Though Apple TV+ is still pretty new to the game, it's quickly established itself as one of the best streaming services around, with critically acclaimed shows like Ted Lasso and Severance. Whether you're looking for something to watch with the whole family, a thrilling mystery to take your mind off the real world, or some good old-fashioned star-studded prestige drama, we've got you covered with the highlight picks on Apple's streaming service. Browse our list of the best shows on Apple TV+.
'Masters of the Air' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.8/10
An American war drama miniseries created by John Shiban and John Orloff, Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air is based on Donald L. Miller’s 2007 book of the same name and is executive produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman. The nine-episode series follows the story of a World War II bomber crew in eastern England and serves as a companion piece to the iconic shows Band of Brothers and The Pacific. The show boasts an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, and Barry Keoghan. Masters of the Air has received largely favorable reviews from critics, with great praise for its well-written characters and near-perfect production. While the series’ visual effects have been criticized, the human drama and storytelling more than makeup for those flaws. While based on a true story, the series is a work of historical fiction that’s rooted in real facts but aims to fly higher, and the result is a thoroughly entertaining WWII drama.
'Dark Matter' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Dark Matter is a sci-fi series created by Blake Crouch that’s based on his 2016 novel of the same name. This eight-episode show follows a physicist who finds himself transported to a parallel version of his life and must find a way back to his own world. The series stars Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, and more. The series has been positively received by critics, who have hailed it as a pleasingly twisty sci-fi thriller and a decent adaptation of Crouch’s novel. The series is anchored by Joel Edgerton’s performance as the varied versions of the protagonist, sharing great onscreen chemistry with both Jennifer Connelly and Alice Braga. Though its premise is hardly a fresh one, the show’s focus on regrets and the lives we could have lived is what makes it such an intriguing series.
'The Completely Made-Up Adventure of Dick Turpin' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Though he may not be quite as popular today as he used to be, Dick Turpin is a legendary British highwayman whose exploits have been romanticized in several Robin Hood-style stories. Was he really as dashing and charming as the stories make him out to be? Probably not, and that’s the key concept of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. A fictional take on Turpin’s life starring Noel Fielding as the title character, the series follows Turpin’s journey to becoming England’s greatest highwayman while staying one step ahead of the law (and other, better criminals). A hilarious work of historical comedy, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin has received largely favorable reviews from critics. The series shows the famous highwayman as little more than a petty thief with dreams of making it big, with Fielding playing the ironic hero to perfection. The show is an absurdly funny watch, comparable to other great historical comedies like the Blackadder series and the 1993 Mel Brooks movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
'Franklin' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 55% IMDb: 7.0/10
A biographical drama miniseries about Benjamin Franklin, Apple TV+’s Franklin stars Michael Douglas as the Founding Father. Based on a 2005 book by Stacy Schiff, the show follows the eight-year period when Franklin was in France trying to convince King Louis XVI to support the United States in the American Revolutionary War. Directed by Tim Van Patten and written by Kirk Ellis and Howard Korder, the show’s cast also includes Noah Jupe, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, and Eddie Marsan, among others. Franklin premiered on April 12, 2024, and has received generally favorable reviews from critics. While the show’s plot and narrative are on the dry side, Michael Douglas’s performance in the lead role is what gives this period drama its spark. With an engaging combination of cunningness and humor, Douglas’ take on Benjamin Franklin is one you won’t easily forget.
'Sugar' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% IMDb: 8.0/10
An off-beat noir drama with a fascinating lead, Sugar is a mystery series created by Mark Protosevich that stars Colin Farrell as an LA private detective. The show’s star-studded cast also features the likes of Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Amy Ryan, and Nate Corddry. The eight-episode series follows John Sugar (Farrell), a private detective, as he investigates the disappearance of a Hollywood producer's granddaughter. Critical reception to Sugar has been largely positive, and Farrell, in particular, is amazing as a Humphrey Bogart-esque private eye who unearths unexpected secrets and wrestles personal demons like the best of them. Farrell’s cool, understated performance is the main reason to watch the series, but the plot and narrative are quite enjoyable as well, especially if you’re a fan of pulpy detective fiction. The show is very much a take on classic noir, and while it’s not without flaws, Sugar is a welcome treat for fans of the genre. It’s a combination of Alfred Hitchcock and Dashiell Hammet with a modern sensibility — and it just might be your new favorite detective show.
'Manhunt' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Created by Monica Beletsky, Manhunt is a historical drama miniseries following the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Adapted from James L. Swanson's book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, the show stars Tobias Menzies, Lovie Simone, Patton Oswalt, and more, with Anthony Boyle as Booth and Hamish Linklater as Lincoln. Part history lesson and part conspiracy thriller, Manhunt is a dramatized and fictional look at a landmark moment in American history. The series has gained positive reviews from critics for its powerful performances and for how it makes its historical subject matter relevant to modern times. It’s a surprisingly thrilling show with great production value, including great costumes, a talented ensemble cast, and a deeply layered political narrative. The most important thing about Manhunt, however, is the way it educates audiences about an important chapter in history through an entertaining lens.
