Lesser-Known Amazon Prime Series That Are Totally Worth Watching

Amazon Prime Video houses a vast library of entertainment that extends far beyond its heavily marketed blockbuster hits. Viewers willing to dig a little deeper will find a treasure trove of critically acclaimed dramas and inventive comedies that often fly under the radar. These hidden gems offer unique storytelling perspectives and standout performances that rival any mainstream sensation. The following list highlights exceptional series that deserve more attention from audiences seeking quality television.

‘Patriot’ (2015–2018)

John Tavner serves as an intelligence officer who assumes a non-official cover as a mid-level employee at a distinct piping firm in Milwaukee. He attempts to prevent Iran from going nuclear while navigating the mundane absurdities of corporate life and maintaining his fragile sanity. The show expertly balances pitch-black humor with moments of genuine emotional weight as John struggles with his perilous duties. Kurtwood Smith plays his demanding father in this stylistically unique take on the spy genre.

‘Undone’ (2019–2022)

Alma Winograd-Diaz discovers she has a new relationship with time and space after surviving a near-fatal car accident. She uses this newfound ability to uncover the truth surrounding the mysterious death of her father. The series utilizes distinct rotoscope animation to create a dreamlike visual style that perfectly matches its bending of reality. Bob Odenkirk stars alongside Rosa Salazar in this mind-bending animated drama about trauma and family dynamics.

‘ZeroZeroZero’ (2020)

This international crime drama follows the journey of a massive cocaine shipment from its purchase in Mexico to its distribution in Europe. The narrative weaves together the stories of the sellers and the brokers as well as the buyers to show the global reach of the drug trade. Andrea Riseborough and Dane DeHaan star as siblings trying to manage the family shipping business amidst internal power struggles. The series was filmed across three continents to capture the immense scale of organized crime.

‘Tales from the Loop’ (2020)

Townspeople living above the Loop play out their lives in a world where a machine built to unlock the mysteries of the universe makes the impossible possible. The anthology series explores poignant human stories through the lens of high-concept science fiction phenomena. Each episode focuses on a different character while maintaining a cohesive and melancholic atmosphere. The show is visually striking and based on the acclaimed art book by Simon Stålenhag.

‘The Devil’s Hour’ (2022–Present)

Lucy wakes up every night at exactly 3:33 am experiencing terrifying visions that she cannot explain. Her life becomes entangled with a reclusive criminal who claims to have the ability to perceive time in a non-linear fashion. Peter Capaldi delivers a chilling performance as the mysterious prisoner Gideon who holds the answers to the chaos surrounding Lucy. This British thriller blends supernatural elements with a gripping murder mystery.

‘Forever’ (2018)

June and Oscar live a comfortable but predictable married life in suburban California until a sudden tragedy disrupts their routine. The couple finds themselves in a strange afterlife where they must confront the complexities of their relationship and commitment. Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen bring depth and humor to characters examining the concept of eternity. The series poses difficult questions about love and identity in a surreal setting.

‘Outer Range’ (2022–2024)

Royal Abbott fights for his land and family when he discovers an unfathomable mystery at the edge of Wyoming’s wilderness. A massive void appears on his ranch just as a rival family tries to take over his land. Josh Brolin leads the cast in this genre-bending western that incorporates heavy sci-fi elements. The show combines gritty family drama with metaphysical questions about time and the unknown.

‘Night Sky’ (2022)

Franklin and Irene York possess a chamber in their backyard that leads to a strange and deserted planet. They have kept this secret for years until a mysterious young man appears and upends their quiet existence. Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons deliver powerful performances as an aging couple grappling with their legacy and the supernatural. The series explores themes of enduring love and the frailty of human life.

‘Paper Girls’ (2022)

Four young girls delivering newspapers on the morning after Halloween in 1988 become unwittingly caught in a conflict between warring time-travelers. They are sent on an adventure through time that forces them to confront their future selves and the choices they will make. The adaptation of the Brian K. Vaughan comic book captures the spirit of coming-of-age adventures with a sci-fi twist. It highlights the stark contrast between childhood dreams and adult realities.

