Erik (Joel Kinnaman), a former CIA agent who recruited pregnant women for a program called Utrax, which altered DNA in the babies born to turn them into supersoldiers. (It’s always the CIA, isn’t it?) After falling in love with her mother, Erik rescues Hanna from the program, raising and training her in isolation. As Hanna begins to wonder more about herself and the world around her, she exposes herself to the CIA and Marissa (Mireille Enos), the agent who has been looking for her since she was taken. Now on the run, Hanna is thrust into the possibility of a new life and the challenge of staying alive to experience it. Great action sequences and character development — not to mention the beautiful locations where the series was filmed, including Hungary, Germany, Spain, and Morocco — make this series a must-watch. You'll breeze through all three seasons in no time.
Watch it on Prime Video.
25.Harlem (2021–)
Living Single, Girlfriends, Insecure — there can never be enough TV shows that revolve around sisterhood. Set in New York’s Black culture mecca, Harlem follows a group of four friends as they navigate their lives, loves, and careers. From Girls Trip writer Tracy Oliver, the show illustrates a familiar story surrounding the thirtysomething quartet of characters who — after attending college together — are heading into the next phase of their lives. You’ll quickly find a character you recognize within your own friend group, or that you identify with yourself. Maybe you’re a little like Camille, a young anthropology professor who can give a complete lecture on the dating culture in random parts of the world but can’t seem to get her own dating life together. Then there’s Tye, the creator of a successful queer dating app who's helping everyone find love while she keeps her own romantic partners at arm’s length. Quinn is a hopeless romantic, bomb designer, and philanthropist with a struggling business. And then there’s Angie, a vibrant singer-actor who lives on Quinn’s couch rent-free. It’s a little of this, a little of that, and a little Sex and the City with a whole lot more flavor. It’s definitely one to watch, and if you can, watch it with your own circle of friends.
Watch it on Prime Video.
26.House (2004–12)
Two-time Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie shines in this medical drama as Dr. Gregory House. At the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey, House and his team of young diagnosticians take on the most mysterious cases and work diligently to save their patients’ lives while simultaneously stressing out the dean of medicine. Although incredibly brilliant, House is also antisocial, arrogant, rude, and addicted to painkillers. With interesting cases, great character development, and a slew of celebrity guest stars (Michael B. Jordan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amanda Seyfried, and Evan Peters, just to name a few), this Emmy Award–winning show will not let you down. So settle in with some popcorn and get ready to find out why it’s never lupus.
Watch it on Prime Video.
27.Humans (2015–18)
Ah, nothing like having your half-baked fantasies of living among robots totally spoiled. In this series, humanoids — known as Synths — have been integrated into human society, and as it goes with most shows in this vein, things take a bit of a turn for the worst. Humans, which stars (a pre–Marvel and Crazy Rich Asians) Gemma Chan, will make you rethink how much you rely on technology and, ultimately, arrive at a definition of what it means to be human. While this AMC series drew obvious thematic comparisons to HBO's (mammoth in comparison) Westworld, some critics argued at the time that Humans was, in fact, the superior robot TV show. Not only does the series offer up a fresh perspective on “the rise of the machines,” but it may just have you questioning Alexa’s motives the next time she tells you the weather.
Watch it on Prime Video.
28.I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021–)
I know what you’re thinking because I thought the same thing: Why are we still remaking cult classics? Some of us are still burned by the remake of The Craft. However, this Amazon Original, while remaining true to the premise of the ’90s horror franchise, has enough of its own spin to stand alone as a bingeable delight, just in time for Halloween. It’s graduation night, and everyone who's anyone is in attendance at a raging graduation party — a last hoorah before heading off to their prospective universities. Similar to the I Know What You Did Last Summer film (based on the novel of the same name), after a fatal car accident, a group of friends are bound by a secret that turns deadly as they discover they’re being stalked by a brutal killer one year later who ~knows what they did last summer~. But figuring out who’s stalking them isn’t the only secret that’ll be uncovered. At Comic-Con@Home, writer, executive producer, and showrunner Sara Goodman (Gossip Girl, Outsiders, Preacher) said that fans of the film can expect a lot of blood, and little Easter eggs planted throughout the series for diehards to enjoy. The series has also been touched by producer James Wan, co-creator of Saw and director of Insidious, The Conjuring, and Malignant. So it’s safe to say that if you’re a fan of horror, this series is worth your attention. You don’t have to watch the films in order to enjoy the series, but doing so won’t ruin your experience either.
Watch it on Prime Video.
