Shows on AppleTV+
Looking for your next binge-worthy obsession? AppleTV+ has rapidly emerged as a streaming powerhouse, offering an impressive catalog of premium shows that rival any platform in the industry. Whether you're drawn to gripping dramas that keep you on the edge of your seat, heartwarming reality series that celebrate human resilience, or compelling documentaries that transport you to unexpected corners of the world, Apple TV+ delivers quality programming that's worth your time. Our carefully curated selection highlights the highest-rated shows streaming on AppleTV+ right now, spanning everything from pulse-pounding thrillers and intense character studies to uplifting adventures and captivating international series. With Apple's commitment to original content and exclusive programming, the platform has attracted top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera, resulting in shows that have garnered critical acclaim and devoted fan followings. We've done the heavy lifting to help you navigate the best of what's available, ensuring you'll discover hidden gems alongside viewer favorites that define why AppleTV+ has become essential viewing for discerning audiences seeking their next great streaming experience.
Jason Sudeikis plays Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to manage a struggling English Premier League team despite knowing nothing about soccer—a premise that sounds more promising than it ultimately delivers. Created by Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly, the show aims for heartwarming inspiration but often lands on saccharine. Sudeikis brings genuine charm to the role, and his relentless optimism provides some effective moments, particularly when the show explores his underlying struggles with mental health. Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein offer strong supporting performances that occasionally elevate the material. The first season's fish-out-of-water comedy works well enough, but subsequent seasons struggle to maintain momentum, recycling similar emotional beats and relationship dynamics. The show's insistence on niceness sometimes feels forced, sanding down potential conflict before it can develop into anything meaningful. There are genuinely touching moments scattered throughout, but the series too often chooses easy sentiment over earned emotional payoffs.
The central challenge facing the subjects of this nature documentary series isn't predators or climate—it's simply existing at a minuscule scale in an oversized world. Tiny World explores the daily survival struggles of small creatures through stunning macro photography that transforms familiar environments into alien landscapes. Narrated by Paul Rudd with appropriate wonder, the series captures remarkable footage of insects, frogs, and other diminutive animals navigating dangers that would be trivial to larger beings. While the cinematography is undeniably impressive and often breathtaking, the episodic structure can feel repetitive, with each installment following similar narrative patterns of challenge, setback, and perseverance. The anthropomorphization of animal behavior, while making the content more accessible, sometimes veers into oversimplification. Still, there's genuine value in the perspective shift the series offers, reminding viewers of the complex ecosystems existing just beneath our notice.
Employees at a mysterious corporation undergo a procedure that surgically separates their work memories from their personal memories, creating two distinct versions of consciousness that never meet. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, this workplace thriller stars Adam Scott as Mark, whose "outie" self knows nothing about what his "innie" does all day at Lumon Industries. The premise is genuinely intriguing, and the show's stark production design creates an unsettling corporate environment that feels both retro and timeless. Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, and Christopher Walken round out a strong cast navigating the show's deliberately slow burn pacing. However, the series sometimes mistakes inscrutability for depth, withholding information to the point of frustration rather than building meaningful suspense. The allegory about work-life balance and corporate dehumanization is obvious without being particularly insightful. Individual sequences showcase real artistry, but the season doesn't quite earn its ponderous runtime. There's interesting material here that doesn't fully cohere into a satisfying whole, though fans of cerebral science fiction may find more to appreciate.
This investigative journalism documentary series has set the standard for long-form television reporting for over four decades. Produced by PBS, "Frontline" tackles everything from political scandals to social justice issues to international conflicts with unwavering commitment to depth and accuracy. The series doesn't chase viral moments or easy answers; instead, it invests the time necessary to truly understand complex issues, often dedicating full hours to single topics. Its correspondents and producers consistently deliver meticulously researched pieces that challenge viewers while respecting their intelligence. In an era of fragmented media and declining trust in institutions, this series remains an essential source of substantive journalism that holds power accountable and illuminates stories that demand attention.
