Our Picks for the Best Streaming Shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, & Apple TV
Check out the best streaming shows according to our team!
Stuck in an entertainment rut?
Having thousands of options at our fingertips sounds great, but I know a lot of folks (myself included) get overwhelmed by the choices and end up watching the same show we’ve seen 100 times already. 😆
If that sounds like you, we’ve got you covered! There are just so many options for what to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Apple TV, but thankfully, the Hip2Save team always has great suggestions!
Hip Tip: Be sure to check out all the ways you can watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and sports for cheap or even free!
Here are some of our team’s recommendations for the best streaming shows:
Best shows on Netflix:
Bridgerton
When it comes to the best streaming shows, this is biasedly my favorite! Arguably the ultimate current historic drama, Bridgerton is pretty much everywhere we turn. According to Screen Crush, Bridgerton Season 2 is actually the most viewed Netflix show within its first 28 days of streaming with 627.1 million hours of streams.
Set in 1800s London, we follow the story of each member of the high society Bridgerton family. It mixes love, drama, diversity, and class issues. We all clearly can’t get enough of watching the Bridgerton family, and I, personally, am counting down the days until season 3 is released!
Stranger Things
Does Stranger Things need an introduction? This Netflix series became wildly popular after its release, and several Hip team members are still loving it! It mixes fantasy, a little sci-fi, drama, and adventure all set against a wonderfully 80s backdrop. With part one of season 4 recently being released, all fans are eagerly waiting for part two to be released on July 1st.
“Stranger Things is one of those few shows that for me, is consistently great if not topping itself with every season. That continues to be the case for the latest, Season 4, where the show is the most intense, heart-stopping, wild narrative roller coaster I’ve seen yet. If you haven’t hopped aboard the Stranger Things train, there is no better time than the present.” – Shane
Our Great National Parks
This limited series showcases the beauty of our earth, specifically the national parks! Most of us do not have the first-hand opportunity to explore each national park, and they’re all so unique and beautiful. This series takes a deep dive into different elements, including animals and the environment that surrounds our national parks.
“We just watched Our Great National Parks on Netflix, and I’m so sad it was a limited series. The animals and landscape videography are incredible. It was something our entire family found interesting.” – Sara
Best shows on Disney+:
Obi-Wan Kenobi
When it comes to the best streaming shows on Disney+, this one is currently topping the cake. Taking place ten years after Star Wars: Episode III, Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan dives deep into the challenges and adventures of the beloved Star Wars character. As he navigates the betrayal of his Anakin Skywalker, we watch Kenobi figure out his next steps.
Moon Knight
Marvel’s main character Marc Spectar battles a series of issues, some within himself. This is Disney+’s first “mature” original series, but fans of Marvel are encaptured and impressed both by the plot and fan-favorite Oscar Isaac’s performance.
“Moon Knight is based on one of my FAV obscure Marvel characters, and, while not for the faint of heart (it does have mature themes like mental illness, violence, etc), is so interesting to see the lead character grapple with his multiple personality disorder, and trying to determine his place in the world!” – Shane
WandaVision
With its debut last year, the show follows Marvel Avengers Wanda Maximoff and Vision throughout their life portrayed in various decades of sitcoms. Something about the show is, well…off. As it continues, we find out why that’s the case!
“Finally just getting around to WandaVision on Disney+, and oh my goodness – it’s amazing. I mainly binged it to get caught up in the Marvel timeline before watching Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but I’m kicking myself for not watching it sooner because it’s shot in such a clever way!” – Emily
Best shows on Prime Video:
Upload
With the recent release of season 2, Upload is a unique, sci-fi and comedy Prime original. The director is Greg Daniels, who is also behind The Office and Parks & Rec. The show is as hysterical as it is encapturing as it takes place in the future where a person can literally be “uploaded” once they pass away.
The Boys
Fitting the sci-fi, comedy, and drama genres all at once, The Boys hilariously depicts the world of superheroes as if it was realistic in modern-day society. The show has just released season three. As of last week, it’s been renewed for season four, with ratings higher than ever!
But while it may be about superheroes, this is not a show to watch with the kiddos given its 18+ viewer recommendation and mature themes.
