The 25 Best TV Shows On Apple TV+ Right Now (April 2024)

The 25 Best TV Shows On Apple TV+ Right Now (April 2024)

Summary Apple TV+ offers a wide range of genres, from comedy to sci-fi to psychological thrillers, providing quality content for diverse audiences.

Ted Lasso is Apple TV+'s best show, praised for its honest depiction of mental health and strong portrayal of female characters.

The Afterparty is a hit comedy anthology series featuring a new cast of characters and murder mysteries with a dash of hilarity.

Having quickly established itself as one of the world's leading streaming services, the best Apple TV+ shows include some of the most talked-about current series. Apple started producing its own original content in 2016, ramping up production after launching its own streaming service, Apple TV+, in 2019. Some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including Jennifer Aniston, Harrison Ford, and Jason Sudeikis, have appeared in original programs for Apple TV+, cementing its status as a reputable brand. Before too long, Apple had its own TV shows to rival the biggest hits on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Every new show on Apple TV+ adds to a roster that covers a wide range of genres, from comedy to science fiction to psychological thrillers. The sprawling original content library on Apple TV+ is home to feel-good comedies including Ted Lasso and Schmigadoon!, and dark, unsettling dramas like Severance. While Apple TV+'s catalog isn't as expansive as other streaming services, its more boutique approach still offers plenty of quality content. As such, the best TV shows on Apple TV+ are well worth closer consideration from audiences — whatever they're interested in.

For more TV streaming recommendations, be sure to check out the best TV shows on Hulu and the best TV shows on Max.

Related 10 Best Documentaries on Apple TV Plus Ranked From crime mystery docuseries' to award-winning emotional documentaries, Apple TV Plus has loads to offer.

Best Comedy TV Shows On Apple TV+

Ted Lasso (2020-2023)

Close

Ted Lasso Release Date August 14, 2020 Seasons 3

Belying its humble origins of NBC Sports promo media for the English Premier League, Ted Lasso is much better than a show adapted from commercials has any right to be, and is Apple TV+'s best show. Reprising his role from NBC Sports' Premier League promos, Jason Sudeikis shines as the endlessly optimistic coach, drafted in to lead a struggling English football team to victory. Ted may be a fish out of water, but he makes everyone around him believe in themselves, and he in turn learns a lot about who he is.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Ted Lasso seasons 1 and 2 were critically acclaimed and won multiple Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy and Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Sudeikis. Ted Lasso season 3 was a bit uneven, but still maintained the show's honest depiction of mental health and strong portrayal of fully-rounded female characters. It's unclear if Ted Lasso season 4 will happen for Apple TV+, but if the titular coach taught viewers anything, it's to believe.

In 2021, Ted Lasso became the most nominated new comedy in Emmy history, winning seven of its 20 Primetime Emmy nominations — including Outstanding Comedy Series.

Watch On Apple TV+

Mythic Quest (2020-Present)

Close

Mythic Quest Release Date February 7, 2020 Cast Rob McElhenney , Ashley Burch , Jessie Ennis , Imani Hakim , David Hornsby , Charlotte Nicdao , Danny Pudi , F. Murray Abraham , Naomi Ekperigin Seasons 3

The workplace sitcom has long been a popular TV subgenre, and though Mythic Quest isn't in the same pop culture stratosphere as The Office or Parks and Rec, it deserves to be. The Apple TV+ show centers around the day-to-day happenings and shenanigans at the studio that produces the titular video game, an MMORPG created by the arrogant Ian Grimm (Rob McElhenny). Ian frequently clashes with his socially awkward yet brilliant lead engineer Poppy Li (Charlotte Nicdao), but beneath their feuding is an almost sweet creative respect.

Mythic Quest is a comedy series with something for everyone. Gamers will revel in the peek behind the curtain the show offers while non-gamers will still be able to relate to the everyday frustrations of office life. In the middle of each season is a flashback episode showing the creative origin story of someone important to Mythic Quest's development. Few shows celebrate following creative dreams like Mythic Quest, and it does so in a way that is never overly sentimental or twee.

