While Netflix brought us Stranger Things and Hulu has made its mark with The Handmaid's Tale, there's one streaming service many an avid TV enthusiast has been sleeping on: Amazon Prime.
For just $119, a year-long Amazon Prime subscription provides access to some of the best shows on not-quite-TV, from buzzy comedies like Fleabag to beloved dramas like The Wire. Better yet, that Prime subscription comes with a whole bunch of perks you're definitely not getting from other TV services—after all, when's the last time your cable company gave you free two-day shipping on paper towels? Whether you're already a Prime member or are just eager to binge your way through the service's free 30-day trial, these are the Amazon Prime shows you need to be watching. And for more great additions to your routine, check out these 20 Amazing Subscription Boxes That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier.
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1 | Fleabag
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Set in London, Fleabag is a British comedy centered around the show's titular main character, a not-so-lucky-in-love 30-something played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the show's creator. Waller-Bridge's character is witty, sexy, and angry as she attempts to navigate her love life, career, and difficult family, while coping with the death of her best friend. And while viewers call it "one of the funniest shows" of the year, there's also a maturity and depth to it that you won't find in your average sitcom. And for more recent shows to watch, check out these 17 TV Shows You're Crazy Not to Watch in 2019.
2 | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is no stranger to creating fan-favorite television shows, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is no exception. Already the winner of eight Emmy Awards, the show tells the story of Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a 1950s housewife living in New York City.
Brosnahan's character has her life turned upside down when she's left by her husband, and she ends up performing comedy at a rundown club, where she immediately catches the eye of the club's booker. From there, it develops into a quick-witted, crowd-pleasing story that easily rises to the ranks of Sherman-Palladino's previous hits.
3 | Transparent
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
While the politics of casting a cis actor in a trans role have been hotly debated, there's no denying that Transparent has been an amazing addition to Amazon's catalog, and a hallmark show in terms of LGBTQIA+ visibility. The show tells the story of Maura, played by Jeffrey Tambor, who transitions later in life, artfully showing how that decision affects not only her, but her family.
Its vulnerability and complexity, all told with a gentle humor, are what truly make the show one of Amazon's best.
4 | Mozart in the Jungle
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Even though Amazon cancelled Mozart in the Jungle in 2018 after four seasons, the comedy still ranks up there with Amazon's best originals, telling the story of what happens behind the curtain for players in the fictional New York Symphony. Gael Garcia Bernal stars as an eccentric and vivacious new conductor who creates quite a stir among the typically rigid ensemble, while Lola Kirke stars as a young oboist hoping for her big break.
5 | Patriot
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Patriot follows John Tavner (Michael Dorman), a CIA agent on assignment posing as a Midwestern pipe company engineer And although he has little experience or education related to the job, he has to keep it to maintain his cover and complete his assignment.
Fans of Patriot call the show a jack of all trades, transitioning seamlessly from a dark comedy to a melancholy drama and back again, with some musical and thriller components wrapped up in it, as well.
6 | Good Omens
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Good Omens is one of Amazon's most recent arrivals, but its cast is anything but new to the small screen. Starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant as demon and angel, respectively, it follows the pair's unlikely bond through a fight to prevent the apocalypse and the rise of the Antichrist. Luckily for fans of the 1990 Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett novel it's based on, viewers say that the show's tender and playful comedy is faithful to the original text.
7 | Red Oaks
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
While Stranger Things gave us the modern '80s sci-fi we deserved, Red Oaks gives us the modern '80s comedy we've been waiting for. The show follows 20-year-old David Meyers (Craig Roberts) during his summer job as a tennis instructor at the Red Oaks Country Club in suburban New Jersey.
The coming-of-age story is masterfully woven into the '80s time period, but without making you feel as if it exists solely to evoke sentimentality for fans who came of age in the era of shoulder pads and teased hair. Come for the '80s sets, outfits, and styling, but stay for show's genuinely delightful comedy. And for more '80s nostalgia check out the 25 Songs Every ‘80s Kid Knows By Heart.
8 | The Wire
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
While Netflix and Hulu have a variety of older shows in their catalogs, Amazon lays claim to classics like The Wire. Created in 2002, the HBO drama is a raw and realistic portrayal of crime and corruption in Baltimore. Anything but your run-of-the-mill cop drama, if you didn't happen to catch this one while it was on air, it's well worth binging the full five seasons.
9 | The Americans
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
An FX creation, The Americans is a period spy thriller following two KGB officers posing as an American couple in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. during the Reagan era.
The show, which ended in 2018 after six seasons, is considered one of the best contemporary dramas—due in large part to Matthew Rhys' show-stopping performance. And for some decidedly American additions to your everyday life, check out these 23 Red, White, and Blue Accessories You Need This Fourth of July.
10 | Bosch
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
One of Amazon's first original series, Bosch weaves together some of Michael Connelly's best-selling crime novels. The show stars Titus Welliver as homicide detective Harry Bosch, who starts the series on trial for the fatal shooting of a murder suspect.
Viewers insist the show was "made for binge-watching," and Amazon has all of its seasons in stock—the fifth was just released in April of this year and a sixth season has already been confirmed.
11 | Sneaky Pete
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Miss having Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston on your screen every week? Then head to Amazon to watch him wow on Sneaky Pete. Cranston plays a vicious gangster—and the one person the show's main character, played by Giovanni Ribisi, is desperately trying to shake.
Ribisi takes cover by assuming the identity of his former prison cellmate Pete, and the show explores his story as he struggles to connect with Pete's estranged family—who may bring bigger problems than the ones he's trying to avoid.
