It’s no secret that this is something of a golden age for television. Everywhere one looks there are new shows cropping up, from the traditional networks to streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and, of course, Amazon. Amazon in particular has really begun investing in a substantial slate of shows, so many in fact that it can be a little intimidating deciding exactly which ones are worth investing in and which ones can be safely ignored.
Fortunately, for those interested in astrology, the Chinese zodiac provides a useful means of winnowing those shows that are unlikely to be compatible with one’s particular sensibilities and likes.
Rat- Good Omens
Good Omens, based on the popular book by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, is the story of an angel and a demon who, enamored with their existence on earth, attempts to prevent the apocalypse.
The series manages to capture the truly hilarious sense of humor of the original novel, and there’s undeniable chemistry between David Tennant and Michael Sheen. The rat will particularly enjoy the general wittiness of the screenplay and the snappy dialogue.
Ox- Mozart in the Jungle
Mozart in the Jungle is a charming, delightful little show about a young woman’s desire to become a part of the New York Symphony, as well as her increasingly strong relationship with the Symphony’s Conductor.
There’s a profound sincerity to this series, one that encourages the viewer to identify with and cheer for the heroine as she strives to realize her dream. Her diligence in pursuing this career is something that every ox will be able to appreciate.
Tiger- Patriot
With Patriot, Amazon made a foray into the realm of a spy thriller, and while the show only ran for second seasons, it made the absolute most of its time. It’s a particularly timely show since it focuses on a CIA agent whose job is to attempt to make sure that Iran elects a president that meets with the agency’s approval.
The tiger, a sign that is especially noted for its brave and confident
Rabbit- One Mississippi
There’s something undeniably charming about the actress and comedian Tig Notaro, who brings her signature skills to bear in One Mississippi, a delightful blend of comedy and drama. It focuses on Notaro’s character (named Tig), who moves back to her hometown after her mother's unexpected death. She soon begins to uncover unexpected aspects of her mother’s life.
There’s a quiet, rather understated drama to this series that the rabbit, which is also known for its responsibility and elegance, will definitely like.
Dragon- The Romanoffs
The dragon, as its name implies, is one of the most powerful signs of the Chinese zodiac, and they are natural leaders with lofty, ambitious goals that they will do much to attain. As its name implies, this series has a connection to the fallen House of Romanov, the former ruling family of Russia.
Each episode focuses on a different set of characters, all of whom believe that they are descendants of the royal house and thus attempt to fulfill their individual destinies.
Snake- The Man in the High Castle
The wise, enigmatic, and intelligent snake will find much to enjoy about this disturbing alternative history, which imagines a world in which the Axis powers won World War II. Though it is based on the novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick, it substantially expands the frame of the story.
The Man in the High Castle is a disturbing rumination on just how much of history hinges on pivotal moments and how the fight against evil is seemingly never-ending.
Horse- Fleabag
Fleabag is, in many ways, the very definition of a black comedy. There’s no denying that the show’s lead, the titular Fleabag, is tremendously and infectiously charismatic, drawing the viewer in from the first moment that she appears on the screen.
However, there is also a bit of a vicious side to the comedy in this show, and the horse is likely to respond to the razor-sharp nature of the humor, as well as the energy of the main character.
Goat- Forever
There’s something infectiously charming about Maya Rudolph. No matter what series or film she appears in, the screen seems to radiate with her warm and buoyant personality. It’s precisely her presence that makes Forever such a charming Amazon series. She portrays one half of a couple that has, throughout the marriage, followed the same routine.
Ultimately, however, she decides to shake things up a bit by deciding to go on a ski trip.
Monkey- Catastrophe
Relationships may be a bit of a minefield in the real world, but they are a goldmine for comedy writers everywhere. That is certainly the case with this series, which follows an Irish woman and an American man after she accidentally gets pregnant after their hookup.
It’s a smart and funny series, and it’s clever writing and the undeniable chemistry among the cast means it will be a strong fit for the monkey.
Rooster- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is one of the best comedies to have emerged on television in recent years. It focuses on the titular character, a housewife in postwar America, who unexpectedly discovers that her real talents lie with standup comedy.
As a result, she begins to pursue a career in her own right. The hardworking and confident rooster will soon find themselves cheering for the plucky heroine as she works to break into the rather rough and tumble world of comedy.
Dog- Modern Love
This Amazon series is a true embarrassment of riches, featuring a number of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, and Dev Patel.
There’s an undeniable charm about this series which, as the title implies, aims to explore the many types of love in the modern world. There’s an honesty to the series in the way that it explores these issues that will definitely appeal to the matching aspect in the dog’s character.
Pig- Transparent
This series won a significant amount of acclaim (and some criticism) for the ways in which it brought the experience of transgender people to life. The show centers on Maura (played by Jeffrey Tambor), a transgender woman who begins to transition late in life, as well as her relationship with the various members of her family.
There’s a fundamental warmth in this show that radiates through every moment, and this will no doubt resonate with the kind and compassionate pig.