Apple TV+ has come a long way since its debut in 2019. Once described as a wildcard in the streaming space—“odd, angsty, and horny as hell”—the platform has steadily evolved into one of the most prestigious hubs for premium storytelling. From critically acclaimed dramas and gripping thrillers to fresh comedies and nature documentaries, Apple TV+ now rivals the likes of Netflix, HBO, and Prime Video.
If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve curated a list of eight essential shows on Apple TV+ that highlight the streamer’s rich variety and storytelling depth. Whether you’re looking for a moody mystery or a feel-good laugh, this guide has something for everyone.
1. Dope Thief
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura
- Creators: Peter Craig, Directed by Ridley Scott (Pilot)
Why Watch:
Adapted from the novel by Dennis Tafoya, Dope Thief follows two childhood friends who pose as DEA agents to rob drug dealers. What begins as a lucrative hustle quickly spirals out of control when they hit the wrong house, triggering a deadly chain reaction. With Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura leading the cast, and the unmistakable touch of Ridley Scott behind the camera, this eight-episode miniseries dives into crime, consequence, and morality with edge and urgency. It’s one of Apple TV+’s boldest releases yet.
2. Severance
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Starring: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette
- Status: Season 2 Coming Soon
Why Watch:
Severance is the show that solidified Apple TV+ as a prestige destination. The series explores a dystopian concept where employees voluntarily sever their work and personal memories, effectively living two separate lives. Adam Scott plays Mark, a grieving man who begins to question his severed existence after a strange encounter. With haunting visuals, emotional depth, and a mind-bending plot, Severance offers a thrilling, existential ride that only gets more intense with each episode.
3. Mythic Quest
- Genre: Comedy
- Starring: Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, Danny Pudi
- Spinoff Alert: Side Quest launches March 2025
Why Watch:
Set inside a video game studio, Mythic Quest is a sharp workplace comedy that balances absurd humor with surprisingly poignant moments. Rob McElhenney plays Ian Grimm, the egotistical creative director of a wildly popular MMORPG. The ensemble cast brings quirky dynamics, while standout episodes like “Quarantine” and “Dark Quiet Death” showcase the show’s ability to pivot between comedy and pathos. If you loved The Office or Silicon Valley, this one’s for you.
4. Silo
- Genre: Sci-Fi / Dystopia
- Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Rashida Jones
- Seasons: Renewed through Season 4
Why Watch:
In Silo, humanity’s remnants live underground, shielded from a toxic surface world. But secrets, conspiracies, and murder shake the foundations—both literal and figurative—of their existence. Rebecca Ferguson leads a stellar cast in this slow-burn mystery that combines visual grandeur with philosophical depth. It’s part The Leftovers, part Snowpiercer, and all atmosphere.
5. The Secret Lives of Animals
- Genre: Nature Docuseries
- Produced by: BBC Studios Natural History Unit
Why Watch:
This 10-part series goes deep into the world of nature’s cleverest problem-solvers. Shot across 24 countries, The Secret Lives of Animals captures intimate, jaw-dropping footage of creatures like spiders, frogs, mice, and octopi as they navigate the challenges of survival. With breathtaking cinematography and thoughtful narration, this is a family-friendly documentary that will leave you in awe of the animal kingdom.
6. Disclaimer
- Genre: Psychological Thriller / Drama
- Starring: Cate Blanchett
- Created by: Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity)
Why Watch:
Adapted from Renée Knight’s bestselling novel, Disclaimer stars Cate Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a respected journalist who receives a mysterious novel revealing long-buried secrets about her past. As Catherine attempts to uncover the identity of the author, she spirals into a web of personal and professional turmoil. With Cuarón directing every episode, the series is cinematic, moody, and richly layered—a must-watch for fans of The Night Manager and Big Little Lies.
7. Shrinking
- Genre: Comedy / Drama
- Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams
- Creators: Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel
Why Watch:
From the team behind Ted Lasso comes a heartfelt dramedy about grief, therapy, and breaking the rules. Segel plays Jimmy, a therapist who begins giving radically honest advice to his patients while struggling with personal loss. Harrison Ford is scene-stealing as his curmudgeonly mentor. Shrinking blends offbeat comedy with emotional honesty, making it one of Apple’s most relatable and binge-worthy titles.
8. Slow Horses
- Genre: Spy Thriller / Dramedy
- Starring: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas
- Seasons: 4 (Ongoing)
Why Watch:
Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the gruff leader of a team of MI5 outcasts relegated to Slough House. But while their careers may be stalled, the threats they face are deadly serious. Slow Horses is a delicious blend of British wit and espionage suspense, reminiscent of John Le Carré with a sharp comedic edge. It’s fast-paced, well-acted, and endlessly entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Apple TV+ may have started slow, but it has grown into one of the most exciting and consistent streaming services on the market. From prestige thrillers to feel-good comedies and globe-spanning docs, the platform has something for every kind of viewer. And with new spinoffs and seasons in the pipeline, now is the perfect time to dive in.
