Apple TV+: A Diverse Array of Compelling Content

Slowly but steadily, Apple TV+ has established its presence in the streaming landscape. Initially characterized as “odd, angsty, and horny as hell” upon launch, it has now blossomed into a rich repository of dramas, documentaries, and comedies. So extensive is its library that it has been hailed as “the new HBO.”

If you're intrigued but unsure where to begin, here are our top picks for the best shows on the service. (We also have selections for the best movies on Apple TV+.) Once you've explored these, check out our guides to the best shows on Netflix, best movies on Hulu, and best movies on Amazon Prime, because there's no such thing as too much quality television.

1. Platonic

Numerous stories depict men grappling with loneliness and the challenges of maintaining friendships as they age. However, Platonic offers a different narrative. It centers on two long - time friends, Sylvia (Rose Byrne) and Will (Seth Rogen), who strive to sustain their relationship amidst the trials posed by romantic involvements and careers, despite the bonds formed in their youth being tested.

2. The Morning Show

Every streaming platform requires a high - profile mainstream drama featuring Hollywood heavyweights to attract viewers, and Apple TV+ has The Morning Show. When Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) loses her morning news co - host Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) due to sexual misconduct accusations, she is paired with Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon). What ensues is a #MeToo - era drama filled with TV network intrigue and Sorkin - lite dialogue. In its second season, it delved into the Covid - 19 pandemic, and in the third season, the fictional network UBA faces the aftermath of a cyberattack. With a new season premiering on September 17, now is an opportune time to catch up or refresh your memory.

3. Chief of War

Set in the late 1700s, Chief of War tells the story of Ka’iana, a warrior who aimed to unite the Hawaiian islands before the arrival of Western colonizers. Written and executive - produced by Jason Mamoa (Aquaman), this nine - episode miniseries is based on true events and is a passion project for Mamoa and co - creator Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett. The premiere dropped on August 1, with new episodes arriving every Friday through September.

4. Foundation

In our review of the first season, WIRED described Foundation as a “flawed masterpiece.” Given the complexity of adapting Isaac Asimov's expansive book series, this was high praise. Starring Jared Harris as Hari Seldon, a math professor exiled along with his loyal followers for predicting the impending end of the galactic empire that rules over them, the show sometimes struggles under its vast scope. However, it features outstanding performances from Lee Pace and stunning visuals inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope. For enthusiasts of large - scale sci - fi dramas, this “Game - of - Thrones - in - space” aspirant is a must - watch.

5. Stick

Pryce Cahill, a former pro golfer, had a disastrous performance in a major tournament 20 years ago, which derailed his life. His marriage fell apart, and his life became a shambles. Then, one day, he encounters a kid with an exceptional golf swing and decides to fully invest in the child's potential. Does it seem like an Owen Wilson vehicle or something from the Ted Lasso school of prestige TV? It is both. Starring Wilson as Pryce and available on the same streamer as Lasso, it's a dramedy filled with just the right amount of sports platitudes to be engaging without being tiresome. Whether it can make non - golfers love the sport as Ted Lasso did for football/soccer remains to be seen, but if you miss Marc Maron's podcast, this might be a place to get a dose of the comedian's dry humor for now.

6. Murderbot

Fans of Martha Wells have eagerly awaited Murderbot since Apple TV+ announced in 2023 that it would adapt the sci - fi author's 2017 novella All Systems Red. This beloved book and the subsequent stories and novels form the basis of this high - profile series, along with the high expectations that come with adapting a fan - favorite. Murderbot, the protagonist of Wells' stories and the lead of this series, played by Alexander Skarsgård, has become “one of the most iconic characters in 21st - century science fiction” due to its socially awkward charm and relatability. Tasked with protecting a team of scientists on a distant planet, Murderbot hacks its internal controls to act as it wishes. While it may seem like another show about an AI - powered entity bent on destroying its creators, Murderbot takes a different approach, endowing its titular character with a desire to care for humans and binge - watch TV. Whether it will satisfy all Wells fans remains uncertain.

7. Side Quest

If you appreciate Mythic Quest's unique blend of weirdness and genius in depicting life within a video - game studio, there's good news. Side Quest, a four - episode anthology series, offers a glimpse into other aspects of the video - game world. This spinoff takes the story outside the Mythic Quest - making offices by following the lives of players, fans, and store employees affected by the creators' every move. Consider it an RPG that unfolds in real life.

8. The Studio

Max's The Franchise, a dark comedy about making a seemingly doomed movie in a superhero cinematic universe, had a short lifespan. Perhaps The Studio will fare better. Unlike The Franchise, which focused on a single film, this half - hour comedy stars Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, a young executive who has just taken over a chaotic movie studio. With every Hollywood archetype - actors, directors, corporate suits - in play, Remick must try to save the failing studio or go down with it. Need another reason to watch? It also stars Kathryn Hahn of “Agatha All Along” fame, who has been enhancing comedies for over a decade.

