From 'Fallout' to 'Expats', these captivating shows are a must-watch.
20 of the Best Amazon Prime TV Shows to Binge-Watch
From 'Fallout' to 'Expats', these captivating shows are a must-watch.
Among the never-ending list of first world problems we shamefully admit to experiencing every now and then, finding a TV show to watch always seems to be the top of the list.
You would think with thousands of shows at our disposal we’d be able to select one with ease each evening, but as soon as our eyes meet that streaming service home screen we’re hit with incurable decision paralysis that leads us to scroll aimlessly into oblivion.
So for those who live that experience nightly, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best shows for you to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
1. Fallout
Does post-apocalypticism pique your interest? Inspired by one of the most popular video games of all time, Fallout is all that and more. Set in 2077 before the world is destroyed by nuclear annihilation, select members of society are chosen to take shelter in experimental fallout bunkers called “Vaults” that are designed to preserve humanity. Season one centres around Lucy, a resident of Vault 33, who came to radiation-ravaged Los Angeles in an attempt to save her father Hank, where she will have to navigate a dangerous, deceiving and decrepit world – plus a bounty hunter, you know, just casually.
2. Expats
Starring Nicole Kidman as privileged protagonist Margaret Woo, Expats centres around the intertwined lives of three American women in Hong Kong whose worlds are upended after the sudden disappearance of Margaret’s youngest son during a nighttime visit to a market. Based on the book The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee, it unfurls over six episodes, offering a nuanced look at the intersection of race, class and grief.
3. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
This Australian production is based on the beloved Holly Ringland novel of the same name, which follows a young girl, Alice, who escapes a horrific family situation to live with her grandmother on a flower farm, discovering more about her life and family history in the process. The cast for this powerful series is incredible: Alycia Debnam-Carey stars as Alice, with Sigourney Weaver as her grandmother June. Plus, there’s Asher Keddie, Leah Purcell and Tilda Cobham-Hervey, just to name a few. With stunning visuals and a propulsive, moving story, this show is a must-watch.
4. Little Fires Everywhere
Based on the best-selling book by Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere is co-produced by and stars Hollywood heavyweights Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. Taking place in 1998 Ohio, the plot tells the story of Mia Warren (Washington), an enigmatic artist and single mother who moves to the suburbs with her adolescent daughter. There, they become entangled with Elena Richardson (Witherspoon) and her picture-perfect family, only to find themselves on opposite sides when a custody battle begins over the adoption of a Chinese-American baby. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to discover the secrets Mia’s hiding, but unveiling it will upend all their lives in the process.
5. Mr. And Mrs. Smith
A nuanced take on the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie film of the same name, Mr. And Mrs. Smith is also a spy show – with a few distinct twists. Like the film, it centres around a married couple who lead double lives as spies. Unlike the film, it kicks off before the two are married, following them from when they begin working for a mysterious spy agency that promises them a fabulous life of espionage, money and travel – but only if they adopt new identities in an arranged marriage. Enter: ‘Mr. John Smith’ and ‘Mrs. Jane Smith’. Naturally, feelings are caught and complications ensue – all the better for us, of course.
6. The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power
Fun fact? The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power is the most expensive series ever made with a record-setting price tag of US $1 billion. A prequel set many millennia before author J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic Lord Of The Rings trilogy and subsequent film adaptations, the show pulls from the largely unexplored appendices of the books, although you don’t have to have watched or read either to follow it. In short, it’s classic fantasy fodder: elves, royals, magical objects, a battle between good and evil – plenty to keep you entertained and falling down many a recap rabbit hole.
7. The Power
Another excellent book-turned-show, The Power imagines a world (literally) sparked when women all over the globe find themselves possessing the power to unleash lightning, seismically shifting patriarchal power structures in the process. It’s also helmed by a stellar cast, including Toni Collette as Seattle mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez and Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso) as Tunde Ojo, the photojournalist who captures the story as it all unfolds.
8. Citadel
Looking for a little action? Perhaps some international espionage? A splash of sci-fi? Citadel has got it covered. Far from a literal fortress, the big-budget series’ name refers to a global independent spy agency whose sole mission is to keep the world safe. When a dark organisation called Manticore strikes, bringing the agency down, its most elite agents Nadia Sinh (played by Priyanka Chopra-Jonas) and Mason Kane (played by Richard Madden) narrowly escape the scene with their lives. Their memories wiped and new identities assumed, they carry on with no recollection of their former lives – until they’re called upon to stop Manticore’s bid for world domination before it’s too late. Jumping between past and present, it’s edge-of-the-seat stuff that keeps you hooked and off your phone.
