20 Best Apple TV+ Original Series, Ranked (2024)

Apple TV+ was launched in 2019 and has quickly emerged as one of the best streaming platforms, providing audiences with a wide variety of shows ranging from high-concept science fiction to period dramas. The service features many original award-winning movies and television shows, with their lineup including big-name actors.

Many of Apple TV+'s shows feature unique stories from various different genres and have become a place for prestige television. From Severance to Ted Lasso, there are countless shows worth watching, but only a few can be considered the best. Although it only made its debut in 2019, the network has consistently produced outstanding Apple TV+ original shows across a wide range of genres. Fans should not overlook these shows because they are genuinely remarkable and deserving of attention.

20 'Invasion' (2021 - 2024)

Created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil

Invasion is an alien TV show that focuses on five ordinary people and explores how they respond to the worldwide effect of an alien invasion. It personalizes the account of the world crashing down on the main characters, illustrating their travails, fears, and courage in what can only be perceived as the most dastardly aggression known to man.

In one of the most moving scenes in the show, a Long Island mother named Aneesha Malik (Golshifteh Farahani) learns of her husband's affair just on the day when the invasion takes place. Her subsequent transformation from a suburban housewife to a fierce protector of her children is both harrowing and inspiring. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, communications officer Mitsuki Yamato (Shioli Kutsuna) grapples with grief for the loss of her lover and the added burden of the aliens' signal-decoding task. Everything about Invasion feels like an Apple TV+ show, from its production value to its epic storytelling weaved in with small character dramas.

Invasion

TV-MA

Sci-Fi

Drama

Where to Watch

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Release Date

October 22, 2021

Cast

Golshifteh Farahani , Shamier Anderson , Billy Barratt , Shioli Kutsuna

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

Seasons

2

19 'The Buccaneers' (2023 - )

Created by Katherine Jakeways

The Buccaneers is an exciting period drama about a group of wealthy American girls, all in London, during the final decade of the 19th century, in search of noble husbands. Based on Edith Warton’s stories, the show unfolds through the narration of the very high-spirited and headstrong Nan St. George (Kristine Froseth) and her group of friends. In addition, they have a taste for love, betrayal, and the cold, hard truths of that gilded cage.

Nan, in utter rebellion against the narrowness of her time, just refuses to conform to the standards set for her. She is brought through interactions with the charismatic Duke of Tintagel, who synthesizes old-world traditions and the new ambition of the American heiresses in a dynamic interplay. The richness of the cinematography of The Buccaneers and the complex storytelling capture audiences, plus it impeccably handles gender role motifs, class struggles, and the desire for personal freedom.

The Buccaneers

Where to Watch

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Release Date

November 8, 2023

Creator

Katherine Jakeways

Cast

Guy Remmers , Matthew Broome , Simone Kirby , Kristine Froseth

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Drama

18 'Loot' (2022 - )

Created by Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard

Maya Rudolph takes center stage in Loot, a comedy show that follows the circuitous path of billionaire Molly Novak. After exposing the affair of her husband and experiencing a public freakout, Molly finally decides to turn her vast resources to some greater good. The way Molly tackles philanthropy is a central narrative, with her receiving lessons in humbling, friendship, and self-worth.

In one grotesquely hilarious-yet-also-heartwarming scene, Molly tries to blend in amongst the working-class grunts at her charity foundation, leading to an endearing embarrassment. Her failure to fit in is only part of her journey, with her turning her life of meaningless excess into one of meaningful contribution. Loot boasts an old-time redemption story with a new heart, as it can’t be denied that Molly's conversion from a narcissistic socialite to a true philanthropist is delightful to watch.

Loot

TV-MA

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Release Date

June 24, 2022

Creator

Matt Hubbard, Alan Yang

Cast

Maya Rudolph , Joel Kim Booster , Michaela Jaé Rodriguez , Ron Funches , Nat Faxon

Seasons

2

Main Genre

Comedy

17 'Servant' (2019 - 2023)

Created by Tony Basgallop

After the death of their young child, Servant follows Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) and Sean Turner (Toby Kebbell) to undergo transitory object therapy using a lifelike doll to help with the trauma. The couple hires a young nanny, Leanne Grayson (Nell Tiger Free), to move in a care for the doll, which opens the home to strange occurrences.

Released in 2019, the first season of Servant was a success for Apple TV+, with critics praising the show's atmosphere and powerful performances. Now among the best Apple TV+ originals, the series ran for four seasons, with the final series premiering in 2023. Servant unfolds at a deliberate pace, carefully unraveling its core mystery, and while the journey may appear familiar, it has a few unexpected surprises in store. Furthermore, it achieves a level of eeriness and disquiet that television often aspires to but seldom achieves.

