Apple TV's streaming service has carved out a niche for itself in the crowded media landscape, emphasizing production value, star power, and quality control. It's a platform that offers appointment television, from the critically acclaimed "Severance" to the charming "Widow's Bay" and everything in between. As Apple SVP of Services Eddy Cue stated, "We don't want to be the most; we want to be the best." This commitment to excellence is evident in the 10 Apple TV shows listed below, each of which boasts a flawless season without a single misstep.
Acapulco
A delightful comedy series starring Eugenio Derbez, "Acapulco" is a reimagined version of his character Maximo, a wealthy business magnate recounting his success story to his nephew. Set against the backdrop of Acapulco, Mexico, the show alternates between the present and 1984, when young Maximo worked at a resort. With clever filmmaking techniques and a mildly unreliable narrator, "Acapulco" feels like a spikier version of "The Wonder Years" or "The White Lotus," but with a beating heart and a statement of simple sentimentality that never becomes cloying.
The Afterparty
From the mind of Christopher Miller, "The Afterparty" is a genre-hopping, puzzle-box anthology series. It combines genuinely shocking murder-mystery plotting with a rapid pace of jokes, reminiscent of "Search Party" and "Poker Face." Tiffany Haddish stars as Detective Danner, a compelling and restrained character who navigates a series of high-stakes murder investigations, including the death of pop star Xavier and the murder of billionaire Edgar Minnows. The show is surrounded by a murderer's row of comedic talent, making it one of the best on Apple TV.
Central Park
Co-created by Loren Bouchard and Nora Smith, alongside Josh Gad, "Central Park" is a musical comedy that follows the Tillerman-Hunter family, who live in Edendale Castle within New York City's Central Park. With Owen as the park's manager, the family gets into all kinds of mishaps, often breaking out into song. The show is hilarious, touching, and stuffed with imagination, granting endearing storylines to all characters, from the children to the villainous threats. It's a delightful blend of genres, from traditional musical theater to disco to Latin pop.
Dickinson
With shades of "The Great" and "Marie Antoinette," "Dickinson" is an appealingly postmodern spin on the period piece. Hailee Steinfeld stars as Emily Dickinson, a young woman with artistic aspirations who bumbles her way through life using modern language set to contemporary music. The show's refreshingly frank take on Emily's queer relationship places it firmly in the 21st century. Steinfeld imbues the role with pathos and a deft comedic touch, making it a great watch for both comedy and drama fans.
For All Mankind
An alternate history sci-fi barn-burner, "For All Mankind" asks a deceptively simple question: What if the Soviet Union won the space race? Over five seasons, the show thoroughly answers this question, extrapolating the butterfly effect across numerous areas of global culture. With a sixth and final season set to premiere in 2027, it offers a pointedly darker "Forrest Gump" feel, making it a thrilling, intelligent, and all-encompassing experience.
Foundation
"Foundation" is an intelligent science fiction barn-burner, an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's celebrated book series. Set in a far-flung future ruled by genetically engineered clones of a powerful emperor, the show imagines a mathematical science that can predict the collapse of the Galactic Empire. With a focus on the quest to preserve humanity's knowledge, it submerges viewers in its arcane lore and esoteric concepts, making it a consistently engaging series for Trekkies and sci-fi enthusiasts.
Mythic Quest
Created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney, "Mythic Quest" is an unorthodox workplace sitcom that leans into warmth and empathy. Set in a video game studio, the show follows the team's navigation of an ever-changing marketplace and creative environment, with tensions rising and strong personalities clashing. With self-contained episodes that play like short films, it's a celebration of collaboration and a great watch for fans of "Ted Lasso" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".
Servant
An unsettling horror series born from an unexpected creative pairing, "Servant" is stuffed with surprises, dark humor, and nasty turns. Married couple Dorothy and Sean Turner hire an enigmatic live-in nanny, Leanne, to care for their son, Jericho, who is a doll. The show explores themes of delusion and the blurring lines between reality and fantasy, with a consistently constructed plot and ample tension. It's a horror show without a single bad season, earning its distinction as an American horror story.
Shrinking
"Shrinking" is a delightful dramedy that combines laugh-out-loud humor with a potent emotional core. It tackles dark and difficult subject matter with grace and good humor, never feeling like it's pandering. The show stars Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird, a therapist struggling with the death of his wife, and features a strong core trio of Segel, Harrison Ford, and Jessica Williams. It recalls the best moments of works like "Scrubs," "Ted Lasso," and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and is a great watch for fans of dramedies.
Slow Horses
"Slow Horses" is an action-thriller spy show that moves at a slower pace, focusing on knotted character dynamics rather than exaggerated global threats. Set in a British Intelligence center, the show centers on Jackson Lamb, who leads a crew of eccentrics with a visage of apathetic hostility. When the going gets tough, Lamb's Slow Horses rise to the occasion, proving their worth. With strong, unique, and endearing character work, it's a cozy and intense show that's a great cuppa for viewers.
