The 38 best Prime Video shows to watch in September 2023

What are the best Prime Video shows to stream? We're glad you asked. Below, we've compiled a list of the 38 greatest TV series on Amazon's main streaming platform. So, if you're looking for a new show to binge watch today (or any day, for that matter), our entertainment experts are on hand to deliver the goods.

Prime Video is chock full of first- and third-party shows to stream, so the prospect of finding something worth your time can seem daunting. But, by using this article – and the navigation bar to your left, if you're after a specific TV genre – you'll soon know about the best options available to you on one of the world's best streaming services.

From fantastical fantasies including The Wheel of Time to stellar superhero offerings like The Boys, here are the best Prime Video shows as of September 2023.

Best animated shows on Prime Video

Invincible

Amazon's adaptation of Robert Kirkman's superhero comic series isn't for the faint of heart. Invincible is full of gore, violence, swearing, and other adult content. A kids animated show, this ain't.

It's a slow burn to begin with – well, apart from a specific scene in episode 1 that shocked viewers who haven't read the comics before. However, its subversion of superhero tropes, emotional story beats, and ensemble cast will keep your attention until things really start to pick up from episode 4, by which point you should be fully hooked.

Invincible season 2, which will make its Prime Video bow on November 3, and its sequel season are currently in development, although a fourth season hasn't secretly been greenlit. It won't be surprising if it's renewed for season 4, though, as Invincible is one of the best Prime Video shows of all-time.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

The Legend of Vox Machina

Set in the fictional Exandrian kingdom of Tal’Dorei, The Legend of Vox Machina tells the story of a band of mercenary misfits hired to eradicate an unnamed evil entity that’s plagued the realm. It isn't long, though, before the seven-strong group realize they've become embroiled in a battle against a far more sinister and potentially world-threatening enemy.

In our season 1 review of The Legend of Vox Machina, we said it retains lots of what the original online DnD campaign such a hit. It's hilarious, action-packed, emotional, and full of twists and turns. It's also pretty gruesome and horror-esque on occasion, so those of a grisly inclination will get a kick out of it as well. The original Critical Role cast have returned to voice their characters, while there's a whole slew of famous actors who cameo as other individuals in this fictional fantasy world.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

Undone

From the acclaimed minds behind BoJack Horseman, Undone is a beautifully animated comedy-drama series that weaves multiple genres and themes together with stunning and emotive effect.

Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel) stars as Alma, a Texas-based millennial who's struggling to find purpose in her life. That is, until she's involved in a near-fatal car accident and finds out she has a new relationship with time itself. Infused with the ability to travel back (or forward) in time, Alma begins to develop her newfound abilities to get to the bottom of the death of her father Jacob (Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk). At least, that's the plan – providing her loved ones don't interfere and try to make out that her new powers are linked to the family's history of mental health.

The show's melding of rotoscoping animation and live-action motion-capture really sets it apart. Meanwhile, Undone's exploration of relationships, mental health, and themes surrounding altering the past are expertly and sensitively handled.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

Best comedy shows on Prime Video

A League of Their Own

Based on the 1992 film of the same name, A League of Their Own tells the story of the Rockford Peaches, an all-female baseball league team that not only has to navigate the perils of the Second World War but also the era's tormenting levels of misogyny and chauvinism.

The show primarily follows Abbi Jacobson's Carson and Chanté Adams' Max and their journeys to become professional players. But its study of other characters and their respective arcs, evocative themes, and thrilling baseball-based drama gives A League of Their Own plenty to work with. It's lacking in neither style or substance, which is a rarity for a sports-centric TV series. Unfortunately, though, Amazon has cancelled this highly-rated series after one season.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Deadloch

We suspect this eight-episode comedy detective series wasn't in your thinking when it comes to the best Prime Video shows. But it's certainly be one to start off with if you're looking for something new from this sort of genre TV show.

Set in Tasmania, Deadloch follows two polar opposite investigators – Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) – who are forced to work together to solve the mysterious death of one of the local townsfolk.

Thanks to some sharp, witty writing and two powerhouse comedic performances from Box and Sami, Deadloch is as satirically savage as it is dramatic. A tonally dark, yet equally hilarious, whodunnit that'll burrow its way into your mind and sit there for days.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Fleabag

Phoebe Waller-Bridge has created two of the best TV shows of the modern age in Killing Eve and Fleabag. The latter is her self-starring comedy drama – adapted from Waller-Bridge's 2013 one-woman stage show – and it's a hilarious but sometimes painful portrait of a damaged person trying to keep it together. 

