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30 Best Apple TV+ Original Series, Ranked

Published 1 month ago14 minute read

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 to , there are countless shows worth watching, but only a few can be considered the best. Although it only made its debut in 2019, across a wide range of genres. Fans should not overlook these shows because they are genuinely remarkable and deserving of attention.

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Image via Apple TV+

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 () 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 () 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, .

Invasion Apple TV Poster

Invasion

October 22, 2021

Simon Kinberg

Shioli Kutsuna , Sam Neill , Shamier Anderson

2

Aubri Ibrag wearing a purple dress and smiling in The Buccaneers Episode 4
Image via Apple TV+

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. , the show unfolds through the narration of the very high-spirited and headstrong Nan St. George () 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. , plus it impeccably handles gender role motifs, class struggles, and the desire for personal freedom.

The Buccaneers Apple TV Poster

The Buccaneers

November 8, 2023

Guy Remmers , Simone Kirby , Matthew Broome , Francesca Corney , Kristine Froseth , Alisha Boe , Josie Totah , Christina Hendricks , Josh Dylan , Aubri Ibrag , Imogen Waterhouse

1

'See' (2019 - 2022) (1)

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 (), 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, 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.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon sitting at a newsdesk in The Morning Show
Image via AppleTV+

primarily follows the behind-the-scenes workings of a fictional titular morning news and talk show. The show's anchor, Mitch Kessler (), 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 (), as she tries to navigate the crisis and maintain her position in the cutthroat world of morning television.

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.

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The Morning Show

November 1, 2019

Jay Carson , Kerry Ehrin

Marcia Gay Harden , Holland Taylor , Bel Powley , Tom Irwin , Reese Witherspoon , Jack Davenport , Ruairi O'Connor , Greta Lee , Gugu Mbatha-Raw , Hasan Minhaj , Desean Terry , Jennifer Aniston , Nestor Carbonell , Julianna Margulies , Valeria Golino , Mark Duplass , Janina Gavankar , Karen Pittman , Steve Carell , Billy Crudup , Tara Karsian

3

Drama

Austin Butler and Nate Mann in the Masters of the Air finale
Image via Apple TV+

Released in January this year, is the perfect choice for war drama enthusiasts. Set during World War II and featuring a stellar, gifted cast including , , and , it focuses on ten men inside an aluminum bomber who battle antiaircraft fire and flocks of German fighters.

Although created by and , other beloved names such as and , who worked as producers on this, were also attached. Even if not as great as or , , anchored by its historical accuracy and respectful depiction of the real people who served in these roles. It is based on ’s book .

The cast of Loot looking shocked
Image via Apple TV+

takes center stage in , a comedy show that follows the . 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. , as it can’t be denied that Molly's conversion from a narcissistic socialite to a true philanthropist is delightful to watch.

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Loot

Idris Elba as Sam looking back at a threat offscreen in Season 1, Episode 6 of 'Hijack.'
Image via Apple TV+ 

is the main star in this and thriller. The story focuses on a plane from Dubai to London that is hijacked over a 7-hour flight. In the meantime, authorities on the ground attempt to get answers.

unfolds in real-time, making audiences invested in its intense plot and on the edge of their seats throughout, ultimately adding a layer of urgency and intensity to the story. , especially considering how relatable for audiences its terrifying narrative is. Atmospheric and dramatic, Hijack is certainly worth checking when it comes to shows on the streaming platform.

Hijack TV Poster

Hijack

Paige and Owen at the park in Central Park.
Image via Apple TV+

Following its release, this American animated sitcom received generally positive reviews for its engaging storyline and musical numbers. The plot follows Owen Tillerman and his family living an unconventional life in New York’s bustling Central Park, which Owen manages. Their next mission? Saving it from a greedy land developer.

are probably going to enjoy , which is elevated by a stellar voice cast including ,, , and . It’s not only the sharp writing and talented cast that make this Apple TV+ worth watching: this inclusive series also benefits from diverse characters with diverse backgrounds, offering representation and adding richness to the show.

Vera Farmiga as Dr. Anna Pou in Five Days at Memorial
Image via Apple TV+

The perfect pick for those who’d rather delve into a miniseries instead of fully committing to a TV show, this docudrama starring the talented in the lead role depicts the doctors and nurses at the intensive care unit of a New Orleans hospital struggling with treating patients during Hurricane Katrina when the facility is without power for 5 days.

Adapted from 's Pulitzer Prize-winning non-fiction book , both on the ground and within the hospital, fully immersing audiences in its devastating events and not shying away from depicting the complexity of the situation. On top of its emotionally charged storyline, and a compelling look at history.

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Five Days at Memorial

Vince Vaughn in Bad Monkey hiding behind a bush with another man.
Image via Apple TV+

Starring , is one of the latest Apple TV+ comedy dramas. The story follows a detective turned restaurant inspector who is pulled into a world of greed and corruption after a tourist finds a severed arm while fishing.