‘Truth Seekers’ (2020)

A team of part-time paranormal investigators teams up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the United Kingdom. They stumble upon a deadly conspiracy that could threaten the entire human race as their supernatural experiences grow more frequent. Nick Frost and Simon Pegg reunite in this comedy horror series that pays homage to classic genre tropes. The show mixes genuine scares with the dry wit typical of its creators.

‘Sneaky Pete’ (2015–2019)

Marius Josipovic is a con man who assumes the identity of his cellmate Pete to escape a vicious gangster. He integrates himself into the estranged family of the real Pete and gets involved in their bail bond business. Giovanni Ribisi leads the cast as the quick-thinking protagonist who constantly risks exposure while developing real affection for the family he is deceiving. Bryan Cranston co-created the series and appears as the menacing antagonist.

‘Red Oaks’ (2014–2017)

A young college student works as an assistant tennis pro at the prestigious Red Oaks Country Club during the summer of 1985. He navigates romantic entanglements and career advice from colorful club members while trying to figure out his future. The coming-of-age comedy captures the nostalgia of the era with a heartfelt and humorous tone. It features a strong ensemble cast including Craig Roberts and Paul Reiser.

‘One Mississippi’ (2016–2017)

Tig returns to her hometown in Mississippi to deal with the unexpected death of her mother and her own health battles. She attempts to reconnect with her brother and stepfather while uncovering family secrets. Tig Notaro stars in this semi-autobiographical dark comedy that handles grief and illness with remarkable honesty. The series is praised for its dry humor and grounded storytelling.

‘Comrade Detective’ (2017)

This show is presented as a lost Romanian police procedural from the 1980s that has been rediscovered and dubbed into English. Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt provide the voices for the two detectives investigating the murder of a fellow officer. The series satirizes Cold War propaganda and buddy cop clichés with impressive commitment to the period aesthetic. It offers a unique viewing experience that blends parody with action.

‘Mad Dogs’ (2015–2016)

Four middle-aged friends travel to Belize to visit an old buddy who has become wealthy and retired early. Their luxury vacation quickly descends into a nightmare of lies and violence involving a local drug cartel. The group must rely on their fraying bonds of friendship to survive a series of escalating threats. The thriller explores the toxicity of male relationships under extreme pressure.

‘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. Peter Serafinowicz plays the titular character with a perfect blend of innocence and indestructibility. The series offers a satirical yet affectionate take on superhero mythology.

‘Too Old to Die Young’ (2019)

A grieving police officer finds himself thrust into the criminal underworld of Los Angeles where he encounters hitmen and cartel soldiers. The narrative moves at a deliberate pace to emphasize the neon-soaked atmosphere and existential dread. Nicolas Winding Refn directs every episode with his signature visual style and focus on brutal violence. The show serves as a polarizing but visually distinct exploration of morality.

‘The Romanoffs’ (2018)

This anthology series tells eight separate stories about people who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family. The episodes take place in seven countries and feature a sprawling cast of international stars. Matthew Weiner created the show to examine themes of identity and connection in the modern world. Each feature-length episode offers a self-contained narrative with high production values.

‘Modern Love’ (2019–2021)

Various stories explore love in all its complicated and beautiful forms based on the popular New York Times column. The anthology format covers romantic love and familial love as well as self-love through distinct short films. The series attracts top-tier talent including Anne Hathaway and Dev Patel to bring these human stories to life. It provides a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking look at human connection.

‘Lore’ (2017–2018)

This horror anthology series brings to life the frightening and often disturbing true stories that spawned modern myths and legends. It combines documentary footage with cinematic reenactments to tell tales of vampires and werewolves and body snatchers. The show is based on the popular podcast of the same name by Aaron Mahnke. It delves into the dark side of history to explain the origins of our deepest fears.

‘Good Girls Revolt’ (2015–2016)

A group of young female researchers at a news magazine in 1969 fight for equal pay and the right to be credited as writers. The story tracks their personal and professional lives as they navigate the cultural shifts of the era. The series highlights the real-life gender discrimination faced by women in the journalism industry. It serves as an inspiring period drama with strong character arcs.

