15 Best Shows on Apple TV+, Ranked

Among a plethora of streaming services, Apple TV+ is attempting to differentiate itself by growing its catalog of original shows. Apple TV+ offers movies, shows, and an organizational platform for anyone with Apple products, so they can have all of their programs in one place. While it’s nice to have your purchased shows and movies altogether in a single app, Apple TV+’s originals really ought to have your attention.

Apple TV+’s shows have been thrust into the spotlight with the success of Ted Lasso. However, Apple TV+ has a lot more to offer. It has critically acclaimed shows that cover a multitude of genres, and while Hulu and Netflix have been creating original content for much longer, Apple is beginning to make a name for itself with big stars and even bigger awards surrounding their shows. These are our picks for the best shows you can stream on Apple TV+ right now.

Updated June 22, 2024: This collection of the best shows streaming on Apple TV+ has been updated with additional information and even more shows.

15 Slow Horses (2022 – Present)

Mick Herron’s acclaimed spy series comes to life on the small screen via Apple TV+’s Slow Horses. Based on the similarly-titled Slough House series of novels, Slow Horses follows the escapades of Slough House, a place for miserable MI5 agents to toil with endless paperwork. However, be it luck or coincidence, the Slough House manages to find itself at the center of dangerous conspiracies and malevolent plotting. Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the rude but crafty head of Slough House, with Jack Lowden, Saskia Reeves, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Olivia Cooke co-starring.

Gary Oldman Leads a Terrific Espionage Series

Aside from featuring the terrific Gary Oldman in the lead role, Slow Horses also makes for an incredible adaptation of Herron’s original novels. Each season roughly adapts a single book over the course of six episodes, with a total of three seasons currently available to watch. It’s also been the recipient of numerous accolades, including nominations for Best Original Music: Fiction and Best Editing: Fiction from the British Academy Television Craft Awards. Gary Oldman would eventually win a Satellite Award for Best Actor – Drama or Genre Series as well.

14 Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023 – Present)

With giant monsters on the rise once more, there’s no better time to check out this exciting Monsterverse series. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is a series set directly after the events of 2014’s Godzilla, depicting a pair of half-siblings as they investigate the titular monster’s origins. Specifically, they’re interested in their father’s connection to Monarch, an elusive organization dedicated to the study of “Titans.” What they discover, however, will shock just about everyone. Anna Sawai and Ren Watabe star alongside Kiersey Clemons, Mari Yamamoto, Wyatt Russell, Kurt Russell, and Elisa Lasowski.

Titans on the Small Screen

Aside from expanding the Monsterverse once more, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters does an excellent job of forming a compelling narrative with the Titans at the forefront. The series’ split between different time periods makes for an interesting plot progression, and its visual effects are legitimately impressive, even netting the series an award nomination at the Visual Effects Society Awards. It’s also worth noting that the prominence of both Kurt and Wyatt Russell earns the series some bonus nostalgia points as well.

13 Dark Matter (2024 – Present)

Dark Matter hits you with an interesting thriller premise right off the bat: What if you were kidnapped by yourself? That’s exactly what happens to Jason Dessen, an ordinary Chicago physicist played by Joel Edgerton. As he awakens in a mysterious laboratory away from his loving family, Dessen is made aware of the existence of alternate dimensions. He embarks on a tense journey to reunite with his loved ones, unaware that his alternate self is currently living a fulfilling life with them. Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, and Dayo Okeniyi make up the rest of the main cast.

A Multiverse Science Fiction Thriller

Based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Blake Crouch, Dark Matter drew positive reception for its intriguing premise alongside the dual performances by Joel Edgerton. Those who enjoyed the original novel will also be happy, as Crouch himself is attached to the series as both a writer and showrunner. It’s also worth noting that Jakob Verbruggen and Roxann Dawson are attached as directors as well, having previously directed the Black Mirror episode “Men Against Fire” and several episodes of The Good Wife, respectively.

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Dark Matter - Blake Crouch and Matt Tolmach

Blake Crouch Almost Quit Writing to Be a Lawyer, Explains Adapting Dark Matter for TV

The Wayward Pines author discussed bringing Dark Matter to Apple TV+ and the moment he very nearly quit writing to study law.

