The streaming service Apple TV Plus has a burgeoning library of fantastic must-watch TV shows, but with its library getting larger every time, it can be hard to find the shows that are really worth watching. That's why we've curated a list of the best Apple TV Plus shows worth watching.
Apple TV Plus focuses on prestige TV shows, the kind you'd want to watch once per week instead of binging in one block, and after launching in 2019 it's slowly grown into one of the best streaming services for fans of must-watch series. It's got a lot of shows but if you're on one of the limited-time Apple TV Plus free trials, you want to know what to watch without wasting time on series you won't like.
To help you find what's worth watching, the TV experts at What to Watch have put their heads together to find you the best shows on Apple TV Plus. We update this article frequently to reflect all the new shows added to the streamer, so keep checking back once you finish your last binge to find something new!
At the time of writing, 15 of the shows have 90+ on Rotten Tomatoes, while a few more have 80+. We've also included a few selections that received lower scores that our expert TV writers think are still worth your time.
Our latest update in December 2024 saw us include a new nature doc which dropped at the end of the year, plus updates about renewed series on this list.
Best Apple TV Plus shows — drama
Lessons in Chemistry
- 1950s-set drama about a TV chef
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 8
- RT score: 86%
What it's about: In Lessons in Chemistry we follow a lab technician living in 1950s America. After being fired from her job, she stars in a TV cooking show, and uses it as a way to educate women on important scientific subjects.
Who's in it: Our lead in Lessons in Chemistry is Brie Larson, playing Elizabeth Zott. Also starring in main roles are Lewis Pullman, Aja Naomi King, Stephanie Koenig and Patrick Walker.
Why we love it: Lessons in Chemistry scooped up awards after its release, and it's not hard to see why. The charismatic Larson guides us through a beautifully-realized story, and many people have compared it to Mad Men for its production value and narrative.
Is more coming: Since it was always intended to be a miniseries, we're not expecting to see any more of Lessons in Chemistry.
The Morning Show
- Workplace drama set in the competitive world of morning TV
- Number of seasons: 3
- Number of episodes: 30
- RT score: 67%
What it's about: Popular breakfast TV anchor Alex Levy sees her co-anchor of fifteen years get fired for sexual misconduct; after this Alex has to fight to maintain her top status in a rapidly-changing broadcast landscape, particularly against a new reporter who might get her job.
Who's in it: Alex Levy is played by Jennifer Aniston and her main rival is played by Reese Witherspoon with Billy Crudup the CEO of their company. The rest of the cast has changed between seasons but we've also seen Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jack Davenport, Steve Carell, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Irons and Greta Lee in certain seasons.
Why we love it: One of Apple's oldest and most awards-winning shows, The Morning Show is also one of the streamer's most popular. The series addresses loads of important topics and features fantastic performances from its massive roster of guest stars.
Is more coming: A fourth season of The Morning Show has been confirmed, though we don't know when it'll arrive on screens.
Masters of the Air
- World War II aviator drama series
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 9
- RT score: 85%
What it's about: The show, set in World War II, is about the 100th Bomb Group which frequently undertook perilous tasks in German territory. The members of the crew find life outside of the planes just as fraught with danger and drama as their missions though.
Who's in it: An all-star cast inhabits the show. Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, Anthony Boyle, Nikolai Kinski, Stephen Campbell Moore, Ncuti Gatwa, Josh Dylan and Sam Hazeldine are just some of the names in the series.
Why we love it: Many have considered Masters of the Air a spiritual successor to Band of Brothers, and like that classic WWII series it'll be a riveting watch for people who enjoy drama set in the war.
Is more coming: We won't see more of Masters of the Air since it was developed as a miniseries but a documentary about the real-life story is also available on Apple TV Plus.
Dickinson
- Comedy-drama series about poet Emily Dickinson
- Number of seasons: 3
- Number of episodes: 30
- RT score: 92%
What it's about: This coming-of-age story dramatizes the life of famed American poet Emily Dickinson. She's a woman with a rebellious soul, one who resists her parent's attempts to find her a suitor in order to follow her dream of becoming a poet.