Watch on Apple TV+

16 'Shining Girls' (2022)

Created by Silka Luisa

Shining Girls is a chilling psychological thriller that follows the young Kirby Mazrachi (Elizabeth Moss), who turns into a strict record-keeper for a Chicago newspaper after escaping a senseless assault. However, she soon finds that time and reality in her life keep shifting, over and over again. As Kirby works to piece together her attack, she stumbles into a very gruesome linkage of other murder cases that span decades with no solutions.

Moss’s portrayal of Kirby’s trauma and determination brings a raw intensity to the series, making her journey both heartbreaking and riveting. Shining Girls is another example of how Apple TV+ comes up with genre-bending content that viewers cannot stop watching. Unease swirls around every scene in the gripping series. The intricate plot, coupled with phenomenal performances, constantly throws reality into question. This disorienting experience is both captivating and thought-provoking, leaving viewers glued to the screen.

Shining Girls

TV-MA

Drama

Crime

Mystery

Where to Watch

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Release Date

April 29, 2022

Creator

Silka Luisa

Cast

Elisabeth Moss , Jamie Bell , Wagner Moura , Phillipa Soo

Seasons

1

15 'See' (2019 - 2022)

Created by Steven Knight

See is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a virus has almost entirely wiped out humanity, and the survivors are all blind. The show follows Baba Voss (Jason Mamoa), a tribal leader who is forced to protect his tribe from various threats, including a powerful queen who wants to capture and control his children because they are born with the ability to see. As their ability to see is both a blessing and a burden in this harsh environment, the presence of these sighted children brings both promise and danger to the world.

With three seasons released, See has a rich tapestry of world-building and a developing tale with real emotional weight, even though it may not be the most approachable television, and its propensity for the weird is oftentimes silly. Moreover, despite the mixed reviews from critics, it has a devoted following due to its original premise and aesthetic.

See

TV-MA

Where to Watch

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Release Date

November 1, 2019

Cast

Jason Momoa , Sylvia Hoeks , Hera Hilmar , Christian Camargo , Archie Madekwe , Nesta Cooper , Olivia Cheng , Eden Epstein

Seasons

3

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

14 'Dickinson' (2019 - 2021)

Created by Alena Smith

Dickinson reimagines Emily Dickinson's (Hailee Steinfeld) life as a young woman in the 19th century, offering a modern and somewhat anachronistic perspective on her experiences. While the series draws on real events and people from Dickinson's life, it incorporates elements of contemporary language, music, and sensibilities to create a fresh and unconventional portrayal of her world.

The show spans three seasons, and gracefully navigates the boundary between drama and comedy, blending elements of biography and the supernatural with a seamless fusion of historical and modern sensibilities. Additionally, Steinfeld's performance is consistently remarkable and intricately layered as she endeavors to explore the allure and anxiety of fame through the life of an author who, in reality, never achieved it during her lifetime.

Watch on Apple TV+

13 'Acapulco' (2021 - )

Created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros, and Jason Shuman

In 1984, young Maximo Gallardo Ramos (Enrique Arrizon) gets his dream job of working at the famous Las Colinas Resort as a pool boy. From there, he works his way up in a rags-to-riches story. In the modern day, an older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) tells his nephew Hugo (Raphael Alejandro) the details of his life.

Premiering in 2021, Acapulco is an English and Spanish-language television series that was inspired by 2017's How to Be a Latin Lover. Despite its cozy rom-com exterior and the scent of nostalgia that permeates it, Acapulco's fundamentally a tale of determination and the pursuit of one's dreams. Acapulco has already been renewed for a third season, proving the impact of how it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life, regardless of the challenges one faces.

Acapulco (2021)

TV-14

Where to Watch

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Release Date

October 8, 2021

Cast

Eugenio Derbez , Damian Alcazar , Fernando Carsa , Camila Perez , Vanessa Bauche

Seasons

3

Main Genre

Comedy

12 'Mythic Quest' (2020 - )

Created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney

After creating one of the biggest video games ever, Ian Grimm (Rob McElhenney) and his team struggle to keep their game on top. With the people in charge equipped with their own massive egos, the team fights to ensure that each of their own unique vision stays at the forefront, for better or worse.

Released in 2020, the first season of Mythic Quest received critical acclaim and has a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, with subsequent seasons faring even better. Although the show heavily utilizes parody, often with humorous results, it manages to avoid descending into mere irony. Moreover, the supporting characters in the show about and for gamers are intricately developed, allowing viewers to become emotionally invested in their moral growth, rather than solely relying on the thrill of unveiling the truth behind the scenes.

Mythic Quest

TV-MA

Where to Watch

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Release Date

February 7, 2020

Cast

Rob McElhenney , Charlotte Nicdao , Ashly Burch , Jessie Ennis , David Hornsby

Seasons

3

Main Genre

Comedy

11 'Drops of God' (2023)

Created by Quoc Dang Tran

After the death of her father, Camille (Fleur Geffrier) travels to his home in Japan where she is informed that she has inherited his wine collection, which is considered the most incredible collection in the world. To claim the inheritance, however, she must compete with his protégé, Issei Tomine (Tomohisa Yamash*ta), whom her father saw as a son.