12 | The Sopranos
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
There is, quite possibly, no greater TV crime show than The Sopranos—and Amazon has all six seasons at your disposal. Premiering on HBO in 1999, the show centers around New Jersey-based mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he struggles with the combined pressures of his life of crime, his family, and evading the long arm of the law. Hailed as one of the greatest TV shows ever made, if you haven't watched The Sopranos yet—or if you want to come back for a repeat viewing—there's no time like the present.
13 | The Man In the High Castle
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Brought to you by the same creative team that produced hits like Blade Runner and The X-Files, The Man in the High Castle explores what life would be like had the Allied Powers not won World War II—leaving Japan and Germany ruling the United States. If the concept alone doesn't intrigue you enough, the cast, which includes actors like Rufus Sewell, Alex Davalos, and Rupert Evans, is well worth tuning in for.
14 | Orphan Black
BBC AmericaWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Orphan Black is a Canadian thriller unlike any other. The incredible Tatiana Maslany carries the show, playing more than ten different characters—all clones of each other—and the show's gripping sci-fi writing keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The show follows main character Sarah (played by Maslany) as she assumes the identity of one of her clones, Elizabeth Childs, after witnessing Childs' suicide. Throughout the series, Sarah's problems multiply—and so does she. Widely considered one of the most captivating and well-acted shows of the past decade, once you start watching, you might not want to stop.
15 | Homecoming
Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Based on Gimlet Media's 2016 podcast of the same name, Amazon original Homecoming marks Julia Roberts' first regular role in a TV series. The thriller tells the story of Heidi Bergman, a caseworker in a private retreat for returning war veterans whose job is to help them transition back into civilian life—or at least, that's what it's supposed to be.
While the show was originally ordered for two seasons, Amazon has yet to announce when the second season of Homecoming will air—though it has been announced that Roberts will not be reprising her role for season two.
16 | True Blood
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Based off the books by Charlaine Harris, True Blood follows Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), a telepathic waitress who falls in love with a vampire. If you're a fan of the supernatural, steamy romance, and southern accents, this is the show for you. And with seven seasons (all on Amazon!), it'll keep you occupied for quite a while.
17 | Six Feet Under
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
This dark comedy from HBO follows the life of the dysfunctional Fisher family, owners of a Los Angeles-based funeral business, and the dearly departed clients they serve. Six Feet Under drew high ratings while it was on air, with its final episode considered one of the best finales of all time—TIME even included the show on their "All-TIME 100 TV Shows" list.
18 | Veep
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus stole our hearts in Seinfeld, and she's done it once again with hilarious political satire Veep. Louis-Dreyfus stars as Selina Meyer, a fictional vice president who struggles to maneuver through the messy world of politics. If you love political television but are tired of played-out D.C. dramas, this comedy is the respite you need—it even won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series.
19 | Mr. Robot
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Before he brought Freddie Mercury to the big screen, Rami Malek captivated audiences as the lead in Mr. Robot. In the show, Malek plays computer programmer Elliot Alderson, who works secretly as a vigilante hacker, his double identity catching up to him when he's recruited by a hacking group to destroy the corporation he's paid to protect. In addition to its exciting plot, this cyber thriller takes a nuanced look at complex issues like mental health, capitalism, and civil disobedience.
2o | Downton Abbey
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Anything starring Harry Potter's Maggie Smith is worth watching, but that's not the only reason Downton Abbey is widely regarded as one of the best British shows of all time. The period drama, set in a fictional Yorkshire country estate, explores the post-Edwardian era through the lens of the aristocratic Crawley family. Referred to as an "extremely high-end soap opera," by viewers, it's so beloved that despite ending after six seasons in 2015, it was recently awarded a movie adaptation that's set to be released in late 2019.
21 | Cheers
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Want to add a feel-good classic to your must-watch list? You're in luck: Amazon has Cheers' 11 seasons available to stream. For the uninitiated, the beloved sitcom focuses on the bartenders and regulars at a Boston bar where "everybody knows your name," and stars veteran actors like Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, and Kelsey Grammer, during the early days of their careers.
22 | The Tick
IMDB/AmazonWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Based on Ben Edlund's cult comic, The Tick follows a mysterious blue avenger as he teams up with other odd superheroes. It's the third TV series based on Edlund's comic, but undeniably the most beloved. And, despite it being one of three adaptations of Edlund's satirical comic, there's pretty much no other TV show like it—enough of a reason to give its two seasons a chance, if you ask us.
23 | Boardwalk Empire
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
Steve Buscemi stars in this masterful HBO drama that follows the rise of organized crime in Prohibition-era Atlantic City. Just don't let the slightly slower pace of the show's first season throw you off—viewers say this five-season series gets better and better with each successive season.
24 | The Twilight Zone
IMDB/Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
The first adaptation of The Twilight Zone is the OG creepy small-screen classic, and its all available on Amazon! The '60s show follows the lives of ordinary people who suddenly find themselves in extraordinary—and supernatural—situations. And whether you want to watch this classic for the first time or indulge yourself in a rewatch, it's definitely worth checking out.
25 | One Mississippi
Amazon PrimeWatch now at Amazon Prime Video
One Mississippi is a semi-autobiographical drama inspired by the life of comedian Tig Notaro. In the series, Notaro's character returns to her hometown in Mississippi, where she struggles with her mother's death while rediscovering her family—and the secrets they've been keeping. Even if you didn't know much about Notaro beforehand, the show is sure to keep you coming back for more as you discover her unique brand of tell-it-like-it-is comedy. And for more exciting additions to your everyday life, check out these 25 Outdoor Party Essentials Under $25 for the Ultimate Summer Bash.
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