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Step by step, Apple TV+ is making progress. The digital platform, which we initially described as “peculiar, moody, and exuding sensuality,” has transformed into a varied collection of thrillers, documentaries, and sitcoms. Now, its lineup is so extensive, we’ve crowned it “the modern HBO.”
Interested but unsure where to begin? Below, we share our recommendations for the top series on the platform. (Also, have a look at our choices for the top films on Apple TV+.) Once you’re done, check out our guides to the best series on Netflix, top movies on Hulu, and top movies on Amazon Prime, as you can never have enough entertainment.
Presumed Innocent
To clarify, this mystery has seen previous adaptations. Over three decades ago, Harrison Ford took the lead in the cinematic version of Scott Turow’s book. In this rendition, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor from Chicago accused of murdering a coworker he was romantically involved with. The show, produced by David E. Kelley, offers the same allure and sophistication as his recent productions, such as Big Little Lies and The Undoing, blended with intensity and drama.
Sunny
Sunny arrives at a unique juncture. It delves into the narrative of Suzie (Rashida Jones), a woman whose spouse and child vanish in an enigmatic plane crash. To cope with her sorrow, Suzie is introduced to Sunny, a household robot with which she develops a special connection while unraveling the mystery encompassing her family’s disappearance. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, Sunny is poised to evoke different sentiments than ever before. The initial two episodes air on July 10, followed by the subsequent eight weekly installments until September.
STEVE! (martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces
Including this two-part documentary on the “top Apple TV+ series” list is somewhat of a loophole. Instead of a series, this documentary dual explores the life and trajectory of Steve Martin. The initial segment chronicles his ascension within, and reshape of, the stand-up comedy milieu. The subsequent part delves into his transition into portraying the neurotic and endearing neighbor on Only Murders in the Building, a role marking a notable progression in his career amid his multiple ventures. Directed by Morgan Neville, renowned for the documentaries 20 Feet From Stardom and Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, the documentary is humorous, personal, and somewhat unexpected—much like Martin himself.
Loot
In essence, Loot doesn’t revolve around MacKenzie Scott’s separation from Jeff Bezos, but rather follows Molly (Maya Rudolph), a woman who divorces her technology magnate spouse to focus on charitable endeavors. While fashioned by Alan Yang (Master of None) and Matt Hubbard (Superstore), the series draws inspiration from the breakup of Bezos and Scott. Featuring an exceptional supporting cast including Joel Kim Booster, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Adam Scott, this unconventional comedy is imbued with sentiment—a rarity possibly unexplored on Amazon Prime Video.
The Big Door Prize
Through The Big Door Prize, Chris O’Dowd is distinguished with the role he was innately destined for—the lead character. Portraying Dusty, a 40-year-old educator content with his mundane existence until a mystical apparatus appears in his tranquil town. This contraption unveils individuals’ life potentials, causing upheaval as those in Dusty’s proximity embrace its revelations. Relationships dissolve, paths diverge, forcing Dusty to confront the essence of his personal happiness. Season 2, introduced in spring 2024, delves into the aftermath of the upheaval.
The Completely Fabricated Escapades of Dick Turpin
Dick Turpin, a historic highwayman from the 18th-century, serves as the inspiration for this fascinating series, a tale of whimsical adventures brought to life in unexpected forms.
England, who met his end through the act of stealing a horse. However, the tales encircling him are much more captivating than the truths. The Completely Fictitious Journeys of Dick Turpin, in accordance with its name, chooses to focus on the entertaining aspects. Featuring Noel Fielding (The British Baking Contest) in the lead role, this series spanning six episodes portrays Turpin as an individual who inadvertently becomes the leader of a band of outlaws and embraces the situation. Enjoy the adventure.
Astral Arrangement
In this area, we posit that Apple TV+ is akin to the modern-day HBO. Simultaneously, we contemplate among ourselves whether it could be likened to the contemporary version of Syfy. After making a strong entrance in 2019 with For All Mankind, the platform has consistently delivered a stream of mind-bending, otherworldly, and temporally eccentric high-quality shows, from Foundation to Severance. In the early months of 2024, they introduced Astral Arrangement, an intriguing eight-episode thriller revolving around an astronaut (portrayed by Noomi Rapace) who returns to Earth following a space calamity only to discover that things are awry. It’s a gripping and mind-boggling sci-fi experience that will draw you in. Immerse yourself.
