Prime’s Best Kept Secrets REVEALED! You Won’t Believe #6!

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Amazon’s Prime Video may have joined the streaming scene later than Netflix, but it has certainly kept pace with its rivals. Thanks to its substantial financial resources, this platform owned by Amazon has obtained rights for countless TV series and created numerous new ones. As other streaming platforms are also ramping up their spending and striving to deliver higher-quality content, it’s reasonable to anticipate that Prime Video will continue to offer top-notch programming as well.

Amongst the multitude of original hits such as “Reacher” and “The Boys”, Prime Video has undeniably made a significant mark. Even licensed shows tend to perform exceptionally well. Yet, like any streaming titan with an extensive collection, there are hidden gems in Prime’s library that often go unnoticed. These shows have garnered rave reviews from both critics and viewers, but they seem to fly under the radar when it comes to mainstream attention or social media buzz. As a fan, I can’t help but wonder if these underrated treasures are waiting for me to discover them!

These are the 10 best shows on Prime you haven’t seen.

10
‘War & Peace’ (2016)

War and Peace” is a six-part series based on Leo Tolstoy’s 1869 novel, also titled “War and Peace.” This story follows the lives of five noble families who experience significant changes due to the Napoleonic wars.

Tolstoy Would be Thrilled

In the years leading up to my rise to stardom, I underwent a transformation into a genuine Russian, born illegitimately to a Count. Since then, my career has only soared higher and higher. The entire miniseries is nothing short of amazing, featuring stunning cinematography and thought-provoking dialogues reminiscent of Tolstoy’s works. And what makes it truly authentic are the Russian melodies, church services in Old Church Slavonic, and occasional French exchanges.

9
‘Undone’ (2019 – 2022)

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d put it like this: In me, there’s a young woman from San Antonio named Alma (Rosa Salazar). After an almost-fatal car crash, my perception of reality took a twist. Now, I’m experiencing time in a jumbled, nonlinear fashion. To make matters stranger, I’ve been receiving messages from beyond the grave – it’s my late father reaching out to me. Intrigued and determined, I embark on an investigation into his mysterious demise.

Doing It for Daddy

This engaging and humorous series, radiating warmth and charm, runs for approximately 23 minutes per episode but manages to keep you hooked. It’s unique as it is the first adult animated show on Amazon Prime Video and the first to employ rotoscoping (a technique that involves tracing over live-action footage frame by frame, resulting in lifelike action), making it a visual marvel.

8
‘A League of Their Own’ (2022)

In 1943, during World War II, the story A League of Their Own is set around Carson Shaw, a woman married at the time, who steps into the revived All-American Girls Professional Baseball League when her husband is away serving. Initially overlooked, this league eventually finds its footing as women from various walks of life join in, including a talented Black pitcher who had previously been excluded due to racial bias.

Breaking the Barriers in Sports

In a departure from his work on “Mozart in the Jungle” and the Onion News Network, this comedy-drama series by Will Graham is a unique addition to his impressive portfolio, aligning closely with the style of his partner Abbi Jacobson (of “Broad City”). The show is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, delving deeply into issues such as racial discrimination and women’s rights. We follow the characters’ struggles and fears, but also share in their happiness and victories. Notably, the costume designers deserve recognition for their contributions to the show’s authenticity.

7
‘Dr. Death’ (2021 – 2023)

The first season of Dr. Death chronicles the tale of Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon from the United States who earned the chilling moniker “Dr. Death” due to 33 instances of severe neurosurgical misconduct that left 31 patients injured and resulted in two fatalities. The second season focuses on Paolo Macchiarini, a surgeon from Switzerland, who was incarcerated for carrying out experimental procedures on his patients.

The Making of Monsters

Masterfully produced and directed by filmmakers such as Jennifer Morrison and So Yong Kim, this heart-wrenching drama will linger in your mind well beyond its conclusion. Similar to every compelling biographical series, Dr. Death allows viewers to witness the ambition and determination of its characters initially, before revealing their darker sides. The main antagonists are brilliantly portrayed by the lead actors, who have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent throughout their careers.

6
‘I Love Dick’ (2016 – 2017)

In the intriguing series titled “I Love Dick”, Chris (portrayed by Kathryn Hahn), a struggling artist and filmmaker residing in New York City, joins her husband on a trip to Marfa, Texas, for a research fellowship. However, her heart gets captivated by Dick (played by Kevin Bacon), the fellowship sponsor, leading her to write him some rather explicit letters. This situation is bound to create complications.

