Prime Video in 2026: From 'Young Sherlock' to NBA and the Best Smart TVs

The start of 2026 marks another milestone for streaming services here in New Zealand. 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 making headlines for both its content and the way we consume it: Amazon Prime Video.

Guy Ritchie gives us the most unhinged Sherlock yet

The debate is raging in lunchrooms across the country, and it's all about one thing: Has Guy Ritchie just revived the Holmes mythology or completely parodied it? His new series, diving into a young Sherlock's first cases in 1890s London, is exactly as stylised and adrenaline-fuelled as you'd expect. Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the lead role as the young detective is a revelation – he nails the balance between arrogant genius and raw vulnerability. The series is crafted in every way to be the year's first huge streaming phenomenon on Prime Video, and it proves Amazon can genuinely hold its own against the big players when it comes to original drama.

NBA lands in your living room: Basketball, Kiwi-style

For those of us with a passion for sport, Prime Video has truly changed the game. I'm talking, of course, about NBA on Prime Video. It's not just the games; it's a full-scale production where you can tell they've 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 delivers genuine insight instead of just small talk. It's become a firm Friday night tradition in my house to wrap up the week with some NBA on the big screen.

Find your 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 mate rang the other day complaining the basketball looked blurry. I had to deliver the tough love: "It's your telly, mate." 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 what they need:

• Xiaomi F2 Smart Fire TV 43 inch (108 cm): For you if you want to maximise your subscription without emptying the savings account. It has Fire TV built-in, so Prime Video and Netflix are right there. The frameless metal body looks way more expensive than it is, and with HDR10 and HDMI 2.1, you get great colours and support for the latest gear. It's perfect for the bedroom or a smaller lounge, and with Alexa voice control, you won't be hunting for the remote mid-way through a thriller.
• Sony X90L 75 inch 4K LED Smart TV: Now this is the big boy. If you're investing in one of these, it's because you're serious about your viewing experience. Sony's picture processor is unbeatable, especially when it comes to upscaling regular TV signals, but it really shines with 4K HDR content from Prime Video. Those 75 inches (that's 190 cm wide) turn your lounge 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 flick the TV on. We need to navigate a sea of content, find the hidden gems like the new Holmes series, and make sure our hardware can keep up with the times. Whether you're into Prime Video's growing sports coverage, or you just want the best picture for your Friday night chill, 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 needs to be absolutely spot on.