The supporting cast, which includes Andrew Scott's 'hot priest' in season 2, helps make this one of the best shows around full stop. With six half-hour episodes per season, you could binge it in just a few days. 

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

Harlem

Tracy Oliver's latest comedy series earned rave reviews when it debuted on Prime Video in December 2021. With the show's second season finally airing in February 2023, it's about time you stuck Harlem on your must-watch list.

The show follows four, 30-something New York University alumni as they try to balance their work, love, and personal lives while living in – yep, you guessed it – Harlem. So far, so predictable, right? Not quite. Harlem's main cast are electrifyingly funny, and the manner in which they bounce off one another is reminiscent of some of best comedy character relationships of the last two decades. Fans of Insecure and Run the World will lap this up.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

I'm a Virgo

A comedy series that's as absurd as it is creative. I'm a Virgo stars Jharrel Jerome as Cootie, a 13-foot-tall teenager who, for the first 19 years of his life, has been shielded from the world by his aunt and uncle. However, when a group of political activists accidentally stumble upon Cootie's *ahem* larger than life persona, he embarks on a surreal journey to find his place in the *double ahem* big, wide world.

An utterly bizarre but no less funny, heartfelt, and highly original series, I'm a Virgo is a knockout show from Sorry to Bother You's Boots Riley. It's a toweringly imaginative endeavor; something that many more streamers should absolutely take a chance on if similar projects fall into their lap. Stick this on your watchlist ASAP.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Mammals

James Corden is something of a divisive figure – you either think he's funny or not, and that's before he's seen getting into real world restaurant-based verbal spats.

With Mammals, though, it seems as if many (fans and critics alike) are agreeing that Corden really does have something about him. In this dark comedy drama, the host of US talk show The Late Late Show (and former Gavin and Stacey star) plays Jamie, a Michelin star chef whose life implodes when he finds out his pregnant wife Amadine – portrayed by Melia Kreilling – has secretly had multiple affairs with different men.

Mammals doesn't reinvent the genres it's associated with, but its emotive tale of swingers culture and black, at-times surreal humor – Tom Jones even makes a cameo – make it worth checking out.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel tells the story of '50s housewife Miriam 'Midge' Maisel as she attempts to become the best female stand-up comic in the US. After her husband confesses he's been having an affair, 'Midge' drunkenly gets on stage at a comedy club and discovers that she's utterly hilarious.

In a time when women aren't encouraged to be publicly funny, Midge pursues her new-found comedic talent in the male-dominated stand up comedy world. But, unbeknownst to 'Midge', the journey is far from a straightforward one.

A show filled with as much heart, and dramatic twists and turns, as jokes, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel is a killer Prime Video show. No wonder it won so many awards during its five-season run.

Seasons on Prime Video: 5

Swarm

Donald Glover and Janine Nabers satirically and horrifyingly poke fun at the culture surrounding fandoms in Swarm, an disturbing drama-cum-dark comedy that'll occupy your mind for days.

Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah) plays Dre, a young woman obsessed with a Beyonce-like pop superstar who has her own diehard fandom known as 'The Swarm (anyone else getting 'Bey Hive vibes?). To say anymore would be to spoil Swarm's most shocking, hilarious, and suspense-filled moments. Rest assured, though, fans of Glover and Fishback will lap up this wild-but-no-less important tale on celebrity addiction and anti-hero culture.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Upload

Set 15 years in the future, Upload tells the tale of Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell), a computer programmer who's mysteriously murdered and uploaded to a 'virtual afterlife' location called Lake View.

As he adjusts to his new life, Nathan finds himself romantically drawn to his customer service angel Nora Antony (Andy Allo), despite Nathan still technically being involved with his still-alive girlfriend Ingrid Kannerman (Allegra Edwards). It isn't long, too, before Nathan and Nora begin to unravel the wider mystery surrounding his death.

If that all sounds a bit dramatic and bleak, don't fret: Upload is one of the funnier Prime Video shows out there, one that straddles multiple genres including comedy, drama, whodunnit, and horror. It also offers an intriguing look into the real world's technological-based future, metaverse and all. Season 3 arrives on October 20.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

Best crime shows on Prime Video

Reacher

Alan Ritchson (Titans) stars as the titular character – aka Jack Reacher – a drifter owning few possessions following his departure from the armed forces, Reacher arrives in Margrave, Georgia at the exact moment that the small US town is reeling from its first major crime in 20 years. Somehow, Reacher is wrongly framed for the crime and, following his arrest, agrees to help the authorities get the bottom of the case in exchange for his freedom. Given his army expertise and his hulking frame, it seems that those responsible picked the wrong guy to pin the crime on.

