Of all the giants in the streaming game right now, Apple TV+ is definitely the most difficult one to peg down. After all, Netflix has built an empire giving binge-watchers what they want, you know exactly what you're gonna get when you sign into Disney+, and even more all-encompassing streamers like Hulu and Prime Video have managed to carve out some space for their in-house hits. But Apple TV+ is still pretty new to the game, and without a massive catalog of old favorites behind it, you might find yourself staring at a bunch of original titles with no idea what to watch.
That's where we come in. We've watched it all, from the great to the grim, and put together a handy list of the best shows on Apple TV+ right now. 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.
Check out our full list below, and 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 last updated February 2023 to include Shrinking.
The Essex Serpent (2022)
Written by: Anna Symon (based on The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry)
Cast: Claire Danes, Tom Hiddleston, Frank Dillane, Hayley Squires, Clémence Poésy, Jamael Westman
In the domain of streaming television, Apple TV+ has started to emerge as a service not to be underestimated or overlooked in regards to its content — and one of its newest titles is well-worth tuning in for. The moody Gothic drama features Danes (well-suited for this type of period series) as a newly-widowed woman named Cora who decides to retreat from her London home to the Essex countryside, where rumors of a mythological serpent have swirled amidst the village. Along the way, she encounters the local vicar (Hiddleston) and the two connect not only over their mutual occupation of the same space but almost in spite of their opposing beliefs about whether the serpent even exists in the first place. The Essex Serpent is a series in which aesthetic is everything, from the fog-draped marshes where the story is set to the intricate costumes which showcase Cora's evolution from the scarred woman of her past into the more confident version of herself. - Carly Lane
Shrinking (2023-present)
Creators: Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel
Cast: Harrison Ford, Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Lukita Maxwell, Luke Tennie
Shrinking stars Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother), who co-created the series with Ted Lasso’sBrett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence, as a grieving therapist who abandons traditional therapy expectations and starts telling his patients exactly what he thinks — with varying results. A delightfully charming comedy, Shrinking features an all-star cast, including Harrison Ford (1923), Jessica Williams (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore),and Christa Miller, as well as newcomers Lukita Maxwell and Luke Tennie. Intertwining clever humor with genuine conversations about loss, Shrinking is a beautiful new comedy series that explores universal experiences like love, heartbreak, and pushing through life. – Yael Tygiel
Truth Be Told (2019-present)
Creator: Nichelle D. Tramble
Cast: Octavia Spencer, Ron Cephas Jones, Rico E. Anderson, Mekhi Phifer, Tracie Thoms
Underrated Oscar winner Octavia Spencer(Spirited) stars as Poppy Parnell, an investigative reporter and determined true crime podcaster on the hunt for answers in Truth Be Told. Inspired by Kathleen Barber’s novel Are You Sleeping, creator Nichelle D. Tramble (The Good Wife) crafts captivating mysteries, as she’s no stranger to writing crime dramas and intricate family dynamics. In addition to Spencer’s grounding performance, Truth Be Told is overflowing with incredible talent in supporting roles, including Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us) and Mekhi Phifer.Truth Be Told allows crime thriller audiences to explore the process of murder investigations, along with the world of podcasting, through intriguing and engrossing stories. – Yael Tygiel
Echo 3 (2022-present)
Creator: Mark Boal
Cast: Michiel Huisman, Luke Evans, Jessica Ann Collins, James Udom
An action-packed military thriller, Echo 3 comes from the mind of two-time Academy Award winner Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker) and stars Michiel Huisman (The Flight Attendant) and Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast). Based on Omri Givon’s book series When Heroes Fly, Echo 3 follows a black-ops team who set out to rescue a loved one (Jessica Ann Collins) after she’s kidnapped in Colombia. Echo 3 is an exciting series shot almost entirely on location, focusing on the humanity of these delta force operators, as well as the suspenseful drama of the mystery they must unravel. – Yael Tygiel
Slow Horses (2022-present)
Based on the book by: Mick Herron
Cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas
An innovative intersection of witty dialogue and suspenseful action,Slow Horsesis a clever dark comedy series following British intelligence agents who have made career-ending mistakes, resulting in relegation to a forgotten department of MI5.Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Rises) stars as the bitter head of the department, leading a team of banished agents hoping to claw their way back to active status within the agency. An entertaining thriller, Slow Horses knows exactly how to best utilize the stars – including Oldman, Jack Lowden, and Kristin Scott Thomas – to tell a deeply fascinating story of these agents with once-promising careers. – Yael Tygiel
