While streaming service Netflix has been getting plenty of attention for their original programming, Amazon seems to fly a bit under the radar. Their media division, Amazon Studios, also follows a very different model when deciding what to finally produce. They release a number of pilot episodes for Amazon Original Series and allow us to vote on what we’d like to see the most. Well, that time is upon us once again and five series have been given their moment to shine:
Hand of God – is a psychological drama about a morally-corrupt judge who suffers a breakdown and believes God is compelling him onto a path of vigilante justice – and stars Ron Perlman(!) and Dana Delany.
Red Oaks – is a coming-of-age comedy set in the “go’go” 80s about a college student enjoying a last hurrah before summer comes to an end-and the future begins – and stars Craig Roberts and Paul Reiser.
The Cosmopolitans – is a dramatic comedy about a group of young American expats in Paris searching for love and friendship and an ocean of distance from their past – and stars Adam Brody and Chloe Sevigny.
Hysteria – is an investigative thriller about a haunted young doctor who is summoned back to her hometown to investigate an epidemic that may be linked to social media – and her own tragic past – and stars Mena Suvari and TR Knight.
Really – is a funny, honest, behind-the-curtain look at the psychological and emotional complexities of marriage and the charged dynamics of a tight-knit group of friends grasping on to what’s left of their youth – and stars me Jay Chandrasekhar and Sarah Chalke (Elliot!).
All you need to view the pilots is an internet connection and a free Amazon account, but further episodes of the chosen few will require an Amazon Prime subscription. More information on the pilots, and previously released pilots and shows, can be found here.
I’m particularly looking forward to the Titus Welliver-led Bosch, based on the best-selling series by Michael Connelly, which is coming out early next year.
Last Updated: August 29, 2014
