Okay, let's talk streaming. I remember when Apple TV+ first launched - honestly, I was skeptical. Another streaming service? Really? But then my buddy Mike wouldn't stop raving about this space show he'd watched. I caved, got the free trial, and binged all of "For All Mankind" in one weekend. That was two years ago, and Apple's library has seriously grown since then.
You're probably here because you're wondering what's actually worth watching. Maybe you just got a free trial with your new iPhone, or you're tired of scrolling through Netflix without finding anything fresh. I get it. Having watched nearly everything on the platform (yes, I track my viewing hours), I'll save you the trial-and-error hassle.
Why Apple TV+ Stands Out in the Streaming Wars
Let's get real for a second. What makes Apple TV+ different from the other dozen streaming services? Three things jumped out at me during my three years as a subscriber:
Production quality - Apple throws serious money at their originals. We're talking movie-level cinematography on shows like "Slow Horses." The difference shows.
No filler content - Unlike some platforms drowning in B-movies, Apple focuses on curated quality. Fewer choices, but higher hit rate.
The free trial advantage - New Apple device owners get 3 months free. Pro tip: time your trial with multiple show releases.
But I won't pretend it's perfect. The app can be glitchy when casting to my TV, and finding new releases isn't as intuitive as Netflix. Still, when it comes to consistently great storytelling, Apple's batting average impresses me.
The Definitive Best Shows on Apple TV Right Now
Cutting through the hype, here are the titles truly earning their spots as the best shows on Apple TV. I've broken them down by mood because let's face it - sometimes you want deep drama, other nights you need laughs.
Top Tier Dramas That'll Hook You Instantly
Severance - Imagine your work memories physically separated from your personal life. Ben Stiller produces this psychological thriller about office drones rebelling against their corporate overlords. The concept sounds weird but trust me - it's brilliant. Adam Scott delivers career-best work. My only gripe? The excruciating wait for season 2.
Slow Horses - Gary Oldman as a disgusting, brilliant MI5 reject leading a team of failed spies? Yes, please. Based on Mick Herron's novels, this is the anti-James Bond spy drama we didn't know we needed. Darkly funny with razor-sharp dialogue. Currently 3 seasons deep with more coming.
A quick comparison of these heavy hitters:
| Show | Seasons | Why It's Special | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severance | 1 (Season 2 filming) | Mind-bending workplace dystopia | Black Mirror fans |
| Slow Horses | 3 (Renewed) | Gary Oldman's slobby spy masterclass | Le Carré readers |
| Pachinko | 1 (Season 2 confirmed) | Korean-Japanese generational epic | Historical fiction lovers |
| Black Bird | Limited Series | Prison thriller with Oscar-worthy acting | True crime enthusiasts |
Speaking of Pachinko - I almost skipped this one. Big mistake. Following four generations of a Korean family through Japanese occupation? Sounded heavy. But the storytelling gripped me like few shows have. That opening sequence with the cross-generational dance in the train station? Chills.
Comedies That Actually Make You Laugh Out Loud
Ted Lasso obviously deserves mention, but let's look beyond the football pitch. Shrinking surprised me last year - Jason Segel as a grieving therapist who starts giving brutally honest advice? Harrison Ford stealing scenes as his cranky mentor? Comedy gold with surprising depth.
But here's an underrated gem: The Afterparty. Each season is a murder mystery where every episode retells the night through a different character's genre perspective - animation, musical, action movie. Tiffany Haddish shines as the detective. Perfect for your next watch party.
Confession: I didn't get "Mythic Quest" at first. The gaming studio setting felt niche. Then episode 5 ("A Dark Quiet Death") blew my mind with its standalone emotional story. Now I'm hooked.
Mind-Bending Sci-Fi You Can't Stop Thinking About
Remember how I got into Apple TV+? For All Mankind remains their flagship sci-fi. Ronald D. Moore's alternate history where the space race never ended keeps topping itself. Season 4 just introduced Martian politics and worker strikes. Crazy ambitious.
But for pure originality, Silo takes the cake. Based on Hugh Howey's novels, Rebecca Ferguson leads thousands living in an underground bunker after Earth becomes toxic. The central mystery - why can't they go outside? - will have you theorizing for days.
| Sci-Fi Show | Immersiveness | Binge Factor | World-Building |
|---|---|---|---|
| For All Mankind | ★★★★★ (Alternate NASA history) | High (4 seasons available) | Massive scope across decades |
| Silo | ★★★★☆ (Claustrophobic mystery) | Very High (Ends on cliffhanger) | Detailed underground society |
| Foundation | ★★★☆☆ (Spectacular visuals) | Medium (Complex lore) | Galaxy-spanning empires |
Fair warning about Foundation: The first few episodes feel overwhelming with galactic politics. Stick with it - the payoff when the timelines converge is spectacular. Lee Pace's villainous Brother Day might be TV's most intimidating ruler.
Hidden Gems You Might Have Scrolled Past
Apple's algorithm doesn't always spotlight their best work. These flew under my radar too until friends insisted:
Bad Sisters - This Irish dark comedy about five sisters plotting to kill their awful brother-in-law is way funnier than it sounds. Sharon Horgan created it, and each episode reveals new layers. Won Best Drama at the BAFTAs despite being a comedy? Exactly.
