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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
89%
94%
Critics Consensus: A smart mix of workplace comedy and spy thriller conventions, Chuck is funny, sharply paced, and deftly written.
Starring: Zachary Levi, Adam Baldwin, Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez
95%
91%
Critics Consensus: Smartly written, well acted, and emotionally resonant, Awkward captures the anxiety of teenage life with wit and insight.
Starring: Ashley Rickards, Beau Mirchoff, Molly Tarlov, Jillian Rose Reed
90%
90%
Critics Consensus: Likeable characters add realism and heart to the tongue-in-cheek humor and high-octane action that fuels The Tick.
Starring: Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman, Jackie Earle Haley, Valorie Curry
100%
90%
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.
Starring: Tony Shalhoub, Ted Levine, Bitty Schram, Jason Gray-Stanford
70%
96%
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.
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kat Foster, Moises Arias, Phylicia Rashad
48%
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.
Starring: Courteney Cox, Busy Philipps, Dan Byrd, Christa Miller
100%
90%
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.
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis, Martin Freeman
79%
88%
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.
Starring: Craig Roberts, Paul Reiser, Jennifer Grey, Richard Kind
57%
88%
Critics Consensus: Its premise is sure to draw comparisons to Monk, and Psych's lead character is an acquired taste at best.
Starring: James Roday Rodriguez, Dulé Hill, Corbin Bernsen, Timothy Omundson
42%
84%
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.
Starring: John Lithgow, Jane Curtin, Simbi Khali, Kristen Johnston
69%
89%
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.
Starring: Ellen Muth, Mandy Patinkin, Laura Harris, Rebecca Gayheart
Dramas
90%
45%
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.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Dainton Anderson, Holliday Grainger, Jessica Raine
83%
- -
Critics Consensus: Mankind offers a surface-level glance at humanity's origins, but the breadth of history covered will intrigue all Sapiens tuning in.
Starring: Josh Brolin
95%
78%
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.
Starring: Maya Rudolph, Fred Armisen, Jason Mitchell, Hong Chau
76%
71%
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.
Starring: David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Liana Cornell
64%
94%
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.
Starring: Jeremy Jones, Jessie Buckley, Ben Miles, Stephen Campbell Moore
83%
95%
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.
Starring: Michael Dorman, Terry O'Quinn, Michael Chernus, Kathleen Munroe
72%
72%
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.
Starring: Miles Teller, John Hawkes, Augusto Aguilera, Jena Malone
94%
97%
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.
Starring: Keeley Hawes, Josh O'Connor, Milo Parker, Callum Woodhouse
88%
72%
Critics Consensus: Thirteen gives a well-worn premise an intriguing facelift with haunting execution and compelling performances across the board.
Starring: Jodie Comer, Richard Rankin, Valene Kane, Aneurin Barnard
90%
90%
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.
Starring: Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly
81%
91%
Critics Consensus: Heidi Thomas' Little Women miniseries offers a charming, intimate, and decidedly loyal adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's original story.
Starring: Emily Watson, Maya Hawke, Willa Fitzgerald, Kathryn Newton
100%
100%
Critics Consensus: With a sterling cast and plenty of juicy drama, Little Dorrit is a superb adaptation.
Starring: Claire Foy, Matthew Macfadyen, Judy Parfit, Tom Courtenay
89%
89%
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.
Starring: Olivia Cooke, Johnny Flynn, Claudia Jessie, Simon Russell Beale
80%
85%
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.
Starring: Jenna Coleman, Rufus Sewell, Peter Firth, Catherine H. Flemming
Fantasy, Horror, and Supernatural
63%
86%
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.
Starring: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley
57%
83%
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.
Starring: Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Anthony Head, Richard Wilson
69%
69%
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.
Starring: Aaron Mahnke
94%
94%
Critics Consensus: In the Flesh exists within several genres, growing into profound entertainment that haunts as it entertains.
Starring: Luke Newberry, Harriet Cains, Emily Bevan, Steve Evets
83%
94%
Critics Consensus: Hannibal caters to an intellectual audience that prefers plenty of gore in its psychological thrillers, with a polished presentation of madness.
