The best shows on Apple TV+ right now (September 2024)
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So, the kids are back in school (if you have any), it’s back to the grind at work, and all you want to do after a long day is curl up in front of the TV and watch a mindless show. Maybe you’re in for something a bit dramatic or exciting, perhaps even a hilarious comedy to lift your spirits. Apple TV+ has you covered with a wide selection of original content. You’d be surprised how many quality TV shows are on Apple TV+, including award-winning series and popular shows that have been renewed for new seasons or are already several seasons in.
Not sure what new show to watch, or perhaps when a favorite show is coming out with its next season? We’re here to help with this list of the best shows on Apple TV+ right now. We include all the best titles, even those that have ended their runs, as well as exciting new originals that you won’t be disappointed to press play on. The beauty with Apple TV+ is that you get the best possible picture and audio quality with the standard subscription, as long as you’re watching from a compatible device, be it your HD TV, laptop, or even phone or tablet.
Looking for more TV shows? We’ve got all the guides for you, including the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Disney+, the best shows on Hulu, and the best shows on Amazon Prime Video.
Bad Monkey (2024) [New]
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Cast: Vince Vaughn, L. Scott Caldwell, Rob Delaney
Created by: Bill Lawrence
Vince Vaughn heads up this intriguing black comedy crime drama as Andrew Yancy, a once-respected police detective who now finds himself performing restaurant inspections. He’s itching to get back into the world of crime, and when a severed arm is found by a tourist, Andrew thinks solving this case could be his ticket back. But there are complicated things going on that Andrew begins to uncover as he digs deeper and deeper into the case.
With the beautiful backdrop of Florida and The Bahamas, elements of Obeah spellcasting and healing, and yes, an actual monkey, you won’t know what to expect with Bad Monkey. But you’ll enjoy every bit of the series, which hails from Bill Lawrence, the man behind other Apple TV+ hits like Ted Lasso and Shrinking. Cracked’s Tara Ariano says the “shaggy comic mystery … goes down as smooth as a rum cocktail by the beach.”
Slow Horses (2022) [New]
Metacritic: 78%
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Genre: Drama, Crime
Cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas
Created by: William Smith
Slow Horses stars Gary Oldman as the brilliant lead of a team of British intelligence agents who work in a “dumping ground” department of MI5 called Slough House. He ended up there following a massive mistake that almost entirely ended his career. Based on the Mick Herron novel of the same name, the espionage series features a star-studded supporting cast as well, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Cooke.
Slow Horses is quick-witted and thoroughly entertaining, with Oldman shining as the crass, obnoxious, heavy-drinking boss of a team that’s desperate to prove themselves worthy, or at least just get through another workday. The series is arguably one of Apple TV+’s most underrated dark horses, pun intended.
Pachinko (2022) [New]
Metacritic: 94%
IMDb: 5.8/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Genre: Drama
Cast: Jin Ha, Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-ho
Created by: Soo Hugh
Based on The New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, Pachinko is delivered in three languages: English, Korean, and Japanese. With tales of forbidden love, war and peace, love, loss, triumph, and reckoning, it’s a saga that travels through Korea, Japan, and America, and will keep you at the edge of your seat as you work through the epic international drama. Soo Hugh (The Killing) created the show, while Academy Award-winner Youn Yuh-Jung (Minari) headlines the talented cast.
Ted Lasso (2020)
Metacritic: 80%
IMDb: 8.8/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple
Created by: Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Bill Lawrence, Joe Kelly
Saturday Night Live alum Jason Sudeikis returned to television in this fish-out-of-water sports comedy about an American football coach named Ted Lasso, who relocates to the U.K. to coach an English association football team. Except there’s one problem: Despite their faith in him, he actually has no experience at all with their version of “football,” which, as any sports fan knows, is soccer.
Sudeikis is also credited as a co-creator and executive producer of the series, which is based on a character of the same name that he first played in promos for coverage of the Premier League by NBC Sports. The show and its cast has taken home multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe awards, solidifying Ted Lasso’s ranking among the best comedies of the decade, and potentially even beyond.
Dear… (2020)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Jane Goodall, Spike Lee, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, and others
Created by: Rishika Advani (senior story producer), R.J. Cutler
In this heartwarming docuseries, celebrities read letters fans have written to them, discussing how their work has changed or impacted their lives in a positive way. Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, Spike Lee, Stevie Wonder, and Lin-Manuel Miranda are among the first group of celebrities to read touching words that reassure their work is more important than just entertainment. Receiving wonderful reviews for its first season, season 2 highlights more influential figures, including actors, activists, athletes, and leaders who have shaped culture and society, like Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Malala Yousafzai, Billy Porter, Sandra Oh, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Inspiring, unscripted, and totally feel-good, it’s the perfect pick-me-up show if you’re feeling down. You’ll feel like a fly on the wall as the cameras capture raw and real emotions of celebrities who are deeply passionate about their crafts and causes.