12 Hijack (2023 – Present)

With a second season officially on the way, there’s no better time to check out Apple TV+’s Hijack. A series by George Kay (Lupin) and Jim Field Smith (The Wrong Mans), Hijack sees Idris Elba donning an unassuming role as Sam Nelson, a competent business negotiator. However, his skills are put to the ultimate test when his flight to London is taken over by hijackers. Neil Maskell, Eve Myles, Christine Adams, and Max Beesley co-star in this series, which takes place across a brisk seven episodes.

A Pristine Idris Elba Thriller

Hijack has a lot going for it. It’s got a thrilling premise, the talented Idris Elba in the lead role, and its theme is even co-produced by DJ Shadow, Richard Ashcroft, and Wil Malone. Its popularity on Apple TV+ was even noticed by the Nielsen streaming rankings, per The Hollywood Reporter, making it the second-ever Apple TV+ series to do so. While this acclaimed thriller was originally slated as a limited series, its overall success and positive qualities will hopefully make it a staple of the streamer’s catalog for months to come.

11 Silo (2023 – Present)

If Apple TV+ has anything going for it in general, it has to be its stellar science fiction catalog. Shows like Silo are an excellent example of this, adapting the titular trilogy of novels originally written by Hugh Howey. Taking place in a dystopian future, Silo sees an isolated community living underground in a gargantuan silo. Rebecca Ferguson stars as Juliette Nichols, an engineer whose inquisitive nature may uncover forgotten mysteries that some would rather leave in obscurity. Rashida Jones, David Oyelowo, Common, Tim Robbins, and more make up this series’ expansive cast.

A Stellar Science Fiction Series

Though the original concept for Silo toiled in development hell for years, the final product is one worth seeing. Those who engross themselves in fantastic worldbuilding will find plenty to love in Silo, and Rebecca Ferguson does an amicable job in the lead role following her performances in Dune and the Mission: Impossible series. That’s not to suggest that the supporting cast aren’t up to snuff, however. It’s also worth mentioning that Graham Yost created this series, having previously created the acclaimed FX series Justified.

Silo

Release Date: May 5, 2023
Studio: Apple TV+, MC Studios
Streaming Service(s): Apple TV+

10 Mythic Quest (2020 – Present)

Mythic Quest is a comedy by the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, specifically Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney. It follows a fictional game development company that must work together to expand and improve its titular MMORPG game. Naturally, game development is far from easy, and the team’s efforts face opposition from all fronts. McElhenney stars as Ian Grimm, the creative director of the game, with Ashly Burch, Jessie Ennis, Imani Hakim, and David Hornsby making up a portion of the main cast.

A Comedy Focused on Game Development

An ensemble comedy, Mythic Quest develops interesting characters with contrasting motivations who must work together to accomplish the same goal. The workplace comedy is a bit of a tired genre, but Mythic Quest breathes new life into it by bringing the genre into a newer and unconventional workplace environment. The series humanizes game development and developers while also drawing great comedy from the unique situations that arise from them. Those who play video games will also appreciate the involvement of Ubisoft, a prominent video game publisher, to ensure the series remains accurate to the real-life industry.

9 Schmigadoon! (2021 – 2023)

One of the funniest shows on Apple TV+, Schmigadoon! is a bombastic musical parody. Based on a multitude of musicals from the 1940s and ’50s, and drawing its title from Brigadoon, this show puts a modern twist on them all. Schmigadoon! follows a troubled couple — Josh Skinner (Keegan-Michael Key) and Melissa Gimble (Cecily Strong) — who go on a hiking trip to repair their relationship. That is, until they stumble upon a magical town trapped in the Golden Age of musicals.

Gone Too Soon

The show not only has a star-studded cast, but has some great music to boot, with series co-creator Cinco Paul writing the lyrics for all songs featured throughout. A majority of the show’s cast outside the leading duo also reappear for its second season, including the fantastic talents of Kristin Chenoweth, Dove Cameron, Aaron Tveit, and even Martin Short. While its mass appeal may be more limited by its focus on musical elements, it’s a fantastic show for theater kids, adults, and geeks alike. Though it was canceled shortly after Season 2, a stage production of the series is currently slated for release in 2025.

Schmigadoon!