29.Invincible (2021–)
Adult animated superhero series? Before you roll your eyes at this concept, you'll want to consider that this critically acclaimed series is one of the most watched new shows on Amazon. Based on the comic series by The Walking Dead co-creator Robert Kirkman, Invincible delivers a great story, action-packed sequences, and stellar performances. Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) is a 17-year-old boy whose father happens to be the world’s most powerful superhero, Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons). As Mark begins to develop powers of his own, he soon discovers the super life is not as heroic as he thought. Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t hand out a 98% rating for just anything, and Invincible is well deserving of that score.
Watch it on Prime Video.
30.Just Add Magic (2015–19)
When Kelly and her two besties, Darbie and Hannah, find her grandmother’s cookbook in the attic, they're alarmed to learn that it's actually packed with potion recipes — from "shut 'em up" shortcakes (that work wonders on Kelly’s younger brother) to healing hazelnut tarts (that heal Darbie’s ankle). With great power comes great responsibility, and the girls now have to learn how to use the cookbook for good while keeping it out of the wrong hands. Think Charmed, but for tweens. If you have kids or younger siblings and you need a safe-for-kids show to watch that’s also interesting enough to hold your attention too, go ahead and add this one to the queue.
Watch it on Prime Video.
31.The Legend of Vox Machina (2022–)
If you’ve ever wanted a taste of what players love about Dungeons & Dragons, look no further. This adult animated fantasy series follows Vox Machina, a band of rowdy misfits turned mercenaries for hire when a dark magical force threatens the realm of Exandria. Certified fresh, the series is based on the first campaign by the D&D web series Critical Role, in which a group of nerdy friends and voice actors livestream their adventures in real time. Three episodes drop each week, with 12 total in the first season. It’s raunchy, funny, and filled with friendship and camaraderie, as well as some really gory but awesome battle scenes. And once you’re done with all the episodes, you can dive into the dozens of hours of game play available to watch online. The show might even inspire you to start your own D&D play with your circle of friends.
Watch it on Prime Video.
32.Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls (2022)
Lizzo has been a huge advocate for "body neutrality." In her videos and her performances, she’s had curvy dancers share her stage, and now she’s on the hunt for even more. In this series, Lizzo is looking for a new group of "Big Girrrl" dancers for her next tour. Thirteen candidates will arrive, but not everyone will make the cut. If you live on Lizzo’s TikTok and find yourself shouting out “Yasssss” with every Instagram post, then you’ll love this show. It breaks down the stigma of what women with big bodies can do, who they can be, and what they can achieve. It’s an inspiring show that offers a lot of laughs and heartfelt emotion as it promotes plus-size people living their best unapologetic life. It’s the better side of reality TV and doesn't get sucked into the pettiness that other shows cause and sometimes even orchestrate. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself trying to learn the choreography in your living room. I’m sure there’s a TikTok, too.
Watch it on Prime Video.
33.Lorena (2019)
This four-part docuseries from executive producer Jordan Peele revisits the notorious trial of the '90s involving a woman (Lorena Bobbitt) who was quick to be painted by the masses as hysterical after cutting off her husband John Wayne Bobbitt’s penis and tossing it in a Virginia field. Not unlike the recent documentary Framing Britney Spears or the second season of the Slow Burn podcast, spotlighting Monica Lewinsky and the Bill Clinton impeachment, Lorena is laser-focused on the media's failures in the '90s and '00s — specifically in its mistreatment of women. In dialogue with the #MeToo movement, the doc allows viewers to reexamine the incident with clear eyes decades later and understand how far we've come (and how much further we have to go) in our treatment of domestic violence survivors.
Watch it on Prime Video.
34.Lost in Oz (2015–18)
Who doesn’t love a good twist on a classic? Dorothy finds her mother’s magical journal beneath the floorboards of her house. The book triggers a tornado and begins to uproot the house with Dorothy inside, transporting Dorothy and her dog, Toto, to the city of Oz. Sound familiar? Well, in this version of the story, Oz is a modern-day metropolis. In order to get back home, Dorothy has to follow the Yellow Brick Line train system to secure magic elements. But resources are scarce because Oz is in a magic crisis. So Dorothy sets out to find Glinda the Good in hopes that she can give Dorothy the magic she needs to get back home to Kansas. Though this series clearly has a younger demographic in mind, it has just enough of a nostalgia factor to keep parents and older siblings engaged (and possibly feeling rather ancient).
Watch it on Prime Video.
35.LuLaRich (2021)
From the documentarians who brought you Fyre Fraud, Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, this four-part docuseries chronicles the rise and implosion of LuLaRoe, a fashion brand known for its buttery-soft leggings and wild patterns. It was geared toward women, especially young mothers, as a work-from-home career that would allow them to spend time with their family and earn a lot of cash in the process. However, the fine print is that this company turned out to be a pyramid scheme in cheap clothing. I even know of a few people who sold and bought something from the brand in its early days. Through exclusive interviews, including eye-opening interviews with the CEOs, this docuseries yanks the thread of how one woman went from selling clothes out of the trunk of her car to growing a $1 billion company to being submerged in lawsuits. And if you google it, you’ll see the company is still alive. Yikes!
