Editors' Picks: Prime Video Originals

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

"My wiiife" says my Borat quotes are "very niiice" ... "naaaht." Say what you will about the fourth-best journalist in Kazakhstan, but Borat became part of the venacular in 2006, and his new film ensures he won’t be forgotten any time soon. Coming out in the height of 2020’s political controversies, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm continues to hold up a mirror to the uncomfortable conversations we avoid at Thanksgiving dinner. Though, with the film's emphasis on family (care of newcomer Maria Bakalova as Borat's daughter), we wouldn’t blame you for screening it with yours.

"Fleabag"

This Golden Globe-winning dark comedy sucks you into Fleabag's life as she's coping with tragedy. With loads of dry wit and sarcasm, we highly recommend this show to people who are craving a new mini-series that can be devoured in under 6 hours of total watch time. Fans of quirky, awkward, and complex family dramas will adore the world crafted by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

"The Boys"

The show that dared to expose the underbelly of some seedy superheroes vulgared its way into our heart with a formidable list of action items and to-dos. Season 2 adds a feisty new supe named Stormfront to The Seven, and delves into characters like Frenchie, Mother’s Milk and Kimiko to help us understand what makes The Boys tick. If you tear through the new episodes like A-Train hopped up on Compound V (we did), we highly recommend checking out the Garth Ennis penned graphic novels the series is based on.

"The Expanse"

If your life is in need of more hard sci-fi, interplanetary standoffs, and extra-terrestrial threats to humanity, "The Expanse" is the four-seasons-and-counting series that will fill that void. The series had a solid run on SYFY until it was cancelled — and much like the plot-twists of the show — was saved at the last minute by Amazon who gave it a new home on Prime. If you're wondering what to do after you’ve binged the series, check out the source material with the 8+ novel series by writing team James S. A. Corey. It’s the series that keeps on giving!

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

Simpler times? Not really, when you're a 1950s housewife living a posh life on the Upper West Side of Manhattan who decides to completely dismantle her postcard-perfect existence and pursue her dream of being a stand-up comic. Through three seasons, Midge Maisel has graduated from the Gaslight Cafe stage to life on the road, but her career as well as her romantic and family lives are all a bit TBD as we brace for the premiere of Season 4, which has been pushed to 2021 due to the pandemic. For now, it's a fine time to go back to where it all began for a secondary binge of Amy Sherman-Palladino's finest achievement to date — and we're true blue fans of "Gilmore Girls" and the underrated "Bunheads," mind you.

Suspiria

If you want infuse your Halloween Watchlist with a little art-house flair, give Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria a shot. While it shares a similar plot to Dario Argento's original classic, it's a more ambitious and challenging affair. Thom Yorke's score will lull you into a hypnotic state, but the dance sequences will shake you to the core.

"Upload"

What if heaven was pay-to-play? "Upload" takes on the questions of a corporate-run afterlife with biting satire about mega-businesses and our obsession with technology and appearances. Robbie Amell's Nathan steps into the hereafter thanks to an allowance from his still-living girlfriend, but quickly starts to fall for his digital "angel," played by breakout star Andy Allo. We can't wait to see the second season (and desperately need more Allo in our lives) Watch one episode, and we’re sure you’ll be plugged-in, too.

"Modern Love"

From a lost love resurfaced and love found later in life, to a date that ends up in the emergency room, "Modern Love is a diverse anthology of love stories that will make you laugh, cry, and most likely cry again. A perfect series to watch in any order (though you should save the last episode, "The Race Grows Sweeter Near Its Final Lap" for last), binge in one sitting, or spread your viewings out to add a bit of sunshine to the upcoming weeks.

"Carnival Row"

If you’re looking for a rich steampunk fantasy world to get lost in, a Lovecraft inspired mystery to keep you guessing, and a healthy dose of political intrigue and tragic love stories, spend some time with "Carnival Row." Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne are stellar as human detective Rycroft Philostrate and fae resistance fighter Vignette Stonemoss, but Tamzin Merchant as the verging-on-destitute socialite Imogen Spurnrose, and David Gyasi as Agreus Astrayon, a mysteriously wealthy faun who boldly moves into a human neighborhood, steal the show.