Watch On Apple TV+

Shrinking (2023-Present)

Close

Shrinking Release Date January 27, 2023 Cast Jason Segel , Harrison Ford , Jessica Williams , Christa Miller , Michael Urie Seasons 1

From Ted Lasso’s Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, Shrinking stars Jason Segel as Jimmy, a grieving therapist who ignores the rule book and tells his patients exactly what he thinks. Understandably, this unorthodox approach doesn't sit right with Dr. Paul Rhoades (Harrison Ford), the foil to Jimmy and senior therapist at the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center.

Shrinking's potentially fraught themes are balanced by Segel's signature dry wit and goofiness, with Jimmy succeeding as both a parody and a realistic depiction of a classic trope. Undoubtedly one of Apple TV+'s best 2023 shows, Shrinking is a quirky study of grief with a huge heart and a powerful message about dealing with loss. The always reliable Segel finally got recognized for his TV talents, and earned an Emmy nomination for Shrinking.

Watch On Apple TV+

Related Shrinking Season 2: Renewal, Cast, Story & Everything We Know The Jason Segel and Harrison Ford-starring Shrinking was another huge hit for AppleTV+, and here's everything we know about Shrinking season 2.

The Afterparty (2022-2023)

The Afterparty Release Date January 28, 2022 Cast Tiffany Haddish , Sam Richardson , Zoe Chao , Ike Barinholtz , Ben Schwartz , Ilana Glazer , Jamie Demetriou , Dave Franco

Put a who's who of comedy heavyweights in a room, add a murder, and the result is the hit comedy The Afterparty. Apple TV+'s anthology comedy series features a new cast of characters and a new shindig every season, with Tiffany Haddish reaching comedic highs as Detective Danner. Danner is the constant in the show, who returns each season to investigate the killing at the center of the story. Season 1 focuses on the afterparty of a high school reunion, while season 2 takes place the day after a wedding.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Anthology series are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason — switching out the characters means that a great idea rarely grows stale. With Haddish leading ensembles that include Ike Barinholtz, Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, Dave Franco, and Anna Konkle, the laughs don't stop. For people who like their murder mysteries with a dash of hilarity, The Afterparty is the perfect Apple TV+ show.

Watch On Apple TV+

Schmigadoon! (2021-Present)

Close

Schmigadoon Release Date July 16, 2021 Cast Keegan-Michael Key , Ariana DeBose , Cecily Strong , Ann Harada , Alan Cumming , Dove Cameron , Martin Short , Kristin Chenoweth , Jaime Camil , Fred Armisen , Jane Krakowski , Aaron Tveit Seasons 1

Created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio with a first season directed by Men in Black’s Barry Sonnenfeld, Schmigadoon! is a delightfully quirky musical comedy series. Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key star as Melissa and Josh, a pair of backpackers who stumble upon a town perpetually trapped in a Golden Age-style musical — only able to leave once they have found true love. Schmigadoon!'s Emmy-winning songs, creative choreography, and original concept are parodies of the 1947 musical Brigadoon, yet the show is much more than a straightforward pastiche.

Following season 1, which parodied the Golden Age of musicals from the '40s and '50s, Schmigadoon! season 2 is inspired by musicals from the '60s and '70s, highlighting the creator's ingenuity and the show's seemingly endless reservoir of inspiration. Schmigadoon! season 3 hasn't been confirmed yet, but hopefully, Josh and Melissa will find themselves trapped in a world of '80s and '90s musicals.

Watch On Apple TV+

Physical (2021-2023)

Physical Release Date June 18, 2021 Cast Rory Scovel , Geoffrey Arend , Rose Byrne , Ashley Liao , Dierdre Friel , Ian Gomez , Lou Taylor Pucci , Paul Sparks , Della Saba Seasons 2

With winning performances in Bridesmaids and Get Him to the Greek, Rose Byrne is one of Hollywood's most underrated actresses. Thankfully, Apple TV+ has taken notice of her talents because she stars in two of the platform's original series, Physical and Platonic. In the former, Byrne plays Sheila Rubin, a bored and frustrated 1980s housewife who finds joy and empowerment through aerobics.