'Palm Royale' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 53% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Palm Beach high society in the late 60s is a very exclusive scene, and Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) hopes to join their ranks — no matter what it takes. Created by Abe Sylvia and based on Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie, Palm Royale is a 10-episode dramedy miniseries that follows Maxine’s story, with the likes of Ricky Martin, Laura Dern, and Allison Janney starring alongside Wiig. The series premiered its first three episodes on Apple TV+ on March 20, with the rest following weekly. And while the critical response to Palm Royale has been rather mixed, the responses from the audience have been largely positive. The biggest highlight of the miniseries is its visual style and production. Simply put, it’s wonderful to look at, showcasing Palm Beach as a veritable paradise. The performances of its star-studded cast are also a major draw. Wiig is phenomenal as the ambitious Maxine, utterly capturing the audience’s attention. Though the narrative can be bumpy (especially at the beginning), the sheer beauty of the series, combined with its cast of fabulous and hilarious characters, makes Palm Royale a thoroughly engaging watch.
'Constellation' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Created by writer Peter Harness, Constellation is a captivating science-fiction thriller starring Noomi Rapace (It Happened to Monday) alongside Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul). Rapace navigates the mysterious series, playing a distraught astronaut who must return home to Earth after an unexpected disaster leaves her desperate for answers. Through an eerie premise peppered with suspense, Constellation unravels a gripping quest for truth by intersecting the human brain with the enigma of space travel and the universe at large.
Rosie Coleman and Davina Coleman hold their own opposite Rapace, providing an uneasy vibe throughout the haunting series. Featuring grounded performances in an untethered world, Harness allows his action-packed thrills to mesmerize in an undeniably creepy atmosphere, only begging for more to be revealed. - Yael Tygiel
'The New Look' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 6.9/10
The New Look covers the rise of now-iconic fashion designer Christian Dior as he goes head-to-head in the cutthroat industry against Coco Chanel. A period piece, the show is set during World War II, adding to the tension and conflict within the show’s storylines as Dior attempts to introduce the world to modern fashion. Created by Todd A. Kassler (Damages), the show premiered on February 13th, 2024.
The New Look stars Ben Mendelson (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) as Christian Dior, Juliette Binoche (The English Patient) as Coco Chanel, alongside David Kammenos (Supersex), Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), Joseph Olivennes (Versailles), and John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich). Audiences have enjoyed the show’s look and high-quality production value, as well as the cast’s terrific acting.
'Calls' (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Many horror writers and directors have harzed on the importance of the viewer's imagination, believing that what the audience can think up will always be scarier than anything that can be shown on screen. Apple TV+'s Calls takes this to the extreme, as it consists of nine twelve-minute-long episodes where visuals are minimal and audio is everything. The viewer is eavesdropping on all sorts of calls, from ones involving plane crashes to murder to weird bodily occurrences.
The show premiered in 2021 and was praised for its voice actors, a cast composed of very well-known names in entertainment. With appearances by Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Rosario Dawson (Rent), Joey King (The Act), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), Judy Greer (Thirteen Going on Thirty), Ben Schwartz (The Afterparty), and Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy), it's almost as fun to figure out whose voice is whose as it is to figure out the mystery of each episode. - Emily Cappello
'Prehistoric Planet' (2022 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 8.5/10
You know it's going to be amazing quality if Jon Favreau (The Mandalorian) is involved, and Prehistoric Planet is no exception. The Apple TV+ show time travels back 66 million years and takes its audience to the time of dinosaurs. Directed by Andrew Jones and Adam Valdez, the show premiered in 2022 and ran for two seasons.
Each episode of Prehistoric Planet tackles a different area of the world where dinosaurs thrived, from deserts to swamps to the badlands. Viewers are taken on an immersive tour through the world and shown incredibly lifelike representations of what these places would have looked like when dinosaurs still lived. And where there's an epic show about the planet, there's an epic score. Prehistoric Planet was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Music Composition" by Kara Talve (The Planets), Anze Rozman (Beckham), and Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean). While it only ran for two seasons, it was critically acclaimed for its state-of-the-art visuals and "immersive narration" by David Attenborough (Blue Planet II). - Emily Cappello
'The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.5/10
If Eugene Levy is in it, it's already iconic. That is the case with The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, an Apple TV+ documentary series that takes viewers around the world to some of the most unbelievable hotels. While in each location, Levy also explores the culture, the food, and the people of the area, all while delivering his classic Levy deadpan sass. Other than those he meets in his travels, Levy largely holds the show on his own, which is a feat few could do without boring their audience; however, Levy proves once again why he is one of the best as he travels through the show with ease.
Produced by Lucy Evans (Visionaries) and Laura Senior (Doctor Who: The Monthly Adventures), the show premiered in 2023 and visited Finland, Costa Rica, Venice, Utah, Maldives, South Africa, Lisbon, and Tokyo in its first season, with Levy refereeing a sumo match in the season finale. With a second season on the way, fans of the show are eager to see what kind of traveling (and mischief) their beloved host will get into next. - Emily Cappello
'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Based on the novel written by Walter Mosley, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey tells the story of Grey (played by Samuel L. Jackson), a 91-year-old man whose sudden return of his memory allows him to investigate the death of his nephew. Now being cared for by Robyn (Dominique Fishback), Grey rushes to use his long-forgotten memories before they're gone again. Created by original author Mosley, the show premiered on Apple TV+ in 2022. Reviewers highlighted the performances of the cast, especially that of Jackson and Fishback, who make a great duo in the show.
