Skip to main content

Take a look at the new pilot episodes on Amazon Original Series

amazons latest pilot shows are up for you to judge sneaky pete
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Amazon isn’t giving up in the fight against Netflix just yet. Having recently nabbed the presenters of the BBC’s flagship Top Gear program for its own automobile extravaganza, the company has a new batch of pilot episodes for you to view and react to — as usual, the decision on whether or not these shows will be picked up for a full series depends on viewing figures and audience reaction, so start leaving those reviews.

First up is Sneaky Pete, in which Giovanni Ribisi plays a released prisoner who assumes the identity of another criminal … at least that’s what we can gather from the trailer below. Margo Martindale and Bryan Cranston also star. “[Ribisi’s character] moves in with Pete’s long-estranged, unsuspecting family and is roped into the family’s bail bond business,” explains the Amazon spiel. “He’s a criminal taking down other criminals and, in the process, he’ll discover the family life he’s never had.”

Recommended Videos

If you think that sounds familiar, it may be because CBS has already passed on the same pilot.

Also now available for your careful consideration is Casanova, a retelling of the story of the famous Lothario. From Amazon: “Exiled from his beloved Venice, Giacomo Casanova flees to Paris at the dawn of the Enlightenment in hopes of putting his reputation as a playboy behind him. But old habits die hard, and temptation is everywhere as Casanova finds a wealth of new opportunity … and trouble.” Diego Luna stars as the titular character.

The last batch of Amazon Original Series shows to get picked up for a full series included The Man in the High Castle, which debuts in November — there’s a new clip up for that program if you need a reminder of what it’s all about. Amazon will be hoping one of these new shows turns into a Transparent-style smash hit to boost its Amazon Instant Video streaming service (included as a Prime membership perk).

Which do you prefer of the two new shows? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments.

David Nield
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Dave is a freelance journalist from Manchester in the north-west of England. He's been writing about technology since the…
What’s new on Amazon Prime Video in November 2024
A man stands in front of a caution sign.

James Patterson's Alex Cross character is getting a third chance in live-action this month on Amazon Prime Video. Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry have previously portrayed the titular detective character. Now, Black Adam's Aldis Hodge steps into the role. The new Cross series is Prime Video's biggest debut in November, but far from the only noteworthy addition. There are a lot of new additions to the streamer's movie lineup, including The Godfather trilogy, Silver Linings Playbook, and the unconventional vampire film Abigail.

Additionally, Prime Video is rebooting Cruel Intentions as a drama series, which has the potential to be another big hit for the streamer. And aside from Die Hard, there are only a handful of Christmas titles coming this month. We can appreciate a little restraint, especially since December will likely be a very different story.

Read more
3 underrated shows on Amazon Prime Video you need to watch in November
A woman and man in Navy uniforms looking at one another smiling on JAG.

Did you know that Amazon Prime Video launched a series almost a decade ago with a killer cast that was met with solid reviews but was canceled? Mad Dogs didn’t get the due it deserved. That show counts among three underrated shows on Amazon Prime Video you need to watch in November.

The other two shows are likely ones you have heard of before but never took the time to watch. They received mixed reviews but played a significant role in their respective genres. Without one, for example, we might not have seen shows like The Great, and without the other, NCIS would never have graced the small screen.

Read more
5 best Amazon Prime Video movies to stream this Halloween
Pinhead on the poster cover for Hellraiser

Almost all of the major streamers loaded up on horror titles for Halloween, but few have the impressive lineup that Amazon Prime Video boasts. Prime Video has brought together an amazing selection of horror flicks from the past and present that includes terrifying tales, as well as an amazingly funny comedy.

To get you ready for the end of this spooky season, here are our picks for the five best Amazon Prime Video movies to stream this Halloween. But make your plans quickly, because some of these flicks are leaving Prime Video on November 1.

Read more