By Yael Tygiel
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Though Apple TV+ is still pretty new to the game, it's quickly established itself as one of the best streaming services around, with critically acclaimed shows like Ted Lasso and Severance. Whether you're looking for something to watch with the whole family, a thrilling mystery to take your mind off the real world, or some good old-fashioned star-studded prestige drama, we've got you covered with the highlight picks on Apple's streaming service. Browse our list of the best shows on Apple TV+.
For more streaming recommendations, check out the Best Shows on Netflix, the Best Shows on Amazon Prime, or the Best Shows on Hulu.
Editor's note: This article was updated July 2024 to include WondaLa.
'WondLa' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 50% | IMDb: 7.3/10
WondLa (2024)
Animation
Adventure
Family
- Release Date
- June 28, 2024
- Cast
- Alan Tudyk , D.C. Douglas , Sarah Hollis , Teri Hatcher , Gary Anthony Williams , Brad Garrett , Jeanine Mason
This family-friendly animated series follows Eva (Jeanine Mason), a young girl with enormous spirit and drive who has been raised by a robot caretaker inside a bunker. On the day of her 16th birthday, Eva’s bunker is attacked, leaving her to fend for herself on the strange alien-hosting planet of Orbona. For those who want eye-catching animated fun without a subscription to Disney+, this is the show for you. Bursting with vibrant visuals and a story ready to warm the hearts of all generations, WondLa is somewhat of a gem hidden in Apple TV’s extensive catalog. - Jake Hodges
'Land of Women' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 5.9/10
Land of Women
- Genre
- Comedy, Drama, Thriller
- Debut Date
- June 26, 2024
Based on Sandra Barneda’s bestselling novel, Land of Women follows Eva Longoria’s Gala, whose life is suddenly flipped upside down when her husband’s financial misdealings start catching up with them. With her partner having fled, Gala, her daughter, and her mother must escape themselves, settling on the peaceful Spanish countryside — although how long they can last without their secrets being exposed is another matter. Fast-paced in moments but pensive in others, Land of Women takes the time to indulge in the gorgeous vineyards it is set in, remarkably turning a furious crime comedy into a beautiful travelog of sorts. Longoria is a delight in the lead role, using her expertise in comedy to create a rounded central character that can move from tears to laughter in mere moments. Land of Women is a wonderful addition to Apple TV’s catalog. - Jake Hodges
'Camp Snoopy' (2024 - Present)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Camp Snoopy
- Genre
- Animated, Family
- Debut Date
- June 14, 2024
One of the world’s most famous dogs, Snoopy (Terry McGurrin), is back with another animated adventure. After discovering that their Scouts troop might be at risk of dissolving, Snoopy and the team set off on a fun journey to earn all their badges, often crossing paths with Charlie Brown (Etienne Kellici) as he kicks back at Camp Spring Lake. It might be simply impossible to dislike Snoopy. This series feels like a touch of the old and a pinch of the new, managing to capture the same essence that Snoopy has always been known for, bolstered by an updated narrative and aesthetic feel. For fans of Snoopy and non-fans alike, this is well worth a watch. - Jake Hodges
'Presumed Innocent' (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.6/10
Presumed Innocent (2024)
Drama
Comedy
Mystery
- Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal , Tate Birchmore , Kingston Rumi Southwick , Roberta Bassin
Based on Scott Turow’s 1987 novel of the same name, Presumed Innocent follows Jake Gyllenhaal’s renowned prosecutor, Rusty, whose legacy at the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s Office makes him one of the most admired in the state. However, said legacy — and the entire office’s — are brought into disrepute when a particularly horrific murder case has Rusty as the prime suspect. Reimagined by the brilliant David E. Kelly, this series oozes the palpable tension that radiates from the pages of the novel, with Gyllenhaal proving yet again that his acting chops are impeccable. Thrilling from minute one, Presumed Innocent becomes the next in a long line of big-budget Apple TV series, with the streamer proving to be right up there as one of the best. - Jake Hodges
'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Sci-Fi
Action
Adventure
- Release Date
- November 17, 2023
- Cast
- Christopher Heyerdahl , Mari Yamamoto , Kurt Russell , Qyoko Kudo