Aces of the Firmament
Commonly speaking, the combination of “World War II drama” and Steven Spielberg is likely sufficient to entice anyone to press Play on this series, but it offers more than just a compelling pitch. Adapted from Donald L. Miller’s Aces of the Firmament, this show delves deep into the lives of the 100th Bomb Group—also known as the “Bloody Hundredth”—a squadron of pilots entrusted with risking their lives to combat Nazi Germany from the skies. Spielberg and Tom Hanks are at the helm as executive producers, with a cast including Austin Butler as Elvis, Barry Keoghan from Saltburn, and Ncuti Gatwa, the new Doctor in Doctor Who.
The Modern Appearance
Continuing the World War II motif, The Modern Appearance tracks the journeys of Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain, and Cristóbal Balenciaga as they pave the way for contemporary fashion in occupied Paris. The lineup includes Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior, Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, and Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior, and boasts a soundtrack curated by Jack Antonoff filled with early 20th-century tunes reimagined by artists like Perfume Genius and Florence Welch.
Illegal History
The dramas on Apple TV+ are currently on a winning streak. With acclaimed series like For All Mankind and Slow Horses gaining popularity, the streaming platform is adding more compelling content with Illegal History. Starring former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi, this crime series follows two detectives—Capaldi’s Daniel Hegarty and Cush Jumbo’s June Lenker—striving to unearth the truth behind a case long considered closed. While Daniel had secured a confession during the initial investigation, June receives a fresh lead and urges him to reopen the case to determine if the individual convicted of murder is truly innocent. Though the premise may sound familiar, the series incorporates themes of law enforcement failures and racial dynamics in a rapidly evolving British society, making it a multi-dimensional narrative beyond a singular case.
Airplane Seizure
There exists a particular expression that Idris Elba masterfully executes. He has honed this since his days as Stringer Bell on The Wire. It embodies an aura of serene composure even when tackling the most intense subjects. This countenance is fully employed in Airplane Seizure, where Elba takes on the role of a corporate negotiator faced with the task of resolving a standoff with a group of hijackers who have seized control of the flight he is aboard, attempting to return home to his family. Spanning seven episodes, roughly equivalent to the duration of the flight, the series unfolds the airborne drama and the political machinations on the ground before aiming for a satisfying conclusion. Be sure to stay engaged until the finale.
For All Mankind
Before the likes of Foundation, there existed For All Mankind. Not only did the show establish the tone for the high-quality, prestigious sci-fi that Apple TV+ aimed to produce, but it also marked the platform’s entry into the realm dominated by major streaming services. Offering a compelling slice of alternate history, the series poses a thought-provoking question: What if the US had lost the race to put a man on the moon? How would the rivalry in space exploration have unfolded between the Americans and the Soviets? While primarily a sleek, visually appealing, and NASA-centric period piece, the series, crafted by the mind of Ronald D. Moore, delivers standout moments and episodes that spotlight the extensive ensemble cast. It might just be the finest sci-fi series you’ve yet to explore, and if that rings true, you now have a multitude of options to indulge in
periods to binge-watch.
Messi Encounters America
If your device’s main page hasn’t made it clear, Apple TV+ is extremely excited about football nowadays. Messi Encounters America is a docuseries with six episodes that revolves around star athlete Lionel Messi’s transfer to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami team. The initial trio of episodes aired on October 11, 2023, with subsequent installments following during the previous MLS season. The Messi excitement is real.
Educational Moments in Chemistry
Adapted from the initial book by science author Bonnie Garmus, Educational Moments in Chemistry narrates the tale of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), who is recruited to host a culinary show after getting fired from her laboratory position for practicing science as a woman. Unsurprisingly, the show she presents encompasses more than just preparing meals on time, and uncovering its revolutionary essence is recommended.
