Here's the thing about the Golden Age of television. How do you have time to do anything else? There are so many downright excellent series out there, and even more that are just great, you could stream, stream, stream all day long and still have more good television to burn through. With that in mind, I hope you weren't planning on doing anything productive with the rest of your day because we've put together a list of the best TV on Prime Video.
For more streaming recommendations, check out the Best TV Shows on Netflix Right Now and Best Movies on Prime Video Right Now.
Editor's Note: This post was last updated on February 10th to include Columbo.
Outer Range (2022-present)
Created by: Brian Watkins
Cast: Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Tamara Podemski, Tom Pelphrey, Imogen Poots, Lewis Pullman, Noah Reid, Shaun Sipos
For the viewers who were super into Yellowstone but want a lot more sci-fi in their Westerns, the good news is there's a show for that now! There's a different family at the heart, this one anchored by a patriarch played by another acting powerhouse in Josh Brolin — and one who is attempting to keep his family together in the aftermath of a significant loss. When a mysterious hole appears on their land, one that appears to be unending and leads to a possibly different place in time, the Abbotts may have more than just their own universe to contend with. As Collider's Chase Hutchinson wrote in his review of the season, "For a show to embrace the strange elements of the cosmos and intertwine them with everyday life as well as Outer Range does is worth praising for that alone. It is both creative and cathartic, revealing much about the family at its center even as it finds splendor in the overwhelming awe of the unknown." - Carly Lane
Columbo (1968-2003)
Creators: Richard Levinson, William Link
Cast: Peter Falk, Mike Lally, John Finnegan
Peter Falk (The Princess Bride) stars as the most recognizable name in crime television: Columbo. Columbo was a TV series-turned movie-of-the-week created by Richard Levinson and William Link. Exploring how the gentle and patient investigator pieced together the most complex of cases, sometimes with assistance from his adorable pooch, Columbo provided audiences with an intriguing mystery to be solved by a kind man in a memorable beige trench coat with a cigar and an unassuming demeanor. Through years of episodes, Columbo dictated the murder mystery format on television, continuing to influence the genre even decades after the show technically stopped airing. – Yael Tygiel
Night Court (1984-1992)
Creator: Reinhold Weege
Cast: Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Richard Moll, Charles Robinson, Markie Post
Cleverly blending workplace comedy and courtroom shenanigans, Night Court is an award-winning sitcom starring Harry Anderson and John Larroquette. The original series was so beloved that a continuation of the series recently premiered on NBC and Peacock. Created by the late Reinhold Weege, Night Court showcases a spectacle of wacky characters finding themselves in front of an unconventional judge (Anderson) and being prosecuted by a womanizing lawyer (Larroquette). Featuring a slew of supporting characters, including bailiffs Richard Moll as Bull and Marsha Warfield as Roz, Night Court excels at weirdness, ridiculousness, and guest stars. – Yael Tygiel
Covert Affairs (2010-2014)
Creators: Matt Corman, Chris Ord
Cast: Piper Perabo, Christopher Gorham, Kari Matchett, Peter Gallagher, Hill Harper
Covert Affairs is a beautifully crafted spy drama from co-creators Matt Corman and Chris Ord. Starring Piper Perabo(Yellowstone) as the CIA’s newest eager, wide-eyed rookie Annie Walker, Covert Affairs blends heart with action in an empowering and thrilling series. Supporting Perabo’s Walker is her blind handler, a military veteran and tech operative named August "Auggie" Anderson, played delightfully by Christopher Gorham (The Lincoln Lawyer), who evolves from work colleague and confidante to lover over the five seasons. Co-starring Kari Matchett (Leverage) and Peter Gallagher, Covert Affairs allows for growth in both characters and storylines. – Yael Tygiel
Invincible (2021-present)
Creators: Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, Cory Walker
Cast: Steven Yeun, J.K Simmons, Sandra Oh, Gillian Jacobs, Zazie Beetz
Based on the bloody comic book by Robert Kirkman, who co-created the series with Ryan Ottley and Cory Walker, Invincible is an exciting, violent, and vulgar adult animated series. Invincible follows 17-year-old Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), son of Earth’s mightiest defender Omni-Man (J.K Simmons), as he struggles to control his newly awakened superpowers. Through the impressively graphic and provocative yet all-too-short eight-episode first season, Invincible explores Mark’s attempts to prove himself as a hero while wading through heartbreak and teen angst, as well as the dangerous and unfortunate revelation that his father is not the noble “hero” everyone believes him to be. – Yael Tygiel
Vanity Fair (2018)
Creator: Gwyneth Hughes
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Claudia Jessie, Tom Bateman, Michael Palin