It's definitely one to check out if you're a fan of action and mystery thrillers. It also became the first Prime Video series ever to top Nielsen's streaming charts. Reacher season 2 is due out in December.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Best drama shows on Prime Video

Daisy Jones and the Six

Based on Taylor Jenkins Reid's best-selling novel of the same name, Daisy Jones & The Six has been a massive hit for Amazon.

The 10-part series tells the fictional story of the titular rock band, whose stratospheric rise through the LA music scene to global megastars coincides with the addition of Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) to their ranks. At the height of their success, though, the band suddenly split – much like real-life rock band Fleetwood Mac, who inspired Reid's book, did in the 1970s. Daisy Jones & The Six, then, reveals all about the TV series' band's rapid rise and fall in dramatically explosive fashion.

With numerous catchy tunes, a fantastic cast – Keough and Sam Claflin being the notable standpoints – and plenty of music-infused drama and relationship betrayals, Daisy Jones & The Six has captivated viewers.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Dead Ringers

If there was any doubt about how extraordinarily talented Rachel Weisz is, Dead Ringers proves it once and for all.

Amazon's TV remake of David Cronenberg's hauntingly good psychological thriller film (itself based on the book of the same name) is, simply put, terrific. Weisz plays twin sisters Elliot and Beverly Mantle – gynaecologists who share everything from lovers to drugs and pushing the boundaries of medical ethics.

On the surface, it doesn't sound overly appealing, but there's more to Dead Ringers than meets the eye. Weisz is absolutely electric as she inhabits dual roles, while the story's biggest shocks and turning points will alarm and entertain you in equal measure. One not to be missed.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Hunters

Loosely inspired by real-world events, Hunters tells the tale of a group of Nazi hunters, who uncover a conspiracy involving a number of escaped Nazi officers trying to install a Fourth Reich in the heart of 1970s America.

Hunters' first season drew in plenty of viewers, not least because it starred legendary actor Al Pacino in his first-ever TV role. While we enjoyed what Hunters season 1 had to offer, its ending proved to be extremely divisive – and, in the two years since its debut, other Prime Video originals have overtaken it as must-watch Amazon exclusives. Still, with Hunters season 2 out now, it retains its position as one of the best Prime Video series, in our view.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

Small Axe

Traversing the boundaries between film and TV, Small Axe is a compilation of feature-length stories centred around London's West Indian population between the '60s to the '80s. 

Directed by Steve McQueen, the first stars Letitia Wright (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) as part of the Mangrove 9, who faced trial following the harassment of a black-owned restaurant by racist police officers. Another features John Boyega (Star Wars, They Cloned Tyrone) training to be the first black police officer in the London MET. None of them, especially Lover's Rock, are to be missed due to their harrowing depictions of racial segregation in the UK that, in some instances, still exists today. Another McQueen show – Uprising – is also available to stream on Prime Video.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

The Summer I Turned Pretty

A coming-of-age romantic drama that's captured the hearts of the 18-25 demographic, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a solidly charming and sweet young adult series.

Lola Tung plays Isabel 'Belly' Conklin who, on the eve of her 16th birthday, reunites with the Fisher brothers Conrad and Jeremiah after a few summers apart. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the trio become involved in a love triangle, which alters the dynamics between the three main characters.

A show that'll induce plenty of eye-rolling from older viewers, The Summer I Turned Pretty knows its audience and fully leans into romance-laced drama tropes. Even so, it's one of Prime Video's biggest hitters, so it must be doing something right, even if its second season wasn't as strong as the first.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

Three Pines

Based on Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache novel series, this Canadian crime thriller has earned plenty of acclaim since its December 2022 launch.

Alfred Molina (Spider-Man: No Way Home) stars as Armand Gamache, who travels to the titular Eastern Township to investigate a series of grisly murders. There, he's forced to confront demons – including his own – from all corners and unearth long buried secrets that the town's population have hidden away.

