Good Shows On Apple TV That Deserve A Closer Look
- 01. Top-Rated Apple TV Shows by Tomatometer
- 02. Must-Watch Shows by Genre
- 03. Sci-Fi & Dystopian Dramas
- 04. Comedy & Comfort Shows
- 05. Psychological Thrillers & Mystery
- 06. Historical & Period Dramas
- 07. Most Popular Shows Right Now (May 2026)
- 08. Award Recognition & Critical Reception
- 09. How to Choose Your Next Apple TV Show
The best shows on Apple TV are top-rated originals like Slow Horses (97% Tomatometer), Black Bird (98%), Severance (95%), Ted Lasso (90%), Silo (90%), For All Mankind (91%), The Morning Show, Pachinko (97%), and Shrinking (93%)-all delivering critical acclaim and award-winning storytelling across drama, sci-fi, comedy, and thriller genres.
Top-Rated Apple TV Shows by Tomatometer
Apple TV+ distinguishes itself through exclusive original content rather than licensed libraries, focusing on quality over quantity with a curated selection of high-caliber programming. As of May 2026, the platform's most critically acclaimed series include:
| Rank | Show Title | Tomatometer | Audience Score | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Bird | 98% | 95% | True Crime Drama |
| 2 | Slow Horses | 97% | 87% | Espionage Thriller |
| 3 | Pachinko | 97% | 92% | Historical Drama |
| 4 | Little America | 97% | 86% | Anthology Comedy-Drama |
| 5 | Severance | 95% | 80% | Sci-Fi Psychological Thriller |
| 6 | Murderbot | 95% | 82% | Sci-Fi Action Comedy |
| 7 | Ted Lasso | 90% | 86% | Sports Comedy-Drama |
| 8 | Silo | 90% | 68% | Sci-Fi Dystopian Drama |
Must-Watch Shows by Genre
Sci-Fi & Dystopian Dramas
Severance stands as arguably the best sci-fi series on the platform, following employees at a biotechnology corporation who underwent a procedure splitting memories between work and personal life. Created by Dan Erickson and starring Adam Scott, the show explores themes of identity and autonomy with cinematic cinematography and intricate world-building.
Silo, based on Hugh Howey's book trilogy, transports viewers to a dystopian future where 144 levels of an underground silo house an entire community. Rebecca Ferguson's performance as engineer Juliette anchoring the show's intriguing mysteries has made it one of Apple TV's most-watched drama series.
For All Mankind offers an alternate history premise where the global space race never ended after the Soviet Union landed on the moon first. Joel Kinnaman leads this multi-layered drama blending politics, society, and space exploration with production quality that ranks among Apple TV's best.
- Pluribus: Vince Gilligan's post-apocalyptic series about 13 people immune to a consciousness-merging virus, praised for creativity
- Constellation: Noomi Rapace stars in this psychological thriller about an astronaut discovering missing memories after an ISS crash
- Dark Matter: Joel Edgerton navigates alternate versions of his life in this mind-bending sci-fi thriller
- Foundation: Based on Isaac Asimov's award-winning novels, chronicling exiles saving humanity
Comedy & Comfort Shows
Ted Lasso remains the definitive comfort show of streaming, featuring Jason Sudeikis as an optimistic American football coach hired to manage British soccer team AFC Richmond. Despite lacking soccer experience, Ted wins over the team and owner through personality and humor, earning praise for tone, writing, and themes of kindness.
Shrinking stars Jason Segel as therapist Jimmy Laird who breaks ethical barriers by being fully honest with patients while grieving his wife's death. Harrison Ford's supporting role and the show's blend of comedy with emotional depth covering grief and loss has earned it 93% Tomatometer.
- The Studio: Seth Rogen heads struggling Continental Studios in this satirical cringe comedy with cameos from Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard
- Palm Royale: Kristen Wiig pursues high society status in 1969 Palm Beach with stunning 1960s production design
- Loot: Maya Rudolph plays recently divorced third-wealthiest woman reconnecting with world outside billionaires' bubble
- Mythic Quest: Rob McElhenney leads team behind biggest multiplayer video game in workplace comedy
Psychological Thrillers & Mystery
Black Bird delivers intense true crime drama based on James Keene's autobiography, with Taron Egerton as a football star turned narcotic dealer offered commuted sentence if he gets imprisoned man to admit murder. Ray Liotta's final performance and exploration of complex character psychology earned 98% Tomatometer.