The show also stars Cynthia Kaye McWilliams (Bosch), Damon Gupton (Bates Motel), Marsha Stephanie Blake (Orange is the New Black), DeRon Horton (Lethal Weapon), and Percy Daggs IV (Solos). The 71-year-old author and show creator Mosley has written dozens of books, most notably Blood Grove and And Sometimes I Wonder About You. Mosley has won several literature awards and is best known for his crime fiction writing. - Emily Cappello
'Swagger' (2021 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Inspired by basketball legend Kevin Durant's experience as a youth player in the AAU circuit, Apple TV+'s Swagger follows Ike Edwards (O'Shea Jackson Jr.) as he navigates the game, the coaches, the players, and their families. The show was released in 2021 to rave reviews, getting a second season and eventually wrapping up in 2023 after it failed to be renewed for a third. Fans were surprised when the show failed to receive a third season, as the cast's performances were widely praised, as well as the overall authenticity of the subject matter.
Created by Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood (Dancing in September), the show also stars Isaiah R. Hill (Youthful Tales), Shinelle Azoroh (Don't Let Go), Tessa Ferrer (Insidious: The Last Key), Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild), and Caleel Harris (Think Like a Man). Since Swagger's end, Bythewood went on to Executive Produce Genius, a National Geographic show that tells the story of history's greatest minds like Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, and Albert Einstein. - Emily Cappello
'Acapulco' (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.7/10
When Maximo gets a job at the hottest resort in Acapulco, he quickly realizes that it's much more complicated than he previously thought. The Apple TV+ show Acapulco, based on the 2017 film How To Be A Latin Lover, follows Maximo through the trials and tribulations of learning this new job, as well as his demanding new clientele. Created by Eduardo Cisneros (Instructions Not Included), Jason Shuman (Lone Survivor), and Austin Winsberg (Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist), Acapulco premiered in 2021. Since then, a second season premiered in 2022, and the show was renewed for a third.
Set in 1984, the show stars Enrique Arrizon (April's Daughter) as young Maximo, while the show is narrated by modern-day Maximo, played by Eugenio Derbez (Overboard). The show also stars Damián Alcázar (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian), Camila Perez (Gotham), Vanessa Bauche (The Mask of Zorro), and Raphael Alejandro (Once Upon a Time). - Emily Cappello
'The Big Door Prize' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Based on the book by MO Walsh, The Big Door Prize tells the story of a small town that is thrown into chaos when a mysterious machine appears that is able to measure people's "Life Potential." Premiering on Apple TV+ in 2023, the show stars Chris O'Dowd (Bridesmaids) as Dusty, whose interactions with the machine and the townspeople around him are chronicled throughout the show. While Dusty is perfectly fine in his uneventful life as a teacher, his daily routine alongside his wife Cass (Gabrielle Dennis) and his daughter (Djouliet Amara) is uprooted when the machine appears.
The show was popular upon its release, earning high on Rotten Tomatoes and a second season order. The show was created by Schitt's Creek alum David West Read and also stars Sammy Fourlas (Backstage Features), Patrick Kerr (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Josh Segarra (Arrow), and Elizabeth Hunter (Jersey Boys). Season one is currently available to stream on Apple TV+, with season two coming in mid-2024.
'Platonic' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Reuniting unexpectedly delightful comedy duo Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne (Neighbors), Platonic hilariously explores friendship dynamics between former best friends as they approach their individual mid-life crises. Platonic was created by Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller and features a supporting cast that includes Luke Macfarlane (Bros), Tre Hale, and Carla Gallo. Platonic is 10 episodes of relatable yet ridiculous physical comedy, drug-fueled shenanigans, and all-around ludicrous hijinks.
Guaranteed laughs with Rogen and Byrne leading the charge, Platonic allows the more series moments to breathe as these characters figure out their messy lives. The central, age-old question regarding whether men and women can be just friends doesn’t diminish the talent and presence of the incredible cast. Approaching the subject from a completely different viewpoint than the classic comedy When Harry Met Sally, Platonic cleverly explores new avenues of the topic with characters facing later-in-life milestones. - Yael Tygiel
'Central Park' (2020 - 2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Central Park is an adorable animated musical series with the visual style of Bob’s Burgers. Narrated by a fourth-wall-breaking street performer voiced by Josh Gad (Frozen), Central Park revolves around the Tillerman–Hun family who lives on the premises in the fictional Edendale Castle. Through the first season, the series centers on the family attempting to save the famous park from the clutches of Bitsy (Stanley Tucci), a wealthy curmudgeon intent on replacing the park with condos and rental space.
Appealing to the wholesome and progressive humor of adult animated shows like Bob’s Burgers and The Great North, Central Park welcomes viewers into the life of yet another working-class American family with intriguing and rambunctious children, while allowing the plot to unfold over the season instead of limiting shenanigans to a single-episode storyline. Plus, you can’t beat the catchy musical numbers featuring Gad and other Broadway star cast members like Hamilton alums Daveed Diggs and Leslie Odom Jr.
