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Hack your Prime Video free trial: 15 TV shows you can actually finish in 7 days or less

Speed run your way through some of the best (and shortest) shows Prime has to offer.

Images of Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag, Emily Bader in My Lady Jane and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin in Young Sherlock put side by side.

Luke Varley/Amazon Studios, Jonathan Prime/Prime Video, Daniel Smith/Prime

Published: Thursday, 13 August 2026 at 7:00 am

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If you've recently signed up for a week's free trial for Prime Video, you'll be wanting to make the most of it. That means watching as many quick, hit shows as possible.

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Thankfully, we've got a list right here, featuring some of the best that you can stream in full in under 10 hours. Whether it's dramas like A Very Royal Scandal, comedies like Fleabag, or action adventure shows like Ride or Die and Young Sherlock, there are plenty of options to dive right into.

So what are you waiting for? Read on for our full list of Prime Video shows you can watch in a dash.

1. Modern Love

Inspired by the New York Times column of the same name, Modern Love is an anthology series exploring the many facets of love in contemporary life. Each episode tells a self-contained story, with an impressive cast including Anne Hathaway, Dev Patel, Tina Fey and Andrew Scott.

The show delves into romantic, platonic and familial love, often with a twist or unconventional perspective. It stands out for its relatable characters and nuanced approach to relationships, offering a mosaic of the human connection in all its messy glory.

2. Gunpowder

Kit Harington stars as Robert Catesby in this historical drama about the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. Peter Mullan, Mark Gatiss and Liv Tyler co-star in what is a tense retelling of the Catholic conspirators’ attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

The series is notable for its gritty realism, as it delves into the motivations behind the plot and explores in full the pivotal moment in British history.

3. A Very Royal Scandal

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This series arrived in the same year as Scoop, a Netflix film exploring the exact same story - however, this three-parter is definitely the superior of the two. It stars Ruth Wilson and Michael Sheen, and explores the events leading up to and following the infamous 2019 Newsnight interview between Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew.

It's a compelling watch, which aims to get to the heart of a media storm, and, when it comes to Andrew, understand the man behind the title.

4. Fleabag

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s groundbreaking comedy-drama centres on a sharp-tongued, emotionally complex woman navigating life, love and loss in London. Waller-Bridge stars as the titular Fleabag, whose direct-to-camera asides create a unique bond with viewers.

The series has been celebrated for its wit and honesty, as well as its strong performances from the cast, including supporting characters played by the likes of Sian Clifford and Olivia Colman. Fleabag’s blend of comedy and tragedy, innovative storytelling and unforgettable characters have made it a modern classic, resonating with audiences worldwide.

5. Under the Banner of Heaven

Andrew Garfield stars in this crime drama inspired by true events, playing a detective whose faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is tested as he investigates a brutal murder within the devout religious community.

Daisy Edgar-Jones, Wyatt Russell and Sam Worthington also star, in a series which is as much about the horrendous crime at its centre as it is exploring its questions surrounding religion and faith.

6. The Consultant

In this darkly satirical thriller, a mysterious consultant arrives at a struggling company and quickly exerts a sinister influence over the staff.

The series shifts wildly between its comedic and more serious tones to great effect, keeping viewers off-balance even before many of the enormous twists and turns in the narrative come. Christoph Waltz leads the cast with an exceptional performance, leaning into what he does best.

7. Undone

Rosa Salazar in Undone. She is drawn in rotoscope animation, and looking onwards, shocked.

Rosa Salazar in Undone. Prime Video

This innovative animated series, from the team behind BoJack Horseman, uses rotoscope technology to tell the story of Alma, a young woman played by Rosa Salazar who begins experiencing visions of her dead father after a near-fatal car accident. He tells her she has the power to travel in time - but is she having a mental episode or is it all true?

The narrative weaves together elements of science fiction and psychological drama, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

8. My Lady Jane

Set in an alternate Tudor England, My Lady Jane reimagines the story of Lady Jane Grey if she survived, while also adding a fantastical twist. The series, which stars Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel, was sadly cancelled after one season, but gained a dedicated fan base during that time, thinks to its irreverent tone, compelling characters and world-building.

9. Three Pines

Alfred Molina stars as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in this atmospheric crime drama set in a picturesque Quebec village. When a series of murders disrupt the tranquillity of Three Pines, Gamache must use his keen intuition and empathy to uncover the truth. The series is notable for its richly drawn characters and sense of place, with the village itself almost becoming a character.

10. Deadwater Fell

David Tennant stars in this gripping crime drama set in a small Scottish village, as a man whose wife and children are killed in a devastating fire. As suspicion falls upon him, we learn more about Tennant's character Tom, and uncover that the seemingly idyllic life he and his family led was anything but.

Tennant puts in a bravura performance, keeping us guessing throughout, while Cush Jumbo and Matthew McNulty are also impressive in supporting roles.

11. The English

Emily Blunt as Cornelia Locke in The English.

Emily Blunt as Cornelia Locke in The English. Drama Republic/BBC/Amazon Studios

Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer lead this striking Western drama, which follows an Englishwoman and a Pawnee scout as they journey across the American frontier in the late 19th century.

The series explores themes of revenge, identity, and survival, with stunning cinematography and complex characters, as the protagonists confront violence and prejudice, and their unlikely partnership develops into a powerful bond.

12. Ride or Die

This action comedy series stars Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham as best friends, who find themselves on a high octane adventure when the latter reveals herself to be a highly trained assassin. Bill Nighy also stars as Waddingham's mysterious boss.

The series may not break the mould, but Spencer and Waddingham make for a hugely entertaining central duo, the action is propulsive and the comedic beats help to keep things light and breezy.

13. The Assassin

Fans of The Tourist looking for their next offbeat thriller need look no further than this six-part series from that show's creators, Harry and Jack Williams. Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore lead the cast as a mother and son, trying to reconnect on a Greek island. However, events soon spiral as Highmore's character Edward learns that his mum Julie is actually an assassin, and her past is coming back to haunt her.

There is gripping action and big laughs to be found here, with the dialogue especially cutting, but there's also real heart in the relationship between the central duo. A second season has been confirmed.

14. Young Sherlock

Guy Ritchie returned to the world of Sherlock Holmes for this new take on the iconic detective, a prequel series starring Hero Fiennes-Tiffin. The show saw Sherlock at the start of his career, going on a globe-trotting quest to uncover a global conspiracy, while it also covered the beginning of his relationship with friend-turned-arch-enemy James Moriarty.

The series featured some classic Ritchie action and a plot which moves at a real pace, and Dónal Finn turned in a scene-stealing performance as Moriarty. A second season is now on the way.

15. Steal

Sophie Turner leads the cast of this tense crime thriller, which follows an office worker for a pension management company whose day gets upended when an armed gang enters the building to undertake a robbery. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd and Archie Madekwe also take on key roles. Turner is superb here, and the pace really never lets up, as the stakes continue to raise and the tension becomes almost unbearable. At just six episodes, it's a perfect binge watch.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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