Discover the Best of Apple TV+: A Unique Selection of Original Series
In a charming twist, a sitcom follows an American football coach relocated to the U.K. to oversee a different form of football. Ted Lasso, the first significant success for Apple TV+, has come to an end. Although other offerings from the platform haven’t quite captured the public’s imagination, Apple has nonetheless cultivated a respectable catalog of original series that are intriguing, enjoyable, and occasionally brilliant over the years.
While Apple’s catalog still lags behind the extensive libraries of competitors like Netflix or Hulu, the company’s substantial financial resources allow for bold experimentation, especially in high-stakes genres like science fiction—an encouraging trend.
The following is a curated list of 40 top original shows from Apple. This collection emphasizes titles you might not have yet enjoyed. Notably, Ted Lasso is absent from the list but remains worth a mention.
Dark Matter (2024 – , Renewed for Season Two)
This high-concept sci-fi drama, based on Blake Crouch’s novel, stars Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, and Alice Braga. Edgerton’s character, Jason Dessen, is a physicist who leads a fulfilling life with his wife, Daniela. However, after being abducted, he wakes up in a parallel universe where he never married Daniela. The alternate version of Jason—who discovered a way to travel through infinite realities—now aims to reclaim Jason’s life, setting our protagonist on a quest to return home. You can stream Dark Matter here.
Foundation (2021 – , Renewed for Season Three)
Despite occasionally straying from its source material—the famed Isaac Asimov novels—Foundation stands as a highly ambitious science-fiction epic in its own right. Led by Lou Llobel and Lee Pace, the series chronicles a diverse group of scholars and revolutionaries intent on dismantling a sprawling galactic empire to ultimately save it. With each season improving upon the last, the anticipation for Season Three is palpable. You can stream Foundation here.
Dope Thief (2025, Miniseries)
Reuniting childhood friends Ray and Manny (Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura) from Philadelphia, the duo adopts a unique livelihood by impersonating DEA agents and robbing stash houses. As they plot one last heist, the stakes elevate when they aim to rob a meth lab, unbeknownst to its connection to a large-scale DEA investigation. Though the premise may seem cliché, the performances shine in this high-stakes drama. You can stream Dope Thief here.
Slow Horses (2022 – , Renewed for Seasons Five and Six)
Drawing inspiration from the works of John le Carré, Slow Horses revitalizes the spy drama format while delivering suspense and wit. The titular “Slow Horses,” a group of disgraced MI5 agents, proves that even past mistakes can lead to surprising outcomes. Led by Gary Oldman, the show balances humor with the potential for redemption, making it a standout in Apple TV+’s lineup. You can stream Slow Horses here.
Sugar (2024 – , Renewed for Season Two)
What distinguishes Sugar is its unabashed homage to classic film noir elements, with a contemporary twist. The plot features detective John Sugar (Colin Farrell) drawn into the disappearance of a young woman linked to a high-profile movie producer. Probing the murky world of glitz and greed, the show pays tribute to the genre while introducing fresh characters and plot developments. You can stream Sugar here.
Pachinko (2022 – , Third Season Renewal Pending)
Pachinko shines as an American production that showcases a predominantly South Korean cast and crew. This epic tale follows a woman and her family through the Japanese occupation of Korea and the subsequent diaspora, aligning itself with the recent wave of successful K-dramas. The cinematography is captivating, and its storytelling is both personal and expansive. You can stream Pachinko here.
Palm Royale (2024 – , Renewed for Season Two)
Kristen Wiig shines as Maxine, a clever social climber in 1969 Palm Beach who aims for the heights of local circles by attaining membership in a prestigious private club. This comedic journey through high society is engaging and filled with quirky characters, from the energetic Laura Dern to the mysterious Carol Burnett. You can stream Palm Royale here.
Bad Sisters (2022 – , Third Season Renewal Pending)
Set against a backdrop of dark humor and nail-biting suspense, Bad Sisters explores a murder mystery that cleverly intertwines the dynamics of familial loyalty with intrigue. Centered around the titular sisters, the narrative unfolds when one of their unsavory husbands meets his demise. Each sister possesses valid reasons for their possible involvement, leading viewers through a tangled web of motivations. You can stream Bad Sisters here.
Severance (2022 – , Renewed for Season Three)
In a biting commentary on modern work culture, Severance presents a dystopian vision through the lens of Lumon Industries, which implements a shocking solution for “work-life balance.” Characters experience a literal separation of their work and personal lives, leading to surprising consequences. Its satirical yet thought-provoking approach probes the implications of technology in our everyday lives. You can stream Severance here.