Release Date: July 16, 2021
Seasons: 1
Studio: Apple TV+, Broadway Video, Universal TV

8 Shrinking (2023 – Present)

Jason Segel, known for his comedic talent, has joined forces with some alumni of the kindhearted show Ted Lasso to bring us a fresh take on the world of therapy. Together, they have crafted Shrinking, a comedy-drama about a therapist grieving the loss of his wife and reconnecting with his daughter and patients. His therapy practice takes a life-changing turn as he ignores ethical barriers by expressing his unfiltered thoughts to his patients. Segel stars as Jimmy Laird, the therapist, with additional roles played by the likes of Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller, and Harrison Ford.

A Fantastic Dramedy Series

It’s hard to go wrong when you have the creative minds behind Scrubs, How I Met Your Mother, and Ted Lasso working behind the scenes. This engaging dramedy would go on to receive two nominations at the Emmy Awards, one for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. A witty and comforting show about the transformative power — and potential dangers — of radical honesty, Shrinking received generally favorable reviews and was renewed for a second season.

Shrinking

Release Date: January 27, 2023
Seasons: 1
Studio: Doozer Productions,Warner Bros. Television

Shrinking Star Teases Season 2 and ‘A Lot of Crazy Storylines’

In an exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Shrinking star Ted McGinley teases season 2 and reveals what it’s like to share a scene with Harrison Ford.

7 Bad Sisters (2022 – Present)

This Irish dark comedy, adapted from the Belgian thriller Clan, follows the story of five sisters — Eva (Sharon Horgan), Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Greene), and Becka (Eve Hewson) — who make a vow to protect each other after losing their parents in a car accident. When Grace’s abusive and controlling husband dies, investigators become suspicious that the sisters may have been involved in his sudden death. Bad Sisters opens at the memorial service, leaving the big question on everyone’s mind: How exactly did the sisters pull off this perfect crime?

Nominated for Four Academy Awards

If you’re a fan of Big Little Lies, then you absolutely must check out this series. It features a fantastic cast that also includes Brian Gleeson and Daryl McCormack, and its intense thriller elements are balanced out with morbid black comedy throughout. While it has only aired for a single season so far, the series won a Peabody Award in 2022 and was additionally nominated for several Emmy Awards, including an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series nomination for Sharon Horgan.

Bad Sisters

Release Date: August 19, 2022
Seasons: 1
Studio: Apple TV+, ABC Signature, Apple, Caviar Films

6 For All Mankind (2019 – Present)

Following an alternate timeline of the space race between the US and USSR, For All Mankind begs the question: What if the space race never ended? In the show, the Soviets reach the moon before the Americans. When this happens, the Americans refuse to give up and choose instead to attempt their counterparts time and time again. Could women go to the moon? Families? Children? Could people live on the moon? All episodes of For All Mankind strive to answer all of these questions and more, skipping forward an entire decade in history with each successive season.

A Series That Continually Raises the Stakes

For All Mankind is a series that takes its premise to the next level by continually escalating its stakes. From the 1960s to the early 2000s, this alternate history science fiction series incorporates its worldbuilding into its plot effortlessly, juggling real-life historical figures with captivating characters brought to life by a talented rotating cast. Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Sarah Jones, Daniel Stern, and Jodi Balfour are just a few names attached.

For All Mankind

Release Date: November 1, 2019
Cast: Joel Kinnaman , Michael Dorman , Sarah Jones , Shantel VanSanten , Sonya Walger
Seasons: 4

5 Dickinson (2019 – 2021)

As one of the first original shows to be released on Apple TV+, Dickinson introduced the world to the streamer’s offbeat, creative potential. Dickinson was also one of the most well-written shows of Apple’s first batch of original programming, following famed poet Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld) as she navigates writing, sexuality, family, and the disintegration of the world she used to know. Toby Huss, Anna Baryshnikov, Ella Hunt, and more join the cast of this intriguing historical series, with Gus Birney and even Wiz Khalifa appearing in recurring roles.

Apple TV+’s First Peabody Winner

Dickinson uses its conventional premise to explore the possibilities that may be within the great writer’s love life. The show also reads as a sort of coming-of-age story, just one set in the 19th century with an extremely modern sensibility. It also holds the distinction of being one of Apple TV+’s first Peabody Award winners. Dickinson finished its run after season three, which wrapped at the end of 2021 in a delightful way. If you’re looking for a show to binge in full, Dickinson is a perfect option.