Starring: Hugh Dancy, Laurence Fishburne, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas
69%
84%
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.
Starring: Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Dylan O'Brien, Holland Roden
55%
83%
Critics Consensus: Moody and dark, Grimm gives supernatural fantasy a TV procedural sheen.
Starring: David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Silas Weir Mitchell
100%
93%
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.
Starring: Yara Pilartz, Jenna Thiam, Frédéric Pierrot, Anne Consigny
Mysteries and Thrillers
80%
59%
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.
Starring: Natalie Dormer, Samara Weaving, Madeleine Madden, Lily Sullivan
100%
90%
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.
Starring: James Norton, Robson Green, Morven Christie, Tessa Peake-Jones
81%
79%
Critics Consensus: Fortitude's fine cast, deliberate pacing, and chilling setting provide the show with more than enough of the titular quality.
Starring: Stanley Tucci, Richard Dormer, Michael Gambon, Christopher Eccleston
91%
89%
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.
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie, Tom Hollander
67%
66%
Critics Consensus: The Kettering Incident pushes the boundaries of high-stakes, gripping mystery, albeit occasionally at the expense of deeper character development.
Starring: Elizabeth Debicki, Matthew Le Nevez, Henry Nixon, Alison Whyte
66%
82%
Critics Consensus: Mad Dogs boasts exciting twists and a rich landscape, but occasionally squanders its talented actors on stale midlife-crisis observations.
Starring: Ben Chaplin, Michael Imperioli, Romany Malco, Steve Zahn
71%
49%
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.
Starring: John Malkovich, Rupert Grint, Andrew Buchan, Eamon Farren
89%
94%
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.
Starring: Patricia Arquette, Paul Dano, Benicio del Toro
94%
71%
Critics Consensus: A classic British period piece that takes its time, Ordeal by Innocence will satisfy Agatha Christie fans and novices alike.
Starring: Bill Nighy, Anthony Boyle, Anna Chancellor, Morven Christie
91%
91%
Critics Consensus: Gritty and ambiguous, Luther is a captivating drama bolstered by a powerhouse performance from Idris Elba in the title role.
Starring: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Steven Mackintosh, Indira Varma
60%
88%
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.
Starring: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman
96%
91%
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.
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jamie Dornan, John Lynch, Bronagh Waugh
75%
88%
Critics Consensus: Strike Back doesn't have much depth, but still offers a solid fix for viewers seeking an explosive espionage thriller.
Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Philip Winchester, Amanda Mealing, Eva Birthistle
67%
83%
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.
Starring: Esme Creed-Miles, Joel Kinnaman, Mireille Enos, Joanna Kulig
79%
44%
Critics Consensus: Though The Pale Horse bristles with brutal thrills, it's convoluted mystery at times sedates the suspenseful proceedings.
Starring: Rufus Sewell
73%
89%
Critics Consensus: Though at times heavy-handed in its observations, Unforgotten's procedural premise is elevated by its humane approach.
Starring: Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Trevor Eve, Bernard Hill
Science-Fiction
98%
92%
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.
Starring: Rosa Salazar, Angelique Cabral, Bob Odenkirk, Constance Marie
89%
90%
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.
Starring: William Hurt, Will Tudor, Katherine Parkinson, Tom Goodman-Hill
93%
92%
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.
Starring: Philip Abbott, David McCallum, Robert Culp, Scott Marlowe
100%
87%
Critics Consensus: Tense and gripping, Counterpart is an absorbing thrill-fest led by J.K. Simmons' multi-faceted dual lead performance.
Starring: J.K. Simmons, Olivia Williams, Harry Lloyd, Ulrich Thomsen
61%
83%
Critics Consensus: Defiance is watchable for its keen loyalty to science fiction and a well-told story.
Starring: Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran
100%
88%
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.
Starring: Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, Virginia Hey
Reality and documentaries
82%
82%
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.
Starring: Jovanna Valladares
62%
82%
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.
Starring: Campbell Scott, H.W. Brands, Mark Cuban, Donny Deutsch
Thumbnail image: Nick Wall / ©AMC/Kudos/Channel 4, © Amazon Prime Video, ©MTV/Viacom


