Prime Video’s original series have taken the lead in the August viewership rankings, featuring Reacher season 4 and Sterling Point season 1 in the top two spots. In addition to new and returning titles, Prime Video boasts an impressive collection of licensed shows that cater to a wide array of viewers.
Among these offerings is a long-running procedural that debuted back in 2005, maintaining its popularity due to a dedicated fanbase. Another entry is a CBS drama that enjoyed a successful run spanning over a decade. Finally, providing a top pick for the weekend is the latest season of a horror anthology from renowned creator Ryan Murphy. All these series are available for streaming on Prime Video in the United States.
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Criminal Minds
A Glance Through the Eyes of FBI Profilers
Watching a procedural like Criminal Minds is often a relaxing pastime. There’s no need to catch every tiny detail or scour fan forums for theories, making it a less stressful option compared to shows like House of the Dragon or Stranger Things. Adding a show like this to your streaming options can be quite beneficial.
Created by Jeff Davis, Criminal Minds follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), a specialized team of profilers tackling unusual cases and mysterious criminals referred to as unsubs (unknown subjects). Think of it as solving crimes linked to fictional figures like Hannibal Lecter or Jigsaw.
The first five seasons are accessible on Prime Video, introducing you to memorable characters such as Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin), Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), and Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness). The series generally adopts a case-of-the-week format, allowing you to watch episodes out of sequence, making it an excellent choice when you want something easy to enjoy.
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Blue Bloods
Family Comes Together to Fight Crime
Perhaps it’s the waning days of summer, but I find myself gravitating towards procedurals this weekend. With fewer new series launching until September, finding something to pass the time is essential. Blue Bloods fits that bill perfectly.
This show shines a light on the NYPD and the fictional Reagan family, led by Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck), the New York Police Commissioner. His children are all involved in law enforcement: eldest son Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), daughter Erin (Bridget Moynahan), and youngest son Jamie (Will Estes), who opts to be a cop over a lawyer. When they’re not busy catching criminals, the close-knit Irish Catholic family shares Sunday dinners together.
Though Blue Bloods generally appeals to an older demographic due to its broadcast origins, it distinguishes itself with its family-oriented storylines, allowing viewers to form strong connections with the characters. The first five seasons are available on Prime Video, along with season 14. If you’re looking for Blue Bloods, you can also catch the spin-off, Boston Blue, on CBS this fall.
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American Horror Story: Asylum
Discover Ryan Murphy’s Eerie and Captivating Series
Did you realize that American Horror Story has been around since 2011? It’s remarkable that the show has now reached 12 seasons with a 13th on the way. This is particularly noteworthy given its anthology structure, bringing new characters to life each season.
While I haven’t kept up with the later seasons, the second installment, Asylum, left a lasting impression on me. Set mainly in the 1960s at the fictional Briarcliff Manor, a mental institution, journalist Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson) aims to unveil its inhumane conditions but finds herself committed there by Sister Jude (Jessica Lange). Additionally, a supernatural twist adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the asylum.
This season embraces the horror genre more than some earlier installments, fulfilling the show’s promise. The unique 1960s backdrop imparts a distinctive style that truly sets Asylum apart. The entirety of American Horror Story up to season 12 can be streamed on Prime Video.
Additional Shows to Add to Your Watchlist
After exploring Prime Video, consider checking out Apple TV for some fantastic sci-fi options like Severance and Silo. Then be sure to visit Netflix to catch the final season of Outer Banks.