Following Real Madrid through their dramatic 2022-2023 season culminating in their quest for a 14th Champions League title, this documentary series offers unprecedented access to one of football's most storied clubs. Directors Daniel Sánchez Arévalo and Miguel Ángel Campo capture intimate moments with players like Luka Modrić, Karim Benzema, and Vinícius Júnior alongside manager Carlo Ancelotti, revealing the pressure and passion behind the pristine white jerseys. The series excels at building tension even when outcomes are already known, using cinematic production values and emotional interviews to convey what's at stake beyond mere trophies. What sets it apart from similar sports documentaries is its access to crucial moments—locker room talks, tactical discussions, and private reactions—that illuminate the psychology of elite competition. Whether you're a die-hard Madridista or a casual football fan, the storytelling is compelling enough to transcend team loyalty. It's a masterclass in sports documentary filmmaking that captures both the beautiful game's drama and the human stories within it.
Robert De Niro inhabits the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese in this affectionate biographical series that traces the director's journey from the streets of Little Italy to Hollywood immortality. Created by David Chase, the show captures Scorsese's obsessive dedication to cinema while exploring his complex relationships with actors, studios, and his own creative demons. De Niro delivers a nuanced performance that avoids mere impersonation, finding the humanity beneath the iconic eyebrows and measured speech. The series shines brightest when recreating the making of Scorsese's classics, with particular attention paid to the controlled chaos of his sets. Supporting performances from Bobby Cannavale as a young Harvey Keitel and Cristin Milioti as editor Thelma Schoonmaker add depth to what could have been a standard prestige biopic. It's a love letter to filmmaking itself, celebrating the passion required to create enduring art.
Youn Yuh-jung leads this sweeping multigenerational saga as Sunja, a Korean immigrant whose life journey spans from Japanese-occupied Korea to postwar Japan. The Apple TV+ series, adapted from Min Jin Lee's acclaimed novel, weaves between timelines with remarkable grace, following one family's resilience through decades of displacement and discrimination. Soo Hugh's adaptation honors the source material's emotional depth while creating something distinctly cinematic for television. The parallel narratives of young Sunja and her elderly counterpart create a powerful meditation on identity, survival, and what we pass down through generations. With stunning cinematography that captures both the beauty and brutality of its historical settings, the series treats its characters with dignity and complexity. The ensemble cast, including Lee Min-ho and Kim Min-ha, delivers performances that linger long after each episode ends.
This is a series about bringing the ancient past to vivid, breathing life through cutting-edge technology and rigorous paleontological science. Executive producer Jon Favreau and the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, along with narration from David Attenborough, have created something unprecedented: a nature documentary about animals that haven't walked the Earth for 66 million years, presented with the same observational intimacy as any modern wildlife series. The photorealistic CGI dinosaurs move through meticulously researched behaviors—hunting, mating, caring for young—in reconstructed Late Cretaceous environments that feel genuinely alive. What elevates Prehistoric Planet beyond spectacle is its commitment to showcasing current scientific understanding, from feathered tyrannosaurs to complex social behaviors, treating these ancient creatures as real animals rather than movie monsters. Each episode focuses on different habitats, revealing the incredible diversity of dinosaur life. The result is both educational and emotionally engaging, a stunning achievement that makes prehistory feel immediate and real in ways previously unimaginable.
This espionage thriller follows the misfit agents of MI5's Slough House, a dumping ground for intelligence officers who've committed career-ending mistakes. Based on Mick Herron's novels and adapted by Will Smith, the Apple TV+ series stars Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, the deliberately slovenly and brilliantly cynical spymaster overseeing these "slow horses." What could have been a straightforward spy procedural instead becomes a character-rich exploration of redemption, competence hidden behind failure, and the unglamorous reality of intelligence work. The ensemble cast, including Jack Lowden and Kristin Scott Thomas, brings depth to characters who are damaged but never pathetic. Each season adapts one of Herron's novels with remarkable efficiency, delivering taut espionage plotting without sacrificing the dry British humor that makes the books so distinctive. Oldman is particularly magnetic, finding humanity beneath Lamb's deliberately off-putting exterior.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman reunite for this captivating motorcycle adventure that takes them from John o'Groats in Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa. The duo's genuine friendship and enthusiasm shine through every episode as they navigate challenging terrain, encounter diverse cultures, and face mechanical difficulties across the African continent. Created by Russ Malkin and David Alexanian, the series strikes a perfect balance between travelogue and personal journey, with McGregor and Boorman's camaraderie providing constant entertainment. The cinematography beautifully captures Africa's stunning landscapes while the show thoughtfully documents the complexities of the regions they traverse. Whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or simply enjoy well-crafted travel documentaries, this sequel to their original journey delivers engaging storytelling with heart and humor throughout.