Sunny (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Comedy
Cast: Rashida Jones, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Joanna Sotomura
Created by: Katie Robbins
Rashida Jones stars as Suzie in Sunny, an American woman who moved to Japan, got married, and had a son. But when her husband and son mysteriously disappear in a plane crash, Suzie finds herself lonely, depressed, and grieving. Her husband’s robotics company brings her a domestic robot to help get her through the tough times, claiming that her husband himself worked on programming Sunny just for her. While Suzie initially wants nothing to do with the irritating bot, she starts to grow closer with it. But most importantly, together they begin to uncover secrets about what really happened to her family, what the company is actually up to, and what her husband had really been doing there: it wasn’t working on refrigerators, as she had thought.
As a black comedy, Sunny beautifully blends humor with heart-wrenching emotional moments. A fabulous new addition in the sci-fi space, Sunny is yet another show that will make you question a future with robots and AI.
Lady in the Lake (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama, Crime
Cast: Natalie Portman, Moses Ingram, Y'lan Noel
Created by: Alma Har'el
Based on the novel of the same name by Laura Lippman, which itself is inspired by two real murders that Lippman recalls hearing about when she was younger, Lady in the Lake follows two very different women whose worlds collide when a young girl goes missing. Maddie (Natalie Portman) is a Jewish housewife who flees from an overbearing husband and tries to star anew as an investigative journalist. Cleo (Moses Ingram) is a mother who is trying to provide for her family while also fighting to gain rights for Black residents within the community. When Cleo is murdered, however, Maddie becomes obsessed with figuring out what happened.
Receiving decent reviews, Lady in the Lake has a killer cast and a compelling story with deep political undertones about race, gender, and media biases. Dan Einav of Financial Times says Lady in the Lake is “far more intelligent, affecting, and inventive than its pulpy title suggests.”
WondLa (2024)
Rated: TV-PG
Seasons: 1
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Animation
Cast: Jeanine Mason, Teri Hatcher, Gary Anthony Williams
Head out on an adventure with Eva (Jeanine Mason), a curious teenager who resides in a bunker and is raised by her robot caretaker Muthr (Teri Hatcher). When the bunker is attacked, Eva winds up on a strange planet living as the only human among aliens. She seeks the help of new friends, an alien named Rovender (Gary Anthony Williams) and a giant tardigrade named Otto (Brad Garrett), to find her way back home, and discover her destiny.
WondLa is an animated sci-fi fantasy series based on the Tony DiTerlizzi series of novels about the same character. Early reviews call the series familiar, but for young viewers who love consistency and predictability, WondLa will satiate their desire for fresh new characters and a captivating backdrop. EverythingButHorror.com’s Peter Martin calls the show an “easy watch” that’s “delightful with a bit of intrigue,” with “gorgeous animation,” to boot. This one’s great for the whole family.
Presumed Innocent (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama, Crime, Mystery
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp
Created by: David E. Kelley
Based on the Scott Turow novel of the same name and created by David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Ally McBeal), Presumed Innocent has a star-studded cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal (Road House), Elizabeth Marvel, Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, and Lily Rabe, with Gyllenhaal also serving as an executive producer alongside J.J. Abrams. When prosecutor Rusty Sabich (Gyllenhaal) gets caught up in the investigation of the murder of his colleague, he finds himself on the other side of the law, having to defend his innocence.
With themes of obsession, sex, politics, and power, Presumed Innocent is a legal thriller that flips the script. A respected lawyer must rely on the justice system that he has sworn to abide by, along with the trust of colleagues and family, to get him out of a harrowing situation. With the star power behind Presumed Innocent, both on the screen and off, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Frog and Toad (2023)
Rated: TV-Y
Seasons: 2
Genre: Kids, Animation, Family
Cast: Nat Faxon, Kevin Michael Richardson
Created by: Rob Hoegee
Looking for something sweet, uplifting, and educational to watch with young kids? Frog and Toad, based on the Arnold Lobel series of children’s books of the same name from the 1970s, brings young ones into the world of two anthropomorphic amphibians who are the best of friends, despite their differences. Central to the show is the fact that the pair have very different interests and personalities. But they embrace their unique qualities and the elements of their personalities and appearance that make them different.
It’s easy to see why parents might love Frog and Toad and all the important messages it delivers to young minds ripe for soaking them up. The books may have been written decades ago, but the core messaging is still as relevant today. Nat Faxon (Our Flag Means Death) voices Frog and Kevin Michael Richardson (Invincible) is Toad. Ron Funches (Loot) and comedian Margaret Cho voice their friends Racoon and Turtle, respectively.
Dark Matter (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga
Created by: Blake Crouch
If you’re into sci-fi, check out Dark Matter, a thrilling, mind-bending series based on the Blake Crouch novel of the same name. Jason (Joel Edgerton) is a physicist and professor who, one night, is abducted and swept into an alternate version of his own life. His desperation to get back home isn’t just to be with his family: His alternate version may actually harm them, and Jason must do whatever he can to prevent that from happening.