Physical is a shrewd satire that takes swings at negative body image and American consumerism, and while its bite might be a little sharp for some, those who enjoy the show will find it has a lot of important things to say. And while many of Physical's characters are unlikable, Byrne once again delivers a masterful performance that is worth watching.

Watch On Apple TV+

Still Up (2023-Present)

Still Up Release Date September 22, 2023 Cast Antonia Thomas , Craig Roberts , Blake Harrison , Rich Fulcher , Samantha Spiro , Lois Chimimba , Luke Fetherston Seasons 1

What's great about Apple TV+'s TV programming is that in addition to its flagship shows, the streaming service has quite a few quieter, gentle comedies, including Still Up. The British series stars Antonia Thomas as bubbly artist Lisa and Craig Roberts as anxious journalist Danny, two Londoners who both suffer from chronic insomnia. They pass the late-night hours by talking to each other, though they've never met in person, and while they enjoy each other's company, their close bond begins to affect their other relationships.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

A comedy about a whimsical free spirit and a neurotic wallflower always runs the risk of being cliché and tired, but Thomas and Roberts make their characters layered, genuine, relatable people who are a pleasure to spend time with. And for not sharing the screen together, they have a breezy chemistry that makes the viewer want to keep listening to their conversations long after the credits have rolled.

Watch On Apple TV+

Platonic (2023-Present)

Platonic Release Date May 24, 2023 Cast Rose Byrne , Seth Rogen , Luke Macfarlane , Tre Hale , Carla Gallo , Andrew Lopez Seasons 1 Watch On Apple TV+

Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen proved they have sharp yet sweet on-screen chemistry in the Neighbors movies, and now they're back in the Apple TV+ comedy series Platonic. They play Sylvia and Will, two former best friends who reconnect years after a big falling out. But while they work at patching things up, their reconciled friendship creates complications for the other relationships in their lives.

In a romance-obsessed society, it's a tight balancing act to have two leads with Byrne and Rogen's rapport and not make them fall in love, but that's the entire point of Platonic. It beautifully shows the messiness and the drama of adult relationships, but the show never feels heavy and dour. It's breezy, uplifting, and a great Apple TV+ show to watch as a group.

Watch On Apple TV+

Best Drama TV Shows On Apple TV+

Masters Of The Air (2024)

Close

Masters of the Air Cast Austin Butler , Callum Turner , Barry Keoghan , Nikolai Kinski , Stephen Campbell Moore , Sawyer Spielberg , Isabel May , Anthony Boyle Release Date January 26, 2024 Seasons 1 Writers John Shiban , John Orloff

Based on the book by Donald L. Miller, Masters of the Air was created by John Orloff and John Shiban with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg as executive producers. The wartime miniseries is of the same scale as Hanks and Spielberg's previous miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific, and instantly ranked among the best TV shows on Apple TV+ when it arrived in 2024.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Masters of the Air follows the 100th Bomb Group in WW2 as they set about destroying various targets in Europe, though like its spiritual predecessors, it focuses on the impact this had on those that served. The cast is stacked with recognizable names, including Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan, and Ncuti Gatwa. Just like The Pacific and Band of Brothers, Masters of the Air speaks for itself when it comes to reasons to watch, and few dramas on Apple TV+ (or any other platform) can claim to be as gripping from start to finish.

Watch On Apple TV+

Bad Sisters (2022-Present)

Close

Bad Sisters Release Date August 19, 2022 Cast Sharon Horgan , Anne-Marie Duff , Eva Birthistle , Sarah Greene , Eve Hewson , Claes Bang , Brian Gleeson , Daryl McCormack Seasons 1

Sharon Horgan’s pitch-black Irish comedy series Bad Sisters revolves around five siblings living in Dublin. Horgan plays Eva, the oldest sister, who comes up with the idea of murdering another sister's abusive husband, John Paul (Claes Bang). The first season sees the sisters' hilarious attempts to kill John Paul thwarted one after the other until Bad Sisters' wild season 1 ending, which leaves viewers clamoring for the sophomore installment.