Watch it on Prime Video.
36.Making the Cut (2020–)
When Project Runway first hit the scene, it gave viewers a glimpse into the world behind high fashion, but it was heavy on the competition. Making the Cut focuses more on the art of fashion, leaving behind traditional reality show storylines. Project Runway also features entry-level designers, whereas Making the Cut tends to feature more seasoned designers with concrete style identities. The winners in this series, produced and hosted by Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, walk away with $1 million and a chance to sell their collection on Amazon Fashion. Season 1 features guest judges Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, and Joseph Altuzarra, while Season 2 brings in Winnie Harlow and Jeremy Scott. The designs sent out on the runway are reason enough to enjoy this title. I personally love that each designer has to make both a runway look and an accessible look, some of which are immediately available on Amazon after the episode. It makes what used to feel out of reach tangible for the average person. The styles sent out on the runway are absolutely beautiful and make each episode worthwhile.
Watch it on Prime Video.
37.The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–)
Enter one of Amazon’s most popular original series. Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) is the quintessential '50s housewife living in an elegant apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Life is good until her husband, a wannabe comedian, leaves her for his secretary. Devastated, a drunk Midge finds herself onstage at a comedy club, where she tells her story in a way that leaves the audience in stitches. After moving with her two small children into her parents’ house, Midge gets a day job at a local department store and begins her unconventional career as a stand-up comedian managed by her new friend Susie (Alex Borstein). Winner of 20 Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes, including Best Musical or Comedy TV Series, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a visual delight captivating viewers with incredible set design, costumes, and a well-written story.
Watch it on Prime Video.
38.Moesha (1996–2001)
Mo to the E to the — Moesha is a coming-of-age story starring R&B icon Brandy. Following the life of a middle-class family in Los Angeles, it remains an important cultural text as one of the few major sitcoms to center on dark-skinned Black girls with natural hair and address everyday, human issues outside the realm of trauma. In case you need reminding, it was also absolutely packed with great guest-star appearances, including Bernie Mac (The Bernie Mac Show), who played Moesha’s uncle; Usher; Jamie Foxx (Soul, Project Power); Jason Winston George (Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19); Kobe Bryant; Gabrielle Union (L.A.’s Finest, Being Mary Jane); Lil’ Kim; and Maya Angelou. Everything about this '90s sitcom, from the writing to the acting, feels authentic in its depiction of Black life.
Watch it on Prime Video.
39.Mozart in the Jungle (2014–18)
Fill in the blank: Sex, Drugs, and _____. If you said “rock 'n' roll,” you’re wrong! The correct answer is Classical Music, the title of the memoir by Blair Tindall that this series is based on. Brought to the screen by Roman Coppola (yes, those Coppolas), Alex Timbers, and Jason Schwartzman, this half-hour comedy-drama series follows the experiences of the accomplished musicians who make up the New York Symphony. Hailey Rutledge (Lola Kirke) is an oboist with ambitions to make her mark in music as a member of the symphony, which has a new, young, eccentric conductor, Rodrigo De Souza (Gael Garcia Bernal). This behind-the-scenes look at the lives of musicians navigating the concrete jungle of New York is fresh and fun. The acting is superb, with interesting characters portrayed by some of the best in the business, like Saffron Burrows, Malcolm McDowell, and Bernadette Peters. Mozart in the Jungle sits at a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. You’ll easily binge all four seasons of this engaging tale of self-discovery and love as the characters learn to balance what is best for themselves with what is best for the music.
Watch it on Prime Video.
40.One Mississippi (2015–17)
There's nothing particularly new about a comedian mining their personal life for fodder — but how many can say they were able to spin the worst year of their life into a successful memoir (I'm Just a Person), Netflix documentary (Tig), and semi-autobiographical Amazon Original (One Mississippi)? This is the magic and singularity of the hilarious, straight-shooting comedian Tig Notaro. Co-created and written by Diablo Cody (Juno, Young Adult, Tully) and featuring direction by Nicole Holofcener (Enough Said), One Mississippi (the most recent iteration of Notaro's story) finds Tig "Bavaro" returning to her hometown of Bay St. Lucille, Mississippi, to take her dying mother off life support. While battling her own health issues, Tig is forced to deal with uncomfortable truths about herself and her family. This tale of grief feels real and relatable, thanks to input from people who know Notaro best, including her partner, Stephanie Allynne, and friend Rebecca Walker. If you’ve ever lost someone, you’ll be able to cry and laugh with Tig as she strives to move forward and reconnect with her family.
Watch it on Prime Video.