'The Essex Serpent' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 6.3/10
This BAFTA-winning series is set in 1893 in Victorian England and follows the story of Cora (Claire Danes), who, although recently widowed, has actually found freedom following a long and physically abusive relationship. In her attempts to forget the horrors of her past, Cora relocates to Essex and starts to investigate the mystery of a local creature known only as the Essex Serpent. However, as Cora starts to get closer to the investigation and those around it, a striking tragedy leaves her at the heart of a local hunt for answers.
Surrounded by a beautifully realized Victorian setting, The Essex Serpent tells a tale of faith and freedom that, despite its unrelatable period and concept, often feels gut-wrenchingly real to a modern society where online witch hunts are a daily activity. Featuring a star-studded cast, including the likes of Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes (with the character of Cora being originally given to Keira Knightly), this moody tale offers the perfect immersive antidote for the weight of the world, with an enthralling puzzle at its heart ready to pull you in. - Jake Hodges
'Lessons in Chemistry' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 8.2/10
Based on Bonnie Garmus’ novel of the same name, Lessons in Chemistry follows Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott, a highly intelligent chemist who, due to the backward views on gender in the 1960s, is rejected from fulfilling her potential at work. After being fired from her job, Zott decides to take matters into her own hands, starting a television cooking show specifically to, on the surface, teach housewives tips and tricks about chemistry. In reality, however, she is educating them on their right to a full and boundless education.
Poignant, encapsulating, and ready to tug on your heartstrings, Lessons in Chemistry is perhaps Brie Larson at her finest, working with a set of scripts that accurately and tenderly adapt the wonderful source novel. Not wanting to be bogged down by subtextual foreshadowing or mysterious twists and turns, Lessons in Chemistry is akin to its title in that it simply plays out, like some sort of science, the journey of its central character in all its life-affirming glory. - Jake Hodges
'The Changeling' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDb: 5.9/10
This blend of horror, drama, and fantasy is set in an alternate version of New York City and follows Apollo Kagwa (LaKeith Stanfield), a used book dealer whose father disappeared when he was only a boy. Once burdened by mysterious dreams in the wake of his father’s absence, Apollo had managed to move on in his life — that is until he became a father of his own and the dreams returned. Then, suddenly, all of his nightmares come true when his wife, Emma (Clark Backo), is revealed to not quite be who she says she is as she runs away with their child.
Based on Victor LaValle’s novel of the same name, The Changeling is a gripping, thought-provoking puzzle that encourages its audience to put the pieces together episode by episode. Alongside a stellar cast, the always-terrific LaKeith Stanfield beautifully blends a sense of hope and despair, like he somehow expected the devastating events yet to hit him. Each episode is pensive in its delivery of the story, allowing time for each moment of character development to perfectly land, with this series likely to live in your memory for many years to come. - Jake Hodges
'Black Bird' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.1/10
This double Primetime Emmy-winning biographic drama stars Taron Egerton as Jimmy Keene, a man sentenced to a 10-year stint in a minimum security prison without chance of parole. Fearing for his safety, Keene strikes a deal with the FBI for him to be moved to a maximum security prison where, amongst some of the most sadistic and evil criminals in the country, he will attempt to befriend and eventually elicit a confession from a suspected serial killer, Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser).
This moody, brooding drama keeps you gripped from minute one, thanks to a tense atmosphere only amplified by the dark and fearful setting. Taron Egerton, alongside a superbly cast ensemble, is captivating as a man who walks the tightrope between relatable and often difficult to empathize with. The story is unapologetically brutal at times, made even more viscerally gutwrenching when you realize the tale is based on true events. Sure to hold your focus without letting go, Black Bird is one for fans of dark drama. - Jake Hodges
'Hijack' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.4/10
This thrilling Idris Elba-led series took the world by storm upon its release, telling the story of a plane hijacked during its seven-hour flight to London. With a plane full of passengers staring down the barrel of death, it is up to business negotiator Sam Nelson (Elba) to use his powers of psychology and impressive combat skills to save everyone on the plane.
As far as action-thrillers go, Hijack has absolutely everything a viewer could want. Idris Elba unsurprisingly makes for a perfect lead, managing to be both a captivating, hard-hitting hero and a vulnerable victim of a terrifying ordeal. Creators Jim Field Smith and George Kay do everything they can to make each episode as breathless as possible by not just setting a hostage situation on an airplane (perhaps the scariest place to be held hostage) but also having each of the seven episodes play out in real-time. - Jake Hodges
'Silo' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 8.1/10
This big-budget sci-fi series is set in a dystopian future in which the entirety of humanity has been forced to survive underground deep inside the claustrophobic confines of the titular silo. Engineer Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) is tasked with investigating the mystery behind the suspicious death of one of her colleagues. While on her mission, however, she uncovers an even bigger conspiracy that goes right to the top — or, more accurately, right to the surface.
Based on Hugh Howey’s novel Wool, Silo is the perfect blend of a bleak, intricate character study and an eye-opening sci-fi adventure. Every aspect of the series seems to lend generously towards the success of the final product, perhaps no more than the show’s sound design, which, like many other triumphs in this genre, feels both out-of-this-world and touching. With a story brimming with twists impossible to see coming, this is one series you’re going to be very grateful you took the time to watch. - Jake Hodges
'Shrinking' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Nominated for two Primetime Emmys, this series follows Jason Segel’s Jimmy, a therapist who perhaps needs his own help as he struggles to deal with the loss of his wife and life as a single parent. Having always performed professionally and by the book, he decides to throw caution to the wind and simply tell his clients what he thinks — and it can be brutal. Will Jimmy’s new outlook help both his patients and himself?
