3 must-see Prime Video shows to binge this weekend (February 6

February is here, and in addition to the expected – or dreaded – Love Day festivities, it also brings the celebration of Black History Month. In this week’s recommendations, I’m omitting the romance stuff and presenting you with a hearty cultural mix of drama with special interest, action with serious crime and biker gangs, and fantasy that includes a suspenseful tale of witchcraft.

As you venture out into your weekend, take the time to binge some or all of these must-watch shows on Amazon Prime Video.

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Roots

In honor of Black History Month, Roots is first on the list. The seven-time Emmy-nominated miniseries is based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel, which explores his family’s history. Although it contains many facts, it also includes some fictional elements, so keep that in mind. Personally, what I love about this film is how it challenges viewers to confront the roots of racial injustice in society, regardless of the time period.

Set in the 1760s, the multi-generational epic traces the lineage of a young man named Kunta Kinte (Malachi Kirby of A thousand blows), who was kidnapped from Gambia at age 17 and sold into slavery in North America. But the story doesn’t just focus on him. It also details his descendants’ struggles for freedom and identity over 7 generations, culminating in Haley’s (Laurence Fishburne) ancestral searches as a free man. It is, for all intents and purposes, a raw, unflinching and revealing portrait of American slavery.

If you are part of the crowd who has yet to see the hit series, I strongly urge you to do so. It is an essential insight that, certainly, provides crucial historical context on the brutality and inappropriateness of slavery, but more importantly, showcases the profound resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of family bonds against the dehumanization of slavery.

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Suga: ride or die

Of all the streaming content I watch, the genre I can’t get enough of is crime drama, even if it’s in another language, like this one. Suga: ride or die stopped me in my tracks. It’s not just a gritty crime, it’s also an addictive, immersive and brooding biker drama, and like a huge Sons of Anarchy fan, I dove straight into his dark world of power struggles and internal betrayal.

Suga is the president of the famous Dutch motorcycle club the Devil’s Drifters. After a stint in prison, Suga is released prematurely only to find his world shattered by the news of his daughter’s death. Additionally, his empire crumbles due to his brothers’ betrayal, which has left him in bad standing not only with his own MC but also with rival gangs and the police. He soon finds himself in a desperate struggle to regain power and protect his family, while working to locate a large shipment of drugs lost to the Irish Mafia.

This is a fast-paced, bloody fight for survival, so expect copious amounts of realistic, adrenaline-fueled action in an increasingly dangerous landscape characterized by complex character dynamics and violently complex conflicts involving turf wars and drug deals. Just like Son gave us a high-stakes drama amid family loyalty, betrayal, and revenge, just like Sugaand he does it extremely well.

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Sanctuary: a witch’s tale

Adapted from the best-selling book by VV James, Sanctuary: a witch’s tale is a gripping British thriller centered around the suspense of witchcraft and the secrets hidden in the shadows of a small English town called Sanctuary.

Set in a world where witches live openly among humans, the series is a dark mystery about four women, a murder investigation, and a nasty little secret. After a local teenager is found dead, possibly from magic, resident witch Sarah Fenn (Elaine Cassidy of The others) and her daughter Harper (Don’t say anything Hazel Doupe) become the prime suspects in a city-wide witch hunt. As fear and prejudice take the wheel, the fragile balance between magic and society begins to unravel, forcing the emergence of deeply rooted truths.

If you like a good murder mystery backed by supernatural elements, you’ll be glad you watched this show. It has often been described as a British version of Easttown mare but with witches and a strong focus on human fear and scapegoating. It is also often compared to Big little lies but with an extra magical touch.

From documentaries and docuseries to new shows and films, there’s something to keep you entertained this month. Since we’re also facing six more weeks of winter, according to Punxsutawney Phil, you’ll want to pad this watchlist with all the new titles coming to Prime Video in February.

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