An Amazon Prime drama series originally aired between 2008 and 2009 is receiving renewed praise from viewers who describe it as a 'masterpiece' and admit to rewatching it multiple times. The show, titled 'The Riches', stars Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver and has gained a dedicated following on the streaming platform.
Viewers Ask for 'Masterpiece' Recommendations
The resurgence in interest began when a Reddit user asked for a 'masterpiece' series rated 10 out of 10, listing favorites like 'The Sopranos', 'Breaking Bad', and 'Succession'. The user wrote: 'But I'm looking for shows with top-tier, HBO-level writing and acting that completely flew under the radar simply because they aired on some obscure regional platform. Give me your best stranded masterpiece.'
Responses poured in, with mentions of 'Community', 'Dead Like Me', and 'Widow's Bay', but a significant number of users pointed to 'The Riches'. One commenter said: 'The Riches got stranded and was really good.' Another added: 'It's so good!' A third praised: 'Loved that show!' A fourth noted: 'Right – Rewatched it a few months ago. Such a good show, but bummer it ended on a cliffhanger as it was cancelled.'
Plot and Cast of 'The Riches'
'The Riches' follows the Malloy family, Irish Travellers who assume the identities of a wealthy family in a gated Louisiana community. Eddie Izzard plays Wayne Malloy, and Minnie Driver portrays Dahlia Malloy. Their children Di Di (Delilah), Cael, and Sam accompany them as they navigate their new lives among 'buffers'—their term for non-Travellers. The series explores themes of identity, class, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Why Was 'The Riches' Cancelled?
Despite positive reviews, FX cancelled 'The Riches' in 2008 due to falling ratings and the impact of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike. The second season was shortened from 13 planned episodes to just 7, leaving storylines unresolved. Viewership dropped significantly during the second season, ultimately leading to the show's cancellation.
Where to Watch 'The Riches'
The series is available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, where it continues to attract new viewers and encourage rewatching among fans.