The novel Dark Matter was received positively, and the series brings the story to life with a talented cast and nightmarish visuals. An existential, thought-provoking show, watching Jason face different realities and ways his life could have been may spark your own curiosity about the numerous ways your life could have gone had you done things differently. Also starring Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, and Jimmi Simpson, Dark Matter is tense, exciting, and will make you question everything.
Acapulco (2021)
Metacritic: 74%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 3
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Eugenio Derbez, Enrique Arrizon, Raphael Alejandro
Created by: Jason Shuman, Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros
Receiving rave reviews for its first season, the Spanish- and English-language comedy, inspired by the 2017 comedy film How to Be a Latin Lover, is about Maximo, a young man in his 20s who snags his dream job as a cabana boy at a prestigious resort in Mexico. But he quickly realizes that the job isn’t all sunshine and roses, and he has to navigate complications to succeed and move up. From demanding clients to an unpredictable mentor, difficulties at home, and temptations at every turn, viewers follow Maximo through his journey from the ’80s to the present day as an adult.
Trying (2020)
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 4
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Rafe Spall, Esther Smith, Ophelia Lovibond
Created by: Andy Wolton
This BBC Studios comedy follows a couple who wants to start a family but are having trouble conceiving. Eventually, they decide to go the route of adoption. But the realization that it’s not going to be an easy road sets in, and they begin to get cold feet after comparing themselves to other potential adopters and babysitting their friends’ kids to gain experience. It’s a tough and serious topic, but the series takes a lighthearted look that critics and viewers seem to enjoy.
Sugar (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama
Cast: Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Kirby
Created by: Mark Protosevich
Colin Farrell stars in this drama described as a “contemporary, unique take on one of the most popular and significant genres in literary, motion picture, and television history: the private detective story.” He plays John Sugar, a private investigator with a sweet name tasked with looking into the disappearance of the granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell). But through his investigation, Sugar discovers that the Siegel family has plenty of secrets, both new and old.
Along with starring in Sugar, Farrell also serves as executive producer, with Academy Award-nominated director Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Two Popes) behind the camera. There are eight episodes in all, and Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Nate Corddry (For All Mankind), and Kirby Howell-Baptiste (Barry) round out the remaining cast. You’ll be hooked right from the first black-and-white sequence, which introduces its complicated and fascinating lead character. Sugar is a deeply kind but also troubled soul with personal demons. He “doesn’t like hurting people,” as he says through his inner monologue that narrates the series. But sometimes, he has to do what’s necessary, even if it hurts him, too.
Manhunt (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama, Crime
Cast: Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone
Created by: Monica Beletsky
Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) served under the Lincoln Administration and was crucial in organizing the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle), the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater). Manhunt is inspired by the real-life events that led up to and after the assassination and the hunt for a troubled killer. Booth committed the act in the middle of a packed theater and then managed to escape. But it seems a much larger conspiracy was brewing involving the Confederate sympathizer, some details of which will never be known.
The series is based on The New York Times bestselling non-fiction book of the same name by James L. Swanson and is described as a conspiracy thriller about “one of the best known but least understood crimes in history.” Robert Lloyd of the Los Angeles Times calls the series “well-furnished and costumed and moves with pep through its alternating scenes of action and reflection; it is various enough not to get dull.”
Loot (2022)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Maya Rudolph, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Joel Kim Booster
Created by: Alan Yang, Matt Hubbard
A workplace comedy, Loot has flown under the radar given so many other high-profile Apple TV+ originals. But if you’re looking for something to pass the time when you’re fresh out of things to watch, Loot won’t disappoint. Loot boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that includes former SNL cast member Maya Rudolph (who also executive produces the show) along with Alan Yang (creator of Little America and Master of None), Adam Scott (Severance), Matt Hubbard (30 Rock), MJ Rodriguez (Pose), Ron Funches (Undateable), and Nat Faxon (Married). Rudolph stars as Molly, a billionaire who has everything a woman could possibly want until a betrayal by her egotistical husband John (Scott) causes her to spiral.
After generating tons of bad press following the separation, Molly is confronted by the woman who runs one of her charity foundations. Molly didn’t even know about the organization, a satire of billionaire housewives with more money than they know what to do with and no involvement in much of anything. But Molly is different. In getting to know the people who dedicate their lives to helping others, she finds purpose. Maybe giving back is what will bring her true joy. The hilarious cast that brings heart and humor to an otherwise sad tale makes Loot worth checking out.
Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (2022)
Rated: TV-G
Seasons: 2
Genre: Kids, Animation, Comedy
Cast: Lilli Cooper, John Tartaglia, Dave Goelz
Anyone who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s remembers Jim Henson’s lovable Fraggles. Apple TV+ brought them back with its series of shorts called Fraggle Rock: Rock On!, and the success of these led to a reboot of the original show Fraggle Rock with Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock.
Favorite characters like Gobo, Red, Wembley, Mokey, and Boober return, along with new Fraggle friends. In the second season, there are big changes in the Rock, but the Fraggles, Doozers, and Gorge will work through them together with the help of laughs, songs, and, of course, dancing. Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock is a must-watch for nostalgic adults and kids looking for a fun and adventurous show that celebrates the world around us.