This nature documentary series reveals the hidden acoustic world of our planet, capturing sounds from ecosystems that most people never get to experience. Narrated by Tom Hiddleston, the show employs cutting-edge recording technology to pick up everything from the rumble of elephants communicating across vast distances to the delicate sounds of coral reefs at night. Each episode focuses on a different environment—forests, oceans, frozen worlds—and demonstrates how sound is essential to the survival and behavior of countless species. The technical achievement alone is remarkable, but what makes the series truly special is how it reframes our understanding of nature through an auditory lens. The cinematography is predictably stunning, but it's the innovative sound design that takes center stage. Produced by Tom Hugh-Jones, this Apple TV+ series offers a fresh perspective on natural history programming, proving that there are still new ways to experience and appreciate the natural world.
Atmospheric and moody, this mystery series unfolds in a coastal town where secrets run as deep as the surrounding waters. Creator Sarah Phelps crafts a slow-burn investigation that prioritizes character development over procedural efficiency, which pays dividends as the ensemble cast brings the insular community to life. Emily Blunt leads as a detective whose own past connects to the town in unexpected ways, and she's surrounded by strong supporting performances from locals who all seem to be hiding something. The cinematography makes excellent use of the seaside location, with fog and grey skies creating persistent unease. While the pacing may frustrate viewers accustomed to faster reveals, the deliberate approach allows for richer exploration of grief, guilt, and the weight of history. The mystery itself is satisfying without relying on cheap tricks or implausible twists. It's solid genre television that understands atmosphere is just as important as plot mechanics.
This period drama adaptation of Bonnie Garmus's bestselling novel follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist in 1950s California whose career is derailed by sexism and personal tragedy, leading her to become an unlikely television cooking show host. Brie Larson brings fierce intelligence and vulnerability to Elizabeth, making her both admirably principled and genuinely human rather than a flawless feminist icon. Created by Lee Eisenberg, the series doesn't shy away from depicting the era's rampant discrimination while finding moments of hope and humor in Elizabeth's unconventional approach to both science and cooking. The supporting cast, including Lewis Pullman and Aja Naomi King, adds depth to what could have been a one-woman show. The series captures the book's spirit while expanding certain relationships, creating something that feels both faithfully adapted and distinctly its own, with a message about women's potential that resonates beyond its period setting.
Sharon Horgan leads the ensemble as Eva Garvey, one of five close-knit Irish sisters whose bond is tested when their brother-in-law turns up dead under suspicious circumstances. Created by Horgan and developed by Dave Finkel and Brett Baer, this darkly comic thriller masterfully balances sharp wit with genuine emotion as it weaves between past and present timelines. The chemistry among the Garvey sisters—played by Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson—is the beating heart of the series, making their protective instincts feel completely earned. What could have been a straightforward mystery becomes something richer: a celebration of female solidarity and a surprisingly moving exploration of what we'll do for the people we love. The Irish setting adds texture and authenticity, while the tonal shifts from laugh-out-loud humor to genuine suspense never feel jarring.
Riveting and meticulously crafted, this sports documentary chronicles the New England Patriots' unprecedented run of success from 2000 to 2020 under the leadership of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. Filmmakers Matthew Hamachek and Rory Karpf secured remarkable access to key figures, resulting in candid interviews that reveal the internal tensions, strategic brilliance, and personal costs behind the dynasty's six Super Bowl victories. The series doesn't shy away from controversy—Spygate, Deflategate, and the eventual fracturing of the Belichick-Brady partnership all receive thorough examination. What elevates the documentary beyond typical sports hagiography is its focus on the human dynamics: the egos, insecurities, and difficult decisions that accompanied the winning. Even viewers without strong Patriots allegiances will find themselves absorbed by the behind-the-scenes glimpses of what sustaining excellence requires. The editing keeps the momentum strong across all episodes, and the storytelling finds fresh angles on familiar moments. It's top-tier sports documentary work.