Surface (2022)
Created by: Veronica West
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ari Graynor, François Arnaud
If you’re looking for an enthralling psychological thriller, look no further than Surface. Starring the excellent Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the series follows her character, Sophie, after she survives a suicide attempt. The catch: she doesn’t remember why she decided to jump and must investigate the reason – which may have something to do with her husband James (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), or at least, so says a mysterious man named Thomas Baden (Stephan James), who she meets outside of a fundraiser and apparently knew well before her memory loss. The show is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon, who’s done the same for shows like Big Little Lies and Little Fires Everywhere. Intriguing and mysterious, Surface fits right in with them. – Taylor Gates
Bad Sisters (2022)
Created by: Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, Brett Baer
Cast: Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, Eve Hewson
If you’re looking for a dark comedy in the vein of Dead to Me, look no further. The show centers around Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), whose husband, John Paul (Claes Bang), has recently died. The series begins on the day of his funeral, where Grace and her sisters are all having vastly different reactions. Grace is in disbelief while Eva (Sharon Horgan) waters her plants and chugs down wine. Bibi (Sarah Greene) lounges in the tub, Ursula (Eva Birthistle) hides from her family, and Becka (Eve Hewson) runs late. When Thomas (Brian Gleeson) sees a large life claim has been taken out against John Paul, he decides to investigate – and suspect that the Garvey sisters had something to do with it due to the cruel way John Paul used to treat Grace. Mystery and comedic, Bad Sisters is an intriguingly sharp gem from the always excellent Sharon Horgan. – Taylor Gates
Five Days at Memorial (2022)
Creators: Carlton Cuse, John Ridley
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Cherry Jones, Cornelius Smith Jr.
Five Days at Memorial chronicles the appalling realities that ensued after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The mini-series from Carlton Cuse (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan) and John Ridley (American Crime) follows the five days without power where medical professionals, doctors, and nurses attempted to treat patients in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Five Days at Memorial shines a light on a heinous truth, providing actors like Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), Julie Ann Emery, and Cornelius Smith Jr. (Scandal) an opportunity to explore the sensibilities of those involved. – Yael Tygiel
Trying (2020-present)
Created by: Andy Wolton
Cast: Esther Smith, Rafe Spall
Trying is an earnest and hilarious British comedy about Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), a couple who desperately wants a child. After they struggle to get pregnant, the two decide to adopt. The series shows this process with unflinching honesty, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly. Trying has a massive amount of heart and effortless chemistry between the two leads, making it a compelling watch. If you enjoyed Netflix’s Private Life, Trying will be right up your alley. – Taylor Gates
Loot (2022)
Created by: Alan Yang & Matt Hubbard
Cast: Maya Rudolph, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Joel Kim Booster
Maya Rudolph is one of the greatest working comedy actors, full stop, and Loot takes full advantage of her talents. The show revolves around her character, Molly, who’s been married to tech billionaire John (Severance’s Adam Scott) for two decades. When she discovers he’s cheating on her, however, she demands a divorce – and half his fortune: a whopping $90 billion. To stave off boredom, she begins to work at a charity she didn’t even know exist – much to the chagrin of Sofia (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez), the charity’s head. Loot is a hysterical workplace comedy that serves up laugh after laugh. Honestly, it’s worth watching for that incredible fake Hot Ones interview alone. – Taylor Gates
Physical (2021-present)
Created by: Annie Weisman
Cast: Rose Byrne, Rory Scovel, Diedre Friel, Paul Sparks, Della Saba, Lou Taylor Pucci, Geoffrey Arend
Set in the 1980s, Physical follows dutiful but unfulfilled housewife Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne) as she finds passion and power in the world of aerobics. At the same time, however, her husband has lost his job as a political science professor but has decided to take Sheila’s advice and use his free time to run for the California State Assembly as a local representative. Even though this series is set in the 80s, Sheila’s story is still relatable for so many women. Sheila has to stretch herself between her growing aerobics business and her duties as mother and wife while struggling with her own self-image and disordered eating habits. Through voiceovers, the series offers a look at Sheila’s innermost thoughts, showing how incredibly judgmental and mean she is toward herself. Sheila doesn’t really have anyone to confide in, so aerobics becomes an outlet through which she can get out her frustrations and quiet the voice in her head. Physical manages to combine commentary on women’s empowerment, the moral hypocrisy of politics in the 80s, and the rise of aerobics as a form of fitness into a truly intriguing and compelling series that is absolutely worth the watch. - Brynna Arens
