(Credit: Tyler Hayes)
Apple TV+ subscribers deep into the Severance theories probably see the streaming service as an unquestionable hit. But its estimated 25 million subscribers are dwarfed by Netflix's 247 million and Prime Video's 200 million.
Six years into Apple TV+, it now has around 140 series, at least 22 of which have multiple seasons. There are 71 movies available or coming soon, and 45 pieces of kids-related content. The biggest budget Apple TV+ shows tend to be sci-fi, such as For All Mankind or Foundation, but the full library covers multiple genres. Beyond Ben Stiller's trippy sci-fi office drama and Ted Lasso, how many Apple originals have you watched? I dug into the streamer's catalog to pick out some of my favorite forgotten, niche, and sneakily good things to add to your watch list.
Older (and Possibly Forgotten) Shows and Movies to Watch
First, let's dive into the Apple TV+ titles that have been around for a while, but are still worth watching. I found them all to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Tehran
This rapidly paced espionage series set in the Iranian capital follows Mossad intelligence agent Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan) and provides an interesting change of perspective for an American audience. Two seasons are available now and a third, with House star Hugh Laurie, is on the way.
On the Rocks
In this movie, Rashida Jones stars as a young mom who suspects her husband of cheating on her. She reluctantly enlists the help of her father (Bill Murray), to solve the mystery, and chaos ensues.
Cha Cha Real Smooth
A "will they or won't they" romance movie starring Dakota Johnson as a single mom raising an autistic daughter who connects with Andrew, a recent college grad trying to figure out what to do with his life.
High Desert
Before she was Harmony Cobel, Patricia Arquette led this comedy-tinged drama as a down-and-out detective in Palm Desert, California. The series was canceled after one season, but it's a wild ride with no major cliffhangers, so it’s worth checking out.
The Banker
In this movie, two Black investors, played by Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson, try to defy racist property ownership laws in the 1950s by partnering with a white man to be the public face of the transactions.
Sneakily Good Shows More People Should Watch
These shows have a devoted fan base, but have not received the attention they deserve, in my opinion. All of them—minus the Lessons in Chemistry mini-series—have been renewed for more seasons. Don’t sleep on these undercover hits before you get too far behind.
Lessons in Chemistry
Don’t avoid this show because you might not be into cooking or chemistry. It's much more ambitious in scope than it may appear.
Sugar
This semi-noir detective drama benefits from the mystery. All you need to know is that Colin Farrell plays a detective-for-hire looking for a missing girl. Its 30-minute episodes make it fly by, and there’s a second season in the works.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Even if you’re not a fan of monster movies—I’m not— this show does a great job of focusing on the mystery, using real-life father and son actors to hammer home the show’s ultimate climax.
The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy
The titular reluctant traveler, Eugene Levy of Schitt's Creek fame, is "more of the great indoors type of guy." But he agrees to get out of his comfort zone and jet off to Tokyo, the Utah desert, South Africa, Costa Rica, the Maldives, Lisbon, and Finland. My whole family are fans of this one.
The New Look
Despite not being particularly interested in European fashion houses, I was completely captivated by this drama looking at the lives of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel.
Hijack
This seven-episode show starring Idris Elba tells the thrilling hijacking story of a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London in real time. Even with its plot holes, the pacing and action make for a great ride.
The Risky Picks
Not every show or movie can be a critics pick, but that doesn't mean they're not worth watching. The point of having enough content in a catalog is being able to speak to different audiences. I found myself mixed on some of these titles, but I don't regret spending the time. For example, Sunny didn’t quite land the way I hoped it would, but it was interesting enough to finish and it made me reconsider some of our impending smart home robots. Go ahead and take a chance.
Disclaimer
Did you know that Apple TV+ has a seven-part mini-series from director Alfonso Cuarón starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline? Cuarón says he thinks of Disclaimer as one long movie, and it's hard to disagree with that as this psychological thriller unfolds and shifts the viewer’s perspective throughout. I was thinking about it for weeks after.
Recommended by Our Editors
Sunny
Another Rashida Jones project, this one is based in Japan. It's a dark whodunnit brimming with retro vibes featuring robots and other funky gadgets.
City on Fire
This series pumps up the 2000s-era music while mixing an arson (and potential murder) investigation with some mental health awareness. Millennials should find a lot to like.
Manhunt
This drama series looks at Abraham Lincoln's murder from the perspective of his assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Once I warmed up to Hamish Linklater's take on Lincoln after an episode or two, I found it to be a compelling story.
The Buccaneers
The series follows a group of young American women who come to London searching for husbands in the 1870s. Despite the time period, the show has a modern tone and style (and soundtrack), ultimately making its sum bigger and better than its parts. Season two is on the way.
The Stand-Out Hits That Live Up to the Hype
These are some of the most notable Apple TV+ shows, so there’s a good chance you’ve already heard of them. Now's the time to press play.
Shrinking: Jason Segel plays a therapist struggling with the loss of his wife while raising a teenage daughter and keeping his practice afloat. Co-star Harrison Ford is a fellow therapist character struggling with (and trying to hide) the decline of his health. If you’re not laughing while watching this show, then you might be crying.
Slow Horses: The show centers on a group of misfit British secret agents who often end up saving the day. The show is quick and pointed, neatly tucked into six episodes. However, Gary Oldman and his unflinching flatulence might be the show’s secret sauce.
Severance: The show follows a small group of people who find work-life balance by implanting a chip in their brain that allows them to sever their work and home experiences. Their work persona (or "innie") has no memory or knowledge of their "outie's" life. The mythology is compelling, but the acting, set pieces, and storytelling are top-notch.
Silo: A society of 10,000 people living underground, unsure of why they’re there, is a great concept, but the show really comes together thanks to a standout performance from Rebecca Ferguson.
Ted Lasso: If you haven’t seen this show by now, you’re probably actively avoiding it. However, Ted Lasso is an American football coach who heads to Europe to coach an underperforming football (soccer) team. It's a buddy comedy-drama series where you, the viewer, are the buddy. Rumor has it that a fourth season is on the way, potentially focused on an AFC Richmond women's team.
The Shows and Movies to Look Forward to
For subscribers who have already given most of the catalog a chance, here are a few notable shows and movies on the docket for the immediate future. If you've enjoyed the other premium programming, these will not disappoint.
The Gorge (Feb. 14): In this movie, two snipers (Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy) are sent to protect a mysterious ravine (the gorge) from opposing sides, without knowing its importance or what to expect.
Dope Thief (March 14): In this gritty drama series, two friends in Philadelphia pose as Drug Enforcement Agents to raid low-level drug runners but accidentally stumble onto a much bigger crime ring.
The Studio (March 26): Seth Rogen’s character becomes the head of a prominent movie studio and has to manage all the personalities around him in this comedy series. It's a chaotic love letter to Hollywood filled with high-profile cameos.
Your Friends and Neighbors (April 11): Jon Hamm stars as a middle-aged man re-evaluating the upper echelons of wealth in this comedy series. It's already been renewed for a second season.
In the even longer run, there are close to 100 new shows—or seasons—and movies that are in development, production, filming, or that have been ordered. It looks like there will be a barrage of things to watch for the foreseeable future. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.
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