With several Writers Guild of America, Critics' Choice Television Awards, and Primetime Emmy nominations, Bad Sisters is a thrilling and frequently uproarious murder mystery that proves the perfect conduit for Horgan’s acerbic wit. Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson splendidly round out the rest of the Garvey sisters as a truly magnetic ensemble – a key reason why it ranks among the best shows found on Apple TV+.

Watch On Apple TV+

The Morning Show (2019-Present)

Close

The Morning Show Release Date November 1, 2019 Cast Marcia Gay Harden , Holland Taylor , Bel Powley , Tom Irwin , Reese Witherspoon , Jack Davenport , Ruairi O'Connor , Greta Lee , Gugu Mbatha-Raw , Hasan Minhaj , Desean Terry , Jennifer Aniston , Nestor Carbonell , Julianna Margulies , Valeria Golino , Mark Duplass , Janina Gavankar , Karen Pittman , Steve Carell , Billy Crudup , Tara Karsian Seasons 2

Also known as Morning Wars in Indonesia and Australia, The Morning Show takes a peek behind the curtain of the world of morning TV, as the titular program's male co-anchor Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) is accused of sexual misconduct. The Morning Show takes a frank look at both sides of the #MeToo movement in season 1 and continues with topical issues present in media. Season 2 examines the COVID-19 pandemic while season 3 sees a tech billionaire (Jon Hamm) wanting to acquire the network.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

While the series isn't one of Apple TV+'s most critically acclaimed shows, The Morning Show cast members have earned widespread acclaim. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon have been nominated for several prestigious awards, with Billy Crudup taking home the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Emmy in 2020. Hello Sunshine, the production company founded by Witherspoon, is behind The Morning Show, and it joins the ranks of Big Little Lies and Little Fires Everywhere as one of the most gripping, relevant female-driven dramas on television.

Watch On Apple TV+

WeCrashed (2022)

Close

WeCrashed Release Date March 18, 2022 Cast Jared Leto , Anne Hathaway , Kyle Marvin , Anthony Edwards Seasons 1

American scandals are at the heart of many miniseries, from The Dropout to Pam & Tommy, and WeCrashed is Apple TV+'s engrossing, entertaining contribution to the trend. It follows the meteoric rise and calamitous fall of WeWork, Adam and Rebekah Neumann's office co-working company.

Corporate stories always run the risk of being dull and slow-paced, and WeCrashed was indeed criticized for its pacing issues. However, the decision to center the story on the marriage and relationship between Adam and Rebekah helps propel the story and keep the plot fresh. And while Hathaway's performance was overshadowed by Amanda Seyfried's Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout (which won Seyfried an Emmy), it deserves to be just as celebrated.

Watch On Apple TV+

Black Bird (2022)

Close

Black Bird Release Date August 8, 2022 Cast Taron Egerton , Paul Walter Hauser , Ray Liotta Seasons 1

Based on James Keene and Hillel Levin’s autobiographical novel In with the Devil and developed by Dennis Lehane, Black Bird is a crime drama miniseries about a once-promising young football star unexpectedly faced with narcotics charges that could send him to prison. Jimmy is forced to use his gift of gab to take a deal for a fully commuted sentence. The catch is that, in exchange, he must help federal authorities coax a confession out of Larry Hall — a serial killer.

Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Larry, won an award for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Golden Globes, while series lead Taron Egerton was nominated for Best Actor, and Black Bird itself earned a nomination for Best Limited Series. Black Bird will surely be remembered as one of the 2020s' best series, and it has more than cemented its status as one of the best shows on Apple TV+.

Watch On Apple TV+

Related The True Story Of Black Bird Explained Apple TV's hit TV show Black Bird tells the unbelievable true story of disgraced footballer Jimmy Keene and the serial killer he befriended.

Five Days At Memorial (2022)

Five Days at Memorial Release Date August 12, 2022 Cast Vera Farmiga , Cherry Jones , Robert Pine Seasons 1

Based on the harrowing true story and Sheri Fink book of the same name, Five Days at Memorial recounts the five days at Memorial Medical Center in a post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans when the hospital is without power. At the center of it all is Dr. Anna Pou (Vera Farmiga), who is accused of euthanizing patients during these trying days.