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (2023)
Rated: TV-PG
Seasons: 2
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Eugene Levy
Eugene Levy had everyone in stitches in sketch comedy show SCTV back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, then gained fame with a new generation as the hilariously open and awkward dad in American Pie. But the long-time actor and comedian became a household name for the new generation with his starring (and Emmy-winning) role in the comedy Schitt’s Creek. Now, the funnyman is venturing out into the world with The Reluctant Traveler, a docuseries that follows his journeys to some of the most fascinating locations in the world, from Italy to Costa Rica, South Africa, and even the U.S. In season 2, he sticks to Europe, checking out places in Sweden, Italy, Greece, and other locations.
Levy calls the show an exploration through a “world [he] spent his whole life avoiding.” A series that will appeal to both those who love to travel and those who don’t, Levy’s signature comedic timing, distinctive voice, and genuine likability make The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy an entertaining watch for the whole family.
Masters of the Air (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: War & Politics, Drama
Cast: Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle
With a star-studded cast that includes Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, as well Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg in producer roles, Masters of the Air is one of Apple TV+’s biggest hits so far. The war drama is based on the Donald L. Miller book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany and tells the story of the men known as the 100th Bomb Group. The B-17 Flying Fortress was part of the Eighth Air Force during World War II and garnered the nickname the ”Bloody Hundredth” because they lost many men during their dangerous combat missions.
A companion series to Band of Brothers and The Pacific, Masters of the Air was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was worth the wait. Early reviews for the intense, gripping series have been overwhelmingly positive, with the show being described as a spectacular look at bravery and resilience. It is also said to feature incredible visual effects.
Criminal Record (2024)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Crime, Drama
Cast: Peter Capaldi, Cush Jumbo, Shaun Dooley
Created by: Paul Rutman
In this British crime thriller, Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who) stars as DCI Daniel Hegarty and Cush Jumbo as DS June Lenker. It’s a tried-and-true story of two very different detectives coming together, one a veteran and one a rookie, to solve a case. But not everything is as it seems. When new details of the cold case emerge suggesting a convicted man might be innocent, Hegarty wants to let sleeping dogs lie while Lenker is desperate to discover the truth.
The situation in Criminal Record begins with an anonymous phone call, and things begin to unravel from there. As the mystery unfolds, secrets emerge that put both parties in danger. While Hegarty needs to protect his legacy, Lenker is looking to create her own. The show touches on issues of race and institutional failure, and Capaldi and Jumbo have been called a “formidable pairing.”
The Snoopy Show (2021)
Rated: TV-G
Seasons: 3
Genre: Animation
Cast: Ethan Pugiotto, Terry McGurrin, Rob Tinkler
Created by: Alex Galatis, Mark Evestaff, Rob Boutilier
A follow-up to Snoopy in Space (also streaming on Apple TV+), The Snoopy Show brings back the beloved Peanuts character and his sidekick Woodstock, voiced by Terry McGurrin and Robert Tinkler, respectively. In the animated series, the duo partake in a variety of adventures.
Based on the Peanuts comic strip, Snoopy returns as the Masked Marvel and a flying ace who fights the Red Baron. Of course, we can’t forget about his other friends, Charlie Brown, Patty, Sally Brown, Violet, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Pig-Pen, and others, all of whom make appearances throughout. A second holiday special was released for 2023.
The Buccaneers (2023)
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama
Cast: Kristine Fr?seth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah
Created by: Katherine Jakeways
Consider this Apple TV+’s version of Bridgerton. The Buccaneers is about a group of young women, all daughters of rich Americans, who are about to take a trip to London in search of wealthy aristocrats to marry. They might not have lots of money themselves, but their high-class attitudes, beauty, and untamed behavior capture the eyes of many men.
The British period drama, which is based on the unfinished novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, is set in the 1870s and focuses on the cultural clashes that ensue upon the young women’s arrival. Keep an eye out for Josie Totah of the Saved by the Bell revival and Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks among the cast.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023)
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Cast: Kurt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons
Created by: Matt Fraction, Chris Black
Kurt Russell becomes the latest A-lister to be lured to Apple TV+s’ growing slate of originals with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which is based on Godzilla. Marking the sixth installment in the MonsterVerse franchise, the second of which to be a series, it follows members of the Monarch organization through a half-century as they discover different monsters known as Titans.
Also starring Russell’s son Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), Anders Holm, and Joe Tippett, the series’ first season features 10 episodes. Fans of the MonsterVerse will love the concept while the father-son chemistry adds to the excitement and charm of this series.