The Buccaneers (2023 – , Renewed for Season Two)
This lively period drama, inspired by an incomplete Edith Wharton novel, tells the story of five well-to-do American daughters seeking secure marriages in Europe. Combining elements of humor with a keen sense of social critique, the series offers an entertaining and fresh take on traditional storytelling tropes. You can stream The Buccaneers here.
Hijack (2023 – , Renewed for Season Two)
Action thriller enthusiasts will appreciate Hijack, featuring Idris Elba as an astute business negotiator caught in a hijacked flight from London to Dubai. His survival instincts and negotiation skills are put to the test while time runs out. The real-time setup adds intensity to the narrative and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. You can stream Hijack here.
For All Mankind (2019 – , Renewed for Fifth Season)
This ambitious series speculates an alternate history where the space race never concluded, evolving uniquely across decades. Under the stewardship of Ronald D. Moore, it explores the implications of this continuous race, producing a fascinating blend of history and fiction. The depth of storytelling and character development offers a captivating experience for viewers. You can stream For All Mankind here.
Dickinson (2019 – 2021, Two Seasons)
Dickinson‘s whimsical treatment of the life of poet Emily Dickinson showcases her struggles and individuality through an anachronistic lens. This unique perspective deftly marries modern sensibilities with the historical setting, all while delivering a charming, stylistic visual narrative. You can stream Dickinson here.
Visible: Out on Television (2020, Miniseries)
This impactful documentary traces the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in television. By gathering insights from both celebrated personalities and everyday individuals, it showcases milestones and challenges in portraying diverse voices. You can stream Visible here.
Manhunt (2024, Miniseries)
Based on James L. Swanson’s book, this narrative delves into the chaotic aftermath of President Lincoln’s assassination and the hunt for John Wilkes Booth. Engagingly crafted, it explores the political fallout and the complexity of social tensions during a turbulent period in history. You can stream Manhunt here.
The Last Thing He Told Me (2023 – , Renewed for Season Two)
This engaging crime drama, based on Laura Dave’s bestselling novel, has garnered a mixed response yet remains one of the platform’s most-watched limited series. Following Jennifer Garner’s character as she tries to bond with her stepdaughter amidst the mystery of her missing husband, it combines family dynamics with thrilling elements. You can stream The Last Thing He Told Me here.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023 – , Renewed for Season Two)
Set in the established cinematic universe of Godzilla, Monarch skillfully weaves a narrative exploring family connections amid the chaos caused by monstrous consequences. With intense character arcs and a rich storyline, it presents a fresh examination of humanity’s response to extraordinary circumstances. You can stream Monarch here.
See (2019 – 2022, Three Seasons)
In a unique twist on H.G. Wells’ vision, See depicts a future where humanity has lost its sense of sight. The drama follows sighted individuals as they navigate a world where their attributes make them targets. Combining dystopian elements with a gripping narrative, it features standout performances from Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard. You can stream See here.
Central Park (2020 – 2022, Three Seasons)
From the creators behind Bob’s Burgers, Central Park features a rich musical component alongside its narrative. The show focuses on a park manager’s quest to save the beloved urban park from developers, enveloped in humor and heartwarming moments. You can stream Central Park here.
Silo (2023 – , Renewed for Third and Fourth Seasons)
Dramatizing a post-apocalyptic world, Silo showcases an impressive ensemble cast set in a confined environment that traps humanity. Blending societal dynamics with emerging mysteries, this adaptation of Hugh Howey’s novel captures a compelling dystopian experience. You can stream Silo here.
Schmigadoon! (2021 – 2023)
A musical comedy that celebrates and pokes fun at classic wedding tropes, Schmigadoon! follows a couple trapped in a town that embodies musical traditions. As they navigate the bright yet absurd world, they explore their true feelings, making for a delightful commentary on relationships. You can stream Schmigadoon! here.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (2024, One Season)
Featuring a humorous historical narrative, this series explores the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin through a whimsical lens. With a blend of truths and outright fabrications, its comedic tone adds lightness to the historical setting. Although production of a second season has halted under mysterious circumstances, the initial season remains a joyous endeavor. You can stream The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin here.
Masters of the Air (2024, Miniseries)
Continuing the legacy of acclaimed WWII dramas, Masters of the Air dives into the harrowing experiences of the 100th Bomb Group. Highlighting the ferocity and camaraderie of pilots, it features notable performances from Austin Butler and Ncuti Gatwa, immersing viewers in the dramatic landscape of war. You can stream Masters of the Air here.
Constellation (2024 – )
Venturing into high-concept sci-fi, Constellation follows astronaut Noomi Rapace as she returns to Earth, only to find an altered reality. Encompassing themes of discovery and adaptation, the narrative promises to captivate audiences just as Apple’s prior sci-fi hits have done. You can stream Constellation here.