This year's batch of brand new pilots from Amazon Studios just went live, and there are surprising number of stars in the mix. From a drug-laced drama about classical music with Gael Garcia-Bernal to a dysfunctional family comedy with Jeffrey Tambor (wait that sounds familiar), there's something for everybody.
Oh, and they're all free to watch, whether you're a Prime subscriber or not. Amazon is looking for feedback (read: customer reviews) so that they can decide which pilots to launch into full-blown series, as they did with last year's Alpha House and Betas. Out of the five shows for kids and five for grown ups, there's got to be a hit.
Here's a quick breakdown of the shows for grown-ups. All that's left for you to do is stock up on snacks; a weekend of TV-binging awaits.
The After
What it's about: This highly anticipated (and much-advertised) science fiction show comes straight from the brain of Chris Carter, creator of The X-Files. It's one of those suspenseful, sort of apocalyptic, will-they-survive adventures that puts eight strangers together to battle violent forces of the unknown. In the words of one Amazon reviewer: "Thrilling!"
Why you should watch: Did I mention the part about how this show is the brainchild of the guy who created The X-Files?
Bosch
What it's about: This one's for you murder mystery fanatics out there. Titus Welliver plays an LAPD homicide detective who's trying to solve the murder of a 13-year-old boy, but—but!—he's on trial himself for the murder of a serial killer. Dang, if I were in that position, I'd be smoking cigarettes all the time, too.
Why you should watch: Variations on film noir never get old, especially when they're sort of twisted.
Mozart in the Jungle
What it's about: With producers like Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman, it's no surprise this New York-based comedy is as star-studded as it is. Gael Garcia Bernal plays an eccentric conductor and takes you backstage in the sexy, drug-addled world of classical music. (I know: "sexy" and "drug-addled" are not usually the words you'd use to describe Mozart.) It's funnier than it sounds!
Why you should watch: Che Guevara doing drugs and leading a symphony. What's not to love?
The Rebels
What it's about: If you saw Moneyball and actually wished it were about football, you'll probably like this show starring soap opera star Natalie Zea. Her character is the wife of a professional football team owner who dies suddenly, leaving her in charge.
Why you should watch: Hayes MacArthur, the weed dealer from The Wackness, plays the savvy lieutenant who saves the day, and boy is it fun to watch him yell at people who are bigger than him.
Transparent
What it's about: Look, it's Oscar from Arrested Development! In this dysfunctional family comedy, Jeffrey Tambor plays the patriarch of a crazy LA family. Without giving away too many details, a confession leads everybody to spill their secrets, and hilarity ensues. Kinda sounds like an episode of Arrested Development, doesn't it?
Why you should watch: Everybody loves finding out that their own family isn't as messed up as it could be. Plus, Jeffrey Tambor's so good at playing an exasperated dad.