For All Mankind (2019)
Metacritic: 67%
IMDb: 7.9/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, War & Politics
Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Wrenn Schmidt, Sarah Jones
Created by: Ronald D. Moore, Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert
Ronald D. Moore is no stranger to space, having worked on various Star Trek series throughout the ’90s (including the underrated Deep Space Nine) and creating 2004’s superb reimagining of Battlestar Galactica. Moore’s For All Mankind once again ventures beyond Earth’s atmosphere, telling an alternate-history story in which the Soviet Union beats America to the moon, forcing NASA to lick its wounds and double down on further voyages into space. Rather than mining the familiar stories that astronaut biopics tend to, For All Mankind takes the fun approach of imagining just how different history could have played out — for example, President Richard Nixon, eager to attract female voters, orders NASA to deploy women to space. It’s not a revolutionary show, but it’s an entertaining one, particularly for fans of Cold War history.
Lessons in Chemistry (2023)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama
Cast: Brie Larson, Lewis Pullman, Aja Naomi King
Lessons in Chemistry might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that Brie Larson delivers an emotionally charged, passionate performance. She’s Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the 1950s who is constantly pushed aside as her male counterparts get all the opportunities.
When tragedy strikes, however, and Elizabeth loses her job, an unconventional opportunity arises: she is offered the chance to host her own cooking show. Elizabeth doesn’t just bake bread and smile for the cameras, however. She’s a fierce feminist who wants to empower women with her voice, and fight for what she has rightfully earned. If you’re looking for a solid “girl power” series, Lessons in Chemistry, based on the book of the same name by Bonnie Garmus, will more than satisfy your appetite.
The Morning Show (2019)
Metacritic: 61%
IMDb: 8.4/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Genre: Drama
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Steve Carell
Created by: Jay Carson
This drama has received a lot of attention, thanks to a star-studded cast that includes Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Billy Crudup, who earned an Emmy win for his supporting role. The story kicks off when Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell), a popular morning news show co-host, is abruptly fired due to sexual misconduct allegations against him. As his longtime co-host and friend Alex Levy (Aniston) tries to deal with the aftermath of the events, along with the fear that she might be replaced, she meets a bright, young, and ambitious local news reporter named Bradley Jackson (Witherspoon) who could be a friend or foe.
As the show progresses each season, adding new cast members each time, it provides a fresh take on topical issues, mirroring real-world events and social and political discord. The Morning Show touches deeply on a culture of silence and inequality surrounding women in the workplace and is a superb choice to watch if you’re looking for something that’s different from your usual TV drama.
Physical (2021)
Metacritic: 60%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Rose Byrne, Rory Scovel, Geoffrey Arend, Paul Sparks, Lou Taylor Pucci
Created by: Annie Weisman
Reminiscent of the Jane Fonda workout video era, this ’80s-set dark comedy stars Bridesmaids‘ Rose Byrne as bored housewife Sheila Rubin, who finds a way to encourage her own self-love through fitness — in particular, the world of aerobics. While Sheila’s husband is busy with his run for state assembly, she starts her own empire when discovering how aerobics and videotapes can work in perfect unison to revolutionize the industry. Bodysuits and colorful tights, sweatbands, slouch socks, big hair, and signature ’80s aerobics moves make for a fun series that will spark nostalgia for anyone who grew up during that era — and envy among those who wish they had.
Strange Planet (2023)
Rated: TV-PG
Seasons: 1
Genre: Animation
Cast: Tunde Adebimpe, Demi Adejuyigbe, Lori Tan Chinn
Created by: Dan Harmon, Nathan Pyle
No, this isn’t yet another mesmerizing nature docuseries. Strange Planet is actually an animated sci-fi comedy. Based on the webcomic of the same name by Nathan W. Pyle, it’s about blue creatures who travel to an odd planet that is strangely very similar to our society. Filled with cotton candy pinks and purples, they explore the way people live, work, and play, and try to understand our human traditions.
Described as a “hilarious and perceptive look at a distant world not unlike our own,” Strange Planet counts Danny Pudi (Community) and Hannah Einbinder (Hacks) among its voice cast, and its creator team includes a list of award-winning writers, directors, and producers who have worked on shows like Rick and Morty, Community, BoJack Horseman, and Saturday Night Live.
Foundation (2021)
Metacritic: 62%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
Cast: Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Loud Llobell, Leah Harvey, Laura Birn, Terrence Mann
Created by: David S. Goyer
Isaac Asimov penned the book series Foundation on which the sci-fi drama is based. Bringing the story to life, The Foundation is a band of exiles who realize that they must defy the Galactic Empire if they want to save all of humanity. So begins the battle for power and existence as a small group works to try and save everyone before it’s too late.
It’s yet another series from Apple TV+ that has managed to secure a star-studded cast. Combine this with the high production value and fabulous performances, and it’s a sight to see for anyone who’s a fan of the sci-fi genre. With a second season now out, a third is already in production.
Hijack (2023)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama
Cast: Idris Elba, Max Beesley, Archie Panjabi
Created by: George Kay
Stylized as H/jack, Hijack stars Idris Elba (Luther: The Fallen Sun) as a talented business negotiator who finds himself in the midst of the biggest negotiation of his life: trying to reason with a group of individuals who have hijacked a plane flying from Dubai to London. Though his skills are in dealing with the less intense corporate world, Sam (Elba) manages to keep his cool and takes on the leadership role, doing his best to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard the fight.
