Why 2019 Was a Strong Year for Amazon Prime Original Series
In 2019, Amazon Prime Video expanded its slate of original series across genres, investing in bigger budgets, diverse voices, and more cinematic storytelling. For viewers, this meant a growing catalog of high-quality series that competed more directly with other major streamers. This article evaluates the best series on Amazon Prime in 2019 using criteria such as writing, acting, consistency, originality, and long-term rewatch value. The goal is to provide a durable, fact-driven guide that remains useful whether you are new to Prime Video or looking to refresh your watchlist.
Top Picks Overview
Below are the standout Amazon Prime originals from 2019, alongside key details to help you choose based on genre, tone, and commitment level.
| Series | Genre | Seasons (2019) | Consistent Quality | Signature Strength | Best For | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Boys | Superhero / Dark Comedy | 1 (2019) | High | Sharp satire and strong ensemble cast | Adult, subversive takes on power and fame | Mrs. Maisel | Comedy / Drama | 3 (Season 3 in December 2019) | High | Period detail and rapid-fire humor | Fans of witty, character-driven storytelling | Jack Ryan | Action / Thriller | 2 (Midseason 2 in 2019) | Medium-High | Global stakes and steady pacing | Action lovers who prefer grounded espionage | Tales from the Loop | Sci-Fi / Drama | 1 (2019) | Medium | Atmospheric visuals and emotional depth | Viewers who enjoy slow-burn, moody sci-fi | Electric Dreams | Sci-Fi / Anthology | 2 (Second season in 2019) | Medium | Adaptations of Philip K. Dick works | Short, varied stories with speculative themes |
Deeper Look: The Boys (2019)
Strengths and Considerations
The Boys debuted in 2019 as a provocative superhero dark comedy, blending graphic violence, profanity, and corporate satire. Its strength lies in a tightly written ensemble and a premise that inverts classic superhero mythology. The first season maintains strong momentum, though later seasons expand the scope significantly. Viewers seeking uncompromising, adult-oriented storytelling often cite this as a flagship Amazon Prime series.
Deeper Look: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2019)
Strengths and Considerations
By 2019, Mrs. Maisel had already established itself as a high-energy period comedy about a 1950s housewife turned stand-up comic. Season 3 arrived in December 2019, refining its rapid-fire jokes, elaborate set design, and emotional throughlines. Its main considerations involve pacing that leans brisk and recurring plotlines that prioritize style. For many, its craftsmanship and lead performance remain among the best in comedy on the platform.
Deeper Look: Jack Ryan (2019)
Strengths and Considerations
Season 2 of Jack Ryan released in 2019, moving from U.S. origins to a global conflict centered on Venezuela and financial warfare. The series balances political intrigue, tactical action, and measured pacing. While it does not reinvent the espionage genre, it delivers steady, well-cast thrills. Viewers who prefer grounded intelligence over fantastical premises often find this a reliable choice.
Atmospheric and Conceptual Picks
Notable entries in 2019 also included slower, moodier experiences such as Tales from the Loop and the anthology Electric Dreams. These series emphasize visual tone, thematic depth, and contained storytelling. They may appeal less to viewers seeking constant propulsion and more to those who value mood, metaphor, and serialized introspection. Electric Dreams offered shorter, varied episodes, while Tales leaned into wistful, small-town sci-fi melancholy.
How These Series Compare on Key Attributes
| Series | Tone | Pacing | Violence/Intensity | Standout Cast Member | Ideal Binge Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Boys | Dark, Satirical | Brisk | High | Karl Urban, Billy Butcher | 1–2 sittings |
| Mrs. Maisel | Witty, Fast-Paced | Very Brisk | Low-Medium | Rachel Brosnahan, Joel Maisel | 2–3 sittings |
| Jack Ryan | Gritty, Political | Measured | Medium | John Krasinski, James Greer | 3–4 sittings |
| Tales from the Loop | Melancholic, Nostalgic | Slow | Low | Rebecca Hall, Ron | 4–6 sittings |
| Electric Dreams | Variable by Episode | Variable | Variable | Multiple featured actors | Flexible (short episodes) |
Genre Preferences and Viewer Temperament
Selecting the best series on Amazon Prime in 2019 depends heavily on personal tolerance for intensity, pacing, and form. If you want pointed satire with long-form plotting, The Boys stands out. If you prefer clever, style-forward comedy rooted in character, Mrs. Maisel is a strong choice. For viewers interested in geopolitical thriller elements with human stakes, Jack Ryan offers a balanced approach. Those who enjoy meditative, atmospheric sci-fi may lean toward Tales from the Loop or the speculative shorts of Electric Dreams.
Availability and Platform Notes
All highlighted series were accessible to Amazon Prime members in 2019 as part of the subscription benefit. Licensing specifics can vary by region, and some seasons may require Prime Video Channels add-ons if they were hosted by third-party providers. It remains a good practice to confirm active availability in your market, as catalog rights can shift over time.
Planning Your 2019 Prime Watch Path
To make efficient use of Prime Video in 2019, consider grouping series by commitment level and mood. Short, high-intensity seasons like The Boys (1 season) suit viewers seeking quick immersion. Medium-length character arcs such as Mrs. Maisel Season 3 reward sustained interest with evolving storylines. If you favor sprawling, globetrotting narratives, Jack Ryan provides structured escalation. For low-pressure, reflective viewing, Tales from the Loop and Electric Dreams allow flexible, episode-by-episode engagement.
Summary and Lasting Relevance
Amazon Prime’s 2019 originals set a higher bar for narrative ambition and production quality, offering series across a spectrum from mainstream boldness to niche auteur vision. The best series on Amazon Prime in 2019 combine strong writing, identifiable performances, and distinct visual identity. This review is framed as an evergreen reference: while catalog details and availability may change, the criteria for evaluating quality and fit remain useful for future viewing decisions.