Netflix may put out the most original content of any streaming service, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of gems to be found elsewhere, too. Amazon Prime has maintained a steady stream of noteworthy titles since its first series was released in 2013, and it has more than two dozen new titles slated for production in 2019 and beyond. The service seems to specialize in binge-worthy dramas, so if you're looking for a primer on what to check out, here are eight suggestions. (Photos via Amazon Prime Video)
The Man in the High Castle: Although this historical drama premiered in 2015 and is set in the 1960s, it feels increasingly timely in its examination of the past and its vision of what would have happened if things had played out differently. Specifically, The Man In the High Castle depicts how the US would have looked if Nazi Germany and Japan had won WWII. It's an intriguing concept executed not only with great performances, but also with an inventive and empathetic eye that allows for several perspectives and possibilities. The show was recently renewed for a fourth and final season. (Photo via Liane Hentscher/Amazon Prime Video)
Homecoming: The number of podcast-to-screen adaptations is likely to increase after the success of this take on Gimlet's scripted podcast of the same name. It tells the (fictional) story of a transitional living center for veterans coming back from deployment, where all is not as it seems. The series also marks the small-screen debut of Julia Roberts, and while she will reportedly not return, the intriguing drama has been renewed for a second season. (Photo via Jessica Brooks/Amazon Prime Video)
Bosch: The fact that Bosch has been renewed for a sixth season even before the premiere of its fifth proves just how beloved this under-the-radar crime procedural is. While all the hallmarks of the genre are accounted for, the series' noir influence makes for a much more ambitious and striking version of your standard cop show. And as LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch, Titus Welliver portrays the grueling, often bleak nature of the job with nuance and subtlety. (Photo via Amazon Studios)
Goliath: Who better to command a legal drama than TV vet David E. Kelley, the person behind shows such as Chicago Hope, The Practice, Boston Legal, Big Little Lies, and so many more? Kelley's pedigree shows in this fantastic drama starring Billy Bob Thornton as a one-time big-shot lawyer who left his practice, hit rock bottom, and now fights the good fight for the clients who need it most. Thornton's role won him a Golden Globe in 2017, and the show has been renewed for a third season, set to premiere sometime in 2019. Now's the time to binge. (Photo via Colleen Hayes/Amazon Prime Video)
Sneaky Pete: Giovanni Ribisi stars as a con artist who, upon his release from prison, assumes his former cellmate Pete's identity in order to escape a vengeance-seeking gangster he once wronged. This means convincing Pete's family that he is, indeed, their long-lost loved one. The situation leaves lots of room for humor, but the compelling drama — recently renewed for a third season — never turns silly. In fact, it's gritty and suspenseful the whole way through. (Photo via Myles Aronowitz/Amazon Prime Video)
Patriot: For a show about an intelligence officer going undercover as an engineer to spy on Iran's nuclear program, Patriot is much funnier than it has any business being. We're not talking side-splitting slapstick, but star Michael Dorman manages to bring some levity to the heavy subject matter, even as its high-intensity situations keep you on the edge of your seat. Two seasons are available to watch now, and a third is pending renewal. (Photo via Jessica Forde/Amazon Prime Video)
The Last Tycoon: Although this show never got a second season, its first is still very much worth checking out. Set in 1930s Hollywood and based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel of the same name, this period drama stars Matt Bomer as an up-and-coming producer who works for (and sometimes against) a staid studio head played by Kelsey Grammer. Amid their power struggles, Bomer's character pursues a romance with an aspiring actress (Dominique McElligott) who isn't what she seems. With its luxurious set and costume designs and a healthy dose of old Hollywood glamour, The Last Tycoon was the show we never knew we needed — and we wish we could get more. (Photo via Adam Rose/Amazon Prime Video)
The Romanoffs: How do you follow a show like Mad Men, a prestige drama that helped to define TV's so-called golden age? Creator Matthew Weiner did it with an absolutely bonkers anthology telling stories about people all over the world who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family. The series turned heads with its sprawling, star-studded cast, and while it ended up being better in theory than in practice, it's still a fun, indulgent watch for when you're looking for something a little left of center. (Photo via Sophie Mutevelian/Amazon Prime Video)
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
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When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
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