41.Orphan Black (2013–17)
This Canadian sci-fi thriller follows petty criminal Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) as she assumes the identity of a dead woman she has an uncanny resemblance to in hopes of making some quick cash. Little does she know, she is about to make the earth-shattering discovery that she's actually a clone. Unable to just walk away, Sarah searches for answers, meeting several of her sisters along the way. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her journey becomes. You’ll be blown away by Maslany’s portrayal of each clone, performances that earned her three Emmy nominations and a long-overdue win. While the show's ratings during its five-season run were nothing to write home about, it attracted a loud and dedicated fanbase online known as #CloneClub.
Watch it on Prime Video.
42.*Outer Range (2022–)
The Abbots are a ranch family trying to cope with the disappearance of their daughter-in-law, Rebecca. Thanos — oh, excuse me — Josh Brolin plays Royal, the patriarch of the family who stumbles upon a mysterious black void within the Wyoming wilderness they call home. But there’s more than just the void to be concerned with after an untimely death rocks the community and fuels a family feud. The show carries a slow pace like a traditional Western drama, but your need for answers to both mysteries — the void and the crime — will keep you going until the end. The ensemble cast includes Imogen Poots (I Know This Much Is True) and Lili Taylor (Perry Mason). Two episodes will drop each week after the premiere, so you’ll have plenty of time to theorize what you think is really going on.
Watch it on Prime Video starting April 15.
43.The Outlaws (2022–)
This six-episode comedy-crime thriller is another installment of stories revolving around a band of misfits who form an unlikely bond while working together to get themselves out of a bit of a mess. After getting into legal trouble, seven strangers are tossed together to restore a community center in Bristol, England, as punishment. After one of the workers finds a bag of money on the job, they’re sucked into the world of organized crime. The Outlaws was released in the UK last year and has now arrived stateside. It’s an old formula, but the show still carries enough to be a formidable option to add to your watchlist. Co-created by Stephen Merchant (The Office) and Elgin James (Mayans M.C.) this fun, yet sometimes dark, series will have you on the edge of your seat in either suspense or laughter.
Watch it on Prime Video.
44.Panic (2021)
If you’re at the end of Cruel Summer and are panicking about what you’ll watch once the season ends, then look no further than Amazon’s latest YA series, Panic. The show is an adaptation of Lauren Oliver’s bestselling novel of the same name. She also wrote the adaptation and serves as the show’s executive producer, along with Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Adam Schroeder. The story is set in Carp, Texas, a small and unextraordinary town filled with recent high school graduates who are itching to get out. Each summer, a group of these teens compete in a secret game with dangerous challenges in hopes of walking away with the grand prize — enough money to hit the road and get a head start on their future. The game is unpredictable, and this year the rules have changed, and the pot is the highest it’s ever been. In Panic, the only way to win is to face your deepest and darkest fears. How far will the teenagers go to take home the $50,000 prize? And is this secret game the only secret dwelling in this small town? Starring familiar faces Mike Faist (West Side Story, Dear Evan Hansen), Olivia Welch (Unbelievable, Modern Family), Jessica Sula (Split, Skins), and Ray Nicholson (Promising Young Woman), among others, this one-hour drama is made for fans of Nerve and The Hunger Games.
Watch it on Prime Video.
45.Phat Tuesdays (2022)
Take a trip back to the '90s and learn about the rise of hip-hop comedy and the under-recognized cultural moment of Phat Tuesdays, championed by comedian and executive producer Guy Torry. Some of the hottest comedians and celebrities came through the doors of the Comedy Store, a legendary venue for comedians on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood that was also predominantly white. When Torry launched the all-Black comedy night, the culture of the space shifted and ushered in a wave of opportunities for young Black talent. You’ll hear stories from Anthony Anderson, Tichina Arnold, Nick Cannon, Dave Chappelle, Snoop Dogg, Cedric the Entertainer, Tiffany Haddish, Steve Harvey, Lil Rel Howery, Regina King, Jo Koy, Luenell, Flame Monroe, Jay Pharoah, Craig Robinson, J.B. Smoove, Chris Tucker, Kym Whitley, and more.
Watch it on Prime Video.
46.Poldark (2015–19)
Capt. Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) returns home to Cornwall after the American War of Independence in 1783. His presence shocks family and friends, as they all assumed he was dead. In the three years since he left, his father has died, his estate is in shambles, and the love of his life is engaged to his cousin. Ross must begin the hard work of rebuilding his life with new alliances, business opportunities, and even new love. Adapted from the novels of Winston Graham, this historical drama series does more than give us one man’s story — it explores concepts like status, wealth, and familial bonds. Interestingly, this is the second adaptation of these novels, the first airing in 1975. I guess the BBC couldn’t get enough, and after watching all five seasons, you’ll know why.
Watch it on Prime Video.
