(Photo by © Amazon Prime Video)
70 Hidden Gem Series on Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is one of the most overwhelming streaming services out there: it’s overflowing with viewing options for Prime members, from originals to recent hit network and cable series to old-school classics. And then there’s the stuff you can pay for – which is basically everything.
To help you cut through the clutter, the Rotten Tomatoes staff trawled through Amazon Prime Video’s options to uncover 75 series we think are hidden gems worthy of your streaming queue. These are not the streamer’s highest-profile hits – if you need to be reminded that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel exists, check out our guide to the very best Amazon Prime series – but great and interesting shows that have flown under the radar, or which you might not know were available with your Prime subscription. (And we stuck to the shows available with Prime, leaving out shows you need to purchase or rent.)
In this guide, you’ll find Prime originals the critics loved but which haven’t gotten the attention we think they deserve (Hanna, The Tick, Britannia); acclaimed “peak TV”-era shows you may be surprised to find available with Prime (The Wire, Hannibal); classics you may be even more surprised to see here (The Outer Limits, The Addams Family, 3rd Rock from the Sun); and some foreign gems (British comedy Peep Show, French thriller The Returned).
We’ve divided the list up by genre to help you find the right show for your mood. And while many of the selections have multiple seasons, we linked to the page for each show’s first season because, well, that’s generally the best place to start and get a sense of whether the show is right for you. For more info on each show, and to read reviews, click into the show title.
For now, happy bingeing, and we hope you find something surprising and special in the list below.
Found a hidden gem on Amazon Prime Video that’s not on our list? Let your fellow fans know in the comments.
Comedies
#80
Critics Consensus: A smart mix of workplace comedy and spy thriller conventions, Chuck is funny, sharply paced, and deftly written.
#76
Critics Consensus: Smartly written, well acted, and emotionally resonant, Awkward captures the anxiety of teenage life with wit and insight.
#75
Critics Consensus: Likeable characters add realism and heart to the tongue-in-cheek humor and high-octane action that fuels The Tick.
#74
Critics Consensus: Monk is a pedestrian procedural anchored by an extraordinary star performance, with Tony Shalhoub bringing both beguiling eccentricity and rich humanity to the titular detective.
#73
Critics Consensus: Jean-Claude Van Damme parodies his own martial arts image with world-weary grace, but this series' scattershot laugh ratio and limited production value could leave viewer reaction as split as the star's thighs.
#72
Critics Consensus: Courteney Cox is a strong lead, but too often Cougar Town overdoses on attempts at edginess while ignoring its potentially interesting ideas.
#71
Critics Consensus: With a first season that altered the TV comedy landscape, the original British version of The Office proves the most mundane parts of daily life can be as hilarious as they are cringeworthy.
#69
Critics Consensus: Red Oaks offers an affectionate nod to 1980s sex comedies that -- largely thanks to a talented ensemble cast -- finds fresh humor in its familiar premise.
#68
Critics Consensus: Its premise is sure to draw comparisons to Monk, and Psych's lead character is an acquired taste at best.
#67
Critics Consensus: A likable cast and charming concept couldn't save 3rd Rock from the Sun from the critics, but it would later prove to be more than a Mork and Mindy knockoff.
#66
Critics Consensus: Dead Like Me is a required (after)taste, but the series' acidic wit and wry observations about the simple pleasures of life and death overcome the deficit in likable characters.
Dramas
#51
Critics Consensus: Patrick Melrose is a scathing indictment of British high society's inherited dysfunction, cruelty, and the wealth that enables them. The Crown this ain't.
#60
Critics Consensus: Mankind offers a surface-level glance at humanity's origins, but the breadth of history covered will intrigue all Sapiens tuning in.
#59
Critics Consensus: Forever is a gently harrowing and mirthful dive into the ennui of matrimony, elevated by Maya Rudolph's dazzling turn of not-so-quiet desperation.
#58
Critics Consensus: Brilliantly bonkers, Britannia's duplicitous characters and campy fantasy won't be for everyone, but those looking for less-serious swords and sorcery may enjoy its spellbinding madness.
#57
Critics Consensus: The Last Post is old fashioned to a fault and features too many anachronisms to claim historical authenticity, but the series does provide a pleasing dose of escapism.
#56
Critics Consensus: Patriot is dark, quirky, and often funny -- and although its risks don't always pay off, the series is still savvy and inspired enough to watch.
#55
Critics Consensus: Grim and graphic, Too Old to Die Young is stylish, but its languid story does little to justify its violent tendencies-- though fans of Refn's may find enjoyment in its neon laden misery.
#54
Critics Consensus: The Durrells in Corfu is crisp and confident, offering viewers an escape into dreamy scenery and a witty performance by star Keeley Hawes.
#53
Critics Consensus: Thirteen gives a well-worn premise an intriguing facelift with haunting execution and compelling performances across the board.
#51
Critics Consensus: Boasting a charming cast, a sly sense of humor, and a whole lot of heart, The Fosters is a smart and insightful look at contemporary family life.
#48
Critics Consensus: Heidi Thomas' Little Women miniseries offers a charming, intimate, and decidedly loyal adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's original story.
#46
Critics Consensus: With a sterling cast and plenty of juicy drama, Little Dorrit is a superb adaptation.
#45
Critics Consensus: Olivia Cooke's brilliant portrayal of the feisty and scheming Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair makes this adaptation of Thackeray's classic novel more relatable for a 21st century audience.
#44
Critics Consensus: Strong performances by Jenna Coleman and Rufus Sewell hint at Downton-esque potential for Victoria, but the narrative falls just shy of that soapy mark.