Shining Girls (2022-present)
Created by: Silka Luisa (based on The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes)
Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Wagner Moura, Jamie Bell, Phillipa Soo, Amy Brenneman, Chris Chalk
Shining Girls is rooted in a premise that feels doubly gripping: what would happen if there was a serial killer scouring the globe for women to kill, but was also capable of doing so across time? When we pick up at the beginning of the Apple TV+ series, based on the novel of the same name by Lauren Beukes, Kirby Mazrachi (Moss) has been experiencing side effects in the aftermath of a near-fatal attack on her life — but what if they're linked to something other than her trauma? The series actually goes through the slow burn of introducing us to its premise right away, building up the strangeness and the mystery and the crime elements before propelling us headlong into its definitive genre spin. It means that when the second half of the season kicks into gear on its supernatural leanings, it goes hard — and the best bet is to just strap in and hold on for the ride. As Collider's Therese Lacson wrote in her review of the show, "For those who enjoy a more experimental approach to storytelling, unburdened by the confines of one specific genre, Shining Girls is an exciting entry for Apple TV+." - Carly Lane
Roar (2022-present)
Created by: Liz Flahive & Carly Mensch (based on Roar by Cecelia Ahern)
Cast: Issa Rae, Nick Kroll, Nicole Kidman, Simon Baker, Betty Gilpin, Daniel Dae Kim, Cynthia Erivo, Jake Johnson, Merritt Wever, Justin Kirk
In the realm of anthology series that have aired or are currently airing, there are none that really seem to capture the solitary angle of women's experiences — in all of their complicated, messy, confusing glory. The darkly funny Roar, which bears shades of other shows that have come before it (like Black Mirror, or The Twilight Zone), first advertised itself as offering a series of "feminist fables" — and there's truly no better way to describe the eight-episode first season than that. Each story revolves around a different aspect of womanhood, resulting in varying returns — and there's an odd lack of queer stories within — but the narratives that do play out are deft, insightful, and ultimately necessary viewing. - Carly Lane
Pachinko (2022-present)
Created by: Soo Hugh (based on the book of the same name by Min Jin Lee)
Cast: Soji Arai, Jin Ha, Jun-woo Han, In-ji Jeong, Eun-chae Jung, Min-ha Kim, Lee Min-ho, Kaho Minami, Steve Sanghyun Noh, Anna Sawai, Jimmi Simpson, Yuh-jung Youn
There are some series that come along and shouldn't be poised to act as simply a drop in the content bucket of streaming content; they should be considered an absolute tidal wave of stunning achievement. Such is the case with Pachinko, which doesn't feel like a television show so much as a time and generational-spanning epic. Although that concept in and of itself is nothing new, as is the notion of adapting a TV show from an equally impactful novel, the eight-episode Apple TV+ series overwhelmingly succeeds on both fronts, with the end product resulting in not just one of the best shows of the year but a show that should end up on everyone's best-of-all-time lists. As Collider's Chase Hutchinson said in his review, "the series weaves a tapestry that finds as much art in the quiet intimacy of conversations between its characters as it does in the vastness of the landscapes they inhabit over the many decades." - Carly Lane
WeCrashed (2022)
Created by: Lee Eisenberg & Drew Crevello (based on WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork by David Brown)
Cast: Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, Kyle Marvin, America Ferrera, O. T. Fagbenle, Theo Stockman, Anthony Edwards
There's definitely been an uptick lately in scammer-based dramatizations — from Netflix's Inventing Anna to Hulu's The Dropout, streamers have jumped onto the train of casting A-listers to play some of the most notorious snake-oil salesmen of the modern age. Now, Apple TV+ has gotten into the game with WeCrashed, which follows the rise and fall of the coworking space known as WeWork and how its founder Adam Neumann attempted to turn it into a global brand worth millions. In almost record time, however, WeWork's value plummeted, so what exactly happened? WeCrashed attempts to not only follow the growth and devaluation of the WeWork name, but the tensions that rose between Neumann and his wife Rebekah (herself a cousin of Gwyneth Paltrow, fun fact) as they clashed on differing approaches to their business strategy. My Collider colleague Ross Bonaime called it one of the great cringe shows of the year, and with Leto once again attempting to disappear into yet another real-life individual, equally matched by Hathaway's screen energy, there might be no better or more adequate descriptor than that. Sit back and enjoy the trainwreck. - Carly Lane
Severance (2022-present)
Created by: Dan Erickson
Cast: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette
