25 Amazon Prime Series You Are Sleeping On (But Shouldn’t)

Streaming libraries are vast and often overwhelming repositories of content where excellent shows easily get lost in the shuffle. Amazon Prime Video boasts a massive collection of original programming that extends far beyond its most advertised blockbusters. Many of these series feature top-tier acting and innovative storytelling but fail to garner the widespread attention they deserve. This list highlights twenty-five exceptional series that offer high-quality entertainment for viewers looking for something different.

‘Patriot’ (2015–2018)

Intelligence officer John Tavner accepts a non-official cover at a piping firm in Milwaukee to prevent Iran from going nuclear. He deals with PTSD and incompetent government bureaucracy while trying to maintain his cover identity. The show blends dark humor with espionage elements to create a unique narrative style. Fans appreciate the melancholic folk songs the protagonist sings to express his inner turmoil.

‘Undone’ (2019–2022)

Alma Winograd-Diaz explores the elastic nature of reality after a near-fatal car accident gives her a new relationship with time. She utilizes this new ability to uncover the truth about her father’s death. The series utilizes rotoscope animation to create a surreal and dreamlike visual experience. Critics praised the show for its complex handling of mental health and family dynamics.

‘ZeroZeroZero’ (2020)

This crime drama follows the journey of a massive cocaine shipment from its purchase in Mexico to its distribution in Europe. The narrative explores the power struggles among the sellers and the brokers who move the product across the ocean. Different storylines converge to show the global impact of the drug trade on various economies and lives. The high stakes create immense tension throughout the limited series.

‘Tales from the Loop’ (2020)

Residents of a small town live above a machine built to unlock and explore the mysteries of the universe. This device makes things previously thought impossible manifest in reality for the citizens. Each episode focuses on different characters interacting with the strange phenomena caused by the Loop. The visual style draws heavy inspiration from the retro-futuristic art of Simon Stålenhag.

‘The Tick’ (2016–2019)

An accountant with no superpowers realizes his city is owned by a global super villain long thought dead. He teams up with a strange blue superhero to uncover the conspiracy and fight crime. This adaptation offers a satirical take on the superhero genre while maintaining genuine character development. The show balances absurdity with heart in a way that distinguishes it from darker comic book adaptations.

‘Mozart in the Jungle’ (2014–2018)

New maestro Rodrigo De Souza stirs up the New York Symphony with his eccentric style and passion for music. A young oboist named Hailey Rutledge navigates the politics and egos of the classical music world hoping for her big break. The series provides a behind-the-curtain look at the dedication required to perform at a professional level. It combines romance and comedy with a deep appreciation for orchestral performances.

‘Sneaky Pete’ (2015–2019)

Marius Josipovic is a con man who assumes the identity of his cellmate Pete to avoid a vicious gangster. He moves in with Pete’s estranged family and gets roped into their bail bond business. Marius must keep up the charade while dealing with criminals worse than himself. The show features intricate plot twists and high-tension scenarios as the lies pile up.

‘Goliath’ (2016–2021)

Billy McBride is a washed-up lawyer seeking redemption and revenge against the firm he helped create. He takes on cases that seem impossible to win against powerful corporate giants. The legal drama dives into the corrupt nature of the justice system and the personal demons of its protagonist. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a compelling performance as the cynical yet brilliant attorney.

‘Outer Range’ (2022–2024)

Rancher Royal Abbott fights for his land and family upon discovering an unfathomable mystery at the edge of Wyoming’s wilderness. A massive black void appears in his pasture and coincides with the arrival of an enigmatic drifter. The show mixes elements of a modern western with supernatural sci-fi mystery. Viewers are kept guessing as the secrets of the void slowly unravel.

‘Forever’ (2018)

June and Oscar live a comfortable but predictable married life in suburban California until a ski trip changes everything. They find themselves in a strange afterlife where they must confront the reality of spending eternity together. The series poses existential questions about love and commitment through a comedic lens. It stars Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen as the couple navigating their new existence.

‘Homecoming’ (2018–2020)

Heidi Bergman works at a facility helping soldiers transition back to civilian life but leaves to start a new life as a waitress. A Department of Defense auditor questions her years later about why she really left the facility. The narrative unfolds across two timelines to reveal a disturbing conspiracy involving memory and manipulation. The first season is directed by Sam Esmail and features a distinct visual style.

‘The English’ (2022)

Aristocratic Englishwoman Lady Cornelia Locke arrives in the West in 1890 determined to wreak revenge on the man she sees as responsible for the death of her son. She meets Eli Whipp and they discover a shared history that must be defeated at all costs. The cinematography captures the brutal beauty of the American landscape. This limited series offers a revisionist take on the classic western genre.