This blend of sci-fi and action based on the Godzilla franchise follows half-siblings Cate (Anna Sawai) and Kentaro Randa (Ren Watabe), who decide to investigate their father’s involvement with an organization monitoring giant monsters known as Monarch. The series also follows the early development of the organization over 50 years prior. A pulse-racing action adventure that never sacrifices character development for extravagant set-pieces, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is enormous fun. Bringing together both Kurt and Wyatt Russell (although they never share any scenes), the show features an outstanding ensemble that perfectly captures the magnitude of the story, both in the past and present. A rollercoaster ride fit for the big screen, fans should feel lucky that this one was made for the small one. - Jake Hodges
'Awkward' (2011 - 2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Awkward
- Genre
- Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Debut Date
- July 19, 2011
Created by Lauren Iungerich, Awkward follows 15-year-old Jenna Hamilton (Ashley Rickards), at the precipice of adulthood, who finds herself feeling both invisible and unpopular among her peers. However, when an unfortunate accident is mistaken for a suicide attempt, Jenna becomes suddenly popular, leading to a moral dilemma for the ages. By condensing all of the worries and troubles of a teenage mind into a ball of comedic triumph, Awkward becomes the flagship show for disenfranchised teens dreaming of a way out. By proving that popularity doesn’t equal happiness, Awkward manages to both entertain and inform with the possibility of actually changing a young life for the better. Brilliantly funny and often raunchy, Awkward is one of MTV’s best offerings of the 2010s. - Jake Hodges
'The Big Cigar' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 5.5/10
The Big Cigar (2024)
Drama
- Release Date
- May 17, 2024
- Cast
- Andre Holland , Alessandro Nivola , Tiffany Boone , PJ Byrne , Marc Menchaca , Moses Ingram , Rebecca Dalton , Olli Haaskivi , Jordane Christie , Glynn Turman
- Creator(s)
- Janine Sherman Barrois
Developed by Jim Hecht, The Big Cigar is a biographical drama thriller miniseries that recounts how Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton escaped to Cuba with the help of a Hollywood producer and a fake movie. The miniseries is based on Joshuah Bearman’s 2012 Playboy article of the same name and stars André Holland as Newton, appearing alongside Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P. J. Byrne, and Marc Menchaca. While critical reception of The Big Cigar has been somewhat mixed, the show has received praise for Holland’s performance as Huey P. Newton, which is powerful and compelling. The series isn’t nearly as wild as it sounds, putting the focus firmly on real politics and real people rather than the larger-than-life fake movie that saved Newton from the FBI. And while it does fall somewhat short of its potential, The Big Cigar presents an interesting take on a famous political figure, looking for the human being behind the legend.
'Masters of the Air' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.8/10
Masters of the Air
Drama
War
Action
Thriller
- Release Date
- January 26, 2024
- Cast
- Austin Butler , Ncuti Gatwa , Barry Keoghan , Callum Turner
Read Our ReviewAn American war drama miniseries created by John Shiban and John Orloff, Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air is based on Donald L. Miller’s 2007 book of the same name and is executive produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman. The nine-episode series follows the story of a World War II bomber crew in eastern England and serves as a companion piece to the iconic shows Band of Brothers and The Pacific. The show boasts an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, and Barry Keoghan. Masters of the Air has received largely favorable reviews from critics, with great praise for its well-written characters and near-perfect production. While the series’ visual effects have been criticized, the human drama and storytelling more than make up for those flaws. While based on a true story, the series is a work of historical fiction that’s rooted in real facts but aims to fly higher, and the result is a thoroughly entertaining WWII drama.
'Dark Matter' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Dark Matter (2024)
Drama
Sci-Fi
Thriller
- Release Date
- May 8, 2024
- Cast
- Joel Edgerton , Jennifer Connelly , Alice Braga , Jimmi Simpson , Oakes Fegley , Dayo Okeniyi
Dark Matter is a sci-fi series created by Blake Crouch that’s based on his 2016 novel of the same name. This eight-episode show follows a physicist who finds himself transported to a parallel version of his life and must find a way back to his own world. The series stars Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, and more. The series has been positively received by critics, who have hailed it as a pleasingly twisty sci-fi thriller and a decent adaptation of Crouch’s novel. The series is anchored by Joel Edgerton’s performance as the varied versions of the protagonist, sharing great onscreen chemistry with both Jennifer Connelly and Alice Braga. Though its premise is hardly a fresh one, the show’s focus on regrets and the lives we could have lived is what makes it such an intriguing series.
