Looking for a little guidance on what to watch while staying at home? It’s time to think outside the box people. Or rather, just watch the box.
We’re in the golden age of TV, after all, and you can spend just as much time swimming through a sea of shows than actually watching one.
Don’t worry, though, as we’ve taken the plunge into the deep static sea and caught quite a few pearls to share on Amazon Prime Watch – whatever your definition of bingeing is.
Good Omens
No. of Episodes: Six
What happens when the forces of good and evil come together to save the world from impending doom? Absolute hilarity. The Amazon Prime show is from dream team writers Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and stars David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Benedict Cumberbatch and Frances McDormand.
Homecoming
No. of Episodes: Ten
Lies, conspiracy, dark secrets – sometimes all the intrigue goes down in unlikely places, and that’s what makes things interesting. Psychological thriller Homecoming is partly from the mind behind Mr. Robot,, so expect brilliant cinematography, troubled characters and plenty of shockers. Julia Roberts stars as Heidi, who worked at a facility helping soldiers transition to civilian life. Years later, though, the Department of Defence questions her on why she left, and so a peculiar cover up starts unravelling episode by episode. The more you watch this dark tale, the more hooked you get.
Killing Eve
No. of Episodes: 16 (so far)
Finally, a show where Sandra Oh isn’t wearing a white doctor’s coat. Killing Eve’s initial game of cat and mouse will have you saying “What?!” once you get past the first two episodes, as you’ll slowly start to understand the two characters Eve (Oh) and Villanelle (the intimidating Jodie Comer) more and more. If you haven’t guessed, the plot is basically in the title, with Eve being a whip-smart but bored security operative while Villanelle is a psycho-turned-hitman living off the luxuries of her job. Their obsession over each other is enthralling, and their peculiar character dynamic is what will keep your eyes glued.
Mr. Robot
No. of Episodes: 45
Hello, fans – something we’re sure Rami Malek’s Elliot would say. Mr. Robot is the break out hit of 2015, and continued to be at the top of its game with each season. Now that it’s finished, you can watch the entire show from start to finish without and cliffhangers, and boy, are there quite a few of them. What starts out as genius hacker Elliot taking down a corrupt corporation turns into a tangled global conspiracy, with a bit of Fight Club sprinkled on top for good measure.
Patriot
No. of Episodes: 18
At its most basic, Patriot follows the complicated life of John Tavner, an intelligence officer who’s latest assignment has preventing a nuclear war. To do that, he has to go undercover as a pipe engineer, which he knows absolutely nothing about. Sounds serious enough, but it’s a lot more quirky than you’d think. For example, if you ever wanted to see the most intense yet hilarious rock, paper, scissors duel that goes on for two minutes straight, this is the show for you.
Sneaky Pete
No. of Episodes: 30
Oh, Pete is sneaky alright, seeing how it’s not actually his name. Created by Bryan Cranston and David Shore, it follows conman Marius Josipovic on the run from gangsters. He takes cover by assuming the identity of his prison cellmate (you guessed it), Pete. He hides with the cell mate’s family, only to figure out he’s opened a whole new can of beans. It’s slow to start, but stick with it and you won’t be disappointed.
The Boys
No. of Episodes: Eight
Who said superheroes were perfect? In the world of The Boys, heroes are treated like celebrities, so wrapped up in the media circus and company power struggles that they can pretty much get away with everything. Including running straight through a person at super speed, leaving our main protagonist, Hughie Campbell without a partner. The Boys is bonkers, and flips the whole notion of superheroes on its head by having a bunch of non-powered vigilantes go against invincible beings. How they beat them? Better get watching.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
No. of Episodes: 26
It’s hard to be a stand-out stand-up comedian, especially if it’s 1958 and you have no intention of being one. But the (marvelous) Miriam “Midge” Maisel was obviously meant to be one, and she certainly has the unfortunate circumstances to joke about. Obviously, this one’s hilarious, but it’s fantastic to see her complicated rise to comedic stardom, too. Don’t let it slip under your radar.
Vinland Saga
No. of Episodes: 24
It’s Amazon’s attempt to tap into the anime market, and it’s an absolute masterpiece. Superbly animated and brought to screens from WIIT Studios, Vinland Saga depicts the harrowing Viking tale of Thorfinn, who seeks revenge on his father’s killer by beating him in an honourable duel of warriors. It isn’t nearly as simple as that though, as Thorfinn embarks on a journey with the killer and his band of warriors, learning to fight along the way and, unfortunately, the atrocities of war. It’s a brilliant dynamic, and the ‘villian’ might be one of the most interesting characters on TV. When the final episode of the series is literally called “End of Prolouge”, you know this is one not to be missed, anime fan or not.
What We Do In The Shadows
No. of Episodes: Ten
Hey, vampires can be funny too, and all these guys want to do is live their life in everyday society – while still being able to hunt humans, of course. The cult hit comedy flick is now a full-on TV series, and before you get all: “Oh, but it won’t be the same”, its creators Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement are still on board, this time on the sidelines as directors. Shot in a mockumentary style, it takes a look at four vampire housemates living in Staten Island, all who have lived for one 100 years but from different eras. Oh, and a human who does one of the vampire’s bidding in order to get turned into one. It’s constant hilarity and showcases awkward interactions in daily situations. Guess what? Season two will start in April 2020.