Who's in it: Award-winning American actress Hailee Steinfeld plays Emily Dickinson. The main cast is rounded out by Adrian Blake Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov, Ella Hunt, Jane Krakowsi, Toby Huss, Amanda Warren and Chinaza Uche. Guest performances come from Jason Mantzoukas, Ayo Edebiri and Wiz Khalifa.
Why we love it: With modern dialogue and period-accurate costumes, the Peabody Award-winning show plays fast and loose with its period conventions and is an entertaining drama that sees Hailee Steinfeld performing at her very best.
Is more coming: Apple ended Dickinson with its third season, so we won't be seeing any more of the show.
Shrinking
- Comedy drama about an unruly therapist
- Number of seasons: 2
- Number of episodes: 20
- RT score: 91%
What it's about: Shrinking follows a grieving therapist who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people's lives … including his own.
Who's in it: Jason Segel plays the lead role in Shrinking, and he's joined by Harrison Ford as well as Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell and Christa Miller.
Why we love it: The great cast is the high point of Shrinking, as they can grapple with both the humor of the story as well as the important weightier moments in their stories. It hits more important topics and themes than you'd initially think.
Is more coming: One day after the season 2 finale aired, Apple confirmed that Shrinking season 3 is in the works, but it won't be out until late 2025 at the very earliest.
Best Apple TV Plus shows — Thriller
Sugar
- Neo-noir detective series with a twist
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 8
- RT score: 81%
What it's about: Sugar centers on old-school private detective John Sugar living in current-day Los Angeles. He's tasked with finding the grand-daughter of a powerful Hollywood producer who ran afoul of a bad crowd, but worse forces are out there that Sugar may be involved with.
Who's in it: The titular role of Sugar is played by Colin Farrell. Joining him in the show are Amy Ryan, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, James Cromwell, Nate Corddry, Dennis Boutsikaris and Anna Gunn.
Why we love it: On the surface Sugar is a classic detective story which pays homage to the classics but also finds new angles to bring, especially in the case the detective investigates. There's also a major plot twist which shakes up the entire story.
Is more coming: Yes, Apple recently confirmed that Sugar season 2 is on the way to continue the story of our detective.
Hijack
- Mile-high hostage thriller series
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 7
- RT score: 88%
What it's about: Hijack follows Sam Nelson, a business negotiator who's aboard a flight as it's hijacked. He has to use all his skills to placate the kidnappers as law enforcement on the ground try to work out what's going on.
Who's in it: As you can see from the image, Idris Elba stars as Sam Nelson. The rest of the cast includes Archie Panjabi, Christine Adams, Eve Myles, Neil Maskell and ben Miles.
Why we love it: Hijack takes place in real-time, making it a tense and gripping series as Sam flies towards his story's end point. We watch him as he plots and schemes his way to survival despite all the hijackers against him.
Is more coming: There will be a Hijack season 2 but at the moment, we don't know when it'll arrive. It's been filmed, though, so it could come out at some point in 2025.
Slow Horses
- British spy thriller series
- Number of seasons: 4
- Number of episodes: 24
- RT score: 98%
What it's about: Slow Horses follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents alongside their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb. Throughout the series, they navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.
Who's in it: The series stars Gary Oldman in the lead role as well as, Jack Lowden, Olivia Cooke, Kristen Scott Thomas, and Jonathan Pryce. The most recent season also introduces Hugo Weaving into the mix.
Why we love it: while it's not the first thing you'd think of when you imagine a spy thriller, we love Slow Horses because it's a very witty show: Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb is fantastic and his bumbling team of operatives are fun to watch. The fact that there's a solid thriller alongside the wit is just an extra blessing.
Is more coming: Even before its fourth season was released, Apple confirmed that Slow Horses will indeed enjoy a fifth season. We don't expect to see it until late-2025 at the earliest though.