Dramatic, touching, and brilliantly funny, Shrinking is a refreshing series that never loses its heart. Supported by a star-studded cast, Shrinking is perhaps the best example of Harrison Ford’s late-career foray into comedy, with this series likely to make many wish Ford had worked in the genre for many years before he did. Managing to marry the discussion of devastatingly relatable issues with a cast of well-rounded characters without ever missing a comedic beat, Shrinking is simply a success. - Jake Hodges
'Truth Be Told' (2019 - 2023)
This tense mystery follows the life of popular true-crime podcaster Poppy Scoville-Parnell (Octavia Spencer), who, after using her podcast to incriminate and help convict Warren Cave (Aaron Paul) for murder, is invited to properly investigate the case. However, Poppy soon realizes that what was once a black-and-white case that felt so easy to solve behind her microphone is, in fact, a nuanced situation that has the power to end lives — especially considering Cave’s insistence that he was framed.
Tense, dramatic, and full of emotional weight, Truth Be Told doesn’t allow any of its characters to feel wholeheartedly good, understanding that the intricate nuance at the heart of its story must translate into all of its characters. In a world where true crime feels more popular than ever, Truth Be Told acts as a healthy reminder that the subjects of these pieces of media are very real, and so are the cases, with many very quick to paint a picture with dangerously broad brush strokes. Supported by a superb cast, this series is both entertaining and poignant. - Jake Hodges
'Slow Horses' (2022 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.9/10
This five-time BAFA-nominated series stars the iconic Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden, with the latter portraying the disgraced intelligence service agent River Cartwright, who is currently a part of Slough House, a place for failed service members to be kept out of harm's way. However, when a disgusting case of kidnapping sparks his attention, River realizes that this could be his chance at redemption, not just to save his career but also the victim’s life.
For many, Slow Horses is the best spy thriller on TV in the 21st century, with an enormously talented cast and a set of indulgent scripts providing the triumph. Alongside a genuinely thrilling story of deceit and danger, Slow Horses also provides an astute social commentary that grounds the tale in our modern world. With each emotional and dramatic beat met with expert accuracy, Slow Horses, despite what its name may suggest, races by as all great series do, leaving you always itching for more. - Jake Hodges
'Bad Sisters' (2022 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Co-created by and starring the genius Sharon Horgan, Bad Sisters follows a group of sisters, with one in particular, Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), married to the evil JP (Claes Bang). Scheming, lying, cheating, and making those close to his wife feel awful are just some of JP’s favorite pastimes, and after long, arduous torment, the sisters decide enough is enough. The sisters promised to always protect one another at any cost… even if that cost is the life of JP.
Thrilling, suspenseful, and darkly comic, Bad Sisters, for fans of Sharon Horgan’s other work, is the perfect blend of her eye for relatable, sinister comedy and dysfunctional family units. Each of the sisters is terrifically cast, with their chemistry together making for an astutely observed group of siblings, whether doting on one another or bickering profusely. Each episode prides itself on having a breathless cliffhanger, with each cliffhanger always feeling well-deserved, making for a viewing experience that weaves between a rollercoaster ride of tension and side-splitting laughter with ease. - Jake Hodges
'Five Days at Memorial' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.7/10
This Primetime Emmy-winning series is set in a New Orleans hospital directly in the aftermath of the first winds of Hurricane Katrina. With each of the doctors, nurses, and first responders working tirelessly to deal with the devastating effects of the disaster, it soon becomes clear that coping is the last of their worries, with the lives of all those affected now in their hands.
A painfully real and emotionally moving series, Five Days at Memorial takes one of history’s most tragic events and holds a magnifying glass up to it, accentuating the very human loss at its core. Written with one eye on drama and another on sensitivity, both are expertly realized, with the technical triumph of the series never overshadowing its truthful poignancy. Beyond its context, Five Days at Memorial also acts as a thought-provoking reminder of the importance of life and love, with it impossible not to view the show and be moved. - Jake Hodges
'Trying' (2020 - 2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Created by Andy Wolton, this comedy follows the modern lives of Jason (Rafe Spall) and Nikki (Esther Smith), a couple who dream of having a child but sadly cannot conceive one themselves. What follows is their attempts at adoption and the ups and downs that go along with it, as their dysfunctional relationships with others and themselves are put under the spotlight. Will they win over the adoption agency and achieve their dream?
This heartwarming series, now about to enter its fourth season, is bathed in the type of British humor so fondly respected by the world, with the dry wit of its central characters perfectly realized by the likes of Esther Smith and Rafe Spall. Brilliantly produced with a set of tight comedic scripts that are bursting with laugh-out-loud moments, Trying is a breath of fresh air that feels both life-affirming but never too heavy, perfect for a lazy afternoon binge. - Jake Hodges
'Loot' (2022 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 6.8/10
This instant hit of a series for Apple follows Maya Rudolph as Molly Novak, a woman who, after divorcing her long-term husband, ends up earning $87 billion out of the settlement. Now faced with the consequences of having such an obscene amount of cash, Molly decides to use her new-found financial power for good, hoping to discover more about both the world and herself along the way.