47.Psych (2006–14)
Phew, after that series, you’re going to need a pick-me-up. Enter Psych, which pushes the expression "Fake it till you make it" to its absolute comedic limit. Shawn Spencer (James Roday) cons his way into working as a detective for the Santa Barbara Police Department by making everyone think he has psychic powers that can help them solve crimes. He reels in his best friend, Burton "Gus" Guster (Dulé Hill), to help with the cases, and it's here where the show really throws away the tired procedural script and goes to some truly colorful places in the name of "buddy comedy." Take, for example, “Dual Spires," a favorite Season 5 episode that pays homage to Twin Peaks and brings in supporting cast members like Catherine E. Coulson, Sheryl Lee, and Ray Wise; or Season 2's “American Duos," which satirizes a particular reality television singing format that persists today.
Watch it on Prime Video.
48.Reacher (2022–)
Alan Ritchson stars as Jack Reacher, a veteran military-police investigator turned civilian. After drifting to the small town of Margrave, Georgia, he becomes the prime suspect in a homicide — the first homicide the community has seen in 20 years. While Reacher works to prove his innocence, he stumbles upon a deep-seated conspiracy that’ll require his unique set of skills to uncover. Adapted for television by Emmy-nominated writer Nick Santora (Scorpion, Prison Break), Season 1 is based on Lee Child’s first Jack Reacher novel, Killing Floor. The action drama soared to Prime Video's top five for most-watched programs immediately upon premiering — which might explain why it’s already been renewed for Season 2. The cast also includes our favorite cop from iZombie, Malcolm Goodwin, and Scream: The TV Series’ Willa Fitzgerald.
Watch it on Prime Video.
49.Reading Rainbow (1983–2015)
It would be wrong not to pass on the tradition of this beloved, LeVar Burton–helmed show to your littles. In it, Burton brings books to life and (rather discreetly) helps kids improve their reading comprehension skills in the process. Sure, you'll find plenty of content to keep young ones engaged, but a steady stream of celebrity guests (everyone from Patrick Stewart to Run-DMC to Jeff Bridges), popular music of the time, and a swell of nostalgia will keep adults invested too. Love for the show is still very much in the air — in 2014, Kickstarter history was made when a campaign to produce new Reading Rainbow interactive books and video field trips hit its initial goal of $1 million in just 24 hours ($5.41 million had been pledged by its close).
Watch it on Prime Video (the first two seasons are available to stream for free with a Prime membership, while each of seasons 3–12 can be purchased for $1.99).
50.Scrubs (2001–10)
This 2000s Emmy Award–winning series is both hilarious and one of the most medically realistic shows. Not simply because of the procedures depicted on the show, but because of the journey of its main characters. The show focuses on a group of medical students who are starting their internship at Sacred Heart Hospital, a teaching hospital. The slapstick comedy focuses mostly on the point of view of J.D., played by Zach Braff, who narrates most episodes and breaks off into inner monologues to talk through insecurities, much like a real medical student would. The series, which scored an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, also includes fantasy cutaways, dancing, jokes, and so many quotables. Along with Braff, the cast includes Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins, John C. McGinley, and Judy Reyes. And, as with any medical show, it is filled with guest-star appearances from top-notch actors, including Brendan Fraser, Ryan Reynolds, Elizabeth Banks, Scott Foley, and Colin Farrell. If you’re a fan of medical dramas or comedies based on real professions, like Parks and Recreation and Superstore, you’ll enjoy Scrubs, too.
Watch it on Prime Video.
51.September Mornings (2021–)
Cassandra is an independent Afro-Latina transgender woman set on realizing her dreams. She’s working as a motorbike courier in downtown São Paulo and has finally landed her very own studio apartment, something she’s wanted for a long time. She has a boyfriend she adores and has fulfilled her dream of performing songs by Vanusa, a Brazilian singer who was a huge hit in the '70s. Hopeful about what the future might bring, she receives a knock at the door to find an old friend, Leide, standing with 10-year-old Gersinho, Cassandra’s son. Brazilian soul singer Liniker makes her acting debut as Cassandra, who has to decide if she’s willing to risk losing everything she’s worked for to make room in her life for her son, or if her life will be even more fulfilled by embracing the idea of having a child. The series is stripped down, filmed with a gritty style of storytelling that places you inside both Cassandra’s story and the culture of Brazil. The show delves into the experience of being a Black trans person as well as Cassandra’s struggle of reconciling who she is now with traditional norms of parenting. Cassandra just wants to feel free in who she is, and you’ll find yourself rooting for that freedom and her happiness, even if that means a sad ending for everyone else.
Watch it on Prime Video.