Criminal Record
- British police procedural crime thriller
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 8
- RT score: 90%
What it's about: When an anonymous phone call causes a police sergeant to re-investigate a seemingly-closed case, the trail leads her to clash with an older chief inspector who may have made some major blunders in the initial investigation, and as a result an innocent man may be behind bars.
Who's in it: The two leads of Criminal Record are Peter Capaldi as the chief inspector Hegarty and Cush Jumbo as the sergeant Lenker. Joining them are Zoë Wanamaker, Charlie Creed-Miles, Cathy Tyson, Stephen Campbell Moore and Shaun Dooley.
Why we love it: This is a much more grounded thriller than most you'll find on TV: both characters are inhabitants of east London who are just trying their best to follow their ideals, even if some of them are hiding secrets. It's also a commentary on the way the police work in the UK.
Is more coming: Apple has confirmed that Criminal Record season 2 is on the way, clarifying hints made by a cast member.
Black Bird
- Prison thriller inspired by a true story
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 6
- RT score: 98%
What it's about: In this American prison show, we follow the real-life story of convicted drug dealer Jimmy Keene who is forced to get a confession out of suspected serial murderer Larry Hall while in a maximum-security prison. When this catches the FBI’s attention, Agent Lauren McCauley offers Jimmy an unusual deal: she wants him to befriend Larry Hall, who has already been convicted of killing one young woman and is believed to be responsible for the deaths of around 13 others. If Jimmy can elicit further confessions out of Larry before the latter’s appeal goes through, Jimmy gets to walk free, so there's everything at stake.
Who's in it: The series stars a number of great actors such as Rocketman star Taron Egerton and Richard Jewell's Paul Walter Hauser as the two leads, with other stars including the late Ray Liotta, Sepideh Moafi, Greg Kinnear and Joe Williamson.
Why we love it: You'll be on the edge of your seat through every episode of Black Bird as it's an intense thriller. Fantastic performances lead us through a nerve-wracking six episodes.
Is more coming: Black Bird was created as a miniseries so its story is totally wrapped up, and we won't see a second season.
Best Apple TV Plus shows — comedy
- Crime-comedy series set in sunny Florida
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 10
- RT score: 93%
What it's about: Bad Monkey follows disgraced detective Andrew Yancy who's working as a restaurant inspector in the Florida Keys. He thinks he can turn his luck around by solving a case relating to a washed-up arm, but doing so will put him up against a very messy family.
Who's in it: Comedy actor Vince Vaughn stars as Yancy. The rest of the cast is made up of Natalie Martinez, Meredith Hagner, Rob Delaney, Michelle Monaghan, Ronald Peet, Jodie Turner-Smith, John Ortiz and Charlotte Lawrence.
Why we love it: Vince Vaughn is, as always, a force of nature in Bad Monkey, and you can enjoy the show for his comedy alone. But underneath that there's an interesting mystery case, some dry humor brought over from the book, an incredible soundtrack made up of Tom Petty covers and a surprising amount of heart too.
Is more coming: Apple has confirmed Bad Monkey season 2, but the only detail we know is that Vince Vaughn will be back as the lead..
Ted Lasso
- Soccer sit-com about an American expat
- Number of seasons: 3
- Number of episodes: 34
- RT score: 90%
What it's about: It centers, unsurprisingly, on Ted Lasso, a high-spirited American football coach. Ted is hired by Rebecca, the new owner of the struggling Premier League soccer team, AFC Wimbledon, to try and turn it around. To do so he'll have to overcome some major culture clashes.
Who's in it: American comedy actor Jason Sudeikis leads the cast as the titular Ted, and he's joined by Brett Goldestein, Hannah Waddingham, Nick Mohammed, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Paul Swift and Juno Temple.
Why we love it: Ted Lasso is arguably Apple TV Plus' flagship show. It's full of heart and laughs and has helped lots of people get into soccer / football. It's also helped make many of its cast members bona fide stars in their own right.
Is more coming: While officially, Ted Lasso is over, the rumor-mill is abuzz with hints that a fourth season could actually be on the horizon. These could end up being spin-offs or a true-blooded continuation of the series.