'The Completely Made-Up Adventure of Dick Turpin' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 7.0/10
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin
Comedy
Historical
- Release Date
- March 1, 2024
- Cast
- Noel Fielding , Duayne Boachie , Ellie White , Marc Wootton , Dolly Wells , Mark Heap , David Threlfall , Geoff McGivern , Joe Wilkinson , Kiri Flaherty , Hugh Bonneville , Asim Chaudhry , Greg Davies
- Creator(s)
- Claire Downes , Ian Jarvis , Stuart Lane
Though he may not be quite as popular today as he used to be, Dick Turpin is a legendary British highwayman whose exploits have been romanticized in a number of Robin Hood-style stories. Was he really as dashing and charming as the stories make him out to be? Probably not, and that’s the key concept of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. A fictional take on Turpin’s life starring Noel Fielding as the title character, the series follows Turpin’s journey to becoming England’s greatest highwayman while staying one step ahead of the law (and other, better criminals). A hilarious work of historical comedy, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin has received largely favorable reviews from critics. The series shows the famous highwayman as little more than a petty thief with dreams of making it big, with Fielding playing the ironic hero to perfection. The show is an absurdly funny watch, comparable to other great historical comedies like the Blackadder series and the 1993 Mel Brooks movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
'Franklin' (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 55% IMDb: 7.0/10
Franklin (2024)
Biography
Drama
History
- Release Date
- April 12, 2024
- Cast
- Michael Douglas , Noah Jupe , Thibault de Montalembert , Daniel Mays , Ludivine Sagnier , Eddie Marsan , Asaad Bouab , Jeanne Balibar , Théodore Pellerin
Read Our ReviewA biographical drama miniseries about Benjamin Franklin, Apple TV+’s Franklin stars Michael Douglas as the Founding Father. Based on a 2005 book by Stacy Schiff, the show follows the eight-year period when Franklin was in France trying to convince King Louis XVI to support the United States in the American Revolutionary War. Directed by Tim Van Patten and written by Kirk Ellis and Howard Korder, the show’s cast also includes Noah Jupe, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, and Eddie Marsan, among others. Franklin premiered on April 12, 2024, and has received generally favorable reviews from critics. While the show’s plot and narrative are on the dry side, Michael Douglas’s performance in the lead role is what gives this period drama its spark. With an engaging combination of cunningness and humor, Douglas’ take on Benjamin Franklin is one you won’t easily forget.
'Sugar' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% IMDb: 8.0/10
Sugar (2024)
Drama
Crime
Mystery
- Release Date
- April 5, 2024
- Cast
- Colin Farrell , Nate Corddry , Massi Furlan , Bernardo Badillo , Sydney Chandler , Dennis Boutsikaris
- Creator(s)
- Mark Protosevich
Read Our ReviewAn off-beat noir drama with a fascinating lead, Sugar is a mystery series created by Mark Protosevich that stars Colin Farrell as an LA private detective. The show’s star-studded cast also features the likes of Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Amy Ryan, and Nate Corddry. The eight-episode series follows John Sugar (Farrell), a private detective, as he investigates the disappearance of a Hollywood producer's granddaughter. Critical reception to Sugar has been largely positive, and Farrell, in particular, is amazing as a Humphrey Bogart-esque private eye who unearths unexpected secrets and wrestles personal demons like the best of them. Farrell’s cool, understated performance is the main reason to watch the series, but the plot and narrative are quite enjoyable as well, especially if you’re a fan of pulpy detective fiction. The show is very much a take on classic noir, and while it’s not without flaws, Sugar is a welcome treat for fans of the genre. It’s a combination of Alfred Hitchco*ck and Dashiell Hammet with a modern sensibility — and it just might be your new favorite detective show.