In a time where financial inequality feels more prevalent than ever, Loot is a reminder that wealth does not equal happiness and provides a life-affirming story with kindness in its bones. Maya Rudolph is stunning as Molly Novak, managing to find a rare sense of reality in a billionaire, whilst also managing to sprinkle some of her signature comedic stardust in every scene. Refreshing, uplifting, and bags of fun, we can’t tell who is richer — Molly Novak or us for having seen this series. - Jake Hodges
'Physical' (2021 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Created by Annie Weisman, Physical is set under the beating sun of San Diego in the 1980s and follows Rose Byrne as Sheila Rubin, a woman living the mundane routine of a trapped housewife. Tired of society squashing her chances at achieving her goals and being bullied by self-doubt, Sheila decides to take up a new hobby in aerobics, which soon changes her life. After relishing in her personal development, Sheila decides to use the new-fangled technology of home video recording to produce her own exercise videos, which sparks the beginning of a thriving new chapter in her life.
Eye-catching, brilliantly funny, and emotionally touching, Physical isn’t just a nod to the backward stereotypes of a bygone era but a painfully important reminder that they aren’t so bygone after all. Rose Byrne is electric in every scene, delighting with her penchant for seamless dramatic and comedic performances. Set to a 1980s-inspired soundtrack ready to rival the very best soundtracks on television today, Physical is a must-watch series and has something for everyone. - Jake Hodges
'Shining Girls' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Starring the two-time Emmy-winning Elisabeth Moss, Shining Girls follows Kirby Mazrachi, played by Moss, as a woman left traumatized following being the victim of a brutal incident in her past. With her life never quite the same and with many of her questions left festering in her mind, Kirby’s world opens after finding out that a recent murder may be linked to her assault. Tasked with working alongside a reporter to find out more, will she be able to tackle the demons of her past in order to save her future?
Thrilling, gripping, and often disturbing, Shining Girls deserved every bit of praise it got upon its release, with many critics and fans citing it as a triumph. Elisabeth Moss is, as always, mesmerizing in the lead role, proving once again that she’s one of the best working actresses alive today. With each episode bursting with suspense and intrigue and a story tackling a terribly sensitive subject, the team behind the series manages to perfectly balance the levels of entertainment and tender discovery on the road to a final product not to be forgotten anytime soon. - Jake Hodges
'Pachinko' (2022 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee, Pachinko is a story spanning over 70 years and follows four generations in a Korean family. After leaving Korea to move to Osaka, Japan, the family soon realizes that, on the hunt for a better life, they have instead walked into a world of discrimination. Determined to make their new life work despite poor living and social conditions, this series tracks their growth from 1915 to 1989 to see if they can achieve their dreams.
By blending an American brand of storytelling with the K-drama subgenre millions across the world love, Pachinko rightfully earned itself global praise for both its style and substance. Stylistically, the series is shot with an eye for aesthetic beauty by Ante Cheng and Florian Hoffmeister, with the gorgeous Japanese landscapes often juxtaposed with the terrible conditions the family lives in. In terms of substance, the series dives deep into the roots of discrimination and how it can often be endemic to society, with the struggle of the central family likely to resonate powerfully with many in the audience. - Jake Hodges
'Severance' (2022 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.7/10
A series celebrated for its ingenuity, Dan Erickson’s Severance follows Mark (Adam Scott), a man who, thanks to his workplace’s ‘severance’ program, has had his mind split into two parts: professional life and home life. With each half of his life marking a distinct shift in personality and attitude for Mark, he may perhaps stay ignorantly blissful forever of his situation — that is until he spots a colleague outside of work and blows open the doors to the very fabric of his existence. What unfolds is a mystery that uncovers much more than Mark could’ve ever bargained for.
Perhaps the most refreshing series on Apple TV, if not television in general today, Severance is bursting with suspicion and intrigue. Adam Scott works wonders with the intricate, swirling scripts, managing to turn a genius concept on paper into the intelligent unfoldings of a captivating and relatable man’s life. Like a great puzzle, the viewer is invited to piece together the mystery, with all the answers staring them in the face from the start. - Jake Hodges
'The Afterparty' (2022 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Created by Christopher Miller and featuring an all-star cast, The Afterparty is a joyfully by-the-books murder mystery that takes place in the aftermath of the afterparty for a high school reunion. After the night ends in a fatal tragedy, Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) is charged with rounding up each of the guests (now suspects) and grilling them to find out the truth. With many of them lacking an alibi and hiding a motive, can the killer be caught?
In recent years, the reprise of the star-studded murder mystery (looking at you, Knives Out) has reminded millions of the sheer entertainment value the whodunnit presents, with The Afterparty perhaps modern television’s best example. The series’ most impressive achievement is its ability to never lose sight of the puzzle at its heart despite its endless side-splitting humor, with the genius of the comedy coming as no surprise as soon as one takes a look at the talented ensemble. - Jake Hodges
'Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock' (2022 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.0/10
After many years of waiting, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock sees Jim Henson’s iconic creations finally return to our screens for Apple TV+. Inside a hole in Doc and her dog Sprocket’s house, endless wonder and fun can be found, with the hole a portal to the magical land of Fraggle Rock. What ensues are the everyday hijinks and adventures of a plethora of creatures from Gobo to Mokey and Wembley.