Adapted by Gwyneth Hughes and inspired by William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel, Vanity Fair is set during the Napoleonic Wars when status in English Society means everything. Vanity Fair follows Miss Rebecca Sharp, a poor but determined young woman who claws her way out of poverty and up the social scales into high society. Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) embodies the leading role of the devious Becky Sharp, whose manipulation leads to forging villainous alliances, forbidden romances, and merriment while she rises the ranks. Co-starring Claudia Jessie, Tom Bateman, and Michael Palin, Vanity Fair is an exciting and sexy political drama wrapped up in period attire. – Yael Tygiel
The Rig (2023-present)
Creator: David Macpherson
Cast: Emily Hampshire, Iain Glen, Martin Compston, Mark Bonnar
The Rig is an electric new science fiction drama series from newcomer David Macpherson about the crew of the Kinloch Bravo oil rig in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. With a stellar cast, The Rig walks a fine line between interpersonal drama and supernatural thriller. Starring Emily Hampshire(Schitt’s Creek), Iain Glen(Game of Thrones), and Martin Compston, The Rig confronts the expected threats of oil rigs, as well as the dangers incurred when man messes with nature. Throughout the tense first season, the characters on The Rig will be pushed to the edge attempting to survive while cut off from the outside world and facing an engulfing force beyond their comprehension. – Yael Tygiel
The Bad Guy (202-present)
Creators: Ludovica Rampoldi, Davide Serino, Giuseppe Stasi
Cast: Luigi Lo Cascio, Claudia Pandolfi, Selene Caramazza
The Bad Guy is an exciting crime show about Nino, an upstanding Sicilian citizen and focused prosecutor (Luigi Lo Cascio) accused of being the type of man he’s spent his career attempting to take down: a mafia boss. Created by Ludovica Rampoldi, Davide Serino, and Giuseppe Stasi,The Bad Guy cleverly weaves witty comedy through the thrilling revenge plan, following as Nino transforms into the manipulative villain he’s sworn to fight against. Co-starring Claudia Pandolfi and Selene Caramazza, The Bad Guy is an enjoyable series that seamlessly spans genres and lures audiences in with intrigue. – Yael Tygiel
Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge (2022-present)
Cast: Tamera Mowry-Housley, Joshua John Russell, Clarice Lam
Tamera Mowry-Housley hosts Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge, a baking competition series where pastry chefs and cake artists team up to create incredible edible treats inspired by beloved Dr. Seuss stories and characters. Featuring judges like confectionary experts Joshua John Russell and Clarice Lam, Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge challenges even the most experienced bakers with clever inventions. Nine teams of talented bakers are put to the test, proving their skills in hopes of earning $50,000. While the contestants can earn cash, Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge audiences also get a prize when each episode winner reveals their recipe online for bakers at home to enjoy these tasty treats. – Yael Tygiel
The English (2022-present)
Creator: Hugo Blick
Cast: Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, Stephen Rea
Created by Hugo Blick, The English is a revisionist western drama series starring Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place) as Lady Cornelia Locke, an Englishwoman who finds herself journeying to the West seeking revenge for her son’s death. Blunt’s haunting performance in The English as the grief-stricken, grudge-holding Lady Locke is riveting, especially paired with Chaske Spencer (Blindspot). Exploring themes of loyalty and honor, The English allows these actors to elevate the plot, which is full of intricate details. A compelling series with sweeping scenery alongside intimate moments, The English is relatable regardless of background. – Yael Tygiel
Riches (2022-present)
Creator: Abby Ajayi
Cast: Deborah Ayorinde, Sarah Niles, CJ Beckford, Adeyinka Akinrinade, Ola Orebiyi
From the mind and experience of Abby Ajayi comes the soapy new series Riches, a thrilling and dramatic love letter to Black London. Riches shows off the opulence of the Richards family, as portrayed by the incredibly talented Deborah Ayorinde, Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso), and CJ Beckford, as they navigate their empire. Cleverly following the exploits and ambitions of this wealthy and stylish family, Riches blends the over-the-top drama of Empire with the business savvy of Succession. Riches exposes the collision of personalities that reveal years of secrets and lies within this super-successful family, leaving drama-loving viewers salivating for more. – Yael Tygiel
Three Pines (2022-present)
Created by: Louise Penny
Cast: Alfred Molina, Rossif Sutherland, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Tantoo Cardinal
A mystery series based on the Chief Inspector Gamache novels, Three Pines centers around a detective named Armand (Alfred Molina), who has the unique ability to see things that others can’t. While investigating a string of murders in what appears to be an idyllic town, Armand stumbles upon secrets and ghosts alike. Our review by Chase Hutchinson points out that its “melancholic and macabre moments” set it apart from your typical show in this genre. If you’re looking for a short yet powerful adaptation, look no further. – Taylor Gates
Alex Rider (2022-present)
Created by: Guy Burt
Cast: Otto Farrant, Stephen Dillane, Vicky McClure, Andrew Buchan