9. Daisy Jones & The Six
One of the most anticipated new releases of 2023 was the adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel Daisy Jones & The Six. The story follows the rise and fall of a fictional rock band, and the tumultuous relationship between its two lead singers. The series truly delivers on all the tempestuous chemistry and romance that the book had in spades. Starring Riley Keough as Daisy Jones and Sam Claflin as rock star Billy Dunne, the casting in this show is epic. And just you wait til’ you see the set and costume design.
10. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Set in the 1950s and '60s, this premium series follows a New York City housewife with a knack for stand-up comedy. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls), there's plenty of fast-talking banter, but what you'll really love is the incredible costuming and set design. With parts of the series set in Paris and award-winning performances from its stars (Rachel Brosnahan who plays the titular Mrs Maisel and Alex Borstein who plays her manager, Susie) you will be delighted with each of this show's spectacular episodes.
11. Fleabag
Delightfully dark and wonderfully witty, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag explores loss and the complexity of love for women in the modern age. The series follows the life of 30-something Fleabag (yes – that is her name) as she struggles to live a somewhat normal life after the tragic death of her best friend. There are two seasons for you to savour... and cry about when you get to the final episode.
12. The Office
One of Prime’s many excellent qualities is the fact that it’s home to The Office. This fly-on-the-wall "docu-reality" parody of modern American office life is set in Scranton, a quiet city in northeast Pennsylvania. The series delves into the lives of employees from Dunder Mifflin, a fictional paper and office supplies wholesale company. Starring Steve Carrell, Jenna Fischer, and John Krasinski (plus many, many more) this endearing show will have you laughing all the way from season one through to nine.
13. The Summer I Turned Pretty
Based on the beloved teen novel series by Jenny Han – she of To All The Boys I Loved Before fame – this Prime binge watch followed two families as they spent a memorable summer at the fictional Cousins Beach, in Massachusetts. Our protagonist Belly loves coming to this family home where she made so many memories, but this past summer, Conrad and his brother Jeremiah both declared their love for her, and things got a little confusing. In season two, Belly is once again torn between these two boys, and the stakes are even higher this time, with illness and drama threatening the house the family loves so much.
14. Jury Duty
We can guarantee you’ve never seen a show like this before. Jury Duty is an American reality hoax sitcom television series created by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, about a fake jury trial. The series stars a group of actors amongst one individual who believes the series of events that unfold before him are real. This addictive show consists of eight hilarious episodes – perfect for a weekend of binge-watching.
15. Deadloch
A comedy series with bite, Deadloch skewers all the tropes of mystery shows that you know and love. Set in a sleepy Tasmanian town scandalised by a dead body that washes up on the beach, the show follows a team of detectives who must solve the crime before it threatens to rain on the parade of the town’s annual ‘Winter Feastival’. Funny, silly, and clever, it's a perfect binge-watch for anyone who has spent too long brooding over murder mystery shows like Broadchurch or Shetland.
16. Class of ‘07
Imagine you’re at the world’s worst high school reunion. Bleak, right? Now imagine that while you’re at said reunion, a cataclysmic event brings about the end of the world as you know it and you are now stuck with your former classmates for the rest of time. We couldn’t think of a better premise for a television show than this Australian comedy ready to be binged on Prime.
17. The Wheel of Time
Enter the world of magic-wielding women. Starring Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden and Josha Stradowski, The Wheel of Time became Prime Video’s most-watched original series of 2021, proving we’re all a bunch of fantasy fanatics looking for our next fix. Inspired by Robert Jordan’s high fantasy novels, the show draws inspiration from gripping books in the series – aka The Great Hunt and The Dragon Reborn.
18. Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe
A captivating name, and an even more captivating story uncovered by investigative reporter and journalist Alice Hines. Asking the question “How far would you go to find your twin flame?” this 3-part docuseries delves into the wild world of Twin Flames Universe – a cult-like internet community searching for love that is still online today. Founders Jeff and Shaleia Divine have made a fortune off devoted members who play with fire to claim their ‘Twin Flame’, crossing boundaries and even binaries to find their happy ending.
19. Harlem
Attention: fans of Sex and the City – consider Harlem your next must-watch. Set in the eponymous New York City neighbourhood, the dramedy follows the lives, loves and careers of four strong-minded best friends in their thirties: Camille, a popular anthropology professor; Quinn, a wealthy but struggling fashion designer; Tye, a tenacious tech entrepreneur; and Angie, a wild child and aspiring performer. With two full seasons and a third on the way, it’s perfect viewing for a girls’ night in.
20. Nine Perfect Strangers
If you loved Big Littles Lies, chances are Nine Perfect Strangers will be one worth your time. Like the former, the series is also based on Liane Moriarty‘s best-selling book of the same name and stars Nicole Kidman, this time following the lives of – you guessed it – nine strangers who arrive at Tranquillum House, a mysterious wellness retreat where things are not quite as they seem. The best part? A second season is en route.