Outer Range
Setting in beautiful Wyoming wilderness, Outer Range follows the story of a rancher who has to fight for both his land and family after the disappearance of his daughter-in-law and a greedy neighbor trying to take his land.
Best shows on AppleTV:
WeCrashed
Based on a true story, the AppleTV series covers the rise and fall of a couple’s start-up company, WeWork. At first, it skyrockets into a multibillion-dollar company, but what comes up must always come down!
Severance
If you’re looking for a thrilling, mind-boggling series, Severance will capture your heart and mind. Imagine if your day-to-day work and home lives were separated and you couldn’t recall anything from your personal life while you were working. That sets the scene well for this series. Talk about a work-life balance…not. 😬
The Morning Show
Acting as one of the debut shows for AppleTV’s launch, The Morning Show is a drama series that showcases the scandals that go down behind the closed doors of morning television. Filled with stars like Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, the fan-favorite has been confirmed to renew for season 3!
Best shows on HBO Max:
Julia
HBO’s Julia portrays the show of TV chef Julia Child, who paved the way for all celebrity chefs during a crucial time in American history. It’s a refreshing and enjoyable show, and many members of our team love it!
“Oh, I did not know I needed a Julia Child show in my life, but it is ADORABLE. It’s about when she started her cooking show and even self-funded it. It’s kind of Mad-Men-ish. The actress is so cute, and I have really been enjoying it!” – Lina
The Time Traveler’s Wife
Inspired by the best-selling Audrey Niffenegger novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife follows a loving couple who face extensive distance and time apart due to time travel. Back in 2009, there was a film adaptation of this, but fans are raving about this series version, which just recently wrapped up season one.
Starstruck
This charming rom-com series follows a relatable young woman struggling to make ends meet and accidentally being romantically tied to a famous movie star. There are two seasons, each episode only around 20 minutes making it almost too easy to binge! Better yet, it’s been confirmed to be renewed for season 3!
Ready to be a cord cutter? Here are 9 FREE streaming services you don’t want to miss!
The Mcmillions documentary is a much watch. FBI agent Doug Matthews should have his own show. There’s also a podcast that goes along with this documentary. It has some deleted material that they cut from the show. It’s a great listen.
Is it free on prime?
It’s on HBO – free streaming on HBONOW – I agree, the FBI agent is a hoot! I enjoyed McMillions.
You can watch it on Hulu also.
I agree we saw a couple of episodes while staying at a hotel and I did a 7 day free trial to watch the rest last month
I am currently employed by one of the people in this. So strange that I know someone on TV
All American, empire, star, a million little things
So love All American. Wish that I had watched it earlier. Can’t wait for Season 3. I work during week so my weekends are for binge watching
Money heist and Working Mom’s are good too , on Netflix
Thanks for the suggestions! I haven’t watched those yet!
Working Moms is HILARIOUS!
Yes, Workin’ Moms is absolutely hilarious!
We have been enjoying Prison Break movies for some reason 😀
“Escape at Dannemora” on Netflix is the fictionalization of the 2015 Clinton Correctional Facility escape.
“We Stand Corrected” on Amazon is a factual account of the same story.
“Escape from Alcatraz” – Classic Clint Eastwood we had in our DVD collection
“Raising Arizona” – Just for the LOLZ!
Up next:
O Brother Where Art Thou
Papillion
Cool Hand Luke
Shawshank Redemption
Family safe choice: Chicken Run
Oh cool! Thanks for the list! 🙌
Loved The Shawshank Redemption. Great movie!
Locke and key was great. My 8 year old watched it. I covered his eyes for 1 part but other than that it was fine. Ozarks is amazing as well!!
Oh yes! I loved Locke and Key and my hubby just finished Ozark! Thanks for sharing your favorites with us!
The Looming Tower & 11/23/63 are both on Hulu and excellent.
Thanks for the recommendation, IB!
Cheer on Netflix was really good! I loved the different background storylines of the athletes, I watched it in 2 nights.
