Since its launch, Apple TV+ has undergone a remarkable transformation. The streaming service was first called “odd, angsty, and horny as hell,” but it has grown into a vast source of material. What started as a few originals has grown into a wide range of entertaining comedies, intense dramas, and thought-provoking films. It’s getting so good that people say it’s like HBO in its prime.
Finding your way around such an extensive library can take time and effort. That’s where we come in. Here is a list of the best shows on Apple TV+ right now, suitable for all viewers. After binge-watching these, you can also read our tips for the best shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Because you can never have enough great TV.
What to Watch on Apple TV:Â
1. Bad Monkey
Bill Lawrence also made Ted Lasso and Shrinking and created Bad Monkey. It brings a unique mix of dark humor and heart to Apple TV+. In the show, Vince Vaughn plays a shamed former cop who finds a severed arm and starts an odd probe. It takes place in Florida, and Bad Monkey goes deep into the strange and complicated lives of its bizarre characters, especially the famous “Florida Men.” There is a mix of crime, comedy, and human drama as the story unfolds, and a monkey plays a memorable part. Like Lawrence’s other big hits, Bad Monkey has an exciting plot with strange characters and surprising turns that interest people.
2. Sunny
In the meanwhile, if you’re looking for some dark humor, drama, and science fiction on Apple TV+, check out Sunny. The protagonist, Suzie (Rashida Jones), is a mother who has yet to fully accept the reality that her husband and kid perished in an unexplained aircraft accident. To alleviate her depression, Suzie receives a household robot called Sunny. The more she discovers about her family’s disappearance, the more of an unusual affinity she develops with the robot. AI is becoming increasingly important, so Sunny feels it came at the perfect time. The first two apple tv shows came out on July 10, and the next eight will air every Wednesday until September.
3. Presumed Innocent
Presumed Innocent is back with a new apple tv shows eight-part limited series. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Rusty Sabich, a lawyer in Chicago who is accused of killing a coworker with whom he was having an affair. The plot may sound familiar because Harrison Ford played the same part in the 1990 movie version of Scott Turow’s book, but this new version details how complicated the case is. The show is produced by David E. Kelley, known for making Big Little Lies and The Undoing. Kelley’s signature mix of glitz and mystery is present in this show. As Gyllenhaal’s character tries to clear his name, the story will be full of turns, dark secrets, and courtroom drama.
4. STEVE! (martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces
The two-part documentary STEVE! (Martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces is fascinating. It looks into the life and work of the famous singer Steve Martin. This project doesn’t feel like a regular series; it’s more like two full-length movies. The first part talks about Martin’s rise to fame in stand-up comedy and how his unique style changed the genre. The second one is about how he changed into the nervous but likable character he plays on Only Murders in the Building. The documentary, directed by Oscar winner Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?), is an excellent example of Martin’s varied work. It is funny, insightful, and surprising all at the same time. You should watch it if you like comedies and want to learn more about Martin’s fantastic career in show business.
5. Loot
Maya Rudolph plays Molly, a woman who breaks up with her tech wealthy husband and goes on a journey of giving back to the community and finding herself. Even though Alan Yang (Master of None) and Matt Hubbard (Superstore) didn’t base the show precisely on MacKenzie Scott’s divorce from Jeff Bezos, they were influenced by the public split.
The supporting group for Loot is excellent, including Joel Kim Booster, Michaela JaĂ© Rodriguez, and Adam Scott. The show is funny and heartfelt, looking at personal growth and kindness. This cute and strange show isn’t on Amazon Prime Video, so it’s a unique addition to Apple TV+’s growing library.
6. The Big Door Prize
Chris O’Dowd finally gets the lead part he was meant to play in The Big Door Prize. In this strange comedy-drama, O’Dowd plays Dusty, a high school teacher who is 40 years old and happy with his quiet life until a strange machine shows up in his small town. This machine tells you what your true life potential is, and soon, people in the town will make significant changes based on what it says. People get divorced, their lives change, and Dusty wonders if he’s really happy. When Season 2 comes out in the spring of 2024, it will go into more detail about the chaos after everyone changes their lives to follow their new paths.
7. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin
Dick Turpin was a natural person who lived in the 18th century and was a highwayman. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin turns him into the myths that made him famous. The real Turpin got a harsh punishment for horse theft, but this six-episode apple tv series, which stars Noel Fielding from “The Great British Bake Off”), tells his story in a more fun and fake way. In this new version, Turpin leads a group of criminals by accident and has to figure out how to get them out of trouble on the spot. The show is full of silly and funny things and focuses on having fun so viewers can enjoy a wild and exciting ride. If you want a humorous and unusual look at history, this series will please.
8. Constellation
Apple TV+ could be the new HBO, but it also has some Syfy vibes. Since its big start in 2019 with “For All Mankind,” the platform has kept putting out mind-bending space stories like “Foundation” and “Severance.” With its captivating story and thought-provoking turns, Constellation is the perfect example of sci-fi that hooks you and keeps you guessing. It also makes the best shows on apple tv to find thrilling, otherworldly stories.
9. Masters of the Air
For people who like Steven Spielberg’s work and WWII stories, “Masters of the Air” is a must-see. Based on Donald L. Miller’s book, this series looks at the complex lives of the 100th Bomb Group, also known as the “Bloody Hundredth,” who flew to fight Nazi Germany. With Spielberg and Tom Hanks as executive producers, the show looks like it will be a thrilling look at battle bravery. Austin Butler (Elvis), Barry Keoghan (Saltburn), and Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who) are just a few of the talented people in the group. “Masters of the Air” is fascinating for history and drama fans because of the actors’ great acting, the show’s historical depth, and Spielberg’s unique style.