Dubbed a tense, high-octane thriller, the story flips back and forth between what’s happening on the plane and with authorities on the ground struggling to figure out if there even is an issue and if so, what, who’s responsible, and what can they do about it. Hijack is told 24-style in real-time through the six-hour flight (though it’s seven episodes long). It’s a gripping series that starts off slow but builds to a massive climax. The series also stars Emmy winner Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife).
Platonic (2023)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Luke Macfarlane
Created by: Nicholas Stoller, Francesca Delbanco
Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne reunite for Platonic, a comedy about two long-time though estranged platonic best friends who come back into one another’s lives. Sylvia (Byrne) is a stay-at-home mother of three and Will (Rogen) is recently divorced. Two once close friends putting the past behind them and moving forward is a good thing. But reconnecting while they are both going through a mid-life crisis and reliving their youths might not exactly go over well for either of them. Their renewed friendship begins to consume their lives, albeit to hilarious results.
Swagger (2021)
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Genre: Drama
Cast: O'Shea Jackson Jr., Isaiah R. Hill, Quvenzhané Wallis
Created by: Reggie Rock Bythewood
NBA star Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood are behind this sports drama that delves into the world of youth basketball, which is rife with not only ambition and dreams but also opportunism and corruption. Fans follow the players as they deal with both their dreams of becoming NBA superstars and the families, coaches, and other players who pose challenges along the way. Critics praise Swagger for its heart, “excellent performances” and “socially conscious themes.”
Silo (2023)
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Cast: Rebecca Ferguson, Rashida Jones, David Oyelowo
Created by: Graham Yost
Even though it’s yet another postapocalyptic, dystopian series, Silo draws you in with its unique and compelling story and A-list cast. Earth has supposedly become nothing more than a vast wasteland, and the only survivors reside in a massive silo built more than 100 floors high. No one knows why the silo was built or even by whom. But they are told it’s dangerous and deadly to step outside. The protective community abides by strict rules and the same kind of corrupted politics and socioeconomic classes that existed in the outside world. Any signs of the world before, called relics, are strictly prohibited.
The story, based on the sci-fi books by Hugh Howey, centers around Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson, Dune), a young engineer who decides to investigate the truth when her boyfriend, who was looking into various theories, mysteriously falls to his death. Silo touches on themes of power, control, perception, and manipulation. Is the silo really protecting people from dangerous conditions outside its doors, or is this all just an elaborate demonstration of smoke and mirrors?
Prehistoric Planet (2022)
Metacritic: 85%
IMDb: 9.1/10
Rated: TV-PG
Seasons: 2
Genre: Documentary
Cast: David Attenborough
Created by: Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth team up to deliver this docuseries, which travels 66 million years into the past to look at a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Explore different creatures that inhabited the lands, seas, and skies in this series that is sure to be a must-watch for nature lovers. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough with an original score by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer, Prehistoric Planet contains five episodes in each season.
Stillwater (2020)
Rated: TV-Y7
Seasons: 3
Genre: Kids, Animation
Cast: James Sie, Eva Binder, Tucker Chandler
With three seasons under its belt, Stillwater remains one of the most thoughtful and heartwarming animated series within Apple TV+’s slate of originals. Based on the Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth, the title character is a panda named Stillwater who teaches important life lessons to the kids who live next door, Karl, Addy, and Michael. From educating the kids on how to live a more Earth-friendly lifestyle to dealing with typical kid challenges like broken toys and fights with friends, Stillwater always knows just the right things to say.
It’s a cute animated series for kids that has smarts behind it, along with wonderful voice actors who make you feel like you’re part of the story, too.
Shrinking (2023)
Seasons: 1
Cast: Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford
Created by: Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence
Imagine what might happen if a therapist decides to be nothing but brutally honest to their patients. That’s precisely the premise of Shrinking, which stars Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother) as Jimmy, a therapist grieving the death of his wife. As he forges a new life path to help deal with the loss, he decides that this new strategy might not only be helpful to himself, but also to his patients. However, Jimmy’s methods teeter on the line of what’s considered ethically acceptable in his profession. Shrinking, which was created by Segel alongside Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso) and Bill Lawrence (Scrubs), also stars Harrison Ford.
Servant (2019)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Genre: Drama
Cast: Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Rupert Grint
Created by: Tony Basgallop
After their infant son Jericho dies, Sean (Toby Kebbell) and Dorothy Turner (Lauren Ambrose) are distraught, Dorothy so much that she suffers a psychological breakdown. To help Dorothy recover, the couple gets a lifelike therapy doll, which Dorothy treats as if it’s real.