Mythic Quest
- Workplace comedy set at a video game developer
- Number of seasons: 3
- Number of episodes: 30
- RT score: 97%
What it's about: Mythic Quests follows a team of video game developers who make the massively popular online role-playing game, Mythic Quest. In the series, we join the development teams as it prepares to release their biggest update to their game to date, titled Raven's Banquet.
Who's in it: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia stars Rob McElhenney leads the cast (he's also a series creator alongside IASIP co-star Charlie Day and writer Megan Ganz). He's joined by Charlotte Nicdao Ashly Burch, Jessie Ennis, Imani Hajim, Danny Pudi, F. Murray Abraham, and another IASIP name David Hornsby. Plenty of guest stars show up through the series too.
Why we love it: A classic workplace comedy, Mythic Quest features great comedic talent from its cast and crew, especially for fans of It's Always Sunny, but it also has some real character growth too.
Is more coming: Mythic Quest has at least one more season in the bag, coming in early 2025, as well as a spin-off series called Side Quest around the same time.
Central Park
- Animated musical sit-com
- Number of seasons: 3
- Number of episodes: 39
- RT Score: 97%
What it's about: In this animated musical sitcom, park manager Owen Tillerman and his family live in Edendale Castle right in New York City's Central Park. Their unconventional way of life is suddenly threatened by the arrival of wealthy entrepreneur Bitsy Brandenham who wants to replace the park with condos and retail space.
Who's in it: Comedian Josh Gad co-created the show and its voice cast includes Kristen Bell, Daveed Diggs, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr, Stanley Tucci and Gad himself.
Why we love it: Central Park is more charming than many adult animated comedies because it's a musical with musical numbers written by the likes of Sara Bareilles, Darren Criss, Cyndi Lauper, Meghan Trainor, Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (the songwriters for Olaf's Frozen Adventure).
Is more coming: There won't be any more Central Park because the show was cancelled after three seasons.
Trying
- Comedy drama about a couple who can't conceive
- Number of seasons: 4
- Number of episodes: 32
- RT score: 95%
What it's about: This comedy-drama follows Nikki and Jason, a couple who decide to start exploring adoption after learning that further IVF treatment is unlikely to succeed. Despite the whole new set of challenges Nikki and Jason must face as they prepare to face the adoption panel, Trying manages to find the funny side to the couple's personal problems.
Who's in it: The two main characters of Trying are played by Rafe Spall and Esther Smith and while the supporting cast has changed quite a bit over the seasons, we've seen Imelda Staunton, Cush Jumbo, Phil Davis, Sian Brooke and Darren Boyd join as main characters.
Why we love it: Charming performances from Rafe Spall and Esther Smith carry the series as the loving couple going through the highs and lows of trying to start a family.
Is more coming: Apple hasn't confirmed a fifth season of Trying but season 4 ends on a cliffhanger and the show's stars have expressed an interest in season 5.
Best Apple TV Plus shows — sci-fi & fantasy
Foundation
- Space epic spanning galaxies and centuries
- Number of seasons: 2
- Number of episodes: 20
- RT Score: 86%
What it's about: Based on Isaac Asimov's sci-fi novels, Foundation is a big-budget political thriller meets space fantasy. The show follows a band of exiles from a Galactic Empire who set up Foundation, a colony at the edge of space to weather a predicted dark age. Different plot threads over centuries follow important figures in the show as we see the Galactic Empire flounder, Foundation go through changes and its founder, Hari Seldon, attempt to set up a second back-up Foundation.
Who's in it: A huge cast fills the good ship Foundation, too many to list here, but the main actors that have roles in both seasons include Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Leah Harvey, Lou Llobell, Terrence Mann and Laura Birn.
Why we love it: In terms of scale Foundation is Apple's biggest show. It's a galaxy-hopping space epic that follows many different characters, storylines, eras and civilizations, with action and drama in equal measure. It's like Game of Thrones in space.
Is more coming: While we don't have a release date just yet, Foundation season 3 has been officially confirmed.
