Apple TV+, once a streaming service finding its footing, has blossomed into a formidable contender, earning the moniker of ‘the new HBO’ for its diverse and critically acclaimed library. Gone are the days of its initial, somewhat experimental phase; today, Apple TV+ boasts a curated collection of dramas, documentaries, and comedies that cater to a wide spectrum of tastes. If you’re wondering where to begin your journey through this rich content landscape, you’ve come to the right place. This guide highlights the most compelling and buzzworthy shows currently available, offering a deep dive into what makes each one a must-watch.
‘Pluribus’: A Sci-Fi Enigma That Resonates Deeply
At first glance, the trailer for ‘Pluribus’ might suggest a post-apocalyptic tale, perhaps even a commentary on AI-driven uniformity. However, this series, hailing from the visionary mind of Vince Gilligan, creator of ‘Breaking Bad,’ transcends simple genre classification. It’s a profoundly thoughtful character drama wrapped in a science fiction premise. The true brilliance of ‘Pluribus’ lies in its ambiguity; the less you know going in, the more impactful your experience will be. Viewers will find their own interpretations, often colored by their personal experiences and perspectives. The core question that lingers, prompting introspection long after the credits roll, is what would happen if the entire world truly lived in harmony? This is the kind of profound inquiry that defines truly exceptional storytelling.
‘The Morning Show’: Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Broadcast News
Every streaming service needs a flagship drama to capture mainstream attention, and for Apple TV+, that role is expertly filled by ‘The Morning Show.’ This series plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of morning television. When Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston), a veteran anchor, faces the fallout from her co-host Mitch Kessler’s (Steve Carell) sexual misconduct allegations, she’s partnered with the ambitious Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon). The ensuing drama is a compelling exploration of the #MeToo era, filled with network intrigue and sharp, Sorkin-esque dialogue. Subsequent seasons have tackled contemporary issues, including the profound impact of Covid-19 and the cybersecurity threats facing a fictional media conglomerate. The latest season ramps up the workplace tension and political machinations, making for an even more gripping viewing experience.
‘Slow Horses’: Espionage Meets Workplace Comedy in a Captivating Blend
Imagine the intricate spy thrillers of John le Carré infused with the quirky camaraderie of ‘The Office,’ and you’ll begin to grasp the unique appeal of ‘Slow Horses.’ This series centers on the misfits of Slough House, a dumping ground for MI5 agents who have spectacularly failed in their careers. The show masterfully balances high-octane action sequences, complete with shoot-outs and car chases, with witty banter and unexpected moments of human connection. While the fourth season offered a slightly more subdued tone, the fifth season has ignited the series with a renewed sense of urgency, packed with thrilling twists and turns. It’s a testament to the show’s writing and performances that it can effortlessly shift between espionage suspense and genuine humor.
‘Platonic’: A Refreshing Take on Enduring Friendships
In a landscape often saturated with narratives about male loneliness and the erosion of friendships in adulthood, ‘Platonic’ offers a refreshing and relatable counterpoint. This series explores the enduring bond between two long-time friends, Sylvia (Rose Byrne) and Will (Seth Rogen), as they navigate the complexities of life, careers, and romantic relationships. The show humorously and poignantly examines how they maintain their connection amidst the inevitable challenges that arise as they grow older. It’s a celebration of platonic love and the resilience of deep friendships.
‘Chief of War’: A Historical Epic of Hawaiian Unity
Journey back to the late 1700s with ‘Chief of War,’ an ambitious miniseries that chronicles the remarkable story of Ka’iana, a powerful warrior who endeavored to unite the Hawaiian Islands before the arrival of Western colonizers. This nine-episode series is a passion project for its star and executive producer, Jason Momoa, who co-created it with Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. Based on true events, it promises a sweeping historical drama that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant. It’s an opportunity to explore a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history through a compelling narrative lens.
‘Foundation’: Ambitious Sci-Fi on a Galactic Scale
Based on the seminal Isaac Asimov book series, ‘Foundation’ is an ambitious undertaking that WIRED has lauded as a ‘flawed masterpiece.’ The series grapples with the immense scope of its source material, following mathematician Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) and his followers as they are exiled for predicting the fall of a galactic empire. While the sheer scale can occasionally feel overwhelming, the show boasts captivating performances, particularly from Lee Pace, and features breathtaking visuals inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope. For fans of grand science fiction narratives, this ‘Game of Thrones’-in-space endeavor is an essential watch.