9. Dope Thief

Based on Dennis Tafoya's novel, Dope Thief follows two friends, Ray (Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny (Wagner Moura), who pose as DEA agents to rob drug dealers. However, everything spirals out of control when they target the wrong house, putting their lives and families at risk. The first episode of this eight - part miniseries was directed by Ridley Scott, who also serves as executive producer. The show is from Peter Craig, the writer of The Town and The Batman, promising a gritty crime drama of the highest quality.

10. Severance

For those unfamiliar with Severance, here's a primer: Adam Scott plays Mark, a man devastated by the death of his wife who undergoes Severance, a procedure that separates his work and home memories. He is content with the arrangement until a former Lumon Industries coworker contacts him outside of work, setting off a series of events that make him question not only Severance but also the work of his company. As time passes, the situation becomes increasingly strange and bleak. Tense and heartbreaking, Severance will keep you guessing and questioning throughout.

11. Mythic Quest

Given its video - game setting, one might expect this series to be mediocre. However, Mythic Quest is one of the best workplace comedies in recent years. Presented in perfectly binge - worthy half - hour episodes, it follows a fictional game studio known for its World of Warcraft - like MMO, Mythic Quest. The show showcases the creators navigating their quirky relationships. The writing is excellent, consistently funny, and emotionally impactful when least expected, and it manages to address real industry issues without sacrificing humor.

12. Silo

As WIRED noted upon Silo's release, this show is a gem of prestige sci - fi. More than two years later, this still holds true, and it is set to improve further. Based on Hugh Howey's dystopian book trilogy, the series focuses on a subterranean bunker - the silo - where humanity has taken refuge after the apocalypse. Some seek the chance to reproduce, while others try to solve mysterious murders. Viewers enjoy uncovering what's happening in this underground city and outside it. Silo has already been renewed through season four. If you haven't been watching, now is the time to start.

13. The Secret Lives of Animals

This 10 - part docuseries, a production of BBC Studios Natural History Unit, showcases 77 species across 24 countries, highlighting the remarkable problem - solving abilities of animals. It does what great nature documentaries do: it goes underground and gets up close (perhaps a bit too close) to some of the world's most fascinating creatures, including spiders, wood mice, frogs, and octopi.

14. Disclaimer

When filmmaking legend Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity) decides to helm a limited series starring Cate Blanchett, it's worth your attention. As Cuarón told WIRED, the Renée Knight novel the series is based on was so captivating that it inspired him to bring his cinematic skills to television. In this seven - part series, Blanchett plays Catherine, an esteemed journalist who receives a mysterious novel threatening to expose hidden aspects of her past. As she investigates the book's author, she must also prevent her life from falling apart. Cuarón adapted the novel himself and directed each episode, bringing his big - screen style to the small screen.

15. Shrinking

If you enjoy In Treatment but wish it were more light - hearted, Shrinking might be for you. Created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein (of Ted Lasso fame), and Jason Segel, the show follows Jimmy (Segel), a therapist struggling to overcome the death of his wife and reconnect with his daughter and patients. While this may sound gloomy, it's enlivened by being a workplace comedy centered around the therapy practice where Jimmy works with Harrison Ford's Paul and Jessica Williams' Gaby. Ultimately, Shrinking is about how people cope, featuring a dream cast and a memorable party scene with a vomit - soaked piano and a very stoned Ford.

16. Slow Horses

As we previously wrote, Slow Horses is the perfect show for those seeking a combination of John Le Carré - style espionage thrillers and The Office. Based on the misfits at Slough House, where MI5 agents are sent after failing as spies, the show seamlessly alternates between shoot - outs, car chases, and quirky conversations and camaraderie. The fourth season, which launched last year, is a bit more subdued than previous ones. If you've overlooked Slow Horses, now is the time to give it a chance.

17. Bad Monkey

Created by Bill Lawrence, one of the creative minds behind Ted Lasso and Shrinking, Bad Monkey is about a former detective (played by Vince Vaughn) going through a rough patch and trying to solve the mystery of a severed arm. Yes, there's a monkey, but there's also a lot of dark humor, heart, and a look at the complex lives of several “Florida Men.”

18. Sunny

Sunny tells the story of Suzie (Rashida Jones), whose husband and son are lost in a mysterious plane crash. To cope with her grief, Suzie is given Sunny, a domestic robot, with whom she forms a unique bond as she uncovers what happened to her family. With artificial intelligence becoming more integrated into our lives, Sunny is likely to resonate more now than ever.

19. Presumed Innocent

This whodunit has been adapted before. Thirty - four years ago, Harrison Ford starred in the film adaptation of Scott Turow's novel. This time, Jake Gyllenhaal takes the lead in an eight - part limited series. Gyllenhaal plays Rusty Sabich, a Chicago prosecutor accused of killing a colleague with whom he was having an affair. Produced by David E. Kelley, it has the intrigue and gloss of his recent shows like Big Little Lies and The Undoing, along with the darkness and drama.

