Summer's arrival is marked by June's calendar flip. Typically, major streaming platforms like Prime Video reserve their flagship series for autumn or spring releases, leaving a gap in the summer schedule. As a result, this season offers an excellent opportunity to revisit and complete any shows you've been meaning to finish.
Traveling by air this summer? Don't miss out on Prime Video's download feature, which lets you store TV shows on your mobile device, tablet, or computer for offline viewing. With flight lengths varying from short to long hauls, you can finish off several series during your journey. Among our top recommendations are a fresh take on Spider-Man, a gripping British crime drama, and a reimagined classic film by David Cronenberg.
Related ↗Broadway Awards Honor Schmigadoon! as Top Musical Winner.02Dead Ringers
›Twice the Rachel Weisz
David Cronenberg's affinity for the term "creepy" is a far cry from its usual negative connotations. His body horror masterpieces often defy conventional expectations. The 1988 film Dead Ringers exemplifies this, exploring the dark side of twin gynecologists who exploit their authority to control women. A more recent adaptation, Alice Birch's Prime Video series, offers a fresh take on Cronenberg's eerie classic with a bold twist: swapping genders in 2023.
Twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle are portrayed by Rachel Weisz, who bring to life characters embroiled in medical malpractice and unorthodox experimentation. Their goal of establishing a birthing center is threatened when Beverly develops feelings for Genevieve (Britne Oldford), creating an undeniable rift between the siblings. A reimagining rather than a direct remake offers a unique viewpoint on familiar material, which Dead Ringers successfully accomplishes in this unsettling thriller.
Read next ↗Steven Spielberg's insights on fear, catharsis and humanity revealed to me.The Dead Ringers series comprises six episodes, each ranging from 54 to 62 minutes long.
08The English
›Emily Blunt stars in a western.
The English is a unique take on the Western genre, departing from true stories that often serve as its foundation. Instead, it draws heavily from the era of Western expansion in the 1890s, a period marked by significant growth and transformation. Lady Cornelia Locke, played by Emily Blunt, seeks vengeance for her son's tragic demise, echoing a timeless theme found throughout many classic Westerns.
In the vast expanse of the American West, Locke forms an unexpected bond with Eli Whipp, a seasoned veteran from the Pawnee Nation who previously served as a cavalry scout. Whipp's aspirations to settle down in Nebraska, where he's entitled to land for his wartime service, are suddenly upended by new circumstances. As they redirect their attention towards Wyoming, they find themselves in a community shrouded in mystery and violence. The show's innovative blend of Locke and Whipp is one of its standout features, as these two characters excel in this fresh take on a classic genre.
This series comprises six episodes, each ranging from 47 to 69 minutes long.
14Spider-Noir
›Nicolas Cage dons the iconic mask.
Nicolas Cage's unorthodox take on a classic superhero role seems spot-on. If he'd been cast as the traditional Spider-Man, I might have lost interest altogether. The actor's portrayal of an alternate Spider-Man navigating 1930s New York City is what truly piques my curiosity now.
Nicolas Cage takes on the iconic mask in Prime Video's Spider-Noir, where he plays Ben Reilly, a former vigilante turned private investigator. A complex case prompts Reilly to revive his alter ego, The Spider, and re-enter the world of superheroes. By prioritizing detective work over action, the series gains a unique perspective that sets it apart from other comic book adaptations. Cage's offbeat portrayal adds a welcome layer of depth to the show, making it stand out in a crowded genre.
The Spider-Noir series comprises a total of eight distinct episodes, ranging from forty-two to forty-nine minutes in length.
24The Girlfriend
›Motherly wisdom prevails.
Paranoid thrillers with complex relationships are my guilty pleasure. They often explore the darker aspects of human nature, where desires for power, greed and lust can lead to chaos. The 1990s classics Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction come to mind, featuring characters whose obsession knows no bounds. Inspired by these iconic films, The Girlfriend takes a similar approach but with a twist: two women locked in a struggle that's as much about rivalry as it is about love.
The novel-inspired drama The Girlfriend centers around Laura Sanderson, played by Robin Wright, a woman of considerable means who has high expectations for her son Daniel's partner. Enter Cherry, the new girlfriend, portrayed by Olivia Cooke, whose presence disrupts Laura's carefully crafted vision. Despite her best efforts to keep an open mind, Laura remains skeptical about Cherry's intentions. As it turns out, Cherry is concealing something, and only Laura seems determined to uncover the truth. This gripping thriller will have you hooked from start to finish.
The Girlfriend series consists of six episodes, each lasting between 45 to 52 minutes.
30Swarm
›Your fixation on me is quite intriguing.
Your fixation on me is quite intriguing, yet it reminds me of the problematic phenomenon known as "stan culture." This term originated from Eminem's song "Stan," which tells the story of an overzealous fan who develops an unhealthy obsession with their idol - in this instance, Eminem himself. Since then, stan culture has become synonymous with a fervent online community that crosses the line into toxic fandom. As a fan myself, I believe it's essential to draw a line between enthusiasm and fanaticism.
In the Prime Video series Swarm, creators Donald Glover and Janine Nabers scrutinize the fervor of fan culture through a darkly comedic lens. The narrative unfolds between 2016 and 2018, centering on Andrea "Dre" Greene, played by Dominique Fishback, a devoted follower of pop star Ni'Jah and proud member of her fanbase, known as "The Swarm." Dre's all-consuming infatuation with Ni'Jah propels her down a deadly trajectory, marked by an alarming disregard for human life. Fishback's dedication to the role is evident in her captivating and unsettling portrayal.
Swarm's episode duration ranges from a minimum of 27 to a maximum of 39 minutes.
36A Very English Scandal
›Epic scandal unfolding in secret.
The world of British politics is not my area of expertise as an American, but I've learned about its scandals through various accounts. A Very English Scandal draws from John Preston's non-fiction book detailing the Thorpe scandal that rocked the country in the 1970s. Jeremy Thorpe made headlines in 1968 when he became the Liberal Party leader at just a young age. However behind his public image, Thorpe was secretly involved with Norman Josiffe, whose real-life identity is portrayed by Ben Whishaw.
The notion that someone's sexual orientation is irrelevant may seem absurd, but consider the era when homosexual acts were heavily stigmatized. The high-profile court case and murder conspiracy surrounding Thorpe would have significant repercussions in his life, as dramatized in A Very English Scandal, a gripping three-episode miniseries starring Grant and Whishaw.
The miniseries A Very English Scandal comprises three episodes, each lasting between 57 to 60 minutes.
›Catch up on six Prime Video series.
When it comes to streaming services with engaging miniseries, Prime Video isn't the only option. On Netflix, you can find Mr. McMahon, Ripley, and Death by Lightning perfect for a plane ride or quick binge-watching session. Meanwhile, Paramount+ has several shows designed for one-sitting completion, such as The Madison and Waco.