52.Small Axe (2020)
If you were shocked to learn how the royals treated Meghan Markle, then you'd probably benefit from a deep dive into Britain's racist history — and this anthology series is a great place to start. Academy Award–winning director Steve McQueen paints a brutal, necessary portrait of discrimination in London toward West Indian communities. The series title is a bold declaration derived from the African proverb “If you are the big tree, we are the small ax.” McQueen, who is both Grenadian and Trinidadian, crafted stories rich with Afro-Caribbean culture. The episodes don’t necessarily connect in their stories, but you'll find thematic through lines that trace police brutality, code-switching, and anti-Blackness. By its end, you'll have no problem seeing why this show, with powerful performances from Black Panther’s Letitia Wright and Star Wars’ John Boyega, won the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries.
Watch it on Prime Video.
53.Solos (2021)
From first-time director David Weil, Solos is an aptly named anthology series showcasing solo performances from some of your favorite actors. It's anchored in themes central to what it means to be human, including the strange, beautiful, heartbreaking, and hilarious moments we experience. The episodes dip into time travel, artificial intelligence bots, illegal memory transplants, sketchy smart homes, and more. And not to brag, but the series includes performances by Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Helen Mirren, Constance Wu, Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black, Mrs. America), Dan Stevens (Downton Abby), Nicole Beharie (Sleepy Hollow, Miss Juneteenth), and your new fave, Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier). I mean, need I say more? Okay, I will. Viewers who loved both the original Twilight Zone and Jordan Peele's revival will definitely enjoy this show.
Watch it on Prime Video.
54.Suits (2011–19)
College dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) dazzles his way through an interview to become an associate for a high-powered New York City attorney in this guilty-pleasure USA Network series. Will his spongelike memory and natural brilliance be enough to carry him through the big leagues? Only time will tell! The series features a supporting performance from Meghan Markle — a marquee name that has no doubt contributed to its success as one of cable’s highest-rated programs — as Mike’s fiancé and coworker, Rachel Zane. After a seven-year run, Markle left the show to become a full-time royal, which changed the dynamic but gave room for new characters to be brought in.
Watch it on Prime Video.
55.SuperMansion (2016–19)
If you’re a fan of superheroes, satire, and politically incorrect humor, you’re going to like this one. Bryan Cranston serves as executive producer and star of this stop-motion animated comedy series from creators Matthew Senreich and Zeb Wells. It follows Titanium Rex (Cranston), the aging leader of the League of Freedom, a group of superheroes who live together at the SuperMansion and fight crime and battle supervillains — members of the group the Injustice Club. While Rex has been at his position for a very long time, he’s struggling to stay relevant as times change. Things get even harder when Congress cracks down on the group by cutting their funding, and the public turns on them after many of their nemeses escape. Praised for its amazing plotlines and action sequences, SuperMansion also delivers with smart writing accentuated by a star-studded cast that includes Heidi Gardner, Keegan-Michael Key, Jillian Bell, Yvette Nicole Brown, Breckin Meyer, Seth Green, and Chris Pine. With its sometimes raunchy content, this series and its heroes are not for the kiddos. But for those of us who remember Y2K, watching all three seasons will be an enjoyable experience.
Watch it on Prime Video.
56.Tampa Baes (2021–)
If you’ve ever been curious about what the lesbian scene looks like in Florida’s Tampa Bay, look no further. In this series, we meet a group of 12 lesbian friends navigating relationships while overcoming personal challenges and maintaining their social status. At first glance, it’s hard to ignore that the series lacks a bit of seasoning, and it's been called out for its lack of dark-skinned cast members as well as butch and nonbinary lesbians. Aside from that elephant in the room, the unscripted series has still been well received by people who crave the messy and unnecessarily complicated lives of reality TV stars. A lot of the drama surrounds the two “It couples” and the friends stuck in the middle of their battle for the crown, which can be a little ridiculous at times — but it’s the petty mess we love. Outside of that, there are a few tender moments where we gain more insight into the backgrounds of some of the cast members as they discuss culture and identity, gain support while coming out to a family, share their struggles with anxiety, and more. And if nothing else, it’ll make you want to visit Florida just to hit up some of the hot spots the show features.
Watch it on Prime Video.
57.Teen Wolf (2011–17)
In this supernatural teen drama, Tyler Posey (Jane the Virgin, Smallville) stars as Scott McCall, a high school student who gets bitten by a creature while searching the woods for a dead body with his best friend, Stiles (Dylan O’Brien). Later, Scott turns into a werewolf and has to get a crash course in the supernatural, including how to control his animalistic anger around his high school crush, Allison. Scott is sucked into drama within a world he just recently became a part of. Unsure of whom to trust, Scott has to trust his instincts and his best friend to figure out what’s going on in Beacon Hills and how he fits into it. Teen Wolf is MTV’s longest-running scripted show — longer than Daria, even. The series wrapped up its sixth, final season around the same time as The Vampire Diaries, which left a nice space for CW’s Legacies to make a home among teen supernatural dramas. But Posey remains hopeful that they’ll be able to revive the series one day.