Love the picture of Stetson! 😂
My Netflix favs are:
Grace and Frankie
Stranger things
Lost in space
Ooh! LOVED Stranger Things! I can’t wait for the nest season!
grace and frankie – the best
funny – and everyone should watch it
I love Grace and Frankie…can’t wait for the next season.
Me, too!
White Collar on amazon prime is a great series
Can we please talk about how GORGEOUS Stetson’s home is????? (I am assuming it’s his home)
I think its Collins new mansion in Nevada! I hope she will do a home tour of her new place, from the pic’s I’ve seen on-line its gorgeous and HUGE!!! Please Collin do a home tour of your mansion!!!!!!
yes, tour please. it looks awesome from pics online
Hi there! This is Collin’s house that she’s is living in temporarily, until her home renovation is done.
“ ALONE “on prime is cool too
The Kitchen is good. It’s on HBO. Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elizabeth Moss become mob bosses in 1970s He’ll Kitchen after there husbands are sent to prison.
Agree! Really enjoyed The Kitchen.
Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere”is one of their new originals staring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon. It’s so great!
I’ve enjoyed this too. I read the book and they are sticking pretty close to the book.
Binge watching Little Fires Everywhere now!! Omg!
Wentworth on Netflix all time favorite 7 seasons in !!! Everyone has time to watch it lol
If you are a reality TV fanatic such as I am and apparently Stetson try 90 day fiancé before the 90 days. It gives you a great dose of reality as to how lucky we are to live in this country! And it is a hoot to watch🤪
Going to have to watch mr.right and I gotta say a little princess was a classic used to watch it with my daughter bit had to stop while mu brother was in the army because she would ball her eyes out because she missed him now he lives with me im gonna have to watch it with her again
Mr. Right is good. I like Anna Kendrick in it.
Life Itself and the Americans on Prime. Wentworth and Money Heist on Netflix.
It’s also worth looking into the streaming options available for free from your library. This week I streamed an old favorite movie on the Hoopla app, and I “checked out” a week pass to the Acorn TV streaming service (mostly British shows). Acorn TV recently released a follow up movie to the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries series that I’m pretty excited to watch.
Yes I LOVE Miss Fisher. Binged it all and the new movie on Acorn won’t disappoint.
Miss Fisher is awesome!!!
I am doing the 30 day Acorn trial on Prime so I can rewatch Miss Fisher and then the movie. LOVE that show. Also if anyone likes historical dramas and a hot man, Poldark on Prime is a good watch.
Netflix favs Santa Clarita Diet (hilarious) Royal Pains (medical McGyver, funny, lighthearted with intrigue) Jessica Jones (marvel fans) You (SO bingeworthy!)
Santa Clarita Diet is super funny
On Hulu, I recommend three series: The Handmaid’s Tale, The Act and Little Fires Everywhere. I also love watching episodes of House Hunters while I run on the treadmill. I just got Netflix a month ago when social distancing started and I’m embarrassed to say I’ve watched a lot of shows. I recommend Broadchurch, Bloodline (season 1-2, not so much 3), Dirty John and Unbelievable.
The Act was great! Totally recommend it as well.
Amazon prime…good for the whole family… The Adventures of Robin Hood. https://smile.amazon.com/The-Coming-of-Robin-Hood/dp/B01GPL72CQ/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=robin+hood&qid=1586451116&s=instant-video&sr=1-14
Troop Zero is absolutely wonderful. Raising Dion on netflix is awesome. I loathe Tiger King. i find everything about it horrifying especially the faze that these private zoos and fake rescues still exist and laws to protect the big cats and other animals fail over and over again.
Trash
Watch Miracle cell no. 7
The Path and Lost on hulu. Dirty john on netflix. !!
Outlander!! 🥰😍😲🤤
YES! I loved that one too! 🙌
I love Queer Eye on Netflix! To me it’s a wonderful reboot. It is so fun to watch them transform the lives of the people they help!
Thanks for the suggestions!
You forgot that there are now 4 seasons of Nailed It! on Netflix which is a baking competition where no one is a professional. The cakes always come out bad, but the contestants are in on the joke, so it is very light hearted and silly and has cracked me up many times. I recommend it! They also have a few spinoff shows of Nailed It! Mexico and Nailed It! Germany. But the original is just fun!