Sean and Dorothy’s brother, Julian (Harry Potter‘s Rupert Grint), both put up with the act for her sake, but things get even stranger when the couple’s nanny, a young woman named Leanne (Nell Tiger Free), arrives, and she too behaves as if the doll is a real child. As Sean tries to figure out what is going on with the new nanny, he begins to question his own grip on reality. Servant is an eerie thriller, executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan no less, that moves at a brisk pace and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Little America (2020)
Metacritic: 85%
IMDb: 7.5/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 2
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Cast: Suraj Sharma, Jearnest Corchado, Rishi Danda, Uchenna 'Conphidance' Echeazu
Created by: Lee Eisenberg, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon
This anthology series is perfect if you’re interested in learning more about stories of immigrants in America. Each episode covers a different standalone story of people from all cultures going to America with big dreams. They view obstacles as opportunities and must try to become American while also not forgetting their roots. Clever but straightforward episode titles include The Manager, The Cowboy, and The Baker. The first season has an impressive 94% critic rating and 87% audience score on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with the critic consensus referring to it as “joyous, heartfelt, and very human … a thoughtful collection of immigrant tales [that are] as inspirational as [they are] relatable.” Season 2 features appearances by Phylicia Rashad, Alan S. Kim, and Ki Hong Lee.
Mythic Quest (2020)
Metacritic: 73%
IMDb: 7.7/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, David Hornsby
Created by: Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Megan Ganz
This comedy looks at the inside world of video game creation, telling the story from the perspective of those who work in a development studio. Starring Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as Ian, the creative director, the show has solid ratings all around, with Rotten Tomatoes calling it hilarious, and lauding its ability to explore the gaming industry with “intelligence, thoughtfulness, and sincerity.” Mythic Quest is, however, called out for relying too heavily on the “workplace comedy formula.” Nonetheless, if you’re into that genre as well as video games, it’s worth checking out.
Slumberkins (2022)
IMDb: 9.3/10
Rated: TV-Y
Seasons: 1
Genre: Kids, Animation
Cast: Jennifer Hale, Yonas Kibreab, Adeln Spoon
Created by: Alex Rockwell
Kids can head out with Bigfoot, Unicorn, Sloth, Yak, and Fox, exploring the world from the perspective of these Jim Henson Company characters, first featured in the Slumberkins books. A mixed-media puppet and 2D animation series, the focus is on helping kids develop healthy emotional wellness through various stories about friendship, confidence, and healthy relationships. The team behind the series includes influential figures in elementary and special education, counseling, and marriage therapy, with expert insight from Dr. Dan Siegel, executive director of the Mindsight Institute and clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine. For something fun and educational for kids that also focuses on mental health and well-being, Slumberkins fits the bill.
Ghostwriter (2019)
IMDb: 5.7/10
Rated: TV-G
Seasons: 3
Genre: Kids, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Cast: Isaac Arellanes, Amadi Chapata, Hannah Levinson, Justin Sanchez, Jay Santiago, Nicola Correia-Damude, Michael Brown, Tamara Almeida, Parker Lauzon, and others
Created by: Luke Matheny, Liz Nealon (based on Ghostwriter by)
If you grew up in the ’90s, you’re probably familiar with this mystery kids’ series about a team of young detectives who band together to solve crimes. But they can’t do it alone: They lean on their mysterious ghost friend, Ghostwriter. Apple TV+ has rebooted the series to tell the story of a new group of kids that must solve a mystery involving a ghost that’s haunting a local bookstore and releasing fictional characters into the world. Geared toward kids ages 8 and older, it’s a great show to watch with the whole family.
Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show (2021)
IMDb: 7.6/10
Rated: TV-Y
Seasons: 2
Genre: Kids & Family
Cast: Jack McBrayer
Created by: Jack McBrayer, Angela Santomero
Jack McBrayer is known for his uplifting and infectious positivity, and the demeanor translates perfectly to this kids show that is designed to teach young ones to be caring, loving, and kind human beings. Through each episode, which takes place in the fictional world of Clover Grove, McBrayer explores compassion, creativity, and wild imaginations while inspiring everyone in town to simply be nice to one another. In addition to the first two seasons, you can also see a selection of shorts with McBrayer interviewing kids who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of kindness in their own hometowns.
Bad Sisters (2022)
Metacritic: 79%
IMDb: 7.7/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle
Created by: Malin-Sarah Gozin
When the Garvey sisters’ parents die young, the ladies decide they must come together to protect one another through life at all costs. But it isn’t always easy for the five ladies who each follows their own path, sometimes with people the other sisters don’t approve of. Other times, they simply aren’t fond of one another. Bad Sisters is an entertaining dark comedy and thriller that is based on the Flemish series Clan. There are a total of 10 episodes in the first season.
Black Bird (2022)
Metacritic: 80%
IMDb: 8.3/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama, Crime
Cast: Taron Egerton, Paul Walter Hauser, Ray Liotta
Created by: Dennis Lehane
Black Bird is a thrilling crime drama with a top-notch cast that follows a young man, James (Taron Egerton), the son of a decorated police officer, who is sent to jail on drug trafficking and weapons charges. But James is given an incredible opportunity: enter a maximum security prison, get a confession out of a suspected serial killer, and his entire 10-year sentence will be commuted. So begins James’ race against the clock as he tries to use his charms and likability to get oddball Larry (Paul Walter Hauser) to implicate himself without blowing his cover. James also needs to stay out of trouble himself, because if he does anything to get time tacked onto his sentence, he’s on his own.