Five Days at Memorial is not an easy watch, and almost all critics agree how brutal it is to sit through. However, the pundits have also been near unanimous in their acclaim for the series as a necessary watch, with particular acknowledgment of horror star Vera Farmiga's compelling performance. This Apple TV+ miniseries may have flown under the radar, but it's a story that deserves to be told.

Watch On Apple TV+

Slow Horses (2022-Present)

Close

Slow Horses Release Date April 1, 2022 Cast Jonathan Pryce , Kristin Scott Thomas , Jack Lowden , Gary Oldman , Saskia Reeves , Chris Reilly , Rosalind Eleazar , Christopher Chung , Olivia Cooke Seasons 3

Those bored with smooth-talking, suave spies like James Bond or Ethan Hunt need look no further than Slow Horses. The Apple TV+ series centers on a group of incompetent MI5 agents (also known as "Slow Horses") whose failures on the job have placed them on desk duty. However, they get a shot at redemption when they uncover a sinister plot.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Slow Horses tells a hilarious underdog story and boasts an incredibly talented cast, led by a scene-chewing Gary Oldman. He plays the head of the Slough House department, the rude and offensive Jackson Lamb — essentially Apple TV+'s answer to Michael Scott. But Lamb is deceptively smart, and he and his crack team make Slow Horses as thrilling as it is funny.

Slow Horses season 4 is confirmed, making it a great time to jump into the Apple TV+ show.

Watch On Apple TV+

Best Period TV Shows On Apple TV+

Manhunt (2024)

Close

Manhunt (2024) Cast Tobias Menzies , Anthony Boyle , Lovie Simone , Matt Walsh , Brandon Flynn , Betty Gabriel , Will Harrison , Hamish Linklater , Damian O'Hare , Patton Oswalt , Lili Taylor Release Date March 15, 2024 Seasons 1 Showrunner Monica Beletsky

Apple TV+ has always been a go-to platform for fans of period dramas, and the 2024 historical thriller Manhunt arrived and instantly reached acclaim as one of the best of the bunch. Created by Monica Beletsky, Manhunt is based on the James L. Swanson book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. As the title of the source material suggests, the show focuses on the aftermath of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the hunt for his killer, John Wilkes Booth, which was carried out by Lincoln's close friend Edwin Stanton.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Tobias Menzies of The Crown fame plays Stanton in the Manhunt cast, alongside Anthony Boyle — who also stars in Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ — as John Wilkes Booth. They're joined by a well-rounded roster that includes Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Patton Oswalt, and Matt Walsh. The murder of Abraham Lincoln was one of the most significant events in US history, and Manhunt has been praised by audiences and critics alike for truly capturing just how emotional a moment it was for citizens at the time.

Watch On Apple TV+

The Buccaneers (2023-Present)

The Buccaneers Release Date November 8, 2023 Cast Guy Remmers , Simone Kirby , Matthew Broome , Francesca Corney , Kristine Froseth , Alisha Boe , Josie Totah , Christina Hendricks , Josh Dylan , Aubri Ibrag , Imogen Waterhouse Seasons 1

With offerings like The Essex Serpent and Dickinson, Apple TV+ has some of the greatest period series of any streaming service, and their latest, The Buccaneers, is among that number. Based on the unfinished Edith Wharton novel of the same name, The Buccaneers sees five vivacious and wealthy American girls looking for husbands in 1870s London. What follows is an enthralling culture clash as the posh British society looks down on these new arrivals from across the pond.

Anyone who thinks the period genre is tired and stuffy will be proven wrong by The Buccaneers. It brilliantly balances frothiness with poignance and has a lot to say about the expectations of women in society. If this series is any indication, lead actors Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Aubri Ibrag, and Imogen Waterhouse will become huge stars. Mad Men's Christina Hendricks also shines as Mrs. St. George. Fans of series like The Gilded Age and The Great will no doubt be adding The Buccaneers to their list of favorite shows.