And if you want to see really talented bakers, then Zumbo’s Just Desserts on Netflix is pretty magical for a baking competition.
We love them both! Good clean family entertainment!
I went the international route and have been into Turkish, South Korean, and Indian dramas on Netflix. Have to be ok with subtitles though.
Kdramas are so fun to binge! I have a subscription to Viki now lol
Since my teens are into kPop music, they are loving kdramas too. 🤦🏾♀️ they have even learned to speak some Korean
Little Fired Everywhere on Hulu
“Little Fires Everywhere” is on Hulu starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. It was a best selling book. Was looking for something “similar” to “Big Little Lies” on HBO with Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. Also based on a book.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu starring Elisabeth Moss based on Margaret Atwood’s book.
“Mad Men” on Netflix (originally on AMC) also starring Elisabeth Moss and John Hamm.
“Escape from Danemorra” a mini-series on SHOWTIME with Patricia Arquette and Benicio del Torro, based on true story of female prison worker who helped two inmates escape in New York.
“Murder in the Bayou” a documentary on SHOWTIME about 8 women who were murdered in Louisiana and to this date, no one has been arrested.
“Good Girls” an NBC show but also on Hulu and Netflix.
“Marrying Millions” on Hulu
My recommendations are Prime: Good Omens..love it! The Boys MR Robot and Orphan Black..Hulu…Killing Eve..Netflix..I am not ok with this and Chilling tales of Sabrina..also The Umbrelka Academy
“Parasite” which won Best Picture for 2020 and Best Foreign Language Film is now on HULU. Yes, it does have subtitles in English. BUT – stay with it – excellent story – thought provoking.
I saw it at the theater and knew little about the film but figured it had to be good.
In addition to all these I recommend the Netflix TV series You..Season 1 is a little slow but it starts to really pick up in the 2nd one
UNPLANNED!!
Also loved Sue Thomas FBeye
“Dark” on Netflix is amazing.
It’s in German, and I highly recommend English subtitles over dubbing in English, although you can do that too. The subtitles are slow enough you never feel like you are reading too fast to miss something. It’s literally one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Seriously – watch it! The acting is amazing, the story line will blow your mind, and the casting director deserves all the Emmys.
Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu just started watching but seems like it is going to be very good.
The Hunters was great and so was Locke and Key
My daughter is watching Looking for Alaska and really likes it.
Thank you, Tammy!
If you missed Designated Survivor when it was on prime time, you can catch it on Netflix. Really good show. There are three seasons and the third was released only to Netflix.
On Netflix, Sex Ed. Is quite funny but not for kids.
OMG I can’t believe more people aren’t recommending Outlander on Netflix ( first 3 seasons ) or all episodes available on Starz. Also we just started binging Peaky Blinders on Netflix. Not as good as Outlander but still entertaining.
Yes! Love Outlander. It’s so good!
I recommend Call the Midwife on Netflix. I started it today and it is really good.
Peaky Blinders on Netflix is my all time favorite. It’s won tons of awards in Britain. Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy make it real easy to watch. If you do like historical shows, Ripper Street is great too.
Netflix shows not previously mentioned – The Chef Show, The Last Tango in Halifax, How to Fix a Drug Scandal, Unbelievable
I just watched Unstoppable on Netflix; documentary about Bethany Hamilton. It was so good; she is one determined gal (and you get to see some beautiful beaches around the world too).
Better tell Derby to quit watching sad movies!
Do you mean Stetson?
Thanks for the list! Always looking for new shows.
Not all that “new” but if you havent seen it, Sneaky Pete on Amazon Prime was pretty good to watch with my husband. We both enjoyed it (1st season was best).
I refuse to watch Tiger King because of the inherent abuse of animals happening. I have loved Baskets, Grace and Frankie, Sneaky Pete (as above!), Gilmore Girls, Six Feet Under, Sex Education, Parks and Recreation and many more I can’t think of. I am currently taking advantage of the free HBO viewing offer and watching Barry. Love it! I have so much to watch on Netflix, Hulu and Prime that I do not miss cable.