The Man in the High Castle

We could all use a few distractions this holiday season, even if a few TV series seem oddly reminiscent of reality these days. Either way, Amazon is welcoming newcomers through New Years with free streaming seasons of The Man in the High Castle, Mozart in the Jungle and more.

The concept behind Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle is a funny one. Not so much the “ha, look at how far-fetched a totalitarian America feels,” but a deeper sci-fi premise than an alternate outcome to World War 2. Now, that idea is blossoming in Season 2, as a new clip introduces Stephen Root as the titular mysterious man.

We could all use a hopeful vision of America’s future right now, so naturally, here’s a terrifying vision of the past! Amazon’s Man in the High Castle is taking us back to fascist America in the latest Season 2 trailer, one which might just reveal the titular mystery figure.

Nothing will ever feel quite right about the world depicted in Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle, and Season 2 will explore that alien culture more in-depth than ever. See for yourself, as a new clip from the second season premiere reveals a disturbing practice for America’s youth with their morning pledge.

It can be troubling enough to look at current history, let alone a world where the U.S. is divided between The Greater Nazi Reich and the Japanese Pacific States. Nonetheless, Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle looks to be going all out in Season 2, as a major mystery is answered in the latest trailer, along with a defiant new clip.

Amazon ran the risk of spotlighting some uncomfortable imagery (again) to promote The Man in the High Castle Season 2 at Comic-Con 2016, but that didn’t stop fans from enjoying a first look. See the first clip from the new season, and learn if we’ll meet the actual man in his castle!

For all its initial controversy, Amazon’s Philip K. Dick-based Man in the High Castle drama went on to become the outlet’s most successful series, and despite a Season 2 renewal, production seems to have hit a snag. Showrunner and X-Files alum Frank Spotnitz has abruptly left production behind, leaving the show on an unexpected hiatus.

Multiple outlets have launched individual standalone options to match that of industry leader Netflix, though Amazon has consistently lagged behind for its streaming service’s tether to an overall Prime rate of $99 per year. No longer, as Amazon Prime launches a far more competitive monthly streaming subscription on par with Netflix, as well as a new Prime rate for shopping.

More than any of the last few years, Amazon original programming seems to have picked up steam with critical adoration for series like Transparent and more, yet the streaming service has a somewhat more surprising hit. Amazon has confirmed that alt-history drama The Man in the High Castle has become their most-streamed new series, also the service’s first-announced viewing data.

Despite a bit of initial controversy, Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle occupation isn’t about to end just yet. The streaming service has officially renewed the mindbender Philip K. Dick adaptation for a second season, keeping the fictional Japanese Pacific States and Greater Nazi Reich in power through 2016.