Seasons: 4
Starring: Alexa Davalos, Rupert Evans, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Luke Kleintank, DJ Qualls, Joel de la Fuente
Description: “The Man in the High Castle” takes place in a parallel universe where the Axis powers win World War II. The United States is divided into the Japanese Pacific States to the west, San Francisco as the capital, and the Greater Nazi Reich in the east, with New York City as the regional capital. The series takes place in 1962 and follows characters whose destinies become intertwined.
Why it’s lukewarm: Although its plot is somewhat unwieldy, “The Man in the High Castle” has an intriguing premise that blossomed into compelling new directions—obviously accompanied by stunning visuals and strong performances.
Alpha House (SO-SO)
Seasons: 2
Starring: John Goodman, Matt Malloy, Clark Johnson, Mark Consuelos
Description: The series follows Republican Senators who spend their days in Capitol Hill and their nights in a row house they rent together. Their primary purpose in life is to do as little work as possible. The political satire was created by Garry Trudeau and went strong for two seasons.
Why it's lukewarm: Throughout the show's two seasons, there were cameos from Hollywood's most celebrated veterans and politicians alike, which made for a refreshing series. Though many viewers wanted to love "Alpha House," they felt like the show was high-jacked with an agenda.
Patriot (SO-SO)
Seasons: 2
Starring: Michael Dorman, Kathleen Munroe, Kurtwood Smith, Michael Chernus
Description: Different from any CIA show you've ever seen, "Patriot" follows the emotionally unstable state of John Tavner. The agent poses as a piping engineer so he can travel to Europe to prevent Iran from obtaining full nuclear capabilities. The show follows the complications that arise along the way of Tavner's mission.
Why it's lukewarm: "Patriot" manages to be dark yet often funny; some may even call it quirky. Although its risks don't always pay off, the show is still worth watching.
Modern Love (SO-SO)
Seasons: 2
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy García, Dev Patel, Caitlin McGee
Description: Leave it to Amazon to adapt "The New York Times'" most tear-jerking weekly column into an anthology series with an all-star cast. The show portrays sketches about love, romantic and otherwise, in New York City.
Why it’s lukewarm: The show's primary focus is its ability to make you weep, and it received slight criticism for its lack of diversity. Unsurprisingly, the series was renewed for a second season, and we're willing to give it a second chance.
The Rig (So-So)
Seasons: 1
Starring: Iain Glen, Emily Hampshire, Martin Compston
Description: Just looking at the show and not reading anything, you might think this show is about someone on an oil rig. Well, yes, but it does a little more than that. It turns out to have supernatural elements that try its hardest to be an engaging piece of television. A strange fog cuts off the eponymous oil rig from civilization, and then there are inexplicable deaths and equipment failures.
Why it’s lukewarm: The cast keeps the show from falling too far, but the rather “The Happening” style message the show tries to make just doesn’t hit most people. It can be pretty heavy-handed at times, which just makes it come off as silly to a lot of viewers.