The Dawn Broadcast
Each online platform requires a grand mainstream spectacle with distinguished Hollywood stars to attract viewers. Apple TV+ offers The Dawn Broadcast. Following Alex Levy’s (Jennifer Aniston) loss of her morning news co-host Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) due to allegations of misconduct, she joins forces with Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon). What transpires is a drama set in the #MeToo era brimming with intrigue within a television network and dialog reminiscent of Sorkin’s style. Its second season delves into the impact of Covid-19, while the third season introduces the fictional UBA network dealing with the repercussions of a cyberattack. An upcoming season is likely to arrive in 2025, so now is a good moment to catch up or refresh your memory.
Glimmering Women
Starring Elisabeth Moss, this psychological thriller/murder mystery was released in 2022 but did not gain the attention it likely deserved. Nonetheless, it’s a must-watch if you haven’t already. Moss portrays Kirby, a woman who suspects a recent killing in Chicago might be linked to an assault on her many years ago. Her collaboration with a reporter from the Sun-Times reveals unsettling truths, blurring the lines of her own reality. Based on Lauren Beukes’ book The Shining Women, this series may appear as another crime mystery, but its sci-fi elements elevate it above the norm.
Base
In our assessment of the first season, WIRED described Base as a “flawed work of art.” Given the challenges of adapting the expansive collection of books by Isaac Asimov, this was high praise. Featuring Jared Harris as Hari Seldon, a mathematician banished alongside his faithful followers for foretelling the imminent downfall of the ruling galactic empire, the show sometimes struggles under the weight of its vast narrative. However, it showcases splendid performances by Lee Pace and captivating visuals inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope. If you appreciate grand sci-fi sagas, this space-based production a la Game of Thrones demands your attention.
The Occupied Hall
Taking place during the late 1970s, The Occupied Hall features Tom Holland as Danny Sullivan, a young man apprehended after a shocking shooting incident in New York City. Following his detention, this ten-part limited series evolves into a convoluted mystery as interrogator Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) tries to untangle the events surrounding the shooting and Sullivan’s unusual past experiences that may have influenced his involvement. Holland shared with Extra that the filming of The Occupied Hall, a series he also produced, significantly impacted him, prompting a one-year hiatus from acting. Curious to uncover the reasons? Dive into the show now.
Underground Storage Facility
As stated by WIRED’s Kate Knibbs following the release of Underground Storage Facility, this program embodies elite sci-fi storytelling. Derived from a dystopian trilogy by Hugh Howey, the series centers around an underground facility—silo of the heading—where mankind has isolated itself after the doomsday. Some are vying for the opportunity to procreate, some are attempting to unravel enigmatic homicides. Every onlooker is relishing deciphering what’s unfolding in this subterranean metropolis—and what’s transpiring beyond it.
Ted Lasso
In writing, Ted Lasso seems dreadful. The improbable tale of an American football instructor who has never witnessed a match of football somehow securing a position as coach of a (fictional) Premier League team and striving to compensate for his utter absence of credentials by being a pleasant individual. Seems unwatchable, doesn’t it? Yet Ted Lasso has captivated the affections and thoughts of observers on both sides of the pond with its larger-than-life cast and irresistibly heartwarming messages, amassing awards along the way. The third and last season hit the streaming platform last year, so now is the optimal moment to binge-watch it all.
High Desert
The Patricia Arquette revival doesn’t receive as much attention as Matthew McConaughey or Keanu Reeves did during their resurgences, but it’s here—in part due to the surge of streaming. Between The Act and Severance, Arquette has garnered some of the highest praises of her extensive career recently, and High Desert is no exception. While reconciling with the demise of her mother, Peggy (Arquette)—an addict—resolves to pick up the fragments of her life and become a private detective. She encounters an unwitting employer/sometime tutor in Bruce Harvey (Brad Garrett), but not everyone is supportive of Peggy’s career choices—specifically, her rigid sister (Christine Taylor). It’s an eccentric show, superbly suited to Arquette’s otherworldly performing style, enabling her to effortlessly shift between instances of sorrow and side-splitting comedy, with the audience striving to keep pace. The illustrious cast is further enhanced by recurring cameos from Bernadette Peters as Peggy’s deceased mother.
Big Beasts
Look, Discovery doesn’t have the exclusive rights on animal documentaries—and this 10-part docuseries demonstrates that. Showcasing elephant seals, brown bears, orangutans, giant otters, and various colossal creatures in between, it’s the ideal choice if you merely desire to evade and acquire a few insights about the natural world. But the cherry on top? It’s narrated by Tom Hiddleston, and there’s just something delightful about listening to the voice of Loki expound about a plethora of diverse animals he could transform into in an instant.