'Manhunt' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Manhunt (2024)
Drama
Thriller
- Release Date
- March 15, 2024
- Cast
- Tobias Menzies , Anthony Boyle , Lovie Simone , Matt Walsh , Brandon Flynn , Betty Gabriel , Will Harrison , Hamish Linklater , Damian O'Hare , Patton Oswalt , Lili Taylor
- Creator(s)
- Monica Beletsky
Read Our Review
Created by Monica Beletsky, Manhunt is a historical drama miniseries following the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Adapted from James L. Swanson's book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, the show stars Tobias Menzies, Lovie Simone, Patton Oswalt, and more, with Anthony Boyle as Booth and Hamish Linklater as Lincoln. Part history lesson and part conspiracy thriller, Manhunt is a dramatized and fictional look at a landmark moment in American history. The series has gained positive reviews from critics for its powerful performances and for how it makes its historical subject matter relevant to modern times. It’s a surprisingly thrilling show with great production value, including great costumes, a talented ensemble cast, and a deeply layered political narrative. The most important thing about Manhunt, however, is the way it educates audiences about an important chapter in history through an entertaining lens.
'Palm Royale' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 53% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Palm Royale
Drama
910
- Release Date
- March 20, 2024
- Creator
- Abe Sylvia
- Cast
- Kristen Wiig , ricky martin , Josh Lucas , Leslie Bibb , Laura Dern , Allison Janney
Read Our Review
Palm Beach high society in the late 60s is a very exclusive scene, and Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) hopes to join their ranks — no matter what it takes. Created by Abe Sylvia and based on Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie, Palm Royale is a 10-episode dramedy miniseries that follows Maxine’s story, with the likes of Ricky Martin, Laura Dern, and Allison Janney starring alongside Wiig. The series premiered its first three episodes on Apple TV+ on March 20, with the rest following weekly. And while the critical response to Palm Royale has been rather mixed, the responses from the audience have been largely positive. The biggest highlight of the miniseries is its visual style and production. Simply put, it’s wonderful to look at, showcasing Palm Beach as a veritable paradise. The performances of its star-studded cast are also a major draw. Wiig is phenomenal as the ambitious Maxine, utterly capturing the audience’s attention. Though the narrative can be bumpy (especially at the beginning), the sheer beauty of the series, combined with its cast of fabulous and hilarious characters, makes Palm Royale a thoroughly engaging watch.
'Constellation' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Constellation
Sci-Fi
Thriller
- Release Date
- February 21, 2024
- Cast
- Noomi Rapace , Clare-Hope Ash*tey , Jonathan Banks , James D'Arcy
Read Our ReviewCreated by writer Peter Harness, Constellation is a captivating science-fiction thriller starring Noomi Rapace (It Happened to Monday) alongside Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul). Rapace navigates the mysterious series, playing a distraught astronaut who must return home to Earth after an unexpected disaster leaves her desperate for answers. Through an eerie premise peppered with suspense, Constellation unravels a gripping quest for truth by intersecting the human brain with the enigma of space travel and the universe at large.
Rosie Coleman and Davina Coleman hold their own opposite Rapace, providing an uneasy vibe throughout the haunting series. Featuring grounded performances in an untethered world, Harness allows his action-packed thrills to mesmerize in an undeniably creepy atmosphere, only begging for more to be revealed. - Yael Tygiel
'The New Look' (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 6.9/10
The New Look
Drama
Biography
History
- Release Date
- February 14, 2024
- Creator
- Todd A. Kessler
- Cast
- Ben Mendelsohn , Glenn Close , Juliette Binoche , Maisie Williams , Emily Mortimer
Read Our Review
The New Look covers the rise of now-iconic fashion designer Christian Dior as he goes head-to-head in the cutthroat industry against Coco Chanel. A period piece, the show is set during World War II, adding to the tension and conflict within the show’s storylines as Dior attempts to introduce the world to modern fashion. Created by Todd A. Kassler (Damages), the show premiered on February 13th, 2024.
The New Look stars Ben Mendelson (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) as Christian Dior, Juliette Binoche (The English Patient) as Coco Chanel, alongside David Kammenos (Supersex), Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), Joseph Olivennes (Versailles), and John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich). Audiences have enjoyed the show’s look and high-quality production value, as well as the cast’s terrific acting.
'Calls' (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Calls
Drama
Animation
Horror
A groundbreaking series unfolds entirely through phone calls, voicemails, and abstract visuals, revealing a mysterious and disturbing sequence of events affecting several individuals. Each episode explores different characters' experiences as they face eerie and often catastrophic phenomena, leading to a chilling realization about their interconnected fates.
