At a Glance
- Apple TV has built a robust library with hits like Severance, Ted Lasso, and The Morning Show.
- The platform features award-winning shows across drama, comedy, sci-fi, and true-crime.
- Its catalog includes the most-watched series Pluribus and Emmy-nominated travel show hosted by Eugene Levy.
- Why it matters: Fans can discover new favorites without heavy promotion, relying on word-of-mouth and curated lists.
Apple TV has long been a quiet contender in streaming, but its growing library proves it’s worth a closer look. The service relies on organic discovery, so the shows that stand out are those that resonate and earn buzz on their own. Below, we break down 25 standout titles, from Emmy-winning dramas to quirky comedies and everything in between.
Why Apple TV’s Library Stands Out
Apple TV’s catalog is curated for quality over quantity. Each title is carefully chosen, and many have earned critical acclaim and awards. The result is a collection that feels cohesive, yet spans a wide range of genres.
Top-Rated Shows (Table)
| Show | Genre | Notable Cast |
|---|---|---|
| Severance | Drama | Rhea Seehorn |
| Ted Lasso | Comedy | Jason Sudeikis |
| The Morning Show | Drama | Jennifer Aniston |
| Pluribus | Sci-fi | Rhea Seehorn |
| The Studio | Comedy | Seth Rogen |
| Hijack | Thriller | Idris Elba |
| Palm Royale | Satire | Kristen Wiig |
| Mr. Scorsese | Documentary | Martin Scorsese |
| Loot | Comedy | Maya Rudolph |
| Manhunt | Thriller | Anthony Boyle |
The table highlights the diversity of Apple TV’s offerings, from high-concept sci-fi to grounded comedies.
Additional Must-Watch Titles
- Apple TV Down Cemetery Road – a conspiracy thriller starring Ruth Wilson and Emma Thompson.
- The Studio – a dysfunctional comedy about a Hollywood studio, featuring cameos from Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard.
- The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy – a travel series that turns Levy’s reluctance into heart-warming moments.
- Chief of War – a period drama about Hawaiian unification, starring Jason Momoa.
- Acapulco – a nostalgic light-hearted series starring Eugenio Derbez.
- Slow Horses – a spy drama starring Gary Oldman, adapted from Mick Herron’s books.
- Smoke – a brooding crime drama with Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett.
- Stick – a sports comedy featuring Owen Wilson and a golf prodigy.
- Dope Thief – a crime drama starring Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura.
- Your Friends & Neighbors – a dark comedy with Jon Hamm as a thief.
- Black Bird – a true-crime drama about an undercover FBI agent, starring Paul Walter Hauser.
- Pachinko – a sweeping family drama set from the early 1900s to the 1980s.
- Shrinking – a dramedy with Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, and Jessica Williams.
- Bad Monkey – a quirky murder mystery set in Florida, created by Bill Lawrence.
- Presumed Innocent – a legal thriller based on Scott Turow’s novel, starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
- Lessons in Chemistry – a feel-good period series featuring Brie Larson.
- Platonic – a comedy about two friends navigating midlife, starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne.
- Bad Sisters – a dark comedy about a group of sisters dealing with a murder.
Each of these shows showcases a different facet of Apple TV’s storytelling ambition. From the high-concept mind-bending world of Pluribus to the grounded humor of Stick, the platform offers something for every taste.
How to Find Your Next Favorite
Apple TV’s interface encourages exploration. The “Curated Lists” feature pulls together themed collections, making it easy to discover shows that match your mood. Because the service rarely promotes its content heavily, word-of-mouth and reviews play a big role in driving viewership.
Key points to keep in mind when browsing:
- Look for titles that have won awards or earned critical acclaim.
- Check the cast list for familiar names; star power can signal quality.
- Use the “Watch Next” recommendation to see what others with similar tastes are watching.
- Dive into genre-specific collections, such as sci-fi or true-crime, to narrow down options.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV’s library is a curated mix of drama, comedy, sci-fi, and true-crime, featuring award-winning titles.
- Pluribus remains the platform’s most-watched series, while Eugene Levy’s travel show offers a fresh perspective.
- The service’s low-profile promotion strategy means word-of-mouth and curated lists are essential for discovering new favorites.
Apple TV proves that a focused, quality-driven approach can rival larger streaming giants. With a growing roster of critically acclaimed shows, the platform is a treasure trove for anyone looking to expand their viewing horizons.