‘Shrinking’: Finding Humor and Heart in Therapy
If you appreciate the insightful character studies of shows like ‘In Treatment’ but desire a more uplifting and comedic tone, then ‘Shrinking’ is tailor-made for you. Co-created by Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein (‘Ted Lasso’) and starring Jason Segel, the series follows therapist Jimmy (Segel) as he navigates personal grief and attempts to reconnect with his daughter and patients. Despite the somber premise, the show thrives as a workplace comedy, featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams. ‘Shrinking’ delves into coping mechanisms and human resilience, punctuated by genuinely funny moments and a memorable, albeit chaotic, party scene featuring a surprisingly spirited Harrison Ford.
‘Severance’: A Mind-Bending Descent into Corporate Dystopia
‘Severance’ presents a chillingly brilliant concept: a procedure that surgically divides an individual’s work memories from their personal life. Mark (Adam Scott), a man grieving his wife, embraces this ‘severance’ until a former colleague’s reappearance forces him to question the nature of his work and the ethics of his employer, Lumon Industries. As the series progresses, it becomes increasingly surreal and unsettling, a tense and heartbreaking exploration of identity and corporate control that will leave you questioning everything.
‘Mythic Quest’: The Hilarious World of Video Game Development
Don’t let the setting fool you; ‘Mythic Quest’ is far more than just a show about video games. It’s one of the sharpest workplace comedies to emerge in recent years. Set within a fictional game studio responsible for a massively popular online game, the series follows the often-quirky relationships and professional dynamics of its creators. The writing is consistently sharp, blending laugh-out-loud humor with unexpected emotional depth. ‘Mythic Quest’ skillfully tackles real-world issues within the gaming industry without ever sacrificing its comedic core.
‘Silo’: Dystopian Intrigue Beneath the Surface
‘Silo’ has firmly established itself as a standout in the prestige sci-fi genre. Based on Hugh Howey’s dystopian trilogy, the series is set in a massive subterranean bunker where humanity resides after an apocalyptic event. Within this confined world, characters grapple with mysteries, political intrigue, and the enduring hope of life beyond their underground existence. The show is a masterclass in world-building, offering a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged as they piece together the secrets of the silo and the truth about the outside world.
‘Lessons in Chemistry’: Challenging Norms Through Science and Cooking
Based on Bonnie Garmus’s acclaimed debut novel, ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ stars Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who finds herself fired from her lab for daring to be a woman in science. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she’s offered a position as the host of a television cooking show. However, Elizabeth’s program transcends mere culinary instruction, subtly weaving in scientific principles and challenging societal expectations about women’s roles. It’s a powerful story about intelligence, resilience, and the revolutionary impact of one woman’s voice.
‘Ted Lasso’: An Unlikely Coach Spreads Positivity
On paper, the premise of ‘Ted Lasso’ might sound preposterous: an American football coach with no knowledge of soccer takes on the management of a struggling English Premier League team. Yet, this series defied expectations, capturing hearts worldwide with its irrepressible optimism and heartwarming characters. Ted Lasso’s unwavering kindness and belief in people provide a refreshing antidote to cynicism, making it an award-winning and universally beloved show.
‘Bad Monkey’: A Quirky Crime Caper with Dark Humor
From creator Bill Lawrence (‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Shrinking’), ‘Bad Monkey’ offers a darkly humorous dive into the peculiar world of Florida. Vince Vaughn stars as a disgraced detective investigating the bizarre discovery of a severed arm. While a monkey plays a role, the series is more about the complex lives of its Floridian characters and the unexpected twists and turns of a crime story laced with significant heart and laugh-out-loud moments.
‘Constellation’: A Gripping Sci-Fi Thriller Beyond Earth
Following its early successes with space-themed dramas, Apple TV+ continues its exploration of the cosmos with ‘Constellation.’ This eight-part thriller stars Noomi Rapace as an astronaut who returns to Earth after a harrowing space mission, only to find that her reality has been irrevocably altered. The series masterfully blends psychological suspense with a mind-bending sci-fi narrative, drawing viewers into its tense and mysterious unfolding.
‘Masters of the Air’: A WWII Epic from Spielberg and Hanks
From the legendary producing duo Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks comes ‘Masters of the Air,’ a sweeping World War II drama based on Donald L. Miller’s book. The series vividly portrays the bravery and sacrifices of the 100th Bomb Group, a squadron of pilots undertaking perilous missions against Nazi Germany. With a stellar cast including Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan, this is a cinematic portrayal of courage and resilience against overwhelming odds.