Watch it on Prime Video.
58.Them (2021–)
Since Get Out's critical and box office success in 2017, there’s been a steady stream of horror narratives similarly illustrating that racism is scarier than just about any supernatural force (think: Lovecraft Country, Antebellum, Bad Hair), and this limited anthology series, created by Little Marvin (and executive-produced by Lena Waithe), is the latest entry. Set in the 1950s, the first season, titled Covenant, chronicles the Emory family, who move from the Jim Crow South and settle into an all-white suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles during a period known as the Great Migration. When the neighborhood welcoming committee, led by the sinister counsel of housewife Betty Wendell (Alison Pill), get wind of the new Black family, they make it their utmost mission to raise hell. The 10-episode season is as packed with filmmaking talent as it is with ideas (visceral, brutal images, often accompanied by trigger warnings). In other words, it's sure to elicit a wide range of responses — early reviews indicate it already has — from its viewers.
Available to watch on Prime Video.
59.Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (2018–)
One of Amazon’s most watched original series stars John Krasinski (The Office) as Jack Ryan, a former Marine turned CIA analyst. Thinking he’s there to work a desk, Ryan uncovers a series of suspicious transactions that catapult him into a dangerous assignment that takes him from behind the desk and into the field. Although Krasinksi is not the first to portray Tom Clancy’s hero, this adaptation for television still feels fresh. There is no lack of action or special effects in this big-budget show. With Season 3 set to be released this year, this one should be at the top of your watchlist.
Watch it on Prime Video.
60.Transparent (2014–19)
Despite the name of this series, the only thing that’s transparent about the Pfefferman family is that they are dysfunctional. After father Morton Pfefferman, played by Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), announces to his family that he identifies as a woman and is now Maura Pfefferman, things begin to unravel as the secrets in everyone's life slowly start to be revealed. As Maura finds freedom in her fully realized identity, the rest of the family is forced to examine their own lives to discover what it is they truly want. The show was created by Jill Soloway, who is the child of a trans parent and served as inspiration for the story. Hailed as one of the first shows to put Amazon’s original programming on the map, this Emmy Award–winning series touches on family dynamics and gender and sexual fluidity through an ensemble cast including Tony and Emmy Award winner Judith Light (The Politician), Amy Landecker (Your Honor), Jay Duplass (Search Party), Gaby Hoffmann (Girls), Alexandra Billings (The Conners), Kathryn Hahn (WandaVision), and Melora Hardin (The Bold Type).
Watch it on Prime Video.
61.The Underground Railroad (2021)
Academy Award–winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk) adapts Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel of the same name for this limited series, which chronicles Cora Randall, who has run away from slavery, and her journey to freedom in the antebellum South. In it, the Underground Railroad is reimagined into a literal locomotive that runs underground, stopping at different stations to transport Black people to freedom. The series incorporates fantasy, which helps alleviate the trauma of some of the harsher scenes and gives the viewer time to recuperate before continuing through the story. The first episode is a difficult one to digest, especially for Black viewers: It is filled with themes similar to those one would expect to see in stories of slavery — a whipping, an enslaved person being burned alive. However, Jenkins deviates from the trauma-porn norm of bloody torment to also portray Black resilience, Black love, and Black joy. Being mindful of everyone's mental health on set, Jenkins brought in a team of therapists to help the actors depicting this trauma. His directing style is quiet and restrained, giving room for viewers to watch the story unfold. The series also touches on other real-life horrors Black people experienced beyond slavery, including sterilization, medical experimentation, and Oregon exclusion laws. The Underground Railroad is not meant to be binged in a day and wiped away when the next hot prestige series hits streaming. With that in mind, I suggest you really take in each episode — the sounds, the vivid colors, the sweeping landscapes — before continuing to follow Cora’s journey to freedom.
Watch it on Prime Video.
62.Undone (2019–)
Kate Purdy and Raphael Bob-Waksberg's (Bojack Horseman) deeply human, genre-bending animated series is easily one of Amazon’s most underrated shows of all time. At its center is Alma, a woman who walks through life within a cloud of existential malaise. It isn't until she gets in a car accident that she's able to see the world clearly. Maybe a little too clearly, even: Visions of her dead father begin to follow her everywhere until she discovers that her consciousness can actually time-travel. What’s particularly unique about this series is the use of rotoscope animation, which draws over live-action footage, frame by frame, giving it a more realistic image (think Richard Linklater's A Scanner Darkly). The actors were shot in a black box studio; then computer animators created sketches of the set in which the actors would move through. Afterward, artists created actual oil paintings to use as the scene backgrounds, some of which were chopped with 3D animation. The result? A trippy yet beautiful image that blurs dreamscape with reality.
Watch it on Prime Video.