Maximum security prison life is no joke, but James is determined to be set free in time to see his ailing father, played by Ray Liotta in one of his final roles. Greg Kinnear also stars as Brian Miller, an officer investigating the case who is determined to catch a repeated killer before he’s set free to kill again. There’s edge-of-your-seat tension through all six episodes.
Tehran (2020)
Metacritic: 72%
IMDb: 7.5/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Genre: Drama
Cast: Niv Sultan, Shaun Toub, Navid Negahban
Created by: Moshe Zonder, Dana Eden, Maor Kohn
One of Apple TV+’s first real hit dramas also happens to be its first non-English show. The espionage series tells the story of a Mossad agent who goes deep undercover on a dangerous mission in Tehran, Iran. It looks familiar in the sense that it’s a spy show, but Tehran has a completely unique perspective, focusing on an Israeli woman in an extraordinarily dangerous situation in the heart of the Middle East.
Shining Girls (2022)
Metacritic: 71%
IMDb: 0.0/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama
Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Wagner Moura, Phillipa Soo
Created by: Silka Luisa
It’s no surprise that with Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss at the helm, this thriller is a hit. The Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale star portrays Kirby, a newspaper archivist who, after being assaulted, teams up with a troubled reporter to try and solve a recent murder case that seems all too similar to her own traumatic event. As they uncover a series of cold cases that are seemingly linked to one another, Kirby’s blurred reality makes it difficult to succeed in finding the killer. The story, based on the Lauren Beukes novel of the same name, features eight episodes in all.
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (2022)
Metacritic: 75%
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Dominique Fishback, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams
Created by: Walter Mosley
Samuel L. Jackson stars in this limited series about Ptolemy, a man who is abandoned by everyone he knows while dealing with dementia. Just as his extreme loneliness is about to set in and his trusted caretaker is gone, he comes across an orphaned teenage boy. Together, he and the boy work to try and restore some of Ptolemy’s lost memories thanks to a newly discovered treatment. But they soon find truths unraveling about his past and present and what lies ahead for his future.
Severance (2022)
Metacritic: 83%
IMDb: 8.2/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette
Created by: Dan Erickson
A Black Mirror meets Homecoming type of story, Mark (Adam Scott) works at Lumon Industries and has decided to join the company’s “severance” program. The idea behind the program is purportedly to help people achieve a healthy work-life balance through a surgical implant that separates their work and personal memories from one another. But there might be something more sinister going on behind the scenes. Directed by Ben Stiller and also starring John Turturro, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Walken, the thriller has received multiple Emmy nominations.
Lincoln's Dilemma (2022)
IMDb: 6.6/10
Rated: TV-PG
Seasons: 1
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Bill Camp, Leslie Odom Jr.
Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s journey to end slavery in this gripping docuseries. Narrated by Jeffrey Wright and featuring the voices of Bill Camp and Leslie Odom Jr., the series will be delivered in four parts and takes a 21st-century approach, set against the backdrop of the Civil War, to the former President’s complicated history and the events that shaped his stance on slavery and his eventual reputation as the Great Emancipator. There are insights from journalists, educators, and scholars, rare archival materials, and voices given to the narratives of those who were enslaved. The story is based on the award-winning book Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times written by historian David S. Reynolds.
Dickinson (2019)
Metacritic: 70%
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 3
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Toby Huss, Adrian Enscoe
Created by: Alena Smith
This isn’t your high school literature teacher’s Emily Dickinson. The show follows the iconic poet (played by Hailee Steinfeld) in her younger years as she strives to develop her talents in a culture where women are expected to be accessories to their family. Although her father Edward (Toby Huss) angrily disapproves of her literary aspirations, Emily has support from friend and lover Sue Gilbert (Ella Hunt) and a magazine editor. In the second season, we see Emily rebel against her parents and grapple with fame — something her real-life counterpart had yet to achieve while she lived. Dickinson isn’t a straightforward costume drama, however. The show has modern sensibilities, with dialogue that sounds straight out of teen dramas like Riverdale, a hip-hop soundtrack, and even some 19th-century twerking. This is a show without much concern for historical authenticity, instead reinterpreting Emily Dickinson for the TikTok generation.
Long Way Up (2020)
IMDb: 8.3/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, Russ Malkin
Created by: Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman
Everybody likes Ewan McGregor, right? That’s the bet that Apple made when they greenlit this adventure series that is basically just McGregor and his best friend Charley Boorman going on a road trip. Somehow, it actually works. McGregor and Boorman haven’t seen each other in a while and haven’t done a motorbike adventure together since 2007’s Long Way Down. This time, their vast adventure covers 13,000 miles across 16 border crossings and 13 countries over 100 days. Riding from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Los Angeles, California, McGregor and Boorman take the long way, exploring some of the most underexposed landscapes of South and Central America and meeting some of their most isolated peoples. Using cutting-edge tech on their prototype electric Harley-Davidsons, they actually contribute to the sustainability of the planet and make climate change a focal point of their journey.
