Ella Bright as Hannah Wells playing guitar in 'Off Campus.' Image via Prime Video By Michael Block Published Jul 18, 2026, 11:39 PM EDT Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts! On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK. In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Sign in to your Collider account Add Us Summary Generate a summary of this story Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap We’ve officially surpassed the halfway point of 2026 , and thus far, it’s been a great year for new television . And Prime Video has been keeping up with the trends. Alongside many of their hit returning shows, the streamer has welcomed a bevy of new ones, including highly anticipated adaptations and daring new reimaginings. But which one is the best of the year so far?
Prime Video has released shows about love. They’ve dropped live-action adaptations of a comic character and series that reimagine beloved characters. We are here to analyze 12 new titles that have officially debuted this year. To rank from worst to first, we’ll consider everything from performances to writing, as well as their overall impact on the year. So, yes, some bonus points are tagged on for pop culture prowess. Let’s celebrate Prime Video’s smattering of series that have kept us binging.
Daisy Head as Elizabeth van Lew in The Gray House Image via Prime Video We have an adoration for historical dramas. It’s exciting to watch a period story with its sprawling set pieces and elaborate costumes. But just because it may look incredible, and even feature a top-tier production team and cast, doesn’t mean it’s going to be extraordinary. Sadly, such was the case for The Gray House . Executive produced by Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman , the historical drama centers on the lives of four Southern women who used the expectations of their era as cover for espionage. Together, these women — Elizabeth Van Lew ( Mary-Louise Parker ), Eliza Van Lew ( Daisy Head ), Mary Jane Richards ( Amethyst Davis ), and Clara Parish ( Hannah James ) — transform their Underground Railroad operation into an effective intelligence network that gathers secrets, moves messages, and alters the course of the war in favor of the North. An important retelling of forgotten heroes , The Grey House ’s eight episodes are a bit too bloated and melodramatic to pack the historic punch it intended .
The real-life spy ring in Richmond serves as a brilliant premise to build on, but the writers cram far too many minor characters and subplots into the series, which detracts from the main focus. Even with eight episodes, some over an hour each, the pacing is heavily padded, causing significant pacing woes. Th…