63.Upload (2020–)
This dystopian sci-fi comedy from creator Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation) is set in the year 2033, when we have hologram cellphones, 3D food printers, and automated grocery stores. Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell) is an app developer who ends up in the hospital after an accident with a self-driving car. Forced to make a quick decision, he agrees to have himself uploaded to his girlfriend’s luxurious virtual afterlife, Lakeview. Which is kind of awkward because they aren’t exactly at the stage to be spending eternity together. Once uploaded, his customer service “angel,” Nora Anthony (Andy Allo), helps him navigate the digital afterlife. Eventually they become friends as they work together to sift through a few inconsistencies about his death. The best way to approach this show, it has been suggested, is to expect Black Mirror with some humorous flourishes, rather than another knee-slapping Greg Daniels project.
Watch it on Prime Video.
64.Victoria (2016–)
If you like The Crown, then you’ll be equally fond of this British historical costume drama. Both tell the story of young protagonists navigating the spaces of their royal lives while soaring above their peers' expectations (and getting saddled with the responsibility of managing their husbands' bruised egos in the process). In Victoria, the titular character — England's longest-reigning monarch until Queen Elizabeth II — is played by Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who). The series follows her ascension to the British throne and her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert (Tom Hughes). Sticklers will find comfort in the fact that biographer A.N. Wilson served as a historical adviser on the series, lending to the factually sound — albeit dramatically embellished — rendering of real-life events.
Watch it on Prime Video.
65.The Wheel of Time (2021–)
Book lovers, rejoice, for Amazon has answered your prayers. The Wheel of Time is based on the bestselling fantasy novels by Robert Jordan and later by Brandon Sanderson. Sadly, Jordan died between books 11 and 12, and with the help of Jordan’s wife and exhaustive notes, Sanderson took over the series and brought it to a satisfying end. (Oddly enough, this isn't the first time an adaptation has been attempted. Legend says the stealth pilot aired in the wee hours of the morning on FXX and starred Billy Zane, but enough about that.) Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, I Care a Lot) stars as Moiraine, a member of an all-female faction called the Aes Sedai that wields the “one power”: this universe’s version of magic. She’s on a quest — as most people are in fantasy series — to find the one the prophecy foretold to be the Dragon Reborn who will either save or destroy humanity. What’s most exciting about this series is the amount of source material there is to work with — 14 books in total, not including the prequel. Amazon is continuing its trend of weekly episode releases but will release the first three episodes on premiere day. Personally, I love the build of anticipation and time to put theories together before the show proves me wrong with the next episode. The show takes a nonlinear approach to adaptation, in case you were thinking of following along with the books. In Season 1, you’ll find pieces from the first three books, and yet in Season 2, already green-lit by Amazon, you’ll find pieces of Book 1. This series is rich and filled with beautiful shots and an intricate new world to dive into. If you’re still reeling from the Game of Thrones series finale and have lost all patience with Season 2 of The Witcher, you’ll be more than satisfied with this show.
Watch it on Prime Video.
66.The Wilds (2020–)
What dramatic thriller do you get when you throw Euphoria and Lost in a blender? The Wilds! Here's the gist: Eight troubled teenage girls are flying privately to Kona, Hawaii, to take part in an empowerment retreat called Dawn of Eve when their plane crashes and leaves them stranded on a deserted island. The girls have to rely on each other for survival, and through this process, character backstories begin to reveal themselves to viewers through flashbacks. Just about every episode ends with a plot twist that'll keep you glued till the end. Could it be that these girls may not have wound up on this island by accident? The cast includes Oscar-nominated actor Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under, Brothers and Sisters) and rising talents Sophia Taylor Ali (Truth or Dare, Grey’s Anatomy) and Reign Edwards (Snowfall, MacGyver), and there are breakout performances by newcomers like Sarah Pidgeon. This series is Amazon’s first YA series and has already been renewed for a second season.
Watch it on Prime Video.
67.Workaholics (2011–17)
Workaholics is the perfect show for anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to work with their childhood best friends. This single-camera comedy stars Adam Devine (Pitch Perfect, Isn’t It Romantic, Modern Family), Blake Anderson (Game Over, Man!), and Anders Holm (The Mindy Project). The trio show us how to live our best lives as professional telemarketers who have slacker days and even lazier nights. Still holding on to the party life of their college years, these three college graduates take us through the journey of the transition from relaxed college life with no real-world responsibilities to adulthood, where they are expected to wear ties, act professionally, and answer to upper management. Workaholics is the perfect show for anyone in need of escape from stiff shoes, straight-edge coworkers, and "adulting" in general. Although the series is over, there’s a Workaholics movie coming soon to Paramount+, which makes this the perfect time to jump in.
Watch it on Prime Video.
*Denotes title that has been newly added to Prime Video for April.
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