Based on the novels by Anthony Horowitz, Alex Rider is a British spy thriller about our titular character (played by Otto Farrant), who is recruited by MI6 to infiltrate places others can’t. The catch? He’s only a teenager. His role sees him attending a controversial academy for kids of the ultra-wealthy. Though the premise might sound a little cheesy, Alex Rider is surprisingly sophisticated, doing an excellent job characterizing its protagonist and fleshing out his world. If you’re looking for an engaging spy series, put Alex Rider at the top of your list. – Taylor Gates
Mammals (2022-present)
Created by: Jez Butterworth, James Richardson
Cast: James Corden, Melia Kreiling, Colin Morgan, Sally Hawkins
Mammals is a dark comedy that centers on Jamie (James Corden), a Michel-starred chef whose world gets turned upside down after a tragedy strikes and he discovers a bombshell about his pregnant wife Amandine (Melia Kreiling). He teams up with his brother-in-law Jeff (Colin Morgan) to get to the bottom of it, only to discover things are even more complicated than he originally thought. Surreal, surprising, and sentimental at times, Mammals is an effective drama that gives Corden a chance to play against type. – Taylor Gates
Sneaky Pete (2015-2019)
Creators: Bryan Cranston, David Shore
Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Marin Ireland, Shane McRae, Bryan Cranston, Margo Martindale
From the wickedly clever minds of Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and David Shore (The Good Doctor), Sneaky Pete stars Giovanni Ribisi (The Offer) as a sly con man who assumes the identity of his former cellmate Pete in an attempt to hide from a vicious gangster. A short-lived series, Ribisi’s character lacks his usual squirrely demeanor, as the shady world of Sneaky Pete allows him to explore a more calm and composed character. Chameleon character actress Margo Martindale (The Watcher) flourishes as Pete’s supportive yet suspicious grandmother, keenly revealing how Sneaky Pete explores the dangers of trusting strangers with secrets of their very own. – Yael Tygiel
High School (2022)
Created by: Clea DuVall
Cast: Railey Gilliland, Seazynn Gilliland, Esther McGregor, Olivia Rouyre
Based on the memoir by queer pop duo Tegan and Sara and developed by actor and director Clea DuVall (known for But I’m a Cheerleader, Girl, Interrupted, Happiest Season, and more), High School takes us to Canada in the 90s. The series stars Railey Gilliland as Tegan and Seazynn Gilliland as Sara and focuses on the duo figuring out both their identities and their sound. High School sets itself apart from other teen shows by offering a sophisticated, nuanced, and quieter portrayal of growing up and finding yourself and masterfully weaving together sweetness, relatability, and nostalgia. – Taylor Gates
Peripheral (2022-present)
Created by: Scott B. Smith
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Gary Carr, Jack Reynor, JJ Feild
Based on the 2014 novel by William Gibson and executive produced by Westworld’s Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, Peripheral centers around a woman named Flynne (Chloë Grace Moretz), who works a dead-end job to afford the black market medication her mother needs. Flynne is also an expert gamer – something her brother Burton (Jack Reynor) does for a living. When Flynne tests a futuristic game as her brother one day to make more cash, she finds the game feeling extremely real – and eventually, extremely dangerous. This thrilling sci-fi series is an intriguing and mysterious time travel series brimming with potential. – Taylor Gates
Them (2021)
Created by: Little Marvin
Cast: Deborah Ayorinde, Ashley Thomas, Alison Pill, Shahadi Wright
Executive produced by Lena Waithe, Them follows a Black family who moves from North Carolina to an all-white neighborhood in Los Angeles. Though idyllic at first, their home is soon disrupted by evil forces – both human and supernatural – that set out to destroy them. Gory and chilling, Them is disturbing to the core. If you’re seeking a horror series, look no further. – Taylor Gates
Bewitched (1964-1972)
Created by: Sol Saks
Cast: Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, Agnes Moorehead
A beloved fantasy series, Bewitched centers around a magical being named Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) who falls in love with a human named Darrin (Dick York). After they marry, she attempts to live as a typical suburban housewife – with sometimes disastrous and always hilarious results. Bewitched is a classic sitcom for a reason, as its sharp writing and excellent performance by Elizabeth Montgomery set it apart. – Taylor Gates
Sprung (2022-present)
Created by: Greg Garcia
Cast: Garret Dillahunt, Shakira Barrera, Phillip Garcia, Clare Gillies
Taking place at the beginning of COVID, Sprung follows a group of criminals who are released from prison due to the pandemic. One of these people is Jack (Garret Dillahunt), who now has to figure out where he’s going to live. Though he tries to stay on the straight and narrow, this is made more complicated when his former cellmate offers him a room at his mother Barb’s house – and a stipulation for staying there is that he must join their criminal enterprise. Hilarious and timely, Sprung is sure to delight fans of Greg Garcia’s other shows, My Name is Earl and Raising Hope. – Taylor Gates