‘I Love D*ck’ (2016–2017)

A married couple moves to Marfa in Texas where the wife develops an intense obsession with a charismatic professor named Dick. The series examines the female gaze and the complexities of desire through an experimental narrative lens. Kathryn Hahn and Kevin Bacon star in this adaptation of the cult novel by Chris Kraus. It challenges traditional storytelling structures to explore artistic and romantic passion.

‘The Last Tycoon’ (2016–2017)

Hollywood’s Golden Boy Monroe Stahr fights for power against his father figure and boss Pat Brady during the Great Depression. The drama showcases the glitz and glamour of the 1930s film industry alongside the rising threat of fascism in Europe. Matt Bomer and Kelsey Grammer lead the cast in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s unfinished novel. The show features lavish production design and costumes.

‘Alpha House’ (2013–2014)

Four Republican senators share a rental house in Washington DC while navigating their reelection campaigns and political scandals. They face challenges from both the opposition party and upstarts within their own ranks. Garry Trudeau created this political satire that pokes fun at the absurdity of the American legislative process. John Goodman stars as one of the lawmakers trying to maintain his grip on power.

‘Hand of God’ (2014–2017)

A corrupt judge suffers a mental breakdown and believes God is compelling him to walk a path of vigilante justice. He relies on visions to hunt down the person responsible for destroying his family. Ron Perlman delivers an intense performance as the unhinged protagonist seeking redemption through violence. The series is a gritty psychological drama about faith and madness.

‘Crisis in Six Scenes’ (2016)

A suburban family in the 1960s has their conservative life turned upside down when a counterculture guest arrives. The limited series serves as a comedy about the generation gap and political activism during a turbulent decade. Woody Allen wrote and directed the show while also starring alongside Miley Cyrus. It offers a lighthearted look at a period of intense social change.

‘Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams’ (2017–2018)

This sci-fi anthology series adapts various short stories by the legendary author Philip K. Dick. Each episode presents a standalone world that explores themes of technology and humanity and reality. The show features a diverse array of actors including Bryan Cranston and Steve Buscemi. It offers thought-provoking narratives that range from dystopian thrillers to philosophical dramas.

‘As We See It’ (2022)

Three roommates on the autism spectrum navigate jobs and friendships and romance with the help of their aide. The series provides an authentic look at the challenges and triumphs of young adults striving for independence. The show casts actors who are on the spectrum to play the lead roles. It balances humor and heart to create a deeply empathetic story.

‘With Love’ (2021–2023)

Siblings Lily and Jorge Diaz navigate the highs and lows of dating and family drama during various holidays throughout the year. The romantic comedy series focuses on a close-knit Mexican-American family and their search for love. Each episode centers on a different holiday celebration to mark the passage of time. It is a warm and inclusive show filled with vibrant characters.

‘Harlem’ (2021–Present)

Four girlfriends who met at New York University navigate their thirties in Harlem while balancing careers and relationships. They support each other through professional setbacks and romantic entanglements in the city. The comedy celebrates female friendship and the specific culture of the neighborhood. It offers a stylish and energetic look at modern adulthood.

‘The Feed’ (2019)

A technology that allows people to share their thoughts and emotions instantly becomes corrupted by a mysterious presence. The family who invented the ubiquitous brain implant must fight to control the chaos as society crumbles. The series explores the dangers of connectivity and our reliance on digital interfaces. It is a tense sci-fi thriller about the loss of privacy and autonomy.

‘Fairfax’ (2021–2022)

Four middle school best friends quest for clout on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. The animated comedy satirizes hypebeast culture and the obsession with limited edition drops. The show features a distinctive visual style and a voice cast that captures the energy of Gen Z. It offers a humorous critique of consumerism and internet fame.

‘The Consultant’ (2023)

A mysterious consultant arrives to take charge of a mobile gaming company after the sudden death of its CEO. His unorthodox and sinister management methods begin to terrify the employees. Christoph Waltz delivers a chilling performance as the enigmatic leader who may be more than human. The series is a dark workplace satire that escalates into a psychological thriller.