With Fraggle Rock having such a dedicated fanbase across multiple generations, the pressure was on for this reboot to hit the mark, and it certainly did. Not just paying homage to the original in its story and style, Back to the Rock has managed to update the legendary concept for a brand new audience, with the eye-catching colors popping off-screen and the masterful voice work providing never-ending fun. Beyond that, it is refreshing to see genuine puppeteering being championed in an animated landscape dominated by CGI, with each of the on-screen creations superbly impressive. For parents who loved it to their children who will, Back to the Rock is the perfect family viewing. - Jake Hodges
'The Shrink Next Door' (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Featuring a hugely impressive comedic cast, The Shrink Next Door follows psychiatrist Dr. Ike Herschkopf (Paul Rudd), based on a real-life man, as he slowly infiltrates the life and mind of one of his patients, Will Ferrell’s Marty Markowitz. With Marty just trying to get help with his inability to understand personal boundaries, he will soon find his own being shockingly crossed.
Like The Horror of Dolores Roach, The Shrink Next Door is another example of the burgeoning podcast adaptation sub-genre, with this perhaps the most high-profile of the lot. Although the story is genuinely thought-provoking and rather terrifying, especially considering the real-life medical ramifications of the true tale, this series is brilliantly comic when at its best, making use of its star-studded cast with a set of devilishly funny leading performances. Dark, gripping, and thoroughly entertaining, The Shrink Next Door is well worth a watch. - Jake Hodges
'Foundation' (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Nominated for two Primetime Emmys, Foundation is set in the distant future in an advanced galaxy full of burgeoning life and myriad species. However, there’s one catch: All of the galaxy is under the rule of one Galactic Empire. With unrest starting to boil and a prophecy foretelling a pending collapse, just how bad will the upcoming day of reckoning be, and can the Empire survive?
Simply sci-fi at its expansive, immersive best, Foundation takes the sort of big-budget scope and vision one would expect from Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters and crafts it into two breathtaking seasons, with a third slated for 2025. Starring the likes of Jared Harris and Leah Harvey, the story grabs your attention from minute one and never lets go as it takes you across an eye-popping rollercoaster ride of astronomic proportions. Gripping and visually stunning, Foundation takes its source material and creatively runs free. - Jake Hodges
'Schmigadoon!' (2021 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.4/10
This Primetime Emmy-winning series is set in the small titular town of Schmigadoon and follows the backpacking trip of Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key), a long-term couple who are facing rocky times. In an attempt to rekindle their flame, their trip instead turns to more arguments. That is, until they stumble on the enigmatic musical town of Schmigadoon.
A parody of the golden age of movie musicals, Schmigadoon! (named as a parody of the 1947 musical Brigadoon) is a series packed full of endless fun and nods to classic musicals of old. The show’s unique brand of comedy seamlessly weaves between fizzing one-liners and parodies of musicals, with the superb comedic cast working wonders with a set of intelligent scripts. Not just one for the musical fans, Schmigadoon! is the perfect marriage of Broadway and modern comedy. - Jake Hodges
'Ted Lasso' (2020 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 8.8/10
A series that has taken the world by storm, Ted Lasso follows Jason Sudeikis in the titular role as a man with no knowledge of soccer who is hired to take charge of failing English Premier League AFC Richmond. Despite having no technical expertise in the world he is entering, Lasso’s determination, heart, and management skills make him an underdog with a chance, although there are sadly forces at play ready to scupper his success.
Perhaps the most heartwarming series to have captured the hearts of even the harshest of critics, Ted Lasso marks the marriage of two of the world’s biggest industries — soccer and television. Normally, fans of the former bemoan the haphazard attempts to accurately portray the latter, but this series has remarkably managed to please both camps. Backed by an incredible cast, with the series making worldwide stars of many, Ted Lasso is simply joy personified. - Jake Hodges
'Servant' (2019 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Created by Tony Basgallop, Servant is a psychological horror set in Philadelphia and follows the arrival of a new live-in nanny, Leanne Grayson (Nell Tiger Free), to the house of Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) and Sean Turner (Toby Kebbell). Charged with looking after their child Jericho (James Hoogerwerff), what Leanne doesn’t know is that the child has been dead for some time, and she is instead looking after a reborn doll.
Hailed by both Stephen King and Guillermo Del Toro for its intricate understanding of the psychological horror sub-genre, Servant is a twisting, mysterious tale that leaves you desperate for more at the end of each episode. Brimming with suspense, each of the central cast gives a stellar performance, leading to one of the most highly-praised horror television ensembles curated in recent years. Full of fear and bone-chilling set pieces, Servant is a must-watch for a dark and stormy night. - Jake Hodges
'For All Mankind' (2019 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.1/10
This multi-award-winning sci-fi series is set in an alternate past in which the Soviet Union was the first to land a man on the moon, not the US. Not to be defeated easily, the US strives to win the next important battle against their rivals, with a will to find new technology and reclaim their place at the top of the tree ushering in a brand-new accelerated version of the Cold War space race.