The term "work-life balance" is given wholly new meaning in this latest drama thriller on the streamer, which revolves around the in-universe controversial procedure known as severance — and what happens when employees who work for a mysterious company willingly choose to undergo having their work memories surgically separated from the ones they make outside the office, a switch flipping in their brain whenever they clock in and out for the day. Scott was apparently the first choice to play the lead character, and it's plain to see why; he infuses Mark with a blend of sorrow and compliance that ultimately gets shaken up when a new "severed" employee arrives and starts to make him and all of his co-workers question everything they know about the existing status quo — and what they're really doing at work all day. Ben Stiller helms many pivotal episodes as director of this series that feels half-Black Mirror, half-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but also simultaneously all its own. - Carly Lane
The Afterparty (2022-present)
Created by: Christopher Miller
Cast: Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Zoë Chao, Ike Barinholtz, Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, Jamie Demetriou, Dave Franco
Few things are as delightful as an ensemble comedy consisting of some of the best modern-day heavy-hitters — but when you put them all together in a story that hits the millennial heart hardest (aka a high school reunion)? You've got a formula for success. Christopher Miller and Phil Lord have knocked it out of the park again with The Afterparty, which follows a group who finds themselves the unwitting suspects in a murder investigation when the host of their reunion's afterparty (Franco) turns up dead on the cliffs next to his beachside mansion. What follows is a delightfully fun comedy in which each character being interrogated by the detective on the case (Haddish) tells the story in their own words, with the corresponding episode changing formats to match the narrator. From musical to rom-com to animation, The Afterparty is a genre feast, and the names attached will keep you just as engrossed as the whodunnit itself. - Carly Lane
Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (2022-present)
Created by: Matt Fusfeld and Alex Cuthbertson
Cast: John Tartaglia, Karen Prell, Donna Kimball, Jordan Lockhart, and Dave Goelz
Some revivals don't do enough to justify the need for them to exist, but happily, such as not been the case for Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, which debuted on Apple TV+ in particularly riotous, colorful, and musical fashion. The series aims for more of the classic effects that made Jim Henson's puppets so beloved in the first place, erring on the side of practicality rather than an overuse of CGI. It's a show made for children, but with lessons that can also be applied to the adults watching them either with kids or without. But don't just take my word for it; in her review for Collider, my colleague Maggie Boccella writes, "Back to the Rock is a loving, worthy reminder that there is joy to be found in everyday life, even when things seem hard. Fraggles can’t live life in fear, and neither can humans, and the world benefits when we embrace ourselves and each other with open arms." - Carly Lane
The Shrink Next Door (2021)
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Created by: Georgia Pritchett (based on the book The Shrink Next Door by Joe Nocera)
Cast: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn, Casey Wilson, Sarayu Blue, Cornell Womack
It's always a testament to the brilliance of two actors when they can not only convincingly play against type — or perhaps the labeled boxes that we as viewers tend to fit them into — but also face off against one another while inhabiting characters we're not used to seeing them inhabit. Enter The Shrink Next Door, which reunites Anchorman co-stars Ferrell and Rudd for a scenario that's almost too strange to be purely fiction. But don't just take my word for it; listen to my Collider colleague Ross Bonaime, who, in his review for the series, said that "This tragic true story finds just the right blend of comedy and drama, as it’s hard to not laugh at the absurdity of this situation while also finding the deep trauma occurring to be deeply disturbing. The Shrink Next Door is a consistently beguiling series that pushes Rudd and Ferrell as actors in ways we’ve never seen before." - Carly Lane
Invasion (2021-present)
Created by: Simon Kinberg and David Weil
Cast: Golshifteh Farahani, Shamier Anderson, Shioli Kutsuna, Firas Nassar, Aziz Capkurt, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Daisuke Tsuji, Sam Neill
When you think of alien invasion science-fiction shows, it's probably the big, bombastic action set pieces that come to mind — movies that directors like Roland Emmerich have made a name for themselves on, which focus more on the devastation and the ensuing fight against invaders from another planet than the ordinary, everyday lives of people around the world leading up to the moment of impact. Kinberg and Weil's series, which premiered in October on Apple TV+ and concludes its first season run this month, is definitely more of a slow-burn by comparison, but it's the kind of series that fills you more with a creeping sense of dread while you watch, not certain of what's to come while understanding the inevitability that lies ahead. Invasion might be more suited for those patient viewers who don't mind settling in for the scenic route, but the international cast (of which Farahani, Neill, Anderson, and Kutsuna are its standouts) is also worth following the journey for. - Carly Lane