Apple TV has been making waves in the streaming landscape with its emphasis on production value, star power, and quality control. In a world where content is king, Apple stands out by offering appointment television that demands your attention. Among the plethora of shows available, here are ten Apple TV series that have consistently delivered without a single bad season, each offering a unique blend of charm, humor, and storytelling that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Acapulco
This charming comedy series is a delightful treat for viewers. Inspired by the 2017 film 'How to Be a Latin Lover,' 'Acapulco' follows the story of a wealthy business magnate, Maximo, as he recounts his unlikely journey to success to his nephew, Hugo. Set in Acapulco, Mexico, the show alternates between the present and 1984, offering a unique narrative structure. Eugenio Derbez, who stars as Maximo, is a master of comedy, and his performance is a highlight of the series. The show feels like a mix of 'The White Lotus' and 'Wonder Years,' with a touch of 'The Great Gatsby.' It's a refreshing take on the classic coming-of-age story, with a dash of humor and a heartwarming message.
The Afterparty
From the mind of Christopher Miller comes this genre-hopping, puzzle-box anthology series. 'The Afterparty' is a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Tiffany Haddish stars as Detective Danner, and her performance is a standout. The show is a blend of 'Search Party' and 'Poker Face,' with a rapid pace of jokes and genuinely shocking plot twists. The second season introduces a new murder mystery, adding to the show's intrigue. With a killer cast, including Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, and Anna Konkle, 'The Afterparty' is a binge-worthy show that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Central Park
What if 'Bob's Burgers' went fully musical? That's the premise of 'Central Park,' a charming and imaginative series that will delight fans of musical comedies. Co-created by Loren Bouchard and Nora Smith, along with Josh Gad, the show follows the Tillerman-Hunter family, who live in Edendale Castle within New York City's Central Park. The family gets into all kinds of mishaps, and they often break out into song, with catchy tunes that cross genres from traditional musical theater to disco to Latin pop. The show is hilarious, touching, and stuffed to the brim with imagination, granting endearing storylines to all of its characters.
Dickinson
With shades of 'The Great' and 'Marie Antoinette,' 'Dickinson' is an appealingly postmodern spin on the period piece. Hailee Steinfeld stars as Emily Dickinson, a young woman with artistic aspirations who bumbles her way through life using modern language set to contemporary music. The show's refreshingly frank take on Emily's queer relationship places it firmly in the 21st century. Steinfeld imbues the role with pathos and a deft comedic touch, making 'Dickinson' a great watch for comedy fans and those who enjoy historical dramas with a modern twist.
For All Mankind
An alternate history sci-fi barn-burner, 'For All Mankind' will sink its hooks into you and practically force you to binge it. Co-created by Ronald D. Moore, the show asks a deceptively simple question: What if the Soviet Union won the space race? Over five seasons, the show answers this question thoroughly, extrapolating the butterfly effect across numerous areas of global culture. With a sixth and final season set to premiere in 2027, 'For All Mankind' is a thrilling, intelligent, and all-encompassing series that will keep you captivated from start to finish.
Foundation
For fans of intelligent science fiction, 'Foundation' is a must-watch. Based on Isaac Asimov's celebrated book series, the show takes place in a far-flung future ruled by a trio of genetically engineered clones of a powerful emperor. The series imagines a mathematical science so powerful that it can predict the collapse of the Galactic Empire. With a stellar cast, including Lee Pace, Terrence Mann, and Cassian Bilton, 'Foundation' is a consistently engaging series that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
Mythic Quest
Created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney, 'Mythic Quest' is an unorthodox workplace sitcom that leans into warmth and empathy. Set at a video game studio, the show follows the team as they navigate an ever-changing marketplace and creative environment. With a focus on collaboration and the work they create together, 'Mythic Quest' is a celebration of the island of misfit toys. The show is full of great, self-contained episodes that play almost like short films, making it a captivating watch.
Servant
An unsettling horror series born from an unexpectedly fruitful creative pairing, 'Servant' is stuffed with surprises, dark humor, and some of the nastiest turns you'll see on TV. Created by Tony Basgallop and M. Night Shyamalan, the show follows a married couple who hire an enigmatic live-in nanny to help care for their son, who is a doll. With a consistently constructed plot and ample tension, 'Servant' is a horror show without a single bad season. It's a must-watch for fans of dark and unsettling stories.
Shrinking
'Shrinking' is a lovely, lovely show that balances laugh-out-loud humor with a potent emotional core. Created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel, the show stars Segel as a therapist struggling with the death of his wife. With a stellar cast, including Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams, 'Shrinking' is a great dramedy that will keep you laughing and crying. The show is willing to dive into dark and difficult subject matter with grace and good humor, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Slow Horses
Many action-thriller spy shows are relentlessly paced and full of audacious plot twists. 'Slow Horses,' however, moves at a slower pace, focusing more on knotted character dynamics than exaggerated global threats. Created by Will Smith, the show centers on Slough House, a British Intelligence center where embittered spies are discarded from the limelight. With a strong, unique, and prickly cast, 'Slow Horses' is a cozy and intense series that will keep you captivated from start to finish.