Severance
- Sci-fi workplace mystery series
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 9
- RT score: 97%
What it's about: In Severance, Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives, and work for a mysterious company named Lumon. Gradually, Mark begins to uncover some dark truths about Lumon and alongside his co-workers they work to learn more about the company and who they really are on the outside world.
Who's in it: The main role in Severance is played by comedy actor Adam Scott and his co-workers are played by Zach Cherry, John Turturro and Britt Lower. The series itself was largely directed by Ben Stiller, though unlike what some people think, he didn't create it.
Why we love it: Severance remains one of Apple's most popular hits. While it seems like a simple sci-fi mystery it hits on some really important themes around philosophy, ethics and existentialism. It's a great thriller too, and we can't wait to figure out what's happening at Lumon.
Is more coming: Severance season 2 is due to land on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Servant
- Psychological horror series
- Number of seasons: 4
- Number of episodes: 40
- RT Score: 90%
What it's about: A horror series that leans heavily on the supernatural and fantastical, Servant is about a couple who lose their baby. To grieve they get a 'reborn doll' and hire a strange nanny to look after it, and mysterious occurrence start to affect their home.
Who's in it: The biggest name is behind the camera, as Servant was created by movie-maker M. Night Shyamalan. The four main characters are played by Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Free and Rupert Grint.
Why we love it: We couldn't stop watching Servant thanks to all of the twists and turns in the story, which come both from the supernatural elements and the simple character secrets that they don't want to come out. It's also dryly funny in Shyamalan's typical way.
Is more coming: There won't be any more Servant because the fourth season was confirmed to be the last one.
For All Mankind
- Alternate history space race drama
- Number of seasons: 4
- Number of episodes: 40
- RT score: 92%
What it's about: For All Mankind is a science-fiction thriller that poses one giant question: what if the space race between the USA and USSR never actually ended? In this alternative history drama, a Russian cosmonaut was the first person to set foot on the moon. This triumph puts NASA on the back foot, and the series follows a team of US astronauts, engineers and real historical figures such as Presidents Nixon and Reagan as they scramble to catch up to the Soviet space program. Each new season jumps forward a decade to see how the conflict progresses.
Who's in it: The cast list changes quite a bit each season due to the time jump. Joel Kinnaman and Wrenn Schmidt are two of the enduring actors and Michael Dorman, Sarah Jones, Shantel VanSanten and Coral Pena are some of the other actors involved. The show was created by Outlander developer Roland D. Moore.
Why we love it: For All Mankind is a really fascinating piece of science fiction as it looks at how the world (and space) could be different if history was a little bit different. This alternative world is full of interesting characters and new takes on real conflicts.
Is more coming: At least two new series are coming: Apple has confirmed not just For All Mankind season 5 but a spin-off called Star City which looks at events from a different nation.
Constellation
- Sci-fi psychological thriller
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 8
- RT score: 71%
What it's about: A twisting sci-fi psychological thriller, Constellation is about a woman in space on the ISS who's involved in an accident. She survives but when she returns to Earth, she finds that some small details about the world have changed, possibly all stemming from an experiment she was conducting.
Who's in it: Noomi Rapace leads the cast for Constellation and she's joined in supporting roles by Jonathan Banks and James D'Arcy in important roles.
Why we love it: While it verges on silly at some points and dull at others, overall Constellation is a gripping series that'll keep you guessing as to what's really going down. Some cool storytelling beats and hidden details build the excitement ahead of us figuring out what's happening. For more information check out our Constellation review.
Is more coming: Sadly Constellation was cancelled after one season, cutting its story short.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
- Godzilla-themed action and adventure series
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 10
- RT score: 86%
What it's about: Set in the same 'Monsterverse' cinematic universe as the modern American Godzilla and King Kong movies, Monarch follows two estranged siblings who search for their father after a Godzilla attack. We also follow the formation of the Monarch monster research agency half a century prior.
Who's in it: A fair few names grace Monarch: Legacy of Monster's story. In the present we follow Anna Sawai, Kurt Russell, Kiersey Clemons and Ren Watabe, while the past features Wyatt Russell, Anders Holm and Mari Yamamoto.