Fantasy, Horror, and Supernatural
#43
Critics Consensus: It's unabashedly soapy and it occasionally wavers in its social commentary, but True Blood is a gory, sexy genre romp with a strong supporting cast.
#42
Critics Consensus: This reimagining of Arthurian legend fails to conjure much excitement with its chintzy visual effects and soporific drama, but at least Colin Morgan imbues the titular wizard with an enchanting charm.
#40
Critics Consensus: Subtle and spooky, Lore's horror-laden history lessons take on new life on the small screen, though it sticks too closely to the podcast's original format to truly distinguish itself.
#38
Critics Consensus: In the Flesh exists within several genres, growing into profound entertainment that haunts as it entertains.
#37
Critics Consensus: Hannibal caters to an intellectual audience that prefers plenty of gore in its psychological thrillers, with a polished presentation of madness.
#36
Critics Consensus: Thanks to a charismatic lead in Tyler Posey and some dark, biting humor, Teen Wolf is a pleasant summer surprise, even if it does tread familiar ground.
#35
Critics Consensus: Moody and dark, Grimm gives supernatural fantasy a TV procedural sheen.
#34
Critics Consensus: A pleasant change from typically gory zombie shows, The Returned is a must-see oddity that's both smart and sure to disturb.
Mysteries and Thrillers
#29
Critics Consensus: Natalie Dormer charms in Picnic at Hanging Rock, a stylish retelling of an Australian classic -- though convoluted sub-plots at times distract from its otherwise tantalizing delights.
#28
Critics Consensus: Grantchester is an easygoing sleuthing series that is satisfying as it is gentle, with a likable partnership between James Norton and Robson Green at its heart.
#27
Critics Consensus: Fortitude's fine cast, deliberate pacing, and chilling setting provide the show with more than enough of the titular quality.
#50
Critics Consensus: The Night Manager's smart writing and riveting story are elevated all the more by Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston's captivating performances.
#26
Critics Consensus: The Kettering Incident pushes the boundaries of high-stakes, gripping mystery, albeit occasionally at the expense of deeper character development.
#65
Critics Consensus: Mad Dogs boasts exciting twists and a rich landscape, but occasionally squanders its talented actors on stale midlife-crisis observations.
#25
Critics Consensus: The ABC Murders liberally adapts the famed Agatha Christie mystery while retaining its thrilling spirit, thanks in part to the sly performance of John Malkovich, who inhabits Hercule Poirot with enough wizened panache to win over those who were skeptical of his casting.
#49
Critics Consensus: Escape at Dannemora's slow pace demands patience, but those willing to wait will be rewarded with a chilling mystery that provides the perfect showcase for its talented cast -- especially so for the incredible Patricia Arquette.
#24
Critics Consensus: A classic British period piece that takes its time, Ordeal by Innocence will satisfy Agatha Christie fans and novices alike.
#63
Critics Consensus: Gritty and ambiguous, Luther is a captivating drama bolstered by a powerhouse performance from Idris Elba in the title role.
#23
Critics Consensus: The setup and episodic storytelling is far from original, but The Mentalist distinguishes itself from other procedurals mostly due to the talents of Simon Baker.
#22
Critics Consensus: Less sensationalistic and more provocative than most police procedurals, The Fall is unapologetically sexy with pressure-building tension driven by plausible characters and motifs.
#83
Critics Consensus: Strike Back doesn't have much depth, but still offers a solid fix for viewers seeking an explosive espionage thriller.
#82
Critics Consensus: A gritty reimagining of the 2011 film, Hanna adds new wrinkles to the mythology and texture to the titular assassin -- though the series' long-winded journey may try the patience of viewers who want their violent fables concise.
#21
Critics Consensus: Though The Pale Horse bristles with brutal thrills, it's convoluted mystery at times sedates the suspenseful proceedings.
#18
Critics Consensus: Though at times heavy-handed in its observations, Unforgotten's procedural premise is elevated by its humane approach.
Science-Fiction
#17
Critics Consensus: A kaleidoscopic existential crisis, Undone bends the rules of space, time, and rotoscoping to weave a beautifully surreal tapestry that is at once fantastical and utterly relatable.
#16
Critics Consensus: Humans is a mature, high-octane thriller offering emotional intrigue and thought-provoking suspense that should prove irresistible to sci-fi fans while remaining accessible enough to lure in genre agnostics.
#15
Critics Consensus: Not content to settle for Twilight Zone knockoff status, The Outer Limits set the bar for gruesome monster anthology series and stands the test of time.
#14
Critics Consensus: Tense and gripping, Counterpart is an absorbing thrill-fest led by J.K. Simmons' multi-faceted dual lead performance.
#13
Critics Consensus: Defiance is watchable for its keen loyalty to science fiction and a well-told story.
#11
Critics Consensus: Filled with humor and heart, Farscape effortlessly blends sci-fi set pieces and Jim Henson creations to create a space epic as thoughtful as it is thrilling.
Reality and documentaries
#6
Critics Consensus: Fascinating and frustrating, Lorena's ample footage and fresh perspective on a long-mocked moment provide welcome context and vindication to the woman at its center -- even if its reenactments don't quite measure up.
#4
Critics Consensus: The Men Who Built America is hampered by a narrow view of greatness and unconvincing reenactments, but the sheer breadth of pioneering personalities covered makes for a compelling enough history lesson.
Thumbnail image: Nick Wall / ©AMC/Kudos/Channel 4, © Amazon Prime Video, ©MTV/Viacom
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