Paramount+ Takes the Lead in Prestige Television
Paramount+ continues to distinguish itself as a platform offering top-tier television series—where masterful screenwriting meets sophisticated filmmaking. With A-list actors and directors, many of whom cross over from the world of cinema, the streaming service delivers gripping stories and unexpected performances.
MOBLAND
Think of it as the mafia, reimagined with a British twist. Mobland stars two powerhouses clearly reveling in their roles: Helen Mirren, in a villainous turn that’s impossible not to love (and hate), and Pierce Brosnan, as you’ve never seen him—dark, disturbing, and far from his usual suave persona. Add Tom Hardy as an eerily convincing enforcer, and you’ve got a sinister drama set against the deceptively peaceful backdrop of the English countryside. This is a gangster series that reinvents the genre.
Criminal Minds: Evolution
The acclaimed FBI profiler series returns, bringing back much of the original cast. This season centers around a serial killer who, after a near-death experience, begins to question his own morality. The writing adds new emotional depth to the characters, making this more than just another crime procedural. While it may not mirror real FBI investigations, Criminal Minds: Evolution remains highly entertaining—even for newcomers to the franchise.
Happy Face
Being the daughter of a serial killer is not exactly a recipe for normalcy. That’s the premise of Happy Face, inspired by true events. Melissa, a television makeup artist, is desperate to lead a quiet, family-centered life—until her past crashes back into view. A smart, dramatized retelling with a strong cast and sharp emotional insight.
Rabbit Hole
Kiefer Sutherland delivers one of his finest performances in Rabbit Hole, shedding the shadow of 24 to take on a far more layered, introspective role. The plot is taut and intelligent, driven by espionage, paranoia, and psychological tension. The direction is tight and effective, making this a must-watch for fans of political thrillers.
The Agency
Spy thrillers don’t get much sharper than The Agency. Richard Gere fits his role like a glove in this high-stakes look at how love and family can compromise even the most seasoned intelligence agents. Michael Fassbender and an ensemble cast elevate this to prestige-level TV. Whether it’s realistic or not is beside the point—this is gripping television at its finest.
Born to Be Blue
Technically a film, Born to Be Blue deserves a place on this list. It’s a raw, emotional portrayal of legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker, played with heartbreaking precision by Ethan Hawke. The movie dives deep into Baker’s life of genius and ruin, delivering a performance and story so intense it’s sometimes hard to watch—but impossible to forget.
Lioness
Special ops have never been this tense. Lioness throws us into the brutal world of covert operations, where every moment brims with urgency. The stellar cast—Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Kelly—bring their A-game in a series that blends action with raw human vulnerability. This is prestige drama, with a pulse.
On Amazon Prime Video
While Amazon Prime typically offers series with lighter narrative heft compared to Paramount+, a few standouts this year prove that’s not always the case.
Bosch: Legacy
Based on Michael Connelly’s novels, Bosch: Legacy continues the gritty saga of detective Harry Bosch, with Titus Welliver once again embodying the role with brute realism and human complexity. This installment provides a fitting finale to the long-running series. Mimi Rogers shines alongside him, bringing intensity and nuance reminiscent of her late-season X-Files work.
Ballard
Detective Renée Ballard, introduced in Bosch: Legacy, takes the lead as the head of a Cold Case division. Maggie Q brings a magnetic energy to the role, offering a performance that is every bit as compelling as Welliver’s. The writing is sharp, the cases are riveting, and Bosch even makes a few memorable appearances. A standout debut season.
Reacher
Transitioning Reacher from the big screen to the small one could’ve gone wrong—but didn’t. Alan Ritchson gives the character a fresh sense of grounded strength and depth that goes beyond muscle. While it leans into action, the psychological dimension of the characters is surprisingly well-crafted. A fun, smart series that’s more than it appears.