Presumed Innocent features Jake Gyllenhaal as prosecutor Rusty Sabich becoming prime suspect in colleague's murder while having affair with victim. The legal thriller's mix of mystery, drama, suspense with Gyllenhaal's morally complex performance makes it essential viewing.
Defending Jacob adapts William Landay's novel with Chris Evans as Assistant District Attorney whose son becomes prime suspect in classmate's death. Michelle Dockery co-stars in this family drama blending legal proceedings with shocking twists.
"Apple TV+ 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."
Historical & Period Dramas
Pachinko follows four generations of a Korean immigrant family navigating discrimination in Japanese society across the 20th century. Based on Min Jin Lee's 2017 novel, the series earned 97% Tomatometer for cinematography, performances by Youn Yuh-jung and Lee Min-ho, and powerful themes.
Lessons in Chemistry stars Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott, a lab tech fired who uses 1950s cooking show to educate housewives on science. The historical drama offers commentary on sexism in 1950s science with inspiring story and stunning period production design.
Masters of the Air showcases the 100th Bomb Group during World War II with Austin Butler and Callum Turner leading bomber crews on dangerous missions. Executive produced by Spielberg and Kakis, this epic war drama serves as perfect replacement for fans of Band of Brothers.
Most Popular Shows Right Now (May 2026)
According to Apple TV's official "Most Popular Now" chart, current viewer favorites include Your Friends & Neighbors (Jon Hamm drama), Widow's Bay (mystery), For All Mankind, Star City, Margo's Got Money Troubles, and Ted Lasso still maintaining strong viewership.
Apple TV+ was launched in November 2019 and has quickly risen to prominence as the second-best platform for prestige TV after HBO Max, with 4 shows more popular than most other streaming services' content. The platform's curated library focuses entirely on exclusive originals without licensed content from outside sources.
Award Recognition & Critical Reception
Apple TV+ shows have garnered major industry awards including Emmys, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards. Ted Lasso won multiple Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series, while Black Bird earned recognition for Taron Egerton and Ray Liotta's performances. Slow Horses with Gary Oldman continues receiving critical acclaim for its espionage storytelling.
The platform's commitment to stellar casting includes Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon in The Morning Show, Cate Blanchett in Disclaimer, Tom Holland in The Crowded Room, and Idris Elba in Hijack-all delivering award-worthy performances.
How to Choose Your Next Apple TV Show
When selecting shows, consider your preferred genre: sci-fi fans should start with Severance or Silo, comedy lovers with Ted Lasso or Shrinking, and thriller enthusiasts with Black Bird or Presumed Innocent. The platform's quality-over-quantity approach means nearly every original series maintains high production values and strong critical reception.
For viewers seeking emotional depth, Pachinko, Lessons in Chemistry, and Dear Edward offer powerful character-driven narratives. History buffs will appreciate Masters of the Air and For All Mankind, while those wanting lighter fare should try The Snoopy Show for wholesome family content.
Helpful tips and tricks for Good Shows On Apple Tv That Deserve A Closer Look
What makes Apple TV shows different from other streaming platforms?
Apple TV+ doesn't carry any content from outside sources, offering only exclusive original TV shows and movies with a curated library focused on quality over quantity. This strategy results in smaller but higher-caliber content compared to competitors with massive licensed libraries.
Which Apple TV show has the highest Tomatometer score?
Black Bird holds the highest Tomatometer at 98% with 95% audience score, followed by Slow Horses and Pachinko both at 97%. The true crime miniseries' incredible performances and psychological depth earned this distinction.
Are Apple TV shows worth watching in 2026?
Yes-Apple TV+ boasts 35 best original series ranked, with hits like Severance, Ted Lasso, and The Morning Show heading an expanding selection of high-caliber shows. The platform now has 4 series more popular than most other streaming shows, confirming its prestige TV status.
What is the best sci-fi show on Apple TV?
Severance ranks among the best sci-fi TV shows of all time for its concept, performances, cinematography, and exploration of identity themes. Silo and For All Mankind are also top-tier sci-fi dramas with exceptional world-building and storytelling.
Which Apple TV comedy is most highly rated?
Ted Lasso at 90% Tomatometer is the most beloved comedy, often called the ultimate comfort show. Shrinking (93%) blends comedy with emotional depth, while The Studio (92%) offers sharp industry satire.