Beautiful, swooping, and with an eye for astronomically impressive cinematography, For All Mankind feels like the sci-fi series the world deserved. Managing to neatly balance the vast scope of its out-of-this-world plot and the intricate, nuanced relationships of its central cast, For All Mankind can pride itself on its ability to find something for everyone. Despite its placement in an alternate history, For All Mankind feels terrifyingly real. Once you’ve finished watching, it's likely worth a quick Google just to check it didn’t really happen. - Jake Hodges
'The Morning Show' (2019 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 66% | IMDb: 8.2/10
This series from the minds of Jay Carson and Kerry Ehrin follows the goings-on inside a popular New York City TV station in the aftermath of one of their former hosts being ousted for a #MeToo scandal. With a space to fill, the producers take a chance on the plucky and innovative Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon), who becomes the new partner to Jennifer Anniston’s Alex Levy. Just how well will the pair survive, and will the show thrive under controversial circumstances?
A Primetime Emmy-winning series for good reason, The Morning Show is not only a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a fast-paced studio but also a devilishly addictive drama. More than ever before, television has finally found the profile and the budget to lure some of the world’s biggest actors away from their Hollywood film sets, with the choice to cast both Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon in The Morning Show simply a stroke of genius. Breaking News: you won’t want to miss this one. - Jake Hodges
'Snoopy in Space' (2019 - 2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.6/10
A modern adaptation of an animated classic, Snoopy in Space does exactly what it says on the tin. Alongside some of his friends from the Peanuts gang, Snoopy plans to finally achieve his dream of getting to space, and with the assistance of NASA, they are hand-picked for a dangerously important mission to the stars.
Given its multi-generational fanbase, Snoopy in Space is a rare example of a series that literally has something for every age, with the eye-catching, modernized animation perfect for the young ones and the nod to classic era Snoopy ready to warm the hearts of anyone who remembers it fondly. This series is surprisingly educational, too, with plenty of information about space travel turning what could simply be light-hearted entertainment into an academically worthwhile venture as well. - Jake Hodges
'Home Before Dark' (2020 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.5/10
This mysterious drama is inspired by the real-life of journalist Hilde Lysiak and follows young Hilde (Brooklynn Prince) as she leaves the city lights of Brooklyn to travel to the sleepy coastal town in search of the answers to a mystery surrounding her father. However, Hilde could have never prepared for what she would uncover, with a mystery sitting just beneath the surface of the town ready to consume its entire community.
Home Before Dark is the marriage of a classic murder mystery with modern small-town drama that perfectly engages with the best assets of both. With twists and turns aplenty, the series hinges on the performance of young Brooklynn Prince in the lead role, with her burgeoning, electric talent proving she is certainly one to watch for the future. Advertised as a young-adult series but with enough gory violence and adult themes to please a mature market, Home Before Dark is gripping mystery storytelling at its finest. - Jake Hodges
'Little America' (2020 - 2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.6/10
This BAFTA-nominated comedy/drama is an anthology series that showcases several different stories about either immigrants or first-generation Americans. With their tales ranging from the hopefully optimistic to the devastatingly brutal, the series is based on the collection of real-life accounts in Epic Magazine.
Touching, emotionally resonant, and often life-affirming, Little America is even more powerful, given that each section of the anthology series is inspired by a real story. With each storyline packed full of relatable characters, dramatic stories, and gorgeously real cinematography, Little America is perhaps currently more important than it ever has been. For those who are less educated on the series’ subject matter, the show has the potential to be life-changing. - Jake Hodges
'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet' (2020 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.7/10
This comedy series, co-created by and starring Wrexham AFC’s own Rob McElhenney, follows the actor as Ian Grimm, the creator and creative director of the fictional video game studio behind the titular Mythic Quest. With the upcoming ambitious Raven’s Banquet expansion pack causing rifts between the employees, can they fix their problems and find success?
For video game lovers, this comedy manages to accurately portray the world in which it is based, providing biting satire and detailed parody that will strike right to the funny bone of its viewers. However, for those who no nothing about video games, this is still a wonderfully hilarious comedy backed by a talented cast, including Rob McElhenney and Charlotte Nicdao. Never far from a touching moment of humanity, Mythic Quest more than earned its two Primetime Emmy nominations. - Jake Hodges
'Dickinson' (2019 - 2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Created by Alena Smith, this biographic series hones in on the life of Emily Dickinson, portrayed in the series by the remarkable Hailee Steinfeld, regarded by many to be one of the most important American writers and poets of the 19th century. After being rejected by seemingly everyone around her, Dickinson takes it upon herself to rebel against society and use her talents for poetry to make a stand for what she believes in.
In a story not too dissimilar to that of Vincent Van Gogh, this gripping series combines a fascinating historical story with the intricate technical talents of all involved, from the cinematography to the dialogue. In a stroke of genius, creator Alena Smith and her team put the effort in to take the 18th-century tale and apply it to modern standards, making it all the more relatable despite its 200-year difference. Tense, emotionally dense, and often NSFW, Dickinson is one of the best biographic series on Apple TV right now. - Jake Hodges