Prime Video has a shiny new number one show this week: Ride or Die, an action comedy starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham as best friends on the run—one of whom happens to be an international assassin. It's a blast, but if you're not in the mood for high-octane hijinks, don't worry. The streaming giant's library is packed with gems across every genre. We've rounded up three standout series that deserve a spot on your watchlist right now. For even more ideas, check out our Best Movies on Prime Video: July 20, 2026 Picks.
1. The Middle (2009–2018)
If you're craving a hearty dose of family comedy, look no further than The Middle. Created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, this ABC sitcom follows the Heck family—Frankie (Patricia Heaton), Mike (Neil Flynn), and their three kids Axl, Sue, and Brick—as they navigate the everyday chaos of life in Orson, Indiana. The show's charm lies in its relatable portrayal of a lower-middle-class family just trying to get by, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Over nine seasons and 215 episodes, The Middle earned a devoted fanbase and critical praise, especially in its later years. Guest stars like Brooke Shields, Norm Macdonald, and Jack McBrayer add extra sparkle. While it may not be as famous as some of its sitcom peers, it's a hidden gem that comedy lovers shouldn't miss. The series even snagged a Primetime Emmy nomination and a Gracie Award. For more binge-worthy sitcoms, see our list of Binge-Worthy Brilliance: 10 Perfect Apple TV+ Shows Under 5 Seasons.
2. Butterfly (2025)
Spy thriller fans, get ready for Butterfly, a gripping series set in South Korea that blends espionage with family drama. Based on the Boom! Studios graphic novel by Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett, the show stars Daniel Dae Kim as David Jung, a former U.S. intelligence operative forced out of hiding when he discovers his estranged daughter Rebecca (Reina Hardesty) has become an assassin for the very organization he helped create. The cast also includes Louis Landau, Piper Perabo, and Kim Tae-hee.
Though the series received mostly favorable reviews upon its August 2025 premiere, some critics pointed out flaws in its action choreography and plot. Still, the performances—especially Kim's—and the tense father-daughter dynamic make it a compelling watch. Unfortunately, Butterfly was canceled after just one season, ending on a cliffhanger. But for thriller enthusiasts, it's still a worthwhile binge. If you enjoy this, you might also like Prime Video's 'Cross' Delivers the Gritty Crime Thriller 'The Lincoln Lawyer' Fans Crave.
3. Bates Motel (2013–2017)
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a cinematic legend, and Bates Motel is one of the rare adaptations that does it justice. This contemporary prequel, created by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano, stars Freddie Highmore as a young Norman Bates and Vera Farmiga as his overprotective mother, Norma. The series follows the duo as they run the infamous motel, with Norman's deteriorating mental health setting the stage for tragedy.
Highmore and Farmiga deliver powerhouse performances that anchor the show's five-season run on A&E. The series earned critical acclaim, an Emmy nomination, and a Saturn Award win for Farmiga. It's a suspenseful, character-driven drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. For more top-tier streaming picks, don't miss our roundup of Prime Video's 2026 Shows Ranked: From Spider-Noir to Scarpetta, Which Series Reigns Supreme?
Whether you're in the mood for laughs, thrills, or chills, these three shows offer something for everyone. Happy bingeing!
