The 10 Best Prime Video TV Shows of All Time, Ranked: A Deep Dive into Amazon's Streaming Success
In the early-to-mid 2010s, streaming services were still finding their footing, and Netflix seemed to dominate the market. But Amazon Prime Video emerged as a serious contender, and its success is exemplified by the 10 best Prime Video series of all time, ranked below.
- Fleabag
This show explores the cost of intimacy with depth and complexity, pushing the boundaries of what a prestige TV comedy can be. It's an exercise in radical empathy, asking viewers to empathize with a flawed protagonist, played by the creator/writer herself, Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
- The Underground Railroad
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel adapted into a miniseries by Barry Jenkins, this show tells the story of an enslaved woman's journey through a literal underground railway system. It's a powerful and unique take on a great American story, with a prestige budget and creative control.
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
A woman-led period dramedy that won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, this show is a testament to Amazon's ability to produce high-quality, culturally relevant content. It's funny, charming, and intelligent, with a strong protagonist and a compelling supporting cast.
- Undone
An animated series co-created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, this show explores themes of time, identity, and perception. It's smart, subversive, and existentially pensive, with a unique visual style that sets it apart from other animated series.
- Invincible
An animated superhero drama based on the comic book by Robert Kirkman, this show is a faithful adaptation with a strong voice cast. It raises the stakes consistently while maintaining a character-driven narrative, making it an exemplar of contemporary adult animation.
- I'm a Virgo
A surreal anti-capitalist miniseries that satirizes the superhero genre, this show is a refreshing and imaginative entry into the platform's original content. It explores themes of identity and acceptance, with a strong performance by Jharrel Jerome.
- Bait
A meta miniseries that satirizes the high-profile casting process, this show tackles recent cultural issues with a bold move. It explores the real backlash actors of color face and the psychological tension of pursuing a coveted role.
- The Legend of Vox Machina
An animated fantasy adventure comedy based on a real D&D campaign, this show captures the spontaneity and creativity of the original series. It's a rare instance of a streamer championing a disruptive new media project without draining its vitality.
- Transparent
A groundbreaking series that won two Emmy Awards for its portrayal of a trans woman, this show was a turning point for Amazon's streaming presence. It addressed trans issues with nuance and empathy, inviting audiences to see and understand life from a trans person's perspective.
- Reacher
An action thriller based on Lee Child's novels, this show stars Alan Ritchson as the titular antihero. With a strong performance and solid scripting, it has continued to improve with each outing, becoming the biggest action thriller of the contemporary television era.
Amazon Prime Video's success is evident in these 10 shows, which showcase the platform's ability to produce quality series that push the medium of television forward, offering a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles.