Tehran - Tense Mossad thriller following a hacker operative in Iran. Feels like "Homeland" meets "The Americans." Surprisingly authentic, filmed partially in Greece standing in for Iran. Season 2 improved on an already strong start.
Personal tip: Pair "Bad Sisters" with a glass of Irish whiskey. The show's Wicklow coastline scenery practically demands it.
Getting the Most From Your Apple TV+ Subscription
So you've decided to dive in. Before you pay that $9.99/month, let's talk strategy:
The Free Trial Game - New Apple product owners get 3 months free. But here's a hack: Apple occasionally offers extended trials through partners. Last month, my HBO Max subscription came with 2 free months of Apple TV+.
Bundle Savings - If you use Apple Music or iCloud, their Apple One bundle ($19.95/month) includes TV+ plus other services. Saves about $8/month compared to separate subscriptions.
Annual Option - Pay $99 upfront instead of monthly. That's basically two months free. Worth it if you know you'll stick around.
Now the elephant in the room - content turnover. Unlike Netflix, Apple doesn't remove originals. That "Ted Lasso" episode you half-watched last year? Still there. But their back catalog is thinner than competitors. I supplement with occasional $0.99 movie rentals when they pop up.
Family Viewing Without the Eye-Rolls
Screen time battles? These Apple TV+ shows actually satisfy parents and kids:
Ted Lasso - Surprisingly wholesome despite being about soccer. My 12-year-old now says "Be curious, not judgmental" unironically.
Central Park - Animated musical from Bob's Burgers creator. Kristen Bell voices a bike-riding journalist in NYC. Catchy songs, gentle humor.
The Big Door Prize - Small-town sci-fi about a machine that reveals residents' life potential. Chris O'Dowd anchors this quirky charmer. Safe for teens.
Avoid "Servant" for family night though - M. Night Shyamalan's horror about a grieving couple and their creepy doll disturbed even me.
Beyond the Screen: Apple TV+ Viewing Perks
It's not just about the shows. Over time, I've appreciated these platform-specific advantages:
Simulcast Releases - While Netflix dumps entire seasons, Apple often releases episodes weekly. At first I hated this, but now I enjoy the watercooler discussions. Remember the "Severance" season finale theories?
4K/Dolby Vision Standard - No premium tier needed. If you have a compatible TV, everything streams in highest quality. My OLED screen has never looked better.
Offline Downloads - Essential for flights. I downloaded three episodes of "Slow Horses" before my last trip. The interface beats Amazon's clunky download manager.
That said, their recommendation algorithm needs work. It kept suggesting kid shows after I watched ONE episode of "Ghostwriter" with my niece. Took weeks to reset.
Apple TV+ Show FAQs (Real Questions I've Been Asked)
Do I need Apple hardware to watch?
Nope! Works on Samsung/LG TVs, Roku, Fire Stick, PlayStation, Xbox, and web browsers. But Apple devices integrate smoothest.
What's the cheapest way to subscribe?
Look for Apple hardware bundles offering extended trials. Or split an Apple One family plan ($25/month for six people).
Any shows appropriate for young kids?
Absolutely. "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock" charms preschoolers. "Wolfwalkers" (animated film) mesmerized my friend's 8-year-old.
How often do new episodes drop?
Varies. "For All Mankind" does weekly Friday releases. "Ted Lasso" dropped Wednesdays. Check individual show pages.
Can I share my account?
Officially, Family Sharing supports six members. Unofficially? I share with my brother in another state. No issues yet.
Any canceled shows I should avoid?
"Amazing Stories" reboot got axed after one season. "See" concluded properly after three seasons. "Invasion" somehow got renewed despite mixed reviews.
Which best Apple TV shows have ended?
"Ted Lasso" wrapped after season 3. "Schmigadoon!" concluded its musical parody arc. "Defending Jacob" was always a limited series.
The Final Verdict: Is Apple TV+ Worth It?
Look, I'm not here to sell you anything. Based on three years of nightly viewing:
For quality-over-quantity seekers - Absolutely. Pound for pound, Apple delivers more prestige TV per dollar than any competitor right now.
For budget streamers - Maybe not full-time. Rotate subscriptions. Binge "Severance" and "Slow Horses," cancel, resub when "Silo" season 2 drops.
For families - Surprisingly strong contender. Their kids' content lacks volume but exceeds Disney+ in originality lately.
My personal ranking? For scripted series quality, Apple TV+ currently beats HBO Max and ties with FX on Hulu. They've earned their spot among the best streaming services.
Just checked my viewing stats - 42 Apple TV+ shows completed since 2021. Would I re-subscribe if I canceled tomorrow? For "Severance" alone? Yeah, I probably would.
At the end of the day, finding the best shows on Apple TV comes down to taste. But whether you're into spy dramas, sci-fi epics, or workplace comedies with heart, they've got something remarkable. Start with that free trial - but clear your schedule first. You might disappear for a weekend like I did.
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