‘I’m a Virgo’ (2023)

Cootie is a thirteen-foot-tall young Black man in Oakland who escapes his sheltered life to experience the real world. He forms friendships and finds love while navigating the awkwardness of his size and the complexities of society. The show uses practical effects and forced perspective to bring its surreal premise to life. It serves as a coming-of-age story that critiques capitalism and hero worship.

‘Night Sky’ (2022)

Irene and Franklin York possess a chamber in their backyard that leads to a deserted planet. They have kept this secret for years until a young man suddenly appears in the chamber. The series explores themes of aging and enduring love against a science fiction backdrop. Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons provide grounding performances in this high-concept drama.

‘Red Oaks’ (2014–2017)

A college student works as an assistant tennis pro at the Jewish Red Oaks Country Club during the summer of 1985. He tries to figure out his future while interacting with wealthy members and eccentric coworkers. The show captures the nostalgia of the era without relying entirely on tropes. It is a heartfelt coming-of-age comedy with a strong ensemble cast.

‘Mad Dogs’ (2015–2016)

A group of middle-aged friends travels to Belize to celebrate the early retirement of an old friend. Their luxury vacation quickly turns into a nightmare involving drugs and organized crime. The series tests the limits of their friendship as they struggle to survive in a foreign country. It is a dark comedy thriller that maintains a sense of dread throughout.

‘The Wilds’ (2020–2022)

A group of teenage girls from different backgrounds must fight for survival after a plane crash strands them on a deserted island. The crash turns out to be an elaborate social experiment conducted without their knowledge. Flashbacks reveal the personal struggles each girl faced before the accident. The show functions as both a survival thriller and a character study of adolescence.

‘Truth Seekers’ (2020)

Part-time paranormal investigators team up to film ghost sightings across the UK for an online channel. They uncover a deadly conspiracy that could threaten the entire human race. The show blends horror and comedy in a style typical of creators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. It pays homage to classic sci-fi and horror tropes while delivering genuine scares.

‘The Consultant’ (2023)

A mysterious consultant named Regus Patoff arrives to run a gaming company after the CEO dies violently. His strange demands and intrusive management style alarm the employees who start looking into his past. The series operates as a workplace satire wrapped in a psychological thriller. Christoph Waltz plays the titular character with unsettling charm and menace.

‘Swarm’ (2023)

A young woman named Dre becomes increasingly obsessed with a pop star resembling Beyoncé. Her fandom takes a dark and violent turn as she travels across the country. The show examines the toxic nature of parasocial relationships and internet culture. It features a stylized aesthetic and a breakout performance by Dominique Fishback.

‘Hunters’ (2020–2023)

A diverse band of Nazi hunters living in 1977 New York City discovers that hundreds of high-ranking Nazi officials are conspiring to create a Fourth Reich in the US. The team sets out on a bloody quest to bring the genocidal cult to justice. The series mixes historical drama with pulp action sensibilities. Al Pacino stars as the leader of the eclectic group.

‘Carnival Row’ (2019–2023)

Mythological creatures flee their war-torn homeland and gather in a city where tensions simmer between citizens and the growing immigrant population. A human detective and a faerie rekindle a dangerous affair while investigating a string of gruesome murders. The show builds a rich fantasy world with complex political and social allegories. The production design and makeup effects are standout features of the series.

‘Paper Girls’ (2022)

Four young paper girls delivering newspapers on the morning after Halloween in 1988 become unwittingly caught in a conflict between warring time-travelers. They travel to the future and meet adult versions of themselves. The series focuses on female friendship and the disappointment of growing up. It adapts the popular graphic novel with a focus on character dynamics.

‘The Devil’s Hour’ (2022–)

Lucy wakes up every night at exactly 3:33 AM after experiencing terrifying visions. She becomes entangled in a police investigation tracking a brutal serial killer. The story weaves together elements of crime drama and supernatural mystery to explain her connection to the killer. Peter Capaldi delivers a chilling performance as the enigmatic prisoner at the center of the mystery.

‘Dead Ringers’ (2023)

Twin gynecologists Elliot and Beverly Mantle share everything from drugs to lovers in their quest to push the boundaries of medical ethics. They plan to revolutionize women’s healthcare but their codependency threatens to destroy them. Rachel Weisz plays both twins in a technical feat of acting and editing. This psychological thriller reimagines the Cronenberg film with a modern twist.

Please leave a comment sharing which of these series you plan to watch first or if you have other hidden gems to recommend.