We’re in an age of TV where binge-watching has become a way of life. So it is more important than ever for shows to instantly capture audiences’ attention from the very first episode. Gone are the days when a series could coast on a single standout season or a handful of iconic episodes – today, the TV landscape demands excellence consistently, and it can only be achieved by true masterpieces. Fortunately, Prime Video is a treasure trove because it offers many brilliant TV shows.
From the shocking plot twists of The Boys to the whip-smart comedy of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Prime Video’s original content keeps on setting new standards for quality and innovation. But the platform also houses beloved network shows like House and Downton Abbey that are all-time greats. What makes these 10 TV masterpieces available to stream on Prime Video special is that they deliver narratives that compel us to return to them episode after episode, season after season, and continue to inspire generations of creators to push the boundaries of what can be presented on the small screen.
‘The Boys’ (2019 – Present)
Based on the comic book series of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is an outrageous superhero TV show that’s set in a world where superheroes are considered celebrities and managed by a powerful corporation, Vought International, that also keeps their dark, corrupt sides hidden from the public. A vigilante group led by Billy Butcher tries to expose the Supes and dismantle their reputation.
A Game-Changing Superhero Series
The Boys flips the traditional hero narrative on its head and delivers a delightful mix of brutal action, dark humor, and biting social commentary. It uses a bold and unapologetic tone to examine the nature of power and creates a cinematic universe that challenges everything you know about the genre. Antony Starr’s chilling portrayal of Homelander, coupled with the chemistry of the rest of the cast, the shocking twists, and satirical takes, all make it unforgettable.
‘House’ (2004 – 2012)
Dr. Gregory House is not your typical doctor. Brilliant yet short-tempered, he is the head of diagnosis at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital; a medical maverick who approaches each case with an unorthodox, often controversial, method. He is joined by a team of talented young doctors who navigate the most intricate and perplexing cases and demonstrate relentless determination to uncover their root causes.
Influential Character Study
House is considered one of television’s most iconic medical dramas, thanks in large part to Hugh Laurie’s career-defining performance as the titular character, who goes through immense development, deals with addiction and trauma, and embraces human connections, over the course of eight seasons. The series received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy nominations, and became a unique addition to the genre.
‘Downton Abbey’ (2010 – 2015)
An elegant and beloved period drama, Downton Abbey chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their staff at the grand estate in early 20th-century England. Starting from the aftermath of the Titanic disaster to the Roaring Twenties, the series navigates the rapidly changing social and political landscape of the country and how the Crawleys strive to preserve their way of life by adapting to the shifting tides.
Elegance and Drama in Every Frame
Downton Abbey is a masterpiece of storytelling because it creates a stark difference between the estate’s opulent drawing rooms and the bustling quarters of the staff, and yet, bridges the gap through fully realized characters and their intimate, often intriguing, relationships with one another. It sets a gold standard for period dramas with its meticulous attention to historical accuracy and impeccable production design. The series earned multiple Emmys and Golden Globes for its historical context and cultural impact.
‘Hannibal’ (2013 – 2015)
Developed by Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is a psychological thriller that reimagines the origins of one of the most iconic villains – Dr. Hannibal Lecter – first introduced in Thomas Harris’ novel, Red Dragon. The series takes a deep dive into the world of criminal psychology and follows the complex relationship between Dr. Lecter, a brilliant forensic psychiatrist with a dark secret, and Will Graham, an empathetic but troubled FBI profiler. Tasked with solving some gruesome murder cases, Will is drawn to Hannibal.
Horror Paired with Psychological Depth
Hannibal’s refined tastes, unsettling presence, and manipulative genius take center stage in this series, which turns the crime thriller genre around with its haunting imagery and poetic narratives. Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy bring out the tantalizing pull between Hannibal and Will in the most chilling and sophisticated ways and redefine both their characters’ rich arcs. With its attention to detail and visual artistry, Hannibal is a show worth watching.
‘The Outlaws’ (2021 – 2024)
Combining crime, comedy, and a teeny tiny bit of action, The Outlaws follows a group of seven strangers from vastly different backgrounds who are brought together by a court-ordered community service in Bristol, England. They are forced to complete tasks like painting over graffiti and picking up litter, and as they indulge in work, their lives become increasingly intertwined. Secrets are revealed and struggles are shared and soon things take a dramatic turn.