Anything for Dick

“I Love Dick” stands out for its sharp wit in dialogue, breathtaking rural scenery, precise tempo, and gripping suspense. Bacon delivers a subtle, less flamboyant portrayal as the man Chris longs for. Hahn offers a striking performance as the volatile, aggressive, bipolar artist who can’t seem to stop. All the plot twists and consequences are managed with chilling precision, so don’t think twice about finding out why Dick is so adored.

5
‘The Underground Railroad’ (2021)

In Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel, “The Underground Railroad”, we follow the journey of Cora (played by Thuso Mbedu), a runaway slave woman. She flees from a plantation in Georgia and encounters an imaginative version of the Underground Railroad – this time depicted as an underground train network. Pursuing her is the ruthless slave-hunter, Ridgeway (portrayed by Joel Edgerton).

A Dash to Freedom

In an insightful and passionate manner, Barry Jenkins, the showrunner, tackles the deeply ingrained racism, abuse, and classism that were prevalent in old American society, particularly in Georgia, while infusing a strong sense of optimism into the plot’s development. The use of magical realism as a storytelling device adds depth to the Emmy-nominated series, culminating in a compelling production that is worthy of being recognized among the greatest black dramas. Actors Thuso Mbedu and Aaron Pierre deliver standout performances and deserve recognition for their growth in their careers.

4
‘ZeroZeroZero’ (2020)

ZeroZeroZero, derived from triple-zero wheat flour, which signifies purest quality in drug trafficking, follows an extended odyssey of a cocaine shipment traveling from Mexico to Italy. The suppliers are Mexican narco-traffickers, the buyers are Italian mafia, and the logistical middlemen are an American family who own the shipping enterprise.

Supply Chain Challenges

The program is not just filled with violence, but it’s also highly informative, revealing the many players who are part of the trade. This extends to law enforcement as well. Furthermore, it offers an insightful look into the industry, demonstrating how the earnings of both buyers and sellers diminish due to the numerous middlemen involved. Those who enjoy mafia-themed TV series such as “Narcos” and “Griselda” will find this particularly engaging.

3
‘Superman & Lois’ (2021 – 2024)

The TV series titled “Superman & Lois” follows the exciting journey of Clark Kent, better known as Superman (Tyler Hoechlin), and his wife Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch). They are parents to two teenage sons and live in the quiet town of Smallville. Originally starting as a spinoff from “Supergirl“, this show takes place on a separate Earth from the Arrowverse’s Earth-Prime. In this universe, Superman is the planet’s sole superhero.

Family Man of Steel

Despite constant discussions surrounding Henry Cavill and James Gunn’s movie, as well as high expectations, Superman & Lois didn’t receive the acclaim it arguably deserves – some even call it the best Superman adaptation ever made. Primarily focusing on family dynamics, this series humanizes Clark Kent by portraying him dealing with the everyday challenges of raising teenagers, who happen to possess powers similar to his. It’s a show that improves over time, and its depiction of iconic villain Lex Luthor (Michael Cudlitz) in his confrontations with Superman is unlike anything previously presented on screen or in the comics.

2
‘Dead Ringers’ (2023 – 2024)

According to the 1988 movie named “Dead Ringers”, the story revolves around twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle, who are played by Rachel Weisz. They aim to transform women’s reproductive healthcare by founding a modern birthing center. While Beverly is compassionate, Elliot exhibits questionable ethics. Their bond gets strained when Beverly develops feelings for Hollywood actress Genevieve Cotard (portrayed by Britne Oldford).

Sneaking Through Ethical Boundaries

The less-acknowledged masterpiece “Dead Ringers” skillfully blends dramatic intensity and heart-pounding suspense, offering a raw, exhilarating viewing experience. Weisz delivers an outstanding performance, portraying the contrasting personalities of twins bound by nature. Her captivating scenes with Oldford catapult this series to new heights within the genre of psychological thrillers.

1
‘Electric Dreams’ (2017)

Electric Dreams” is Amazon Prime Video’s take on the series “Black Mirror“. It delves into the works of acclaimed 20th-century science fiction author Philip K. Dick, exploring individual, 50-minute episodes that focus on dystopias and utopias, and scrutinize how technology has shaped our world.

The Joys of Science

Featuring stars such as Steve Buscemi, Bryan Cranston, and Janelle Monáe, this series delves into challenging themes like depression, trauma, and parenthood. Directed with style, the raw, stripped-down show maintains a spontaneous, dynamic, and adaptable feel, fittingly reflecting its subjects. Unfortunately, it was only produced for one season.

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2025-04-20 19:03