20. STEVE! (martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces

Including this on the “best shows on Apple TV+” list is a bit of a stretch. Instead of a series, this two - part documentary is more like a pair of movies exploring the life and career of Steve Martin. The first part chronicles his rise and re - imagining of the stand - up comedy world. The second part looks at how he transitioned to the neurotic and lovable neighbor he plays in Only Murders in the Building, which could be considered his career's triumphant second act, despite having had numerous acts in between. Directed by Morgan Neville, known for documentaries like 20 Feet From Stardom and Won't You Be My Neighbor?, it's funny, intimate, and a bit surprising - much like Martin himself.

21. Loot

While Loot isn't directly about MacKenzie Scott's divorce from Jeff Bezos, it is about Molly (Maya Rudolph), a woman who separates from her tech - billionaire husband and devotes herself to philanthropic work. Creators Alan Yang (Master of None) and Matt Hubbard (Superstore) were inspired by the Bezos - Scott split. With an outstanding supporting cast including Joel Kim Booster, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Adam Scott, it's a quirky comedy with a lot of heart - and something you're unlikely to see on Amazon Prime Video.

22. The Big Door Prize

In The Big Door Prize, Chris O'Dowd finally gets the “lead role” he was destined for. He plays Dusty, a 40 - year - old high - school teacher content with his life until a magic machine appears in his small town. The machine reveals people's life potential, and as soon as others start using it, everything changes. Marriages end, paths diverge, and Dusty must confront his own happiness.

23. The Completely Made - Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

Dick Turpin was a real 18th - century English highwayman executed for horse theft. However, the myths surrounding him are far more interesting than the facts. True to its name, this six - episode series, starring Noel Fielding in the title role, focuses on the fun aspects, presenting Turpin as someone who stumbled into leading a group of outlaws and made the best of it. Although the second season was canceled, reportedly, there's enough footage for at least one more episode. Stay tuned.

24. Constellation

We've theorized that Apple TV+ is the new HBO, while also wondering if it's the new Syfy. After a strong start in 2019 with For All Mankind, it has released a series of trippy, space - themed, and time - bending prestige shows, including Foundation and Severance. In early 2024, it released Constellation, an eight - part thriller about an astronaut (Noomi Rapace) who returns to Earth after a space disaster to find things amiss. Brain - bending and tense, it's the kind of sci - fi that draws you in.

25. Masters of the Air

Generally, “World War II drama” and Steven Spielberg are enough to make anyone hit play, but this series offers more. Based on Donald L. Miller's Masters of the Air, it delves into the lives of the 100th Bomb Group - the “Bloody Hundredth” - a squad of pilots risking their lives to fight Nazi Germany from the air. Spielberg and Tom Hanks serve as executive producers, and the cast includes Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan, and Ncuti Gatwa.

26. The New Look

Continuing the World War II theme, The New Look follows Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain, and Cristóbal Balenciaga as they pave the way for modern fashion in Nazi - occupied Paris. The cast features Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior, Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, and Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior, with a soundtrack by Jack Antonoff featuring early 20th - century music covered by artists like Perfume Genius and Florence Welch.

27. Criminal Record

Starring Peter Capaldi, known for his role as the Doctor in Doctor Who, Criminal Record follows two cops - Capaldi's Daniel Hegarty and Cush Jumbo's June Lenker - as they attempt to re - examine a long - closed case. Daniel originally worked the case and obtained a confession, while June, with a new tip, wants him to reopen it to determine if the imprisoned man is actually innocent. While it may seem formulaic, the series also incorporates elements of law - enforcement shortcomings and race in a rapidly changing Britain, making it more than just a typical crime show.

28. Hijack

Idris Elba has a signature look, perfected since his days as Stringer Bell on The Wire - a look of calm in the face of the most harrowing situations. He puts this look to full use in Hijack, where he plays a corporate negotiator trying to deal with hijackers who have taken over the flight he's on to return home to his family. This seven - episode series, roughly seven hours long (the same as the flight), follows the in - air drama and the political maneuvering on the ground, so be sure to watch until the end.

29. For All Mankind

Long before Foundation, there was For All Mankind. This alternate - history show starts with a brilliant premise: what if the US had been beaten to the moon? How would the space - race rivalry between the Americans and the Soviets have played out? It's mostly a sleek, stylish, NASA - centric period drama, but as it's from the mind of Ronald D. Moore, there are standout moments and episodes, with attention given to the large ensemble cast. It might be the best sci - fi show you're not watching, and now you have multiple seasons to catch up on.

30. Messi Meets America

If it wasn't obvious from your home screen, Apple TV+ is enthusiastic about soccer. Messi Meets America is a six - part docuseries about all - star player Lionel Messi's move to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami club. Truly, Messi Mania.

31. Lessons in Chemistry

Based on science writer Bonnie Garmus's debut novel, Lessons in Chemistry tells the story of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), who, after being fired from her lab for being a female scientist, is hired to host a cooking show. Obviously, the show she hosts is about more than just having dinner on time. We recommend watching to discover just how revolutionary it is.

32. Shining Girls

This 2022 psychological thriller/murder mystery starring Elisabeth Moss didn't receive the buzz it likely deserved. Moss plays Kirby, a woman who believes a recent Chicago murder is linked to an attack on her years