Drops of God premiered in 2023, with an eight-episode run, and is based on a popular Japanese Manga series of the same name. Drops of God is a beautifully narrated story that revolves around the theme of discovering one's family, all while serving as a heartfelt tribute to wine enthusiasts and the intricate world they inhabit. Furthermore, it accomplishes the remarkable feat of transforming what might initially appear to be a non-competitive industry into a high-stakes, emotionally charged drama.

10 'Shrinking' (2023 - )

Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein

After struggling to grieve the loss of his wife while being a father and a therapist, Shrinking centers on Jimmy (Jason Segal) who decides to change his ways and give unfiltered, brutal honesty. To his surprise, this change ultimately helps lead to a change in his patient's lives as well as his own.

Created by series star Jason Segal and Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence, Shrinking is a critically acclaimed comedy-drama that premiered in 2023. Additionally, thanks to its talented cast, consistent comedic success, and skillfully crafted character-driven drama, it not only lives up to the standards set by Ted Lasso but also stands as a delightful show in its own right. Although it frequently employs humor, the show remains a sincere and gentle exploration of the challenges and emotions tied to coping with grief.

Shrinking

Comedy

Drama

Where to Watch

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Release Date

January 27, 2023

Cast

Jason Segel , Harrison Ford , Jessica Williams , Christa Miller , Michael Urie

Rating

TV-MA

Seasons

1

9 'The Morning Show' (2019 - )

Created by Jay Carson

The Morning Show primarily follows the behind-the-scenes workings of a fictional titular morning news and talk show. The show's anchor, Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell), is fired due to sexual misconduct allegations, which sets off a chain of events that disrupts the show and the lives of its employees. The story also focuses on the challenges faced by the show's co-host, Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston), as she tries to navigate the crisis and maintain her position in the cutthroat world of morning television.

The Morning Show has one of Jennifer Aniston's best performances to date and is a witty, provocative, and profoundly depressing crusade against sexual harassment in the workplace. Additionally, even though its execution can sometimes be erratic, its goal is always clear. It's quick-paced, aggressive, and compulsive, which makes it worthwhile to stick around for.

Watch on Apple TV+

8 'Lessons in Chemistry' (2023)

Created by Bonnie Garmus

In Lessons in Chemistry, a brilliant chemist in the 60s named Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), travels daily through a minefield of discrimination in this man's world after being from her lab. For a while, Elizabeth carefully accepts a cooking show, using it to teach homemakers science — all the while waging a pitched battle to make a place for herself in this man's world.

Elizabeth elaborates on the most complicated scientific principles in layman's terms by acting with surgical will through a cooking show. Showing a vast charismatic on-screen presence, she had no apology for challenging the status quo and ended up being an unlikely feminist icon. Lessons in Chemistry captures real-life struggles and ranks up there with many series on Apple TV+ in its ability to fold in historical context and social commentary with excellent storytelling.

Watch on Apple TV+

7 'Foundation' (2021 - )

Created by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman

Adapted from the same-name acclaimed novels penned by Isaac Asimov, Foundation follows a group of outcasts as they embark on a monumental odyssey to rescue humanity and reconstruct civilization in the midst of the Galactic Empire's collapse.

This series should serve as the gold standard for all science fiction programming, with two seasons already available on Apple TV+. The story's breadth, production quality, and character performances are all excellent. Furthermore, while Foundation succumbs to the recurring pacing issues often found in peak TV, it successfully accomplishes the dual task of adapting a seminal classic sci-fi series and rejuvenating it for a contemporary audience, ensuring its continued relevance despite the age of its source material.

Foundation

TV-14

Sci-Fi

Drama

Where to Watch

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Release Date

September 24, 2021

Cast

Jared Harris , Lee Pace , Terrence Mann , Lou Llobell , Leah Harvey

Seasons

2

6 'Slow Horses' (2022 - )

Created by Mick Herron

Slow Horses centers on Slough House which is depicted as an administrative limbo within MI5, reserved for agents who have failed in their duties but haven't faced dismissal. These individuals, often referred to as "slow horses," are led by their discontented supervisor, Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), who anticipates that they will resign due to either sheer ennui or mounting frustration.

Even with the release of two seasons within a single year, Slow Horses doesn't introduce much innovation to the spy genre. Nevertheless, it compensates with its meticulously crafted plot, beautifully written dialogues, and uniformly exceptional cast. The show embodies the quintessential British spy atmosphere, replete with cover-ups, conspiracies, and characters at odds with one another. It evokes the nostalgic essence of vintage John le Carré novels.