Blow the Man Down

While the nature of the crime that sets Blow the Man Down down its craggy path feels realistic and unavoidable, the reveal of just who runs Easter Cove, a town nestled along the coast of Maine, is the flavor that lasts long after the end credits run. Co-directors Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy coax killer performances of out their cast, capped by a scene-eating Margo Martindale as the central (and kinda lovable) villain. Plus, sea shanties sung by hunk fishermen!

"Hunters"

There’s never a dull moment when neo-Nazi hitmen, FBI agents, spies and even a nun cross paths in late-70s New York City. In this series produced by Jordan Peele, a young Jewish man seeking revenge after his grandmother is murdered unexpectedly stumbles upon a group united in their quest to hunt down Nazis hiding out in America. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into movies about World War II, con artists, action flicks or just anything with Al Pacino.

"Homecoming"

Don't wait another minute to get up to speed on this twisty, fun thriller that's easy to binge (only 10 tight, half-hour episodes). In Season 1, Julia Roberts is great as a social worker trying to piece together the mystery behind the shady veterans' transitional facility where she works. Her supporting cast is equally excellent, including Stephan James, Bobby Cannavale, and Shea Whigham. The wonderful Janelle Monáe leads Season 2, and with James returning to continue unraveling the mysteries of Geist Group.

"Panchayat"

Co-produced by TVF, this show gives a fresh comedic spin to the "city boy spending time in the country" narrative, with internet-famous fan-favorite actors Jitendra Kumar, Biswapati Sarkar, and Neena Gupta. Watch this show for the witty dialogues and strong screenplay, set in rural Uttar Pradesh.

"Making the Cut"

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn's new reality competition series is 100 degrees hotter than "Project Runway" with its global scope and already-established fleet of contestants, all of whom are looking to level-up their design brands with a $1 million booty. It's also 100+ degrees cooler thanks to panel judges Naomi Campbell and Nicole Richie, who agree to disagree at seemingly even turn of the catwalk. Also, the cute Heidi 'n' Tim skits present a perfect opportunity to get up for more snacks or blankets without having to press pause.

All In: The Fight for Democracy

The spirit of democracy is alive and well in this documentary about the history of voting in America and the ongoing efforts to preserve that right. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, this is a must see.

"Good Omens"

Who said the end of the world couldn’t be funny? "Good Omens," by showrunner Neil Gaiman (based on the novel he wrote with the legendary Terry Pratchett), made the jump from page to screen in a pitch-perfect adaptation. This apocalypse will plague you with laughter as you wonder what it would take to be BFFs with the adorable angel and demon pair of Michael Sheen and David Tennant.

"Forever"

If you missed this underrated Amazon Original and you also miss "The Good Place," get into the same headspace as Fred Armisen and Maya Rudolph as they ponder the nature of love and commitment in the afterlife.

"Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan"

John Krasinski steps into role of Jack Ryan in this series inspired by Tom Clancy's action-packed novels. We love Krasinski as the hero so much that we happily look past the absurdity of an analyst being pulled from his desk and placed on the ground in the war-torn Middle East. He's a worthy addition to the star-studded roster of actors who have previously portrayed Ryan in the franchise, including Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck. Season 3 is slated to premiere in mid 2021.

"Bosch"

Fans are absolutely devoted to this rock-solid procedural following Detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver). Next year the series will wrap with a final seventh season, which will make it Amazon's longest-running series to date. Don't worry, you've got plenty of time to catch up and find out what the buzz is all about.

"Made in Heaven"

Creators Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti bring you up close and personal to the "Big, Fat Indian Wedding" in this unapologetic 2019 drama series. With the story centered on wedding planners Tara and Karan helping couples plan their big day, audiences get to see how modern culture and tradition mix together in India today. We're looking forward to Season 2!

"Tales from the Loop"

If you’re looking for thinky sci-fi with a retrofuturistic aesthetic, "Tales from the Loop" is definitely one to check out. Based on the drawings of Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, the eight-episode anthology series follows the residents of Mercer, a fictional town that is home to the Mercer Center for Experimental Physics, also known as the Loop. There’s definitely an open-endedness to these stories as you never quite know exactly where the technology came from or what it actually does, but if you go in not expecting all of the answers and enjoy a slow burn you’ll definitely enjoy this.