Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 11, 2025 · Entertainment

Rekindling Nostalgia: The Runarounds Sparks Joy in UK TV Fans

A nostalgic new teen drama inspired by hit shows of the 2000s is taking off in the UK - with fans gushing: 'It's exactly what's missing on TV nowadays'

The Ultimate Throwback: The Runarounds and Channel Zero Are Taking Over Prime Video

Get ready for a blast from the past, folks! The nostalgia factor is in full swing with two new hit shows on Amazon Prime Video that are transporting viewers back to the good old days of teen dramas and horror anthologies. And trust us, they're not just throwbacks – they're the real deal!

The Runarounds: A Nostalgic Teen Drama That's Sweeping the Nation

Currently sitting at number five on Prime Video's most-watched list, The Runarounds has quickly become a talking point since its debut on September 1

In a world where streaming services are constantly churning out new content, it's refreshing to see a show that genuinely understands what audiences want. The Runarounds is that show. This teen drama, created by the mastermind behind Netflix's Outer Banks, has been making waves since its debut on September 1 and is currently sitting pretty at number five on Prime Video's most-watched list.

The series follows the lives of five high school graduates who form a band during their final summer together before they go their separate ways in the autumn. The cast, which includes William Lipton, Axel Ellis, Jesse Golliher, Zendé Murdock, and Jeremy Yun – who make up the fictional pop-rock band – is not only talented but also endearing. In fact, the group's chemistry on screen is so convincing that viewers are already shipping them as a real-life band.

But what really sets The Runarounds apart from other teen dramas is its nostalgic value. The show is a loving tribute to the iconic series of the 2000s, such as One Tree Hill and The OC. Its light-hearted tone, wistful storylines, and memorable characters have captured the hearts of audiences, who are praising it for being "exactly what's missing on TV nowadays."

The series, created by the mind behind Netflix 's Outer Banks , has been hailed as a modern throwback to much-loved favourites such as One Tree Hill and The OC

While critics may have given mixed reviews – with some calling it "formulaic" and others "jumbled" – fans are singing a different tune. One enthusiastic viewer wrote: "This show is by far one of the best heartfelt yet nostalgic shows I've seen in a while." Another fan gushed: "It feels like exactly what's missing on TV nowadays." We couldn't agree more!

Channel Zero: A Chilling Horror Anthology That's Giving American Horror Story a Run for Its Money

Horror fans, rejoice! Channel Zero is back and better than ever. This anthology series, which was first released between 2016 and 2019, has been uploaded to Amazon Prime Video in its entirety – and it's a game-changer.

The plot centres on five high school graduates who form a band during one final summer before they go their separate ways in the autumn

Each season of Channel Zero features a self-contained storyline that's sure to send chills down your spine. The first season, Candle Cove, follows a child psychologist (Paul Schneider) and his mother (Fiona Shaw) as they investigate the disappearance of his brother, which is mysteriously linked to a creepy children's TV show they used to watch.

The show has received rave reviews from critics, with season one boasting an impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The second and third instalments have also been praised, with perfect scores of 100%. Fans are equally impressed, praising the series for its ability to evoke a sense of terror without relying on jump scares or over-the-top special effects.

One fan wrote: "Somewhere between American Horror Story and Stranger Things, Channel Zero: Candle Cove provides a meandering plot through the subtle horrors shared by children around the world." Another agreed: "This is how to do it – lowkey but effectively terrifying telling that evokes the 1980s without breaking the bank."

Originally cast as a fictional group for Outer Banks, the pop-rock band gained enough momentum to land a series of their own

It's no wonder that fans are comparing Channel Zero to cult horror classics like American Horror Story. The show was unfortunately cancelled after four seasons in early 2019, leaving many viewers heartbroken. But with its recent upload to Amazon Prime Video, we're glad to see it getting the recognition it deserves.

The Verdict: Both Shows Are Must-Watches

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Amazon Prime Video and start binge-watching The Runarounds and Channel Zero. Trust us, you won't regret it! Whether you're a fan of teen dramas or horror anthologies, these shows have something for everyone.

Horror fans are hooked on a new Amazon Prime Video series with an impressive 93 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score - hailing it the next American Horror Story

And who knows? You might just find yourself getting hooked on the nostalgic value of The Runarounds or the spine-tingling terror of Channel Zero. After all, as one fan so aptly put it: "It feels like exactly what's missing on TV nowadays."

Three of four seasons of anthology programme Channel Zero, first released between 2016 and 2019, have recently been uploaded to the streamer