As detective tales go, Three Pines isn't a ground-breaking world beater. But, thanks to Molina's riveting, soulful performance and some surprising twists and turns, it's a show that delivers a largely fascinating whodunnit – all set in a picturesque snowy location. Unfortunately, Three Pines has been cancelled after one season.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Best documentary shows on Prime Video

Clarkson's Farm

This Prime Video original sees Jeremy Clarkson try his hand at being a farmer. Yes, its premise is that simple.

In 2008, Clarkson bought a 1,000-acre plot of land, including Curdle Hill Farm, in Oxfordshire in the UK after its former caretaker retired. Clarkson, in his infinite wisdom, decides to try farming the land himself – and it goes about as well as you'd expect.

Clarkson's Farm is as ludicrous as it sounds, and it seems pretty scripted for a comedy-styled docuseries but it's actually a decent watch. Clarkson's rapport with his helpers – most notably Kaleb Cooper, the show's breakout star – is endearing, humorous, and at-times maddening. But, if you're a fan of Clarkson (not many people are these days, admittedly) or amusing documentary-style shows, this is one to check out.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

KSI: In Real Life

Prime Video has made a name for itself in the documentary space with its fantastic All or Nothing series. KSI: In Real Life, though, might be one of its most fascinating docuseries to date.

It follows the world-famous YouTuber-turned-influencer as he prepares to release his second rap album. However, while KSI is riding high in the public eye, his private life has taken a beating – including the fraying of his closest relationships – which forces the global megastar to re-evaluate his life.

This warts-and-all docuseries offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at KSI's life. From his humble beginnings in Watford to the unprecedented fame that followed, In Real Life is captivatingly emotional and thought-provoking. KSI fans will eat this up, but general documentary fans will also enjoy the series' exploration of fame, the internet, and overcoming trauma.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Best fantasy shows on Prime Video

Good Omens

Before he passed away in 2015, Terry Pratchett reportedly made Neil Gaiman promise he'd adapt Good Omens into a TV series. 

Gaiman delivered on that front – and the result is an addictive, bonkers, and heart-warming tale about good and evil, friendship, demons, angels, and a future-gazing witch. It's brilliantly British, has one of the most stellar casts imaginable, and can be binged in one weekend – or one sitting if you can't face waiting a whole night for the final few episodes. 

It brings a few fresh characters and twists to the story, but is also faithful enough to the book to give those who have been fans for nearly thirty years a real treat.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

The Rings of Power

Set during Middle-earth's Second Age, The Rings of Power tells the multi-narrative tale of the forging of the titular rings, Sauron's ambitiously evil masterplan to become the world's dictatorial ruler, and Middle-earth's various races uniting to stop him.

That's the basic premise, anyway. There's more to Amazon's Lord of the Rings than that – it's a majestic, sweeping, and epic fantasy series that long time Tolkienites and Lord of the Rings newcomers will thoroughly enjoy. Simply put, it's one of the best Prime Video shows around.

The Rings of Power season 2 wrapped filming before the actors strike began. Its second season to closely follow the story told by way of The Lord of the Rings novels and J.R.R. Tolkien's wider works, too.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

The Wheel of Time

Based on Robert Jordan's beloved book series, The Wheel of Time is a fantasy show that blends the best of Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and The Lord of the Rings.

Rosamund Pike (I Care A Lot, Gone Girl) plays Moiraine, a powerful sorceress whose quest to find the Dragon Reborn – a prophesised champion who can defeat the Dark One – leads her to the small village known as the Two Rivers. When Moiraine and her Warder companion Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) are forced to rescue five of the village's young adults from the Dark One's forces, they realize that one of this quintet is the so-called Dragon Reborn. Cue an epic quest to work out who this ancient warrior is and whether they'll be able to save the world or not.

Expect plenty of drama, R-rated violence, a dashing of humor, and plenty of fantastical elements that'll wow and shock you. The Wheel of Time season 2 is out now, plus a third season of one of the best Prime Video shows has already been announced.

Seasons on Prime Video: 2

Best history shows on Prime Video

Vikings

If you've spent your time tearing across 9th century Norway and England in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Vikings is essentially the TV version of that. 

It's that, crossed with Game of Thrones, just with a touch less rumpy pumpy. You've got six series of this bloody and addictive Norse adventure to plunder as you watch a simple farmer transform into a fearsome fighter ransacking European countries for treasure. With Netflix continuing the Vikings journey with its Vikings: Valhalla spin-off series, now is the perfect time to check one of the best Prime Video shows out.

