Think Netflix holds the monopoly on binge-able TV shows? Think again! When it comes to original programming, Netflix may have more to offer [1], but that doesn't mean that Amazon Prime's original shows are any less awesome. Amazon was the first streaming service to win a Golden Globe for best series when Transparent [2] won in 2015, and it also became the first streaming service to have a movie nominated for Best Picture when Manchester by the Sea was nominated for 2017's Academy Awards. If you're looking for a new favourite show this year, read on to see the 10 best series to stream on Amazon in 2019.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Set in the late 1950s, this hilarious and delightful comedy series tells the story of a pampered Upper West Side housewife who — after finding out about her husband's infidelity — discovers that she has a secret of her own: she has a real knack for stand-up comedy. You can also be rest assured that Midge and the gang will return for a third season [4], as the show was renewed before season two even aired.
Watch it now [5].
Homecoming
Based on the podcast of the same name created by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg, Julia Roberts [6] stars in this psychological thriller as a former caseworker at Homecoming Transitional Support Centre, a live-in government-run facility that supposedly helps soldiers adjust back to normal life, though years after leaving, she realises the facility may not be exactly what it seems. Though Roberts won't be returning for season two [7], the series still has a two-season commitment, so you can definitely expect more.
Watch it now [8].
Sneaky Pete
Created by House creator David Shore and Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston, this crime drama tells the story of a recently released con man who decides to assume the identity of his old cell mate, Pete, in order to avoid all the trouble he left behind — especially the ruthless gangster (played by Cranston) who's on his tail. Amazon hasn't yet announced when the third season is coming, but we at least know that there will be one!
Watch it now [9].
Electric Dreams
This sci-fi series — which is based on the works of author Philip K. Dick — is perfect for fans of Black Mirror, as it presents 10 standalone episodes all centreed around the idea of challenging reality and questioning whether artificial intelligence is a major feat or a terrible threat. It still hasn't been confirmed whether the show will return for a second season, but we're holding out hope!
Watch it now [10].
The Man in the High Castle
In another dystopian series based loosely on the work of Philip K. Dick (this time on his novel of the same name), an alternate reality is presented, one in which America lost World War II to the Axis powers and the country is divided into three parts: the Nazi-controlled East, the Japanese-controlled West, and the buffer zone down the middle. It is in this middle section that mysterious films begin to circulate, spreading hope that a different world may exist, one in which America is free. The best part: season four is already in the works.
Watch it now [11].
Patriot
This comedy-drama follows the quirky misadventures of an intelligence officer who — in order to prevent Iran from going nuclear — must take on a risky non-official cover, posing as an industrial engineer at a Milwaukee industrial piping firm. Three years passed between the premiere of season one and season two, so unfortunately for fans, it might be a while before we see another new season.
Watch it now [12].
Goliath
In this legal drama starring Billy Bob Thornton [13], a formerly brilliant but now disgraced lawyer desperately tries to redeem himself after a murder suspect he got acquitted on a technicality ends up killing an entire family. Though a date hasn't been announced yet, you can look forward to season three premiering some time in 2019!
Watch it now [14].
Bosch
Based on Michael Connelly's bestselling novels, this crime series follows Harry Bosch (played by Sons of Anarchy [15] star Titus Welliver), a veteran Los Angeles homicide detective who he finds himself in constant conflict with authority in his tireless pursuit of justice. The long-running series has already been renewed for its sixth season, with a fifth season currently in production and set to launch sometime this year.
Watch it now [16].
Jack Ryan
Based on the series by author Tom Clancy, John Krasinski [17] stars in this action-packed series as the titular Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst who is pulled away from the safety of his desk job after he discovers some questionable bank transfers and given a dangerous field assignment, putting him on the front line in the fight against terrorism. There's only been one season so far, the show has already been renewed for seasons two and three.
Watch it now [18].
Transparent
Though its star Jeffrey Tambor won't be returning for its fifth season [19] following several sexual harassment accusations made against the actor, the series — which revolves around a retired college professor who reveals to her three adult children that, though she was born a man, she identifies as a woman — will definitely continue as planned, and we're curious to see what the show will look like without Maura.
Watch it now [20].