Sharp Humor With a Touch of Suspense
The Outlaws delivers a gripping narrative that not only keeps the viewers on the edge the entire time but also places the main characters into a high-stakes situation involving dangerous criminals to test their freshly-forged bonds. Created by Stephen Merchant (who also stars) and Elgin James, the series has earned praise for its clever writing and talented ensemble cast, which includes Chistopher Walken in an unforgettable role. It balances laugh-out-loud moments with a bold willingness to tackle social issues head-on.
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017 – 2023)
Set in the colorful and fast-paced world of 1950s New York City, this Emmy-winning dramedy follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a witty and resourceful housewife who takes control of her life and transforms her future after her husband leaves her. She discovers a knack for stand-up comedy and enters the male-dominated comedy scene while also juggling her responsibilities as a mother and daughter. As she forges her own path, Midge’s sharp intellect and infectious stage presence alter the societal norms of the era.
A Dazzling Celebration of Comedy
Created by the acclaimed writer-director team of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a television masterpiece that effortlessly takes period-piece charm and infuses it with a thoroughly modern sensibility. It features a luminous performance from Rachel Brosnahan as Midge, a role that earned her multiple accolades, while Tony Shalhoub and Alex Borstein deliver unforgettable turns as Midge’s father and manager, respectively. The costumes, the cinematography, and the empowering themes all make it a true small-screen gem.
‘The Expanse’ (2015 – 2022)
The Expanse is set against the backdrop of a future where humans have colonized the Solar System and divided it into three large powers. As tensions simmer between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt, a full-scale war is just around the corner. The series begins with a missing persons case that spirals out of control and leads to the discovery of new alien technology. We follow the crew of the Rocinante, led by morally conflicted James Holden, and two others, as they navigate a conspiracy that could alter their reality.
Epic Scope and Intricate Storytelling
One of the best sci-fi shows in recent years, The Expanse elevates the genre with its meticulous world-building, political intrigue, complex character arcs, and a captivating narrative that forces us to imagine the consequences of ambition. Praised for its realistic portrayal of space travel and the moralities that shape the future, the series crafts an immersive world where survival seems impossible. Across six seasons, stars like Dominique Tipper and Shohreh Aghdashloo deliver performances that ground the complex story.
‘Fleabag’ (2016 – 2019)
A groundbreaking dramedy written, created by, and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag follows a young woman as she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and existential angst in modern-day London. It begins with the protagonist dealing with the aftermath of a personal tragedy in a world that fails to understand her and finds her trying to take an unconventional approach towards romance, only to fail in a chaotic yet deeply relatable way.
An Intelligent and Hilarious Masterpiece
Fleabag creates a portrait of a woman who is endearing, frustrating, outrageous, vulnerable, and utterly unforgettable all at the same time. Its candid and hilarious fourth-wall-breaking commentary, exploration of strained family dynamics and forbidden romances, as well as the messy and authentic path towards self-discovery make it stand out. Waller-Bridge’s performance is a revelation, and so is Andrew Scott’s portrayal of the “Hot Priest” in Season 2, which became an instant cultural phenomenon.
‘Reacher’ (2022 – Present)
Wherever he goes, trouble seems to find him. In Prime Video’s Reacher, when a former military police officer named Jack Reacher arrives in a small Georgia town, he is wrongfully accused of murder and he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. Using his razor-sharp instincts and lethal physical skills, Reacher partners up with the local law enforcement and gets to the bottom of the corrupt cycle to free the town of more deaths.
Thriller with an Iconic Lead
Each season of Reacher adapts a different Lee Child novel, with the protagonist’s unwavering quest for justice driving the heart-pounding action and clever detective work. The series has garnered praise for staying true to classic crime thriller sensibilities and adapting the nuanced character development of a prestige drama. It’s also celebrated for its faithful adaptation of the novels and Alan Ritchson’s effortless turn as Reacher. With its shocking plot twists and cinematic production values, Reacher is a standout in Prime Video’s current lineup.
‘Bosch’ (2014 – 2021)
Drawing inspiration from a series of novels written by Michael Connelly, Bosch transports viewers into the gritty streets of Los Angeles and tells the story of veteran LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch as he tirelessly pursues justice in the city’s criminal underworld. The series begins with him investigating the murder of a young boy. At the same time, the wife of a suspect Bosch killed in self-defense files a lawsuit against him.
Character-Driven Police Procedural
Across seven seasons, this police procedural finds Bosch grappling with his reality, showcasing his dogged determination to find the truth, navigating the political pressures within the LAPD, and untangling his strained relationships. The show is known for its rich character development and deep exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas of those working within the criminal justice system. Anchored by Titus Welliver’s powerful yet human performance as Bosch, the series has established itself as one of the most well-crafted TV shows.