Watch On Apple TV+

Lessons In Chemistry (2023)

Close

Lessons In Chemistry Release Date October 13, 2023 Cast Brie Larson , Lewis Pullman , Aja Naomi King , Stephanie Koenig , Patrick Walker , Thomas Mann , Kevin Sussman , Beau Bridges Seasons 1

A New York Times bestselling novel and Academy Award winner Brie Larson prove to be the perfect recipe for success with Lessons in Chemistry. Based on the beloved Bonnie Garmus book of the same name, this Apple TV+ miniseries follows Elizabeth Zott (Larson), a brilliant chemist who is fired from her lab tech job in the 1960s. She then begins hosting Supper at Six, a TV cooking show, which she uses as a platform to discuss feminist topics along with sharing delicious recipes.

Larson proves why she is one of Hollywood's most lauded working actors in yet another winning performance. She plays Elizabeth with poise, self-confidence, and relatability, and her rapport with male lead Lewis Pullman is itself a lesson in chemistry. The other actors in the Lessons in Chemistry cast are also at the top of their game, making it one of the best shows on Apple TV+ as far as the quality of performance for an ensemble cast goes.

Watch On Apple TV+

Dickinson (2019-2021)

Close

Dickinson Release Date November 1, 2019 Cast Anna Baryshnikov , Hailee Steinfeld , Wiz Khalifa , Jane Krakowski , Adrian Blake Enscoe , Toby Huss , Ella Hunt Seasons 3

A revelatory riff on the traditional biopic, Dickinson offers a unique blend between period drama and contemporary coming-of-age comedy. The Apple TV original show tells the story of a young Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld) as she negotiates familial relationships, sexual identity, and historical politics. In the vein of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, Dickinson may be a period series, but it's rooted firmly in the 21st century with its anachronisms of contemporary music and language.

Steinfeld gives one of her best performances in the title role of Dickinson, bringing a relatability to the otherwise imposing literary icon, and giving her a millennial sensibility. Some viewers may find this off-putting, but the fresh take on both the subject and the genre speaks to the themes of female agency throughout the show. Though mostly snubbed for major awards, Dickinson is remarkably consistent in its high quality from start to finish.

Watch On Apple TV+

The Essex Serpent (2022)

2022 was Claire Danes' year for miniseries. In addition to starring in Fleishman Is in Trouble, she played the lead role in the moody gothic romance period drama The Essex Serpent on Apple TV+. Based on the Sarah Perry novel of the same name, The Essex Serpent sees widowed Cora Seaborne (Danes) leave London for Essex where she looks into whether the titular creature is real. There, she's met with hostility from the locals but develops an unlikely — and very complicated — bond with Pastor Will Ransome (Tom Hiddleston).

The mystery of whether the serpent is real is enough to keep any viewer tuned into the miniseries' six episodes, but it's the smoldering chemistry between Danes and Hiddleston that really makes The Essex Serpent one of Apple TV+'s best shows. Yet again, they prove themselves masters of the small screen with their astounding performances.

Watch On Apple TV+

Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy TV Shows On Apple TV+

Ghostwriter (2019-2020)

Ghostwriter Release Date November 1, 2019 Cast Isaac Arellanes , Amadi Chapata , Justin Sanchez , Hannah Levinson , Nour Assaf , Princess Mapp , Daire McLeod

Released on November 1, 2019 as part of the Apple TV+ launch, Ghostwriter is one of the streaming service's first-ever series, and also one of its best. A reboot of the '90s series of the same name, Ghostwriter is a children's show centering on a group of kids who solve mysteries with the help of the eponymous spirit who communicates with them through written messages and as book character avatars.

The best kids' shows are a winning blend of educational and entertaining, and Ghostwriter is both in spades. It's a diverse, smart, fun series that celebrates reading and literature. Every young audience member will find a character they can relate to and identify with, and they may also be inspired to pick up the classic books seen in the show.

