Okay let's be real - scrolling through Apple TV+ feels like digging for gold sometimes. You know there's good stuff in there, but where to start? I've binged practically everything on this platform (yes, my social life took a hit) and I'm here to save you the trial-and-error. Forget those generic "top 10" lists repeating the same shows. We're going deep on what actually deserves your time and why.
Why Apple TV+ Shows Hit Different
Remember when streaming meant recycled sitcoms and cheap reality TV? Apple came in swinging with big budgets and actual filmmakers. That's why their best series feel like HBO-quality stuff but without the HBO subscription sticker shock. They're throwing cash at creators like it's confetti - think $15 million per episode for some shows. Crazy, right?
But here's what I noticed after watching 50+ Apple originals: not every swing connects. For every masterpiece like Severance, there's a forgettable dud. That's why you need this guide - I've done the homework so you don't waste hours on something mediocre.
The Absolute Must-Watch Shows Right Now
These are the shows I'd actually recommend to friends. No filler, just the thrilling stuff that makes Apple TV worth paying for.
Severance (Thriller/Sci-Fi)
Imagine your work brain and home brain being surgically separated. Wild concept? Absolutely. Adam Scott plays Mark, a dude grieving his wife who volunteers for the "severance" procedure. At work, he remembers nothing about his outside life. At home, he remembers zero about work. Things get creepy when coworkers start finding mysterious messages.
Why it's special: The office scenes feel like a dystopian IKEA catalog. Tense as hell but with dark humor. That scene where they eat melon while being punished? Pure genius.
Not perfect though: The finale will make you scream at your TV (in a good way) but the middle episodes drag a bit. Stick with it - the payoff is massive.
For All Mankind (Alternate History/Sci-Fi)
What if the Soviets landed on the moon first? That simple question spins into NASA's space race continuing for decades. We follow astronauts through the 70s, 80s and beyond with killer tech designs and insane space disasters.
Personal connection: My dad worked at NASA during this era. He says the tech details are scary-accurate - right down to mission control jargon.
Downside: Season 3 gets messy with too many subplots. But when it focuses on space? Pure magic.
Slow Horses (Spy Thriller)
Gary Oldman as a farting, drunk MI5 reject leading a team of failed spies? Yes please. This is anti-James Bond: spies who lose documents, screw up surveillance, and eat terrible kebabs. Based on Mick Herron's novels.
Why I'm obsessed: The insults alone are worth watching. Oldman calling someone "a walking abortion" had me choking on popcorn. Dark humor with real stakes.
The Current Top 10 Apple TV Shows Ranked
| Show Title | Genre | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes | Seasons | Perfect For Fans Of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severance | Sci-Fi Thriller | 8.7 | 97% | 1 (S2 filming) | Black Mirror, Westworld |
| For All Mankind | Alternate History | 8.0 | 90% | 4 | The Martian, Apollo 13 |
| Slow Horses | Spy Thriller | 7.9 | 94% | 3 | Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy |
| Pachinko | Historical Drama | 8.3 | 98% | 1 (S2 confirmed) | Minari, The Crown |
| Mythic Quest | Workplace Comedy | 7.9 | 94% | 3 (+specials) | Silicon Valley, Community |
| Bad Sisters | Dark Comedy Mystery | 7.8 | 91% | 1 (S2 coming) | Big Little Lies, Dead to Me |
| Silo | Dystopian Sci-Fi | 8.1 | 87% | 1 (S2 filming) | Fallout, The Hunger Games |
| Shrinking | Dramedy | 8.0 | 89% | 1 (S2 filming) | Ted Lasso, The Good Place |
| Black Bird | True Crime Drama | 8.1 | 97% | 1 (Limited) | Mindhunter, Dirty John |
| The Morning Show | Drama | 8.4 | 61% | 3 | Succession, Broadcast News |
Hidden Gems You Might've Skipped
Everyone talks about Ted Lasso (which I'll get to). But these under-the-radar picks deserve love:
Pachinko
Korean-Japanese family saga spanning 80 years. Subtitles required but worth every second. The opening credits alone - set to "Let's Live for Today" while generations dance - made me tear up. Hard to watch sometimes but beautiful.