‘Swarm’ (2023)

A young woman’s obsession with a pop star takes a dark turn as she embarks on a cross-country journey. Her fandom transforms into a violent crusade against anyone who disrespects her idol. Dominique Fishback gives a mesmerizing performance in this horror thriller about toxic fan culture. The show uses surreal imagery to depict the protagonist’s descent into madness.

‘Dead Ringers’ (2023)

Twin gynecologists share everything from drugs to lovers while pushing the boundaries of medical ethics to challenge outdated practices. They embark on a mission to transform how women give birth in a high-stakes medical environment. Rachel Weisz plays both lead roles in this gender-flipped reimagining of the David Cronenberg film. The limited series is a psychological thriller that explores codependency and ambition.

‘Jungle’ (2022)

Two young men try to escape their lives in inner-city London by viewing the world through a unique musical lens. The series integrates drill and grime music into the narrative to express the characters’ internal struggles and external realities. It presents a visually inventive story about crime and consequences in a near-future setting. The show experiments with form to create a distinct storytelling language.

‘The Rig’ (2023–Present)

The crew of an oil rig stationed off the Scottish coast finds themselves cut off from all communication by a mysterious fog. Tensions rise as the crew members begin to experience strange phenomena and question their safety. The supernatural thriller combines claustrophobic suspense with environmental themes. Iain Glen and Martin Compston lead the ensemble cast facing the unknown.

‘The English’ (2022)

An aristocratic Englishwoman arrives in the American West in 1890 to seek revenge on the man she blames for her son’s death. She joins forces with a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout to navigate a landscape fraught with violence. Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer star in this visually stunning revisionist western. The limited series explores themes of identity and the brutal history of the frontier.

‘Mammals’ (2022)

A Michelin-starred chef has his world shattered when he discovers shocking secrets about his pregnant wife. He embarks on a chaotic quest for answers that reveals the complexities of modern marriage. James Corden stars in this dark comedy drama that incorporates elements of magic realism. The show examines the primal instincts that drive human relationships.

‘Chloe’ (2022)

Becky becomes obsessed with the seemingly perfect life of her estranged friend Chloe on social media. When Chloe dies suddenly, Becky assumes a new identity to infiltrate her friend’s inner circle and uncover the truth. The psychological thriller critiques the curated deception of online personas. It is a tense mystery about identity and the dangerous allure of comparison.

‘The Outlaws’ (2021–Present)

Seven strangers from different walks of life are forced together to complete a community payback sentence in Bristol. They accidentally become involved with a dangerous criminal gang after finding a bag of money. Stephen Merchant created the show and stars alongside Christopher Walken in this crime comedy. The series balances humor with genuine character development and high stakes.

‘Guilty Minds’ (2022)

Three law school friends navigate their personal and professional lives in the high-stakes world of legal defense. The series portrays a realistic view of the Indian judicial system and the moral compromises lawyers make. It avoids melodrama in favor of complex cases and believable courtroom procedures. The show features strong performances and intricate writing.

‘Dom’ (2021–Present)

A police officer who has spent his life fighting the drug war discovers his son has become one of Rio de Janeiro’s most wanted criminals. The narrative alternates between the father’s past and the son’s present to show how their paths diverged. It is based on a true story that captivated Brazil. The series is a fast-paced crime drama with high emotional stakes.

‘The Gryphon’ (2023)

Three outsiders discover a way to enter a dark fantasy world called the Black Tower where a monster enslaves all living creatures. They must accept their destiny as heroes to fight the Gryphon and save two worlds. The German series is based on the bestselling novel by Wolfgang Hohlbein. It combines 90s nostalgia with high-fantasy adventure elements.

‘Wayne’ (2019)

A sixteen-year-old sets out on a dirt bike with his new crush to retrieve the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am that was stolen from his father. The road trip takes the violent but well-meaning teenager from Boston to Florida. The show mixes brutal action with surprising sweetness and dark humor. It has gained a cult following for its gritty aesthetic and heartfelt story.

Share your favorite hidden gems from this list in the comments.