8 Perfect Prime Video Shows Everyone Must Watch at Least Once

While Netflix and HBO Max have become synonymous with the elite streaming producers, Prime Video can’t be overlooked. The streaming platform has been behind smash hits and high-quality stories like Fleabag and Fallout. From sitcoms to miniseries to sci-fi worlds, Prime Video has hosted shows that have received critical acclaim and large audiences.

From its very first series, Alpha House, to its newest shows like The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video has been churning out excellent original series for over a decade. Some have been completely overlooked and lie in the library, unnoticed, while a handful have become cultural phenomena. Here are eight shows that are undeniably great — ones everyone needs to watch at least once.

8 ‘Red Oaks’ (2014–2017)

Prime Video’s library is expansive with original content, but Red Oaks stands out for its unique blend of charm and nostalgic appeal. Spanning three seasons, the comedy takes place in the 1980s at a Jewish country club, where college student David Myers (Craig Roberts) secures a summer job as a tennis coach. Many comedies rely on over-the-top caricatures, but Red Oaks’ rich characterization, along with a strong ensemble cast, allows genuine relationships and complex arcs to develop and resonate beyond the humor.

Similar to other nostalgic shows like Stranger Things, the inspiration behind Red Oaks is evident in iconic '80s hits like Dirty Dancing and Caddyshack. Bonus points to the series creators for casting Dirty Dancing’s very own Jennifer Grey as David’s mother. Speaking of Grey, her character embarks on an incredible journey of self-discovery amid a midlife crisis, and we watch as her relationship with David’s father and David himself evolves. David has plenty of hilarious moments, but the ensemble and all of their storylines are the cherry on top.

7 ‘Fallout’ (2024–Present)

Video game adaptations have long been a sore subject for fans and producers alike. The medium had difficulty successfully translating to television and film — that is, until the megasuccess of The Last of Us. For the first time, a video game adaptation received widespread acclaim. Soon after, Prime Video released its highly anticipated adaptation of the Fallout franchise. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, the show's signature retrofuturistic aesthetic, paired with its worldbuilding, created a strong framework for its serious moments, working in tandem with the original video game’s quirky, offbeat energy.

Fallout serves both devout fans and newcomers to the franchise. The sci-fi western debuted to critical acclaim in 2024 and earned 17 Primetime Emmy nominations. The second season started airing in 2025, and it has already been renewed for a third. Fallout is a standout adaptation, showcasing what video game narratives can achieve on television.

6 ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ (2023)

Based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2019 novel, Daisy Jones & The Six loosely draws inspiration from the story of Fleetwood Mac. The series depicts a fictional rock band’s rise to fame in the 1970s and the events that lead to their eventual breakup. The musical series stars Riley Keough and Sam Claflin, both of whom perform their own vocals. If you weren’t aware, Keough is the real-life granddaughter of Elvis Presley, which only makes her performance that much more interesting. The series received general positive acclaim and even several Emmy nominations, including one for Keough.

Daisy Jones & The Six stands out as a character-driven exploration of the emotional toll of fame and creative ego. Its retrospective documentary style effectively reveals conflicts among band members that contribute to their downfall. Upon its release, the show gained significant social media traction because of its captivating aesthetics and original music, with viewers even wishing the band were real.

5 ‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)

After the success of The Boys, Prime Video achieved another superhero hit with Invincible, which premiered in 2021 and received critical acclaim. The impressive voice cast includes Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, and Sandra Oh. Invincible follows Mark Grayson, the son of Earth’s mightiest hero, Omni-Man. As Mark develops his own powers after his 17th birthday, he initially relies on his father's guidance. However, he starts to suspect there’s an unsettling truth behind his father, revealing a layer of disturbing complexity beneath the familiar superhero tropes. With three seasons already released, and a fourth slated for 2026, Invincible boasts a remarkable 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, offering a gripping exploration of heroism fraught with graphic violence and moral ambiguity.

Created by Robert Kirkman, the superhero series excels in its nuanced storytelling and emotional depth, setting itself apart from other entries in the genre. It shares the superhero theme with The Boys and explores the challenges of superhero life, including the difficult choices and real consequences that accompany great power. The show’s character development and narrative boldness dive deeply into ethical dilemmas, ensuring a mature deconstruction of the superhero narrative.

4 ‘The Boys’ (2019–2026)

Based on the comic book by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys offers a dark and satirical look at superheroes. Produced by Seth Rogen, it premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2019 and will finish its story with five seasons by 2026. The show has been nominated for twelve Emmys and has won four. In this world, superheroes, called “Supes,” are famous and work for the shady company Vought International. The series shows the ugly side of these heroes, who hide their true nature behind a celebrity image. The main conflict is between The Seven, Vought's top team of heroes, and The Boys, a group determined to reveal their corruption. With lots of violence and sharp humor, the show makes strong points about power, media, and how we idolize people, echoing issues we see in real life.

Some criticism of the show has focused on its hyperfocus on shocking, gruesome moments rather than meaningful storytelling. Still, the show's influence on the superhero genre and its relevant themes make it an important series, especially in a world dominated by Marvel and DC. By bravely tackling the idea of heroes controlled by corporations and the effects of their actions, the superhero series creates a unique space and serves as a real critique of the typical superhero culture.

3 ‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

The Expanse is a science fiction series that has garnered significant praise for its realistic approach to science and engineering, thanks to executive producer Naren Shankar, an expert in applied engineering. After Syfy canceled it after its third season, Amazon came to the rescue and produced three additional seasons, culminating in the sixth. Many fans consider it a standout entry in the sci-fi genre.

Set in a future where humanity has settled across the solar system, the narrative delves into political friction and a potential conspiracy. The show deftly builds its world and its characters' arcs, addressing profound issues such as colonialism and social inequality. It maintains a quick pace, making it an engaging watch. Based on the novels by James S. A. Corey, The Expanse blends sci-fi with political drama, showcasing its storytelling depth and ambition.

2 ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017–2023)

Gilmore Girls fans rejoiced when they discovered the same genius behind the series, Amy Sherman-Palladino, was creating a show for Prime Video. With the same quick pace, witty dialogue, and complex relationships, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was a treat for all. The period drama followed a stay-at-home mom in the 1950s who became a comedian after discovering a personal betrayal. Beyond exploring the misogyny of the times, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a tightly written, hilarious story about a family and the people who come in and out of their lives.

The show stars Rachel Brosnahan, who is also Lois Lane in James Gunn’s newest Superman, and features stars like Monk’s Tony Shalhoub as the family’s patriarch. Brosnohan received universal acclaim for her titular role and won one Emmy and two Golden Globes. Best of all, the series wasn’t canceled early, and Sherman-Palladino was able to give the series a proper conclusion.

1 ‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)

It’s hard to think of another Prime Video original series that was met with more universal acclaim than Fleabag. From the brilliant mind of Phoebe Waller-Bridge (and also starring her), this dark dramedy is a hilarious sucker punch for viewers, somehow always walking a tightrope between depressing moments and sharp wit. Fleabag (Waller-Bridge) is the sharp and complex lead of the series, and we follow her as she deals with the loss of her best friend. Her sister is successful, her father has begun dating their godmother, and she feels utterly alone.

The most unique aspect of the series is that Fleabag frequently breaks the fourth wall and vocalizes her internal thoughts with the audience. This ability to look into her internal world creates a profound and comedic experience. If you watch only one Prime Video show, this is the one you cannot miss.