Slow Horses

TV-MA

Where to Watch

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Release Date

April 1, 2022

Cast

Gary Oldman , Olivia Cooke , Jack Lowden

Seasons

3

Main Genre

Thriller

5 'Black Bird' (2022)

Developed by Dennis Lehane

After being arrested on drug charges, James "Jimmy" Keene (Taron Egerton) accepts a plea deal in hopes that he'll be released early. After finding out that his plea would lead to more prison time than expected, he is offered the opportunity for early release. Keene must befriend Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser) and illicit a confession from him to find the bodies of his victims.

Released in 2022 as a limited series, Black Bird told the true story of a lesser-known serial killer and the lengths that the FBI and James Keene went to keep him locked away. The great and often overlooked miniseries was succinct and received praise from critics due to both the story and the performances by the lead. At the Emmy Awards, Hauser was nominated, and won, the award for Best Actor in a Limited Series.

Black Bird

TV-MA

Biography

Crime

Drama

Where to Watch

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Release Date

July 8, 2022

Cast

Taron Egerton , Paul Walter Hauser , Greg Kinnear , Ray Liotta

Seasons

1

4 'Silo' (2023 - )

Created by Graham Yost

In a dystopian future in which a community lives in a massive subterranean silo with 144 levels, Silo follows Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson), an engineer tasked with solving the death of a coworker, who learns surprising secrets that endanger the very foundation of their walled-off society.

Silo, which has only had one season released, has already become a sensation in the sci-fi genre on Apple TV+. Compelling and immersive, the book-based dystopian sci-fi show is an outstanding contribution to the genre, solidifying its status as the top science fiction noir film of the year. Also, Ferguson delivers a mesmerizing performance, deserving of all sorts of accolades. With elements to cater to a wide range of viewers, the show masterfully blends elements of conspiracy thriller, dystopian nightmare, and science fiction. In doing so, it effectively foretells a bleak future for humanity.

Silo

TV-MA

Drama

Sci-Fi

Where to Watch

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Release Date

May 5, 2023

Cast

Rebecca Ferguson , Iain Glen , Tim Robbins , Shane McRae , Henry Garrett

Seasons

2

3 'Bad Sisters' (2022 - )

Developed by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer

After Grace Williams' (Anne-Marie Duff) abusive husband dies unexpectedly, she and her four sisters find themselves at the center of a life insurance investigation. The series, presented in two different time periods, shows both the sister's murder plot and the immediate aftermath where they are investigated by a determined insurance agent, Thomas Claffin (Brian Gleeson).

Based on the Flemish television series, Clan, Bad Sisters was released on Apple TV+ in 2022, with a second season on the way. The show achieves a commendably intricate and nuanced storytelling approach by placing its characters at the forefront. This makes it the kind of series that will undoubtedly be cherished and appreciated for many years to come. Furthermore, it's a dark comedy with a central focus on a manipulative and abusive misogynist – a genius premise.

Bad Sisters

TV-MA

Comedy

Drama

Thriller

Where to Watch

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Release Date

August 19, 2022

Cast

Sharon Horgan , Claes Bang , Eve Hewson , Sarah Greene

Seasons

2

2 'Severance' (2022 - )

Created by Dan Erickson

Severance follows Mark (Adam Scott) is the lead of an office team whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. After he is contacted outside of work by someone claiming to be a colleague, Mark begins searching for the truth about his job.

Premiering in 2022, Severance proved to entice audiences with an interesting concept of free will and an extreme view of the work/life balance. The show is undeniably a series with a well-crafted overarching narrative, capable of engrossing, amusing, and bewildering its audience all at once. It caters to viewers who appreciate the style of Black Mirror, especially in episodes where the world depicted feels just slightly askew from our own reality.

Severance

TV-MA

Drama

Mystery

Science Fiction

Where to Watch

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Release Date

February 18, 2022

Cast

Adam Scott , Zach Cherry , Britt Lower , Tramell Tillman , Jen Tullock , Dichen Lachman , Christopher Walken

Seasons

2

1 'Ted Lasso' (2020 - 2023)

Developed by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly

After gaining control of the London football club, AFC Richmond, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) hires Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), an American football coach, to lead the team in hopes that they fail. Against the odds, Lasso's good nature helps turn the doubters into believers.

Ted Lasso was a huge hit for Apple TV+ and at one time was the most watched program on the service and won several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Audiences certainly don't require a passion for soccer, or even sports in general, to be captivated by the enduring charm of this comforting feel-good show. They will easily appreciate its unwavering focus on the importance of unity and maintaining a positive outlook.

Ted Lasso

TV-MA

Comedy

Drama

Sports

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Release Date

August 14, 2020

Cast

Jason Sudeikis , Juno Temple , Brett Goldstein , Jeremy Swift , Hannah Waddingham

Seasons

3

NEXT: The Best Shows on Apple TV+ Right Now