Why we love it: Monarch is a really action-packed show. It features loads of monsters, including loads not shown in the movies, with most episodes featuring at least one action setpiece or dramatic monster moment. The character drama also works well, especially regarding the family dynamics of Cate and Kentaro.
Is more coming: Loads of it, in fact. A Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 has been confirmed as well as spin-off series, proving this as a big franchise for Apple TV Plus.
Best Apple TV Plus shows — documentary
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy
- Travel show following Canadian actor
- Number of seasons: 2
- Number of episodes: 15
- RT score: 87%
What it's about: A travel show featuring Canadian actor Eugene Levy, The Reluctant Traveler makes a spin on the standard formula because... well, he's reluctant to be dragged from his comfort zone. The first season takes him to different places around the world while season two focuses on a tour of Europe.
Who's in it: As the name suggests, the star of The Reluctant Traveler is Eugene Levy, of Schitt's Creek and American Pie fame. On his travels, he meets many people local to the cultures and locations he's visiting.
Why we love it: The joy of The Reluctant Traveler comes from Levy's self-deprecating humor, with the star making light of his leaving his comfort zone. He's also not as 'reluctant' as the name suggests and he finds interesting aspects of each culture he visits.
Is more coming: Yep! We know that the third season will have eight episodes and will follow Levy as he completes his travel bucket list, but we don't know when it'll come out.
Prehistoric Planet
- Dino-centric nature documentary
- Number of seasons: 2
- Number of episodes: 10
- RT score: 91%
What it's about: Prehistoric Planet is your typical nature documentary... except it takes a look at the dinosaurs that roamed the Earth during Late Cretaceous period, 66 million years ago.
Who's in it: David Attenborough provides his legendary voice to the series, which also has a score created by Hans Zimmer. Director Jon Favreau created it and it was produced by the same team as many hit nature docs.
Why we love it: This is a really fascinating spin on your standard nature documentary that shows a new side to the world... or a new age to it! The technology makes the dinos look amazing, creating a far more immersive documentary than the series of old.
Is more coming: At the moment there's no word on a Prehistoric Planet season 3 but it hasn't been cancelled either.
Tiny World
- Nature doc themed around small animals
- Number of seasons: 2
- Number of episodes: 12
- RT score: 100% (audience score as no critic score)
What it's about: In Tiny World, we get to see the animal kingdom on a micro scale. It's a nature docuseries that focuses on smaller-scale animals and the way they live their lives. Animals include mammals like shrews, the mongoose and sugar gliders, birds like the hummingbird and oxpecker, lizards like snakes and geckos and plenty of insects too.
Who's in it: Ant-Man star Paul Rudd provides the narration for Tiny World, which is a fitting bit of casting.
Why we love it: If you watch enough nature documentaries, you may have grown used to seeing the same animals on repeat, and Tiny World is a breath of fresh air. Lots of the animals depicted are lesser-shown ones on TV and it'll help you see the world in a new light (or a new scale!).
Is more coming: While it doesn't seem that Apple has officially commented on Tiny World season 3, it's been years since season 2, so it seems unlikely that more is coming.
The Secret Lives of Animals
- Nature doc themed around animal life stages
- Number of seasons: 1
- Number of episodes: 10
- RT score: - (at the time of writing, it's not been out long enough to gain any reviews!)
What it's about: Each episode of The Secret Lives of Animals explores one element of life in the animal kingdom, like building a nest or finding a mate, from the perspective of loads of different creatures around the world.
Who's in it: The show is narrated by Paddington actor Hugh Bonneville, and sections at the end of each episode introduce us to the crew who filmed it.
Why we love it: The creatures in Secret Lives are absolutely adorable, and we see a lot less death and danger than in other nature shows. Plus you learn a lot of interesting facts which I'm primed to unleash on people at parties!
Is more coming: Apple hasn't commented on a second season of the show, but given that the first took three years to film, we may have to wait a while either way.