Watch On Apple TV+

Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters (2023)

Close

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Cast Kurt Russell , Wyatt Russell , Anna Sawai , Kiersey Clemons , Ren Watabe , Mari Yamamoto , Anders Holm , Joe Tippett , Elisa Lasowski Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Apple TV+

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters arrived on Apple TV+ in late 2023 and was immediately one of the best sci-fi shows on the platform — although this is of little surprise since it ties into Legendary's MonsterVerse movies, meaning that it brings Godzilla and many other titans to the small screen for the first time. With an all-star cast that includes John Goodman and father-son duo Wyatt and Kurt Russell playing the same character at different points in history, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters isn't just among the best Apple TV+ sci-fi shows because it features a heavy dose of kaiju action.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

One of the first Apple TV+ shows with the scope and budget to rival the cinematic Netflix and Amazon Prime Video originals, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has undoubtedly brought a fair few new subscribers to Apple's streaming service. While it's yet to receive any major awards acclaim, it's been responded to generally favorably by critics, and fans of Godzilla and MonsterVerse movies will find it captivating from start to finish.

Watch On Apple TV+

The Changeling (2023)

Close

The Changeling Release Date September 8, 2023 Cast LaKeith Stanfield , Clark Backo , Adina Porter , Jared Abrahamson , Alexis Louder , Malcolm Barrett

LaKeith Stanfield has proven himself as one of the most versatile actors working today, with success across many genres from horror (Get Out) to surreal fantasy (Sorry to Bother You). In The Changeling, based on the Victor LaValle novel of the same name, Stanfield taps into both. The unique horror-urban fantasy series sees Apollo (Stanfield) and Emma (Clark Backo) living a fairy tale romance that turns upside down when Emma goes missing after their child is born, and Apollo going on a dangerous, surreal journey to find her.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

While some critics may have dinged The Changeling for being a bit muddled and lacking Emma's perspective, it's one of Apple TV+'s most unconventional shows, and the risk pays off. The talented Stanfield once again proves why he's a star, playing a character that couldn't be more different from his other famous TV role, Darius in Atlanta.

Watch On Apple TV+

For All Mankind (2019-Present)

Close

For All Mankind Release Date November 1, 2019 Cast Michaela Conlin , jodi balfour , Coral Peña , Colm Feore , Sarah Jones , Wrenn Schmidt , Casey W. Johnson , Cynthy Wu , Shantel VanSanten , Michael Harney , Krys Marshall , Joel Kinnaman , Sonya Walger , Michael Dorman Seasons 4

An imaginative sci-fi fantasy that takes an alternative look at one of the most seminal moments in human history, For All Mankind is a thoughtful meditation on the ongoing impacts and potential missed opportunities of the space race. In the show's alternate reality, the father of the Soviet space program, Sergei Korolov lived instead of dying during an operation, allowing the Soviets to reach the Moon first.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The astronauts in the For All Mankind cast are based on real-life top NASA astronauts from the late '60s, with each succeeding season taking place a decade later than the last, providing a fascinating and realistic version of the historic space race. For All Mankind's unique premise and alternate history earned it recognition from the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Innovation in Interactive Programming, and the Saturn Awards for Best Fantasy Television Series.

Watch On Apple TV+

Severance (2022-Present)

Close

Severance Release Date February 18, 2022 Cast Christopher Walken , Tramell Tillman , Michael Chernus , Adam Scott , Britt Lower , Patricia Arquette , Jen Tullock , John Turturro , Dichen Lachman , Zach Cherry

A unique combination of dystopian sci-fi, psychological thriller, and workplace comedy, Severance revolves around biotech company Lumon Industries, which begins an experimental work program that separates employees’ office memories from the day-to-day of their personal lives. However, Macrodata Refinement worker Mark Scout (Adam Scott) soon discovers the conspiracy behind the experiment and what's really going on at the company.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Severance was named one of the Top 10 Programs of the Year by the American Film Institute in 2022, and was also awarded by the Art Directors Guild for outstanding production design — just a handful of its multiple nominations and wins. Scott leads Severance's star-studded cast in the pitch-perfect satire of the soul-crushing corporate world. Given its brilliantly risky and mystery-driven premise, Severance season 2 will determine whether the series can remain among the best Apple TV+ shows in the future.

Watch On Apple TV+

Related Articles
COMMENTS