Seasons on Prime Video: 6

Best sci-fi shows on Prime Video

The Expanse

Arguably the best sci-fi show since Battlestar Galatica, The Expanse is based on the series of novels by James S. A. Corey, the pen name of authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. 

It's set in a future where humans have colonised most of the solar system, but there are big divisions between the occupants of Earth, Mars, and 'Belters', who reside on space stations beyond the asteroid belt. It's full of politics, heart-wrenching and emotional stories, and some of the most breath-taking scenes of outer space we've ever seen. If you're a fan of sci-fi, you'll love this.

Seasons on Prime Video: 6

Outer Range

Billed as a sci-fi mystery thriller, Outer Range stars Josh Brolin (Avengers: Infinity War, Dune) as Royal Abbott, a Wyoming-based rancher fighting to keep his land out of the hands of a rival herder.

When a mysterious black hole suddenly appears on the Abbott estate, Royal uses the seemingly infinite void to his advantage – including disposing of a body of one of his rival's sons following a tragic accident. But, when a drifter called Autumn (Imogen Poots) catches Royal in the act, the head of the Abbott family must fight for his family, to maintain their secret, and keep Autumn – who seems to have supernatural ties to the black hole – on side as his foes (and the police) close in around him.

Despite its often muddled and weirdly paced plot, it deserves to be part of our best Prime Video shows article due to some powerhouse performances, its curious mystery, and foreboding atmosphere. A second season is on the way, too.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

The Peripheral

Based on William Gibson's seminal novel of the same name, The Peripheral is a sci-fi lover's dream, with a fascinatingly time-bending narrative, complex world-building, and exploration of real world sociopolitical issues, such as inequality and what it means to be free.

In our review of The Peripheral, we said the Chloë Grace Moretz-starring production was a "candy shop of shiny delights", adding Gibson's novel "translates well in the first three episodes", even if several elements of the original plot are "disappointingly canned". However, its pacing, as well as its at-times "dense and confusing" narrative means some viewers may struggle to stick with it. Like A League of Their Own and Three Pines, it was unceremoniously dumped after a single season.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

The Power

Based on Naomi Alderman's sci-fi novel of the same name, The Power alters the balance of power between humanity's genders in thrilling, amusing, and at-times dangerous ways.

Starring Toni Collette (Hereditary, Knives Out) among many other big-name actors, The Power is set in a world not unlike our own. One day, though, teenage girls across the globe mysteriously develop the, well, power to shoot electricity from their fingertips. As the world's population tries to get to grips with this unprecedented occurrence, sparks fly – literally and metaphorically – as gender equality is flipped on its head and the show's main characters are forced to grapple with a rapidly evolving situation.

Like FX's live-action adaptation of Y: The Last Man, The Power is a largely faithful and shockingly good TV series. Its themes, narrative, and character development can be a little on-the-nose at times, but it's mostly a smart, entertaining, and thought-provoking show that deserves your attention.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Solos

An anthology series from Hunters' creator David Weil, Solos asks the question: what does it mean to be human?

If you think you've seen TV shows that ask that question, think again. Solos approaches this philosophical query from a sci-fi angle, framing its standalone stories around various futuristic topics including human cloning, time travel, space exploration, and viewing other peoples' memories.

With an all-star cast including Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Mackie, and Anne Hathaway, Solos explores universal themes such as death, fear of the unknown, and finding your purpose in funny but heart-breaking fashion. With episodes lengths between 20 and 30 minutes, it's well worth bingeing.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Star Trek

There's a lot of Star Trek on Prime Video, if you're in the mood to watch (or begin watching) one of the most iconic sci-fi franchises ever.

However, there are some slight catches with what Amazon's streamer offers these days. Some TV shows, such as Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Trek: Picard, are only available on Paramount Plus, which you can add as an extra TV channel as part of your Prime Video subscription. Meanwhile, some movies, including Star Trek: Into Darkness, are free to stream on Prime Video.

It's all a bit messy really so, if you're looking for some Star Trek to stream, you'll have to search by the title of the film or TV series you're after. Still, if you're a huge Trekkie, there's plenty of choice available.

Seasons on Prime Video: 3 of The Original Series (via Paramount Plus)

Best sports shows on Prime Video

The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is everything that Top Gear used to be on the UK's flagship terrestrial channel, aka the BBC. Well, Top Gear specials, at least. 

