The best Amazon Prime original TV shows of 2021 have been extremely diverse. Since its founding in 1994, Amazon has achieved unbelievable amounts of success, quickly becoming one of the largest and most valuable companies the world has ever seen. But while the company as a whole has been consistently trending upward, certain facets of its business have struggled to find their footing more than others. However, judging by the success of many Amazon Prime original TV shows, the streaming service at least is beginning to find its feet.
Amazon Prime launched its movie streaming service in September of 2006, several months before Netflix began its transition to digital content. But while Amazon may have beaten them into the streaming world, Netflix would quickly become a force to be reckoned with. In 2012, Netflix released its first original series, Lilyhammer, edging out the premiere of Amazon’s first series, Betas, by nearly 7 months. Despite this early edge, however, the signs are that Amazon is beginning to catch-up to its streaming competitor.
Although Netflix has long been a dominating force in the industry, Amazon has been slowly establishing itself as a contender in recent years. Shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have received overwhelming critical acclaim, while, dark superhero spoof The Boys has been one of the most commercially successful series of the last several years. With that in mind, here is a look at Amazon Prime’s best and most popular projects of 2021.
10. Fairfax
Fairfax is an animated series following four middle school friends on their quest for fame. The show deals with the typical growing pains of preadolescence paired with the decidedly less typical antics on Fairfax Ave., the pulsing heart of Los Angeles’ hype beast culture. Although Fairfax received mixed reviews compared to many of the shows on this list, the characters have a certain charm that seems to resonate with many viewers. The series has been picked up for a second season, so it has evidently found its audience.
9. I Know What You Did Last Summer
Amazon Prime’s I Know What You Did Last Summer is a modern series loosely connected to the I Know What You Did Last Summer movie from 1997. A group of high school friends are involved in a fatal car accident on the night of their graduation, forming a pact of silence after killing a stranger in a hit-and-run. But on the one-year anniversary of the murder, the group is stalked by a mysterious killer who claims to know of their crime. The show modernizes the saga, focusing heavily on social media, and while it’s no replacement for the original, it is an interesting reimagining of the story.
8. Panic
Panic is a crime thriller based on the novel and written for TV by Lauren Oliver. In a small Texas town, a yearly ritual is held pitting the graduating high school class against one another. As many believe it is their only path to success, the students compete in a series of dark and dangerous games to win a life-changing sum of money. Although Panic season 2 seems unlikely to come and the show bears some similarities to several other projects from the past decade, the story remains relevant and the action is a touch darker than in many of its contemporaries.
7. Solos
Solos is a collection of loosely connected short stories set in a not too distant future. From time travel to cloning, Solos covers several classic sci-fi elements, giving each a sense of isolation that many could relate to in the world of 2021. The show features an all-star cast, including Morgan Freeman, Hellen Mirren, and Anne Hathaway. The stories themselves are not exceedingly original, but Solo’s unique characters and relevant tone make it a worthwhile watch.
6. Harlem
Harlem is a comedy series following a group of women living in the infamous New York city. Having met during their time at New York University, four women now in their thirties attempt to navigate live, life, and their respective careers. The show stars Meagan Good and Whoopi Goldberg and was written by First Wives Club creator Tracy Oliver. The characters and stories are relevant and relatable, and its unique perspective and brand of humor make it among Amazon’s more standout comedy series.
5. The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad is a fantasy historical drama based on the Colson Whitehead novel by the same name. In reality, The Underground Railroad was a nickname given to the series of secret tunnels used to transport slaves to freedom in the mid-1800s. But in the series, it is a literal railroad complete with tracks, conductors, and engineers. The Underground Railroad’s developed characters and fantastical elements bring new life to an important piece of American history in this fascinating mix of fact and fiction.
4. The Wheel of Time
The Wheel of Time is a high fantasy series based on the 14 novel saga written by the late Robert Johnson and subsequently co-written by Brandon Sanderson. The series builds a complex world of myth and magic, detailing the beginning of time and the inner workings of the universe. The Wheel spins the Pattern of the Ages using the One Power, a magic source that can be tapped into by a select group of humans known as channelers. The detailed world-building and intricate characters in Wheel of Time make it an engaging series, and there is certainly ample source material to fuel many more seasons.
3. Them
Them is a dramatic horror series portraying suburban racism in 1950s America. A black family moves from North Carolina to an all-white neighborhood in Los Angeles where they become the targets of malicious forces of both terrestrial and supernatural origin. On top of its depiction of racism, the series also tackles important topics such as PTSD and mental health. The show’s horror elements are well-executed, elevating the show’s already compelling story with a sense of urgency and teeing up an even more terrifying Them season 2.
2. With Love
With Love is a collection of five interrelated stories written by One Day At A Time creator Gloria Calderón Kellet. Each episode follows a different couple during various holidays, with every story connecting via a member of the Diaz family. The show handles gay and trans relationships in a considerate and compassionate manner, evading many of the pitfalls of some mainstream LGBT content. Although the story covers nearly a year of the characters’ lives, the series itself is only five episodes in length, making it an excellent holiday binge.
1. Invincible
Invincible is an animated superhero series based on the graphic novels by Robert Kirkman. Mark Grayson is the teenage son of the world’s strongest hero, Omni-Man, but is only just beginning to display any powers of his own. But as Mark learns to control his new abilities, he begins to unravel dark secrets about the Earth’s guardians and Omni-Man’s betrayal. Invincible was easily the most commercially successful Amazon Prime original of 2021 and ranks toward the top of the list in the platform’s history.