Amazon Prime Video is increasingly becoming a bigger player in the ongoing streaming wars. It certainly doesn't hurt that the streamer has found success with high-profile shows like "The Boys," which became a full-fledged franchise that includes several spin-offs. We are talking about series with big names and big stars. However, sometimes, a smaller show (relatively speaking) can break through the noise and become a big hit. Such is the case with The Rig.

Starring Iain Glenn ("Game of Thrones") and Emily Hampshire ("Schitt's Creek"), Season 2 of "The Rig" recently premiered on Prime Video starting in 2025. Very quickly, it hit the top 10 charts on Prime Video and currently sits at number four in the US, after FlixPatrol. That means it's trending just behind "Cross," the new series "Alex Cross," and ahead of "Pop Culture Jeopardy!" Both were presented with great recognition of the brand. However, this British supernatural thriller managed to be included in the mix with much larger series.

For this purpose, "Reacher" is also in sixth place ahead of the series' third season debutwith other juggernauts like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Fallout also in the mix. None of them can compete with the reality show Mr. Beast Games. Beast, which is firmly in first place. In any case, "The Rig" is the main surprise here.

The series focuses on the crew of a huge oil rig fighting for survival after a strange fog cuts off all communication. Stuck with few supplies, Magnus (Glenn) must guide his broken associates through an ever-evolving crisis. His increasingly desperate efforts to regain contact with land fail as tensions rise, culminating in a catastrophic accident that brings everyone face to face with the dangers of one of the most extreme working environments on the planet.

What's fascinating about this show's success is what it says about the state of streaming. Amazon, in particular, has spent an unprecedented fortune trying to produce global hits. The "Citadel" of the Russo brothers cost an incredible 200 million dollarsfor example. Yes, it was a success when it dropped, but was it big enough to justify that level of spending? The same can be asked of The Rings of Power, which may be one of the most expensive shows ever made, when all is said and done.

Meanwhile, The Rig is a Scottish series produced in the UK and created by otherwise unknown writer David Macpherson. Nothing about it screams "big bang". While the budget hasn't been revealed, it's sure to be far cheaper than many of Prime Video's other marquee shows given the lack of A-list actors (among other things). Glenn, of course, is a damn good performer who is best known for portraying Jorah Mormont on Game of Thrones and even played Bruce Wayne on DC Comics' Titans series. However, it is reasonable to assume that he does not receive an outlandish salary.

However, the show has clearly built a following in the last two years since its first season premiered. This was not an obvious attempt to put together a hit. Instead, an unknown writer had a compelling idea, they found the money to bring their concept to life, and it slowly found its audience. Not that it's some small independent production or anything, but this is kind of a "David and Goliath" story for the streaming age. So, you know, don't be surprised if the show gets picked up for a third season.

"The Rig" is streaming now on Prime Video.