Prime Video in 2026: From 'Young Sherlock' to the NBA and the Best Smart TVs
The spring of 2026 marks another landmark moment for streaming services here in the UK. It's no longer enough to just have a subscription; you need to know how to get the most out of the experience. And right now, there's one service that's grabbing the headlines, both for its content and the way we consume it: Amazon Prime Video.
Guy Ritchie gives us the most unruly Sherlock yet
The debate is raging in lunch spots across the country, and it all centres on one thing: Has Guy Ritchie just revived the Holmes mythology or parodied it? His new series, which delves into a young Sherlock's first cases in 1890s London, is every bit as stylised and adrenaline-fuelled as you'd expect. Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the lead role as the young detective is a revelation – he strikes a perfect balance between brilliant arrogance and raw vulnerability. The series is, in every way, crafted to become the year's first major streaming phenomenon on Prime Video, proving Amazon can certainly hold its own against the big players when it comes to original drama.
The NBA lands in your living room: Basketball, British style
For those of us with a passion for sport, Prime Video has genuinely changed the game. I'm talking, of course, about NBA on Prime Video. It's not just the matches; it's a whole production that feels like they've really listened to the fans. The picture quality in 4K HDR is so sharp you can almost hear the squeak of the court under LeBron James' feet, and the expert panel before and after the games actually provides genuine insight rather than just small talk. It's become a firm weekend tradition in my house to round things off with some NBA on the big screen.
Find the perfect match: The TV that makes all the difference
But all this talk about content is pointless if you're squinting at a screen from the stone age. An older friend rang the other day complaining the basketball was blurry. I had to break it to him: "Mate, it's your telly." To get the full Amazon Prime Video experience, especially with sports and the dark scenes in "Young Sherlock", you need a screen that can keep up. Right now, there are two models I keep recommending to friends and family, depending on their needs:
- Xiaomi F2 Smart Fire TV 43-inch (108 cm): For you, if you want to maximise your subscription without breaking the bank. It has Fire TV built-in, so Prime Video and Netflix are right there. The frameless metal casing looks far more expensive than it is, and with HDR10 and HDMI 2.1, you get great colours and compatibility with the latest gear. It's perfect for the bedroom or a smaller living room, and with Alexa voice control, you won't be scrambling for the remote mid-way through a thriller.
- Sony X90L 75-inch 4K LED Smart TV: Now this is the big one. If you're investing in one of these, it's because you're serious about the experience. Sony's picture processor is second to none, especially when it comes to upscaling standard TV signals, but it really comes into its own with 4K HDR content from Prime Video. The 75 inches (that's 190cm wide) transforms your living room into a cinema. Whether it's a dramatic sunset in a series or fast-paced action on the basketball court, the Sony X90L delivers with a depth and clarity that makes it hard to go back to a smaller screen.
The new reality of streaming
This is the reality in 2026. It's no longer enough to just switch on the screen. We have to navigate a sea of content, unearth the hidden gems like the new Holmes series, and at the same time, make sure our hardware can keep pace with the evolution. Whether you're into Prime Video's growing sports coverage, or you just want the best picture for your Friday night downtime, it's all about choosing wisely. Because when Guy Ritchie's camera whips through the foggy London streets, or Kevin Durant lines up for a three-pointer, the experience has got to be absolutely spot on.