‘The New Look’: Fashion’s Revolution in Occupied Paris
In Nazi-occupied Paris, a seismic shift in the world of fashion was brewing. ‘The New Look’ explores the creative journeys of iconic designers like Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and Pierre Balmain as they redefined haute couture. Starring Ben Mendelsohn as Dior and Juliette Binoche as Chanel, the series offers a captivating glimpse into a pivotal era for the fashion industry, further enhanced by a soundtrack curated by Jack Antonoff, featuring reimagined early 20th-century music.
‘Criminal Record’: Unraveling a Cold Case with Moral Ambiguity
Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo star in ‘Criminal Record,’ a compelling crime drama that delves into a long-closed case. As Detective Inspector June Lenker (Jumbo) reopens the investigation based on new evidence, she clashes with Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty (Capaldi), who secured the original confession. The series thoughtfully explores themes of law enforcement shortcomings and racial dynamics in a rapidly evolving Britain, making it a nuanced and thought-provoking watch.
‘Hijack’: High-Stakes Negotiation in the Skies
Idris Elba commands the screen in ‘Hijack,’ a tense seven-episode thriller where he plays a corporate negotiator on a hijacked flight. As he attempts to de-escalate the situation, the drama unfolds both in the air and on the ground, with political maneuvering adding another layer of complexity. The series is a masterclass in suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
‘For All Mankind’: An Alternate History of the Space Race
This acclaimed alternate history drama posits a world where the Soviet Union, not the United States, was the first to land on the moon. ‘For All Mankind’ explores the ripple effects of this pivotal moment on the ensuing space race, delivering a slick and stylish period drama with the signature touch of executive producer Ronald D. Moore. It’s a captivating series that offers a compelling look at what might have been.
‘Messi Meets America’: The Global Icon’s American Journey
Apple TV+ is clearly embracing the global passion for soccer, and the six-part docuseries ‘Messi Meets America’ is a testament to that. This series chronicles the monumental move of football superstar Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, offering an intimate look at his transition to American life and the impact he has on the sport in the United States.
‘The Crowded Room’: A Psychological Thriller of Identity and Trauma
Starring Tom Holland as Danny Sullivan, a young man arrested after a violent shooting in late 1970s New York City, ‘The Crowded Room’ is a gripping 10-episode limited series. As interrogator Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) attempts to unravel the truth, the narrative delves into Sullivan’s complex past and the events that shaped him. Holland himself has spoken about the profound emotional toll the production took, highlighting the series’ intense exploration of identity and trauma.
‘High Desert’: Patricia Arquette’s Unique Brand of Comedy and Drama
Patricia Arquette continues her critically acclaimed resurgence with ‘High Desert,’ a quirky series where her character, Peggy, an addict, decides to become a private investigator following her mother’s death. Navigating her new career with the help of Bruce Harvey and often clashing with her sister, Peggy’s journey is filled with Arquette’s signature blend of tragicomic brilliance, making for an often bizarre yet utterly compelling watch.
‘Servant’: M. Night Shyamalan’s Eerie Domestic Thriller
From the mind of M. Night Shyamalan comes ‘Servant,’ an executive-produced and occasionally directed series that is far more consistent than some of his filmography. This eerie domestic thriller follows a Philadelphia couple who experience profound loss and the unsettling arrival of a new nanny. The show is moody, suspenseful, and occasionally punctuated by dark humor, drawing viewers into its increasingly strange and captivating narrative across four seasons.
‘The Essex Serpent’: A Period Mystery with Mythical Undertones
Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston star in ‘The Essex Serpent,’ a lush period mystery based on Sarah Perry’s novel. Danes plays a recent widow who travels to the countryside to investigate rumors of a mythical sea serpent, encountering a skeptical vicar (Hiddleston) along the way. The series offers a visually rich and atmospheric exploration of faith, superstition, and discovery.
‘Dickinson’: A Witty and Modern Take on a Literary Icon
Hailee Steinfeld shines as a rebellious young Emily Dickinson in this inventive half-hour series. ‘Dickinson’ reimagines the life of the iconic poet in 19th-century Amherst, Massachusetts, with a bold and anachronistic flair. The show blends sharp wit, surreal vignettes, and a modern sensibility to explore Dickinson’s struggles against societal constraints and her burgeoning artistic voice. Later seasons delve into themes of race, gender, and class, offering a more nuanced perspective on early America.
Apple TV+ has truly carved out a unique space in the streaming landscape, offering a diverse array of high-quality programming that rewards curiosity. Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just looking for your next great binge, these shows represent the best of what Apple TV+ has to offer.