Last month, Prime Video welcomed the return of "The Boys" Season 4, one of the streaming giant's biggest hits. But Amazon's service also has an entirely different comedy not to be missed: "My Lady Jane."

Much like Hulu's original "The Great" turned Catherine the Great's rise to power into a genre-bending, anachronistic comedy, "My Lady Jane" focuses on Lady Jane Grey, who was beheaded in 1553, just nine days before she was Queen of England.

But "My Lady Jane" imagines a very different fate for its titular monarch, weaving a very different tale of romance, political rivals, betrayal, and shapeshifting characters. And it may be one of the best Prime Video shows I've seen in years.

The series is an adaptation of the 2016 New York Times bestselling YA novel of the same name, co-authored by Cynthia Hand, Brody Ashton, and Jody Meadows. It dreams up a raucous ruckus based on a historical figure, but it is not at all historically accurate.

Creator Gemma Burgess has turned this brief chapter of British history into a swashbuckling, fantastic romp that introduces the feisty Lady Jane (Emily Bader), who wants nothing more than an impending marriage to Lord Dudley (Edward Bluemel).

Their marriage is just one of a series of increasingly outlandish plot twists. Jane becomes embroiled in a conflict between the "Eshans" (the aforementioned shape-shifters) and the "Verities" (the non-Eshans). There are many conflicts at court, and it soon becomes clear that there is a plot to oust the sickly current ruler, Edward VI. And it is all gleefully constructed by a narrator who takes great pleasure in dropping F-bombs whenever called upon.

Prime Video's more official synopsis reads: "Sit back and take on the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey. Actually... It doesn't matter. We are telling history as it should be told: a damsel in distress saves herself. This is an epic tale of true love and great adventure in an alt-universe of action, history, fantasy, comedy, romance, and romantic pomp. Buckle up."

While it all may sound a bit ridiculous, "My Lady Jane" brilliantly brings many of its elements together and weaves them into one very entertaining show. If you can suspend your disbelief enough to accept all the anachronisms, the foul-mouthed monarchs, and the magic, you'll have a great time.

In each of the eight episodes, you never quite know what you're going to get. One minute Jane seems to be caught up in court intrigue, and the next she is spinning around in the woods with a dagger in her hand. Her and Guilford Dudley's enemies-turned-lovers storyline is tied up in a satisfying way. Vader and Bluemel have a slow chemistry, both in the show's steamy moments and in the exchange of insults early on.

Each star is fully committed to the comedic tone, delivering snide remarks, insults, swearing, and threats with gusto. The genre-blending approach keeps the audience glued to the screen while the story races to the finish line. Add to that an over-the-top, unlikeable villain named Princess Mary (wonderfully sketched by Kate O'Flynn), a great selection of songs that will make the needle drop, and some strangely well-staged sword fights, and this is a truly entertaining production.

It may not have quite the same soap-like itch as "Bridgeton" Season 3, but "My Lady Jane" is full of ideas that blend together very well. If you have the stomach for this particular ride, you're in for eight episodes of great British comedy.

Now, I'm obviously a big fan of the series, but if I haven't already convinced you to stream "My Lady Jane" ASAP, it doesn't take much eye-rolling to see that the show is getting great reviews elsewhere.

The show currently boasts a 92% critic rating on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, based on a total of 26 reviews. The overall consensus on the site is this: "A romper-antasy for the reformed soul, "My Lady Jane" eats its cake and has it too.

Variety's Alamide Tinubu described it as "a bursting, hilarious adventure filled with magic, romance, and daring female characters who manage their own legacies."

Lucy Mangan of The Guardian said in a four-star review: "It remains a decidedly odd concept, taking a little-known historical event, messing it up, and adding magical animals. But it succeeds by throwing its whole heart and soul into the attempt," adding that it is "escapist fun bordering on nonsense and perfect for summer viewing."

Finally, Tilly Pearce of Radio Times called the show "a deliciously camp tale" and added: "My Lady Jane is an absolute delight.

I hope all this praise convinces you that My Lady Jane is worth a try. If not, check out our guide to what to watch in July 2024 to find out what you've missed next.