After garnering positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, Bad Monkey has been praised for the way it blends dark comedy and dark drama, with Vaugh's performance and comedic timing being a standout. Based on 's novel of the same name, Bad Monkey provides viewers with an intriguing satirical take on environmental and societal issues that make it the perfect pick for fans of crime dramas with a satirical edge. Furthermore, because of its sharp writing and memorable characters, .

O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Isaiah Hill as Ike and Jace
Image via Apple TV+

Considered one of the most underrated Apple TV+ originals, this 2021 series, inspired by NBA player ’s youth basketball playing experience on the AAU circuit, is a sports drama that delves into the lives of young basketball players and their coaches.

Often praised for its amazing performances, authentic, heartfelt storytelling, and the socially conscious themes it deals with, . The way it focuses not only on the sport itself but on the personal and social struggles that come with it — including ambition, friendship, and systemic issues — makes a resonating story and an overall layered, complex, and compelling watch.

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Swagger

October 29, 2021

Reggie Rock Bythewood

Quvenzhané Wallis , Shinelle Azoroh , O'Shea Jackson Jr. , Solomon Irama , Isaiah R. Hill , James Bingham , Ozie Nzeribe , Tessa Ferrer , Caleel Harris , Tristan Mack Wilds , Sean Baker , Charles Green

2

Fleur Geffrier and Tomohisa Yamashita in Drops of God standing in front of each other.
Image via Apple TV+

After the death of her father, Camille () 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 (), whom her father saw as a son.

, with an eight-episode run, and is based on a popular Japanese Manga series of the same name. 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.

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Drops of God

April 21, 2023

Quoc Dang Tran

Fleur Geffrier , Tomohisa Yamashita , Tom Wozniczka , Stanley Weber , Luca Terracciano , Diego Ribon , Azusa Okamoto , Gustave Kervern

1

Drama

Colin Farrell as private detective John Sugar smiling in a suit and tie in Episode 8 of Apple TV+'s Sugar
Image via Apple TV+

delivers an amazing performance as John Sugar in Apple TV's mystery thriller. The plot sees a private detective struggling with personal demons as he investigates the disappearance of a Hollywood producer's beloved granddaughter.

Although it's a bit early to rank highly when it comes to the streaming platform's best, the series may very well be one of Apple TV+'s most promising. With Farrell's nuanced leading efforts elevating its narrative and a strong supporting cast to match, , resulting in a worthy watch for fans of the genre. With a new season on the way, the 2024 series is poised to deepen its storyline and deliver many engaging mysteries.

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Image via Apple TV+

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

Released in 2019, the first season of . 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.

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Servant

shining-girls-elisabeth-moss-02
Image via Apple TV+

is a chilling psychological thriller that follows the young Kirby Mazrachi (), 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.

and determination brings a raw intensity to the series, making her journey both heartbreaking and riveting. Shining Girls is another . 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.

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Shining Girls

acapulco-eugenio-derbez
Image via Apple TV+

In 1984, young Maximo Gallardo Ramos () 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 () tells his nephew Hugo () the details of his life.

Premiering in 2021, is an English and Spanish-language television series that was inspired by 2017's . Despite its cozy rom-com exterior and the scent of nostalgia that permeates it, . , proving the impact of how it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life, regardless of the challenges one faces.

Acapulco (2021)

Acapulco

October 8, 2021

Austin Winsberg , Eduardo Cisneros , Jason Shuman

Enrique Arrizon , Fernando Carsa , Damian Alcazar , Camila Perez , Lobo Elias , Julian Sedgwick , Rodrigo Urquidi , Rossana de Leon , Ricardo Cañamar , Sofia Ruiz , Erick Zavala , Marco Terán , Jessica Balsaneli , Eliana Jones , Samantha Orozco

3

Comedy

Brie Larson in Lessons in Chemistry
Image via Apple TV+ 

In , a brilliant chemist in the 60s named Elizabeth Zott (), 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. and ranks up there with many series on Apple TV+ .

Lessons in Chemistry AppleTV+ poster

Lessons In Chemistry

Brother Day (Lee Pace) pointing at Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) in 'Foundation'.
Image via Apple TV+

Adapted from the same-name acclaimed novels penned by , 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 , 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.

The main cast sit around the dinner table in Bad Sisters.
Image via Apple TV+

After Grace Williams' () 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 ().

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

Bad Sisters

mythic-quest-season-2-trailer-ian-poppy-social-featured

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.

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Mythic Quest

Release Date
February 7, 2020

Creator(s)
Rob McElhenney , Charlie Day , Megan Ganz

Cast
Rob McElhenney , Charlotte Nicdao , Sam Witwer , Ashly Burch , Jessie Ennis , Imani Hakim , Cristin Milioti , Danny Pudi , Naomi Ekperigin , David Hornsby , F. Murray Abraham , Jake Johnson , Geoffrey Owens , Regan Burns , Athena Perample , Emily Berry , Bobby Foley , McColm Cephas Jr. , Reyn Doi , Colby Lemmo , Kate Cochran , Caleb Thomas , Morgan Melton , Sean Philip Glasgow , LeShay N. Tomlinson

Seasons
4

Main Genre
Comedy

Origin:
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