Mythic Quest
Not just "video game Ted Lasso." It's smarter than that. The standalone pandemic episode "Backstory!" is perfect television. Also: Danny Pudi stealing scenes as a neurotic engineer.
Pro Tip: Many people ask "What's the best Apple TV show?" but forget to specify genre. Looking for laughs? Shrinking or Loot. Want to think? Severance. Family stuff? Try Wolfwalkers.
Apple TV Shows That Disappointed Me
Gotta be honest here:
The Morning Show - First season hooked me. By Season 3? Felt like a soap opera with A-list actors. Steve Carell deserved better writing.
Invasion - Gorgeous visuals... and that's it. Moves slower than my grandma after Thanksgiving dinner. Three episodes in and aliens still haven't properly invaded.
Truth Be Told - Octavia Spencer is amazing but the plot twists got ridiculous. Like "jump the shark while riding a unicorn" ridiculous.
Family-Friendly Winners
Parents listen up - these won't make you want to stab pencils in your ears:
| Show | Ages | Why Kids Love It | Parent Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolfwalkers | 7+ | Magical wolves, adventure | Stunning animation, Irish folklore |
| Fraggle Rock | 4+ | Silly puppets, music | Nostalgia bomb! |
| Stillwater | 5+ | Calming panda stories | Zen-like vibe (great for bedtime) |
Budget-Friendly Viewing Tips
Look I get it - $9.99/month adds up. Here's how I maximize value:
- Free trials: New Apple device? You get 3 months free. Target/Walmart often have 4-month promo cards.
- Bundle deal: Apple One ($19.95/mo) includes TV+, Music, Arcade and iCloud. Saves money if you use those.
- Weekend binge: Many limited series (like Black Bird) can be finished in a free trial weekend.
Honestly though? Apple TV+ costs less than two coffees. For the best Apple TV shows like Severance, it's a steal.
Apple TV+ FAQ Section
Q: Is Apple TV actually worth subscribing to just for originals?
A: Depends. If you watch 2-3 shows monthly? Yes. But their library's small compared to Netflix. Focus on their best TV shows like Pachinko or Silo.
Q: What's Apple's most popular show globally?
A: Ted Lasso dominated initially, but Severance and Slow Horses now pull bigger numbers. Surprisingly, Tehran is huge internationally.
Q: Can I share my Apple TV subscription?
A: Yep! Family Sharing lets up to 6 people watch simultaneously. Way better than Netflix's new rules.
Q: Any good documentaries?
A: They crush docs! Try Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry or The Super Models. STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie is phenomenal.
Q: How often do new episodes arrive?
A: Most Apple TV shows drop weekly - Fridays usually. Some exceptions like Slow Horses do full-season drops.
New Shows Coming That Look Promising
Apple's secret weapon? Their development pipeline. Here's what's filming now:
- Severance Season 2 (2024) - Filming wrapped! Expect answers about those goats.
- Neuromancer - Cyberpunk classic adaptation. Could be their next big sci-fi hit.
- The New Look - WWII fashion drama with Juliette Binoche. Looks sumptuous.
Final Thoughts From a Binge-Watcher
After all this viewing, here's my take: Apple TV shows shine when they take creative risks. Forget algorithm-driven content - Severance wouldn't exist at Netflix. The best television on Apple TV right now competes with HBO's golden years.
But they've got work to do. Too many middle-of-the-road dramas. And for god's sake, give us more than 6 episodes per season!
If you try nothing else? Make it Severance. Then thank me later when you're analyzing every office meeting for secret cult vibes. That's the power of the best Apple TV+ shows - they stick with you.
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