Having departed the BBC years ago and struck up a deal with Amazon Studios, petrolheads Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May have found similar levels of success with The Grand Tour – an excuse to send the trio around the world, partaking in various challenges and sniping at each other for hours on end. If you enjoy watching middle aged men burn rubber in the middle of the desert, like a scene out of Mad Max: Fury Road, then this is for you.

Seasons on Prime: 4

Best superhero shows on Prime Video

The Boys

The Boys is based on a simple premise: What if superheroes sucked? Like, really, really sucked? What if they were egotistical, selfish, corrupt and downright, well, unheroic? That's the crux of Amazon's live-action adaptation of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's R-rated comic series, which is one of the best Prime Video shows ever created.

Now sure, many of those questions have been explored in other media, but Amazon's over-the-top series does it with visual panache, dollops of humor, plenty of gore and ultraviolence, and some tender moments. The first season showed plenty of promise, the second delivered on it, and the third went above and beyond its predecessors. Find out what we know about The Boys season 4 while you're here.

Seasons on Prime Video: 3

Best thriller shows on Prime Video

The Consultant

Billed as a twisted comedy-thriller, The Consultant stars Christoph Waltz as Regus Patoff, the newly-installed consultant of CompWare, an app-based company. When the mysterious and somewhat sinister individual starts asking his employees to perform tasks outside of their remit, though, it's up to CompWare's staff to decide how far they'll go in the pursuit of greatness.

With shades of hit Apple TV Plus shows Severance and Mythic Quest, The Consultant should fill the workplace genre void in your life. Waltz delivers another suitably outstanding performance as the enigmatic Patoff, while there's enough payoff from the show's other elements to make it worth watching.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Jack Ryan

This politically charged action thriller has been a fairly good hit for Amazon, thanks in part to John Krazinski's charismatic and fun take on the titular CIA analyst.

Pulled away from his usual desk job to further investigate a string of dubious bank transfers, Ryan soon finds himself embroiled in a wider geopolitical conspiracy where he can't trust anyone – and nobody is willing to trust him. Unsurprisingly, things get more suspenseful and fraught with each passing season.

It's not as thrilling or subversively humorous as, say, Prime Video's Reacher (more on that in a bit) or similarly positioned spy shows. But, with plenty of high stakes drama, impressive set-pieces, and a likeable cast, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan is worth investing in.

Seasons on Prime Video: 4

The Rig

Supernatural and/or mystery thrillers are a dime a dozen these days – but what about such genre-specific shows set aboard a Scottish oil rig?

That's the premise of The Rig, a spooky Prime Video show that combines eco-horror with character-driven fare from a bygone era. Game of Thrones' Iain Glen and Filth's Martin Compston lead an ensemble cast in the series, which sees the crew of the Kinloch Bravo rig cut off from the rest of the world when an eerie fog rolls in. Unsurprisingly, there's more than meets the eye with this mist – cue fraying tempers, betrayals, tests of endurance, and more sinister occurrences.

The Rig has been fairly well received by critics, so you'll want to *ahem* drill down into this one yourself and see if it's one of the best Prime Video shows. Season 2 was greenlit by Amazon in February.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

The Terminal List

The Terminal List stars Marvel actor Chris Pratt as James Reece, a Navy SEAL suffering from survivor's guilt and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after his entire platoon is wiped out during a covert mission. 

When new information emerges that puts the responsibility on morally gray characters within the armed forces and US government, Reece decides to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge on those who wronged him and his deceased squad members.

The Terminal List wasn't well received by critics, with some calling it a by-the-numbers show that doesn't deliver thrills beyond what viewers have seen before. Others praised Pratt's performance, the show's action sequences, and its thematic resonance. It's been renewed for a second season and a prequel, so it must have done something right.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1

Best western shows on Prime Video

The English

This UK-US venture – Amazon co-developed it with the BBC – has earned plenty of plaudits, with critics describing The English as a bold, violent, and operatic Western that puts a new spin on the ageing but no less popular genre.

Emily Blunt (Jungle Cruise, A Quiet Place) and Chaske Spencer (Twilight) star as its two leads, aka Lady Cornelia Locke and Eli Whipp, who join forces in 1890s middle America to get revenge on those who ruined their lives in countless ways.

The English is a sweeping, brutal, and oft-times emotionally difficult watch, but it's nonetheless an immediately gripping series that deserves your time and attention. Expect it to remain a key staple of this best Prime Video shows list.

Seasons on Prime Video: 1