Shrinking
Do you appreciate In Treatment but long for it to be, well, enjoyable? Then Shrinking might be fitting for you. Devised by Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein—of Ted Lasso fame—and Jason Segel, the series revolves around Jimmy (Segel), a therapist grappling with moving on from the loss of his spouse and reconnecting with his daughter and clients. That might sound gloomy, and the show isn’t devoid of its somber moments, but it’s uplifted by the fact that it’s also a workplace comedy centering on the therapy office where Jimmy collaborates with Harrison Ford’s Paul and Jessica Williams’ Gaby. Shrinking, fundamentally, is about the coping mechanisms people employ, but it also boasts an exceptional ensemble cast and one exceedingly memorable gathering scene featuring a (unrelated) vomit-drenched piano and a supremely intoxicated Ford.
Servant
From a cinematographic perspective, M. Night Shyamalan can be slightly unpredictable, but Servant, which the filmmaker oversees and sporadically directs, is exceptional. It follows a Philadelphia duo—a chef and a news presenter—who lose a child only for it to mysteriously return to life (possibly) upon the arrival of their new nanny. (You truly must watch the series for any of this to make sense.) Moody, eerie, and at times even comical, it will draw you in. And now that it concluded its fourth and ultimate season, there’s plenty to savor.
The Essex Serpent
Claire Danes showcasing her finest quivering-chin acting in historical attire, Tom Hiddleston as a village clergyman, rumors about a mystical mythological serpent—is there anything not to adore about this series? No, there isn’t. The Essex Serpent, adapted from the book by Sarah Perry, trails a recent widow (Danes) as she journeys to the Essex countryside to explore a “sea dragon.” There, she encounters a cleric, Will (Hiddleston), who is considerably more skeptical about the serpent’s existence. Luxuriant and inviting, it’s the quintessential historical mystery.
Severance
Among all the series on this compilation, Severance might be the one that solidified Apple TV+ as a streaming service renowned for daring premium material. Adam Scott portrays Mark, a man in distress after losing his wife who chooses to experience Severance, a process that separates his memories of work from those of his personal life. He finds contentment with this arrangement until a past colleague from Lumon Industries reaches out to him during his time off, triggering a sequence of events that lead him to question not just Severance, but also the nature of his company’s work. The narrative unfolds into deeper territories of strangeness and desolation with each passing moment. Suspenseful and poignant, this series, predominantly helmed by Ben Stiller, will leave you in suspense and self-reflection throughout.
Cultural Mosaic
Initially unveiled during the presidency of Donald Trump, Cultural Mosaic remained a timely portrayal of what truly embodies the essence of America. Each installment of this anthology series spotlights a distinct tale of immigrants residing in the United States. From an undocumented high school student uncovering a skill for squash to a “bra whisperer” in Brooklyn, every one of these 30-minute narratives—each grounded on real individuals—is uplifting and essential viewing.
Legendary Epic
A rare example of a successful video game television show, Legendary Epic stands as one of the finest recent workplace comedies. Delivered in easily binge-watchable half-hour segments, the series tracks a fictional game studio famous for its World of Warcraft-like MMO, Legendary Epic, as its creators navigate through their myriad idiosyncratic connections. The scripting is top-notch, consistently humorous, and emotionally resonant when you least anticipate it, effectively addressing industry concerns without sacrificing humor.
Elizabethan
Hailee Steinfeld embodies a spirited young Emily Dickinson in this half-hour series crafted by creator Alena Smith. A part of the original Apple TV+ lineup, the show swiftly set itself apart with its eccentric depiction of 19th-century Amherst, Massachusetts. The initial season weaves a collection of sharp, surreal anecdotes, inspired by Dickinson’s verses and tracing the speculative life of the budding poet, who rebels against her father, the town’s societal norms, and nearly everything else. The subsequent seasons delve deeper, exploring not just the poet’s existence but also the influence of race, gender, sexuality, and class in early American history. Whether you’re a Dickinson enthusiast, relish clever queer drama, or enjoy a contemporary soundtrack in a Civil War-era setting, you’ll be captivated by this series.
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