10. The New Look
“The New Look” takes place in Paris during World War II and shows how famous designers like Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain, and CristĂłbal Balenciaga shape the future of fashion while the Nazis are in charge. Ben Mendelsohn plays Dior, Juliette Binoche plays Chanel, and Maisie Williams plays Catherine Dior. Together, they bring these famous people to life. To make the period feel more natural, Jack Antonoff chose music from the early 1900s that artists like Perfume Genius and Florence Welch remade for the series’ soundtrack. With its influential acts and stirring music, “The New Look” will be a visually and sonically engaging experience.
11. Criminal Record
Dramas on Apple TV+ are doing well right now, and “Criminal Record” is another. This crime story is about two cops working on a tough case. Peter Capaldi plays the former Doctor Who, and Cush Jumbo plays the jumbo. Daniel Hegarty, played by Capaldi, initially solved the case by confessing. However, June Lenker from Jumbo has new information that the man who was found guilty might not be guilty after all. Even though the idea may sound familiar, “Criminal Record” is more than just a typical whodunit. It goes deeper into issues of police failings and racial relations in a changing Britain. This new way of doing things adds layers of social commentary to an already gripping story, making it a must-see on Apple TV+.
12. Hijack
Idris Elba shows off his skill at balancing calm and energy in Hijack. He learned how to do this while playing Stringer Bell on The Wire. In this movie, Elba plays a business broker who is in a tough spot when terrorists take over the flight he’s on to get home to his family. Over the course of seven exciting shows, which are the same length as the flight, fans are taken on a thrilling adventure in the air and the political games below. Elba’s normally calm personality is tested, making for an exciting watch. Ensure you stay until the end—this drama from a high place does a great job of landing.
13. For All Mankind
Before the Foundation made Apple TV+ famous in sci-fi, For All Mankind was already planning its course. In this high-tech alternate history tale, the show imagines a world where the US lost the race to the moon and the Soviets became even more determined to win. It’s a beautiful period piece that shows NASA’s best years, led by Ronald D. Moore’s artistic vision. The show combines stylish visuals with interesting writing thanks to an exciting plot and a large ensemble cast. You might be missing out on the best sci-fi show if you haven’t already found it: For All Mankind has multiple seasons you can watch all at once.
14. Messi Meets America
Apple TV+ is all about sports right now, in case you didn’t notice. Documentary filmmakers shot six episodes of “Messi Meets America” following Lionel Messi about as he signs with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. October 11, 2023 was the airdate of the show’s premiere. The rest of the episodes came out simultaneously with the previous MLS season. This documentary series shows how vital and exciting Messi’s move was, showing the enthusiasm of “Messi Mania.” This show shows you the excitement surrounding Messi’s trip to the United States, whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just interested in one of the sport’s biggest stars.
15. Lessons in Chemistry
“Lessons in Chemistry,” based on Bonnie Garmus’s first book, is about a bright scientist named Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) fired from her lab because she is a woman in science. Elizabeth doesn’t give up and gets a job hosting a cooking show. She cleverly uses her science knowledge on the show to make everyday foods more enjoyable. What starts as a simple cooking show quickly becomes a ground-breaking platform that questions social rules and standards. Due to Elizabeth’s unique way of cooking and living, the show is more than just a guide to dinner. It would help if you watched to see how her unique mix of science and cooking skills changes things and excites people.
16. The Morning Show
Every streaming service needs an outstanding story, and The Morning Show is Apple TV+’s. Jennifer Aniston plays Alex Levy on this well-known show. When her cohost Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) is accused of sexual misconduct, Alex has to deal with the fallout. She is paired with Bradley Jackson, played by Reese Witherspoon. This creates an exciting #MeToo story with network mystery and intelligent conversation. In its second season, the show looked at the effects of Covid-19. In its third season, it looks at the chaos that follows a hack. Since a new season is coming out in 2025, now is a great time to watch this exciting show again or catch up on the drama’s twists and turns.
17. Shining Girls
The 2022 psychological movie “Shining Girls,” which starred Elisabeth Moss, didn’t get much attention despite its exciting plot. Moss plays Kirby, a woman from Chicago who is sure that a recent murder has something to do with a terrible event in her past. When Kirby teams up with a Sun-Times writer to look into the case, her world becomes increasingly unstable. This series is more than just a murder mystery. It’s based on Lauren Beukes’ book The Shining Girls. Its unique sci-fi turns and psychological depth make it stand out, making it a new and exciting experience to watch. There’s no reason not to add it to your favorites if you haven’t already.
Conclusion
With its diverse and expanding library, Apple TV+ has firmly established itself as a major player in the streaming world. Our roundup of the 17 best shows on apple tv is a compelling choice for viewers. From gripping dramas and thought-provoking documentaries to laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep dive into intricate plots, engaging character studies, or simply want to unwind with some top-notch entertainment, Apple TV+ delivers with flair and substance.
So, dive in and explore these standout shows that are defining the streaming service’s growing reputation. And remember, the world of TV is vast—be sure to check out our guides to the best shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime for even more excellent viewing options. Happy watching!