- Release Date
- March 19, 2021
- Creator
- Cast
- Aubrey Plaza , Clancy Brown , Nika Futterman , Matt Lauria , Salli Saffioti , Joey King , Paul Walter Hauser , Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Many horror writers and directors have harped on the importance of the viewer's imagination, believing that what the audience can think up will always be scarier than anything that can be shown on screen. Apple TV+'s Calls takes this to the extreme, as it consists of nine twelve-minute-long episodes where visuals are minimal and audio is everything. The viewer is eavesdropping on all sorts of calls, from ones involving plane crashes to murder to weird bodily occurrences.
The show premiered in 2021 and was praised for its voice actors, a cast composed of very well-known names in entertainment. With appearances by Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Rosario Dawson (Rent), Joey King (The Act), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), Judy Greer (Thirteen Going on Thirty), Ben Schwartz (The Afterparty), and Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy), it's almost as fun to figure out whose voice is whose as it is to figure out the mystery of each episode. - Emily Cappello
'Prehistoric Planet' (2022 - 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 8.5/10
Prehistoric Planet
Nature
Documentary
Travel back 66 million years to when majestic dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the lands, seas, and skies.
- Release Date
- May 23, 2022
- Cast
- David Attenborough
Read Our Review
You know it's going to be amazing quality if Jon Favreau (The Mandalorian) is involved, and Prehistoric Planet is no exception. The Apple TV+ show time travels back 66 million years and takes its audience to the time of dinosaurs. Directed by Andrew Jones and Adam Valdez, the show premiered in 2022 and ran for two seasons.
Each episode of Prehistoric Planet tackles a different area of the world where dinosaurs thrived, from deserts to swamps to the badlands. Viewers are taken on an immersive tour through the world and shown incredibly lifelike representations of what these places would have looked like when dinosaurs still lived. And where there's an epic show about the planet, there's an epic score. Prehistoric Planet was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Music Composition" by Kara Talve (The Planets), Anze Rozman (Beckham), and Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean). While it only ran for two seasons, it was critically acclaimed for its state-of-the-art visuals and "immersive narration" by David Attenborough (Blue Planet II). - Emily Cappello
'The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy' (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.5/10
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy
Travel
Documentary
- Release Date
- February 24, 2023
- Cast
- Eugene Levy
- Producer
- Eugene Levy, David Brindley
Read Our Review
If Eugene Levy is in it, it's already iconic. That is the case with The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, an Apple TV+ documentary series that takes viewers around the world to some of the most unbelievable hotels. While in each location, Levy also explores the culture, the food, and the people of the area, all while delivering his classic Levy deadpan sass. Other than those he meets in his travels, Levy largely holds the show on his own, which is a feat few could do without boring their audience; however, Levy proves once again why he is one of the best as he travels through the show with ease.
Produced by Lucy Evans (Visionaries) and Laura Senior (Doctor Who: The Monthly Adventures), the show premiered in 2023 and visited Finland, Costa Rica, Venice, Utah, Maldives, South Africa, Lisbon, and Tokyo in its first season, with Levy refereeing a sumo match in the season finale. With a second season on the way, fans of the show are eager to see what kind of traveling (and mischief) their beloved host will get into next. - Emily Cappello
'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
Drama
- Release Date
- March 11, 2022
- Creator
- Walter Mosley
- Cast
- Samuel L. Jackson , Dominique Fishback , Marsha Stephanie Blake , Damon Gupton
Read Our Review
Based on the novel written by Walter Mosley, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey tells the story of Grey (played by Samuel L. Jackson), a 91-year-old man whose sudden return of his memory allows him to investigate the death of his nephew. Now being cared for by Robyn (Dominique Fishback), Grey rushes to use his long-forgotten memories before they're gone again. Created by original author Mosley, the show premiered on Apple TV+ in 2022. Reviewers highlighted the performances of the cast, especially that of Jackson and Fishback, who make a great duo in the show.
The show also stars Cynthia Kaye McWilliams (Bosch), Damon Gupton (Bates Motel), Marsha Stephanie Blake (Orange is the New Black), DeRon Horton (Lethal Weapon), and Percy Daggs IV (Solos). 71-year-old author and show creator Mosley has written dozens of books, most notably Blood Grove and And Sometimes I Wonder About You. Mosley has won several literature awards and is best known for his crime fiction writing. - Emily Cappello
- TV
- Apple TV+
- Ted Lasso (2020)
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