4 Severance (2022 – Present)

The dystopian sci-fi show Severance has become one of the most acclaimed shows of 2022, and one of the most fantastic shows on Apple TV+ period. Wonderfully tense and original, Severance follows the complex story of Lumon Industries employees who undergo a procedure that divides their brains into work and home halves. Adam Scott’s character, a widower named Mark, enrolls in the “severance” program. However, a new rebellious colleague, Helly (Britt Lower), forces him to challenge his perspective and discover the truth about Lumon Industries.

An Acclaimed Science Fiction Series

With 14 Emmy nominations and two major category wins (Best Drama and Best New Series) at the Writers Guild Awards, it’s safe to say that Severance made waves in the industry. This high-concept science fiction thriller is thoroughly engaging, combining its talented principal cast with the likes of John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, and more. It’s a terrific series overall, with fans eagerly anticipating Severance‘s second season.

Severance

Release Date: February 18, 2022
Seasons: 1

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Severance Season 2 first look with Adam Scott holding blue balloons

Severance Season 2 Footage and Adam Scott Tease Return of Apple TV+ Hit

Apple TV+ thriller Severance Season 2 will be ‘so much fun,’ said star Adam Scott, who is seen in the new image and footage from the show.

3 Ted Lasso (2020 – 2023)

If you haven’t heard of Ted Lasso, you’ve probably been living under a rock. Originally made as an NBC Sports promo, the show follows an American Division II College Football coach as he is hired to coach a struggling Premier League soccer club in London. Though he has no actual experience coaching a soccer team, his optimistic attitude may be the key to the team’s success.

A Flagship Apple TV+ Series

The idea is a bit outlandish, but that’s what makes it fun, allowing the show to build up its characters in the kookiest and most enjoyable of ways. In fact, the characters in Ted Lasso are what make it great, and their innate kindness to one another is crucially important in these divisive times. Despite the show being named after the main character, it truly is an ensemble comedy.

Jason Sudeikis certainly does an amazing job as Ted Lasso, but he would be a lot less funny without the amazing acting of Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, and the rest of the cast. Its refreshingly optimistic and positive themes are ultimately what made it such a fantastic time, resonating with audiences and critics alike with incredible viewership numbers and over 20 Emmy Award nominations in its first season alone.

Ted Lasso

Release Date: April 14, 2020
Seasons: 3
Streaming Service(s): Apple TV+

2 Home Before Dark (2020 – 2021)

Home Before Dark is a dramatic mystery series based on the real-life story of award-winning reporter Hilde Lysiak. Hilde (Brooklynn Prince) is only nine years old when she moves from the big city of Brooklyn to a small coastal town where her father Matt (Jim Sturgess) grew up. The child’s curious nature and sharp wits lead her to start uncovering the details of a cold case surrounding a child’s abduction that took place in the 1980s. At first, the police dismiss her and underestimate her potential for putting two and two together. Hilde’s undeniable gift, however, quickly wins everyone over, especially as she keeps bringing in strong leads in the case.

A Chilling Mystery Led by Brooklynn Prince

The creators of the show, Dana Fox and Dara Resnik, did a marvelous job of writing a complex, truly gifted character that still sounds like a 9-year-old. The show is an intriguing watch, depicting the unraveling of a murder mystery from the fresh perspective of a child with plenty of fantastic cast members to boot. While it was never officially renewed or canceled, the two seasons currently available are a thrilling watch.

1 Foundation (2021 – Present)

The Foundation saga, created by David S. Goyer, is set in the distant future and follows a group of exiled humans scattered around the galaxy, all living under the strong dominion of the Galactic Empire. Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), the mathematician of the group, predicts the unavoidable fall and destruction of the empire. Those who believe Seldon’s predictions are subsequently tasked with preserving the next generation of the new empire, along with dealing with other conflicts that may arise from their mission.

Heavily Inspired by Isaac Asimov

This Apple TV+ show is based on the highly celebrated author Isaac Asimov’s book series of the same name. Although the show departs from the books in some minor details, it stays faithful to its premise and its themes of hope in humanity and the struggle for survival. It’s a very clinical science fiction series, one that resembles the likes of classic Star Trek, yet it carries with it some incredible production values and terrific performances. Two seasons are available as of writing, with a third season currently in production.