Amazon's Prime Instant Video service is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the streaming world, thanks in part to its catalogue of hugely popular TV shows alongside its original series offerings. This winter its standout debut comes from the Ridley Scott produced The Man in the High Castle which explores what the world would be like had the Axis powers won World War II.
To celebrate the release of The Man in the High Castle which is available to download and stream on Amazon Prime now, we reveal the ten best shows, both old and new, to be watching on Amazon Prime this winter.
The Man in the High Castle
It was back in January of this year that the pilot episode for Amazon original series, The Man in the High Castle, debuted and was crowned the most watched since the original series development programme began. This Friday, 20th November all ten episodes of the first season will be available via Amazon. Produced by Ridley Scott the series is based on the 1962 novel of the same name and explores a world in which the Axis powers won World War II. Set in the 1960s where the United States has been split into three parts, The Japanese state of the Pacific States of America, a Nazi state that comprises of the eastern half of the former United States, and a neutral zone which acts as a buffer between the two areas, known as Rocky Mountain States. Alexa Davalos, Rupert Evans, Luke Kleintank, Rufus Sewell and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa star as the shows central characters.
Hannibal
With a stellar cast including Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen and Laurence Fishburne, Hannibal is compulsive viewing. Based on characters and elements from Thomas Harris' novel Red Dragon the show was developed by Bryan Fuller of Pushing Daisies fame. The show is centred on the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham (Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mikkelsen) a forensic psychiatrist destined to become one of Graham's biggest enemies.
The Hand of God
In this Amazon original series, Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) stars as corrupt judge Pernell Harris who believes that God is drawing him onto a path of vigilante justice when he suffers a breakdown.
A pilot episode of the show debuted on Amazon back in the summer of 2014 and viewers were asked to voice their opinion on the episode before Amazon decided whether to continue with a full series. Fans praised the pilot in their droves and in September of this year the full season premiered. We say this thought-provoking drama is well worth a watch.
Transparent
When Amazon Studios debuted Transparent in February 2014 they were unsure how the comedy-drama would be received. Centring on a Los Angeles family as they deal with the discovery that the person they knew as their father Mort, played brilliantly by Jeffrey Tambor, is living his life as transgender. The show proved to be an instant hit and was picked up for a full season in March 2014, premiering in full in September. Less than a month later it was renewed for a second season. And we don't have long to wait, with the new season due to air on December 4th. The show's topical themes and likeable characters proved a winning formula with it picking up two Golden Globes for Best Show and Actor and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Vikings
Created by Michael Hirst of The Tudors and Elizabeth fame, Vikings is an Irish-Canadian history series which was originally created for the History channel. Now available on Amazon Prime, the show is inspired by Viking Ragnar Lothbrok who is considered to be one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes. Starring Travis Fimmel in a rags to riches tale, we see Lothbrok transform from a farmer to the King of Denmark following successful raids into England. The show has been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards so is certainly worth a watch.
Justified
Based on Elmore Leonard's short story Fire in the Hole, Justified first aired back in 2010 on the FX network. Starring Timothy Olyphant it follows tough U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens as he enforces his own brand of justice in his hometown of Harlan, Kentucky. The show aired for six seasons and received critical acclaim receiving eight Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with two wins for stars Margo Martindale and Jeremy Davies.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
An oldie but a goody, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia first aired ten years ago and has ten season's under its belt, with an eleventh due to air in the US in January 2016. With an all-star cast including Danny DeVito and Charlie Day, the show centres on a group of five underachievers who run Paddy's Pub a decrepit Irish Bar in South Philadelphia. Thanks in part to its likeable characters and sharp one liners, the show is a must-watch, with US publication Entertainment Weekly listing it as number seven in its list of the 26 Best Cult TV Shows Ever.
Enlightened
Laura Dern stars as Amy Jellicoe, a self-destructive woman who has a spiritual awakening and becomes determined to live an enlightened life in this comedy drama. In 2012, star and writer Laura Dern won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy for her role in the show. The show was also nominated for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy.
Red Oaks
Submarine's Craig Roberts and Dirty Dancing's Jennifer Grey star in this coming-of-age Amazon original comedy series which was released in October of this year. Set in a Country Club during the 1980s the story follows tennis player David as he enjoys a summer working at the prestigious and exclusive Red Oaks. Gage Golightly (Teen Wolf) and Oliver Cooper (Project X) also star but it is Ennis Esmer's performance as David's sleazy co-worker Nash that provides many of the shows laughs.
Orphan Black
Sci-fi series Orphan Black follows Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany), a woman who assumes the identity of one of her clones, Elizabeth Childs, after witnessing her suicide. The series raises issues around human cloning and its effect on personal identity. With three seasons under its belt and a fourth scheduled for 2016, Orphan Black is well worth a watch for any viewer who likes a series that makes you think.
The Man in the High Castle is available for unlimited streaming and to download from Amazon Prime now.