Elijah Wood voices Beck, a young mechanic turned reluctant revolutionary in this visually stunning animated series set within the digital world of TRON. Created by Charlie Bean, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz, the show follows Beck as he's trained by the legendary Tron (Bruce Boxleitner) to fight against the oppressive regime of General Tesler. The animation is absolutely gorgeous, with a distinctive art style that honors the original films while carving out its own neon-soaked aesthetic. Each episode delivers tight action sequences and genuine character development, exploring themes of resistance and identity against a backdrop of sleek light cycles and digital combat. While it only lasted one season, the series tells a complete and satisfying story that deepens the TRON mythology in meaningful ways.
Across diverse ecosystems from African savannas to Arctic tundras, this nature documentary series reveals the hidden behaviors and survival strategies of wildlife with stunning cinematography and genuine insight. Narrated with warmth and intelligence, the show goes beyond typical nature programming by focusing on the intimate, often surprising moments that define animal existence—from complex social hierarchies to ingenious problem-solving abilities. The production team's patience and technical skill result in footage that feels both revelatory and deeply respectful of its subjects. Each episode is structured around specific behaviors rather than individual species, creating thematic connections that highlight the universality of survival challenges across the animal kingdom. Whether you're a dedicated nature enthusiast or casual viewer, this series offers consistently engaging storytelling and breathtaking visuals that justify every minute of your time.
This is a series about visibility, identity, and the decades-long struggle for LGBTQ+ representation on American television. Executive produced by Ryan White and Wanda Sykes, this five-part documentary features interviews with television creators, actors, and activists who trace the evolution of queer characters from subtext and stereotypes to the more nuanced portrayals of today. The series doesn't shy away from examining television's complicity in harmful representations while also celebrating the groundbreaking moments that pushed boundaries and changed perceptions. Contributors including Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, and Neil Patrick Harris offer firsthand accounts of what it meant to be out—or closeted—in the industry. The documentary's greatest strength is its comprehensive scope, connecting historical context to contemporary issues. For anyone interested in media representation or LGBTQ+ history, this is essential and deeply affecting viewing.
In this groundbreaking British series, creator Russell T Davies presents an unflinching look at the lives, loves, and friendships of three gay men—Stuart, Vince, and Nathan—navigating Manchester's vibrant Canal Street scene at the turn of the millennium. The show broke barriers with its honest depiction of gay life, featuring characters who were complex, flawed, and fully realized rather than the sanitized stereotypes typically seen on television at the time. Aidan Gillen, Craig Kelly, and Charlie Hunnam anchor the series with performances that capture both the hedonistic freedom and emotional complications of their characters' interconnected lives. Davies' writing is sharp, sexy, and unafraid to explore difficult territory, from coming out struggles to the search for meaningful connection in a culture often focused on surface pleasures. Here was a series that finally showed queer life with authenticity, humor, and respect, paving the way for LGBTQ+ representation in television.
Compelling and claustrophobic, this sci-fi mystery follows the residents of an underground city who've lived for generations with no memory of why they're there or what lies outside. Based on Hugh Howey's novels and developed by Graham Yost, the series stars Rebecca Ferguson as an engineer who begins questioning the lies that hold her society together. The production brilliantly conveys the silo's oppressive atmosphere—145 floors of recycled air, recycled rules, and recycled beliefs—while slowly revealing a larger conspiracy. Ferguson anchors the show with a grounded performance that makes the increasingly wild revelations feel earned. The pacing is deliberate but purposeful, building tension through atmosphere and character rather than cheap thrills. It's smart, patient storytelling that trusts its audience.
Jennifer Aniston stars as Alex Levy, a veteran morning news anchor whose world is upended when her co-host is fired amid scandal. Reese Witherspoon joins as Bradley Jackson, an impulsive field reporter thrust into the cutthroat world of network television. Created by Jay Carson and based on Brian Stelter's book, the series delivers a compelling look behind the scenes of morning television, exploring power dynamics, workplace culture, and the drive to remain relevant in an evolving media landscape. The chemistry between Aniston and Witherspoon crackles with tension and authenticity, while Billy Crudup's network executive adds layers of complexity. The writing is sharp and timely, balancing drama with moments of genuine insight into the pressures faced by those in the public eye. It's prestige television that understands both its setting and its stakes.