Amazon Prime Video is one of the best TV services around and is known for breaking conventions of predictable plots and one-dimensional characters. It also offers content that reflects different cultures and views not often seen in Hollywood.
To save you from scrolling through their impressive catalog of TV shows, I've rounded up some of Amazon Prime's hidden gems. These underrated shows bring us complex female leads, mysterious worlds, and different historical perspectives.
» Want to try out another platform? Check out our picks for the best TV movie streaming services.
1. Fleabag
- Genre - Comedy-drama
- Premier - July 21, 2016
- Seasons and episodes - 2 seasons (12 episodes)
"Fleabag" won several Emmys and Golden Globes and received much praise from viewers. The disarmingly funny Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays the titular character. And she's far from the stereotypical "perfect" female lead: She navigates a disastrous dating life, complex family dynamics, and a flailing business in London.
The best laughs I had came from her frequent "fourth wall" breaks where she shares her thoughts with you as the viewer. I loved her witty—and hilariously inappropriate—situational observations and was moved by how she tries to overcome her personal flaws.
2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- Genre - Period comedy-drama
- Premier - March 17, 2017
- Seasons and episodes - 5 seasons (43 episodes)
Another bitingly funny show with a female lead in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", set in 1950s New York. It follows housewife Miriam "Midge" Maisel, who pursues a stand-up comedy career. As a woman and a TV critic, I truly appreciate how Midge isn't portrayed as a typical 1950s housewife.
Midge is ambitious, independent, and opinionated. She's also not afraid to speak her mind, even if it gets her in trouble. I was encapsulated by the interesting dialogue and witty jokes. She hits every punchline and performs stand-up as if she were born to do it.
3. Mozart in the Jungle
- Genre - Comedy-drama
- Premier - February 6, 2014
- Seasons and episodes - 4 seasons (40 episodes)
"Mozart in the Jungle" is based on the memoir of New York musician Blair Tindall. It follows Hailey, an aspiring oboist in the New York Symphony, and her relationship with the eccentric conductor Rodrigo. This lesser-known title pulls back the curtain on the musicians in the orchestra pit, revealing a hedonistic lifestyle.
During its run, Mozart won two Emmys and Golden Globes. While I stayed for the drama, I also learned a lot about the less glamorous aspects of life in an orchestra.
4. The Underground Railroad
- Genre - Historical drama
- Premier - May 14, 2021
- Seasons and episodes - 1 season (10 episodes)
A daring commentary on 19th-century American slavery, "The Underground Railroad" follows a plantation worker named Cora. I was gripped by her intense and emotional escape from the farm via an underground railway to the "free states" of the US.
The series navigates its complex subject matter delicately without making the brutal depiction of slavery feel opportunistic. Cora, who suppresses her emotions to ensure her survival, was a compelling reminder to me that even in the darkest of times, there's always hope.
» Like to watch daring shows? Try these best shows for adults on Disney+.
5. Homecoming
- Genre - Psychological thriller
- Premier - May 22, 2020
- Seasons and episodes - 2 seasons (17 episodes)
"Homecoming" is a psychological thriller loosely based on a scripted podcast. The show is unique in a number of ways, but what struck me most was its exploration of trauma, memory, and identity.
Heidi, a former social worker, slowly realizes that her job helping soldiers return to civilian life may have had a darker purpose. I was enthralled by the tantalizing details strung throughout the series that slowly hint at something off about the Homecoming Transition Support Center.
6. Undone
- Genre - Adult animated psychological comedy-drama
- Premier - September 13, 2019
- Seasons and episodes - 2 seasons (16 episodes)
"Undone" is filled with mind-bending animation. After a near-death experience, Alma discovers she can manipulate time. She uses a newfound ability to unravel the mystery surrounding her father's death. It's difficult to assign a single genre to "Undone", as the series mixes sci-fi, magic realism, drama, and comedy.
This show is Amazon's first series to use rotoscoping, and it does so exceptionally well. Using this technique, animators maintain realistic movement and details by drawing or painting over each frame of live footage.
7. The Man in the High Castle
- Genre - Dystopian alternate history
- Premier - November 15, 2019
- Seasons and episodes - 4 seasons (40 episodes)
In "The Man in the High Castle's" dystopian alternate version of history, Axis powers won World War II. Juliana Crain becomes involved in the resistance after encountering a film reel that shows the Allies winning the war.
I particularly enjoyed how the creators carefully considered how totalitarian rule would shape the US and hinder its progress, which is why much of the series looks like the early 1950s. The finer details, like brand-new flags, are what make the series come to life. In fact, this show's production and special effects were nominated for several Emmys.
8. The Big Sick
- Genre - Romantic comedy
- Premier - July 14, 2017
"The Big Sick" is based on the first three years of Pakistani comedian Kumail Nanjiani's relationship with his wife, Emily. When she falls ill, Kumail has to confront her parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.
This little-known movie is different from your typical rom-com. It gives a more nuanced look at cross-cultural relationships. The film manages drama, romance, and comedy equally. Kazan and Nanjiani have a natural chemistry that made me root for them.
9. Red Oaks
- Genre - Comedy-drama
- Premier - August 28, 2014
- Seasons and episodes - 3 seasons (26 episodes)
"Red Oaks" is an homage to 1980s teen movies that follows a college student, David Myers, who works at the Red Oaks Country Club one summer. David is a bright and ambitious kid, but he's also struggling to figure out his place in the world.
While Craig Roberts is the star as David, Ennis Esmer steals every scene as David's sleazy coworker Nash. I especially loved how 80s songs are used to convey the character's emotions throughout the show.
10. Patriot
- Genre - Comedy-drama
- Premier - November 3, 2015
- Seasons and episodes - 2 seasons (18 episodes)
John Tavner is an intelligence officer who wants to be a folk singer. That dream goes out the window when Iran threatens with nuclear weapons. John is then forced to work at a Milwaukee industrial piping firm.
I liked how the show provides a hilarious commentary on the American government. Much of the humor in this Amazon Prime hidden gem comes from how far John's job pushes him. The show is equal parts drama, comedy, and musical.
Hidden Gems Await
Amazon Prime expands the boundaries of entertainment by providing a platform for underrepresented voices and untold stories. It offers you a chance to explore new worlds.
The exceptional writing, impressive acting, and high production values make these underrated shows worth discovering. If you're looking for more streaming services with a wide range of programming, consider Sling TV and Philo.
» For more unique content check out the best original TV shows on STARZ.
