In a crowded streaming landscape, Apple TV+ has quietly become the gold standard for original programming. Since its launch in fall 2019, the platform has delivered a steady stream of critically acclaimed series that span genres—from heartfelt comedies to mind-bending sci-fi. While other services rely on libraries of licensed content, Apple TV+ bets big on originals, and the payoff is undeniable. Here are 10 shows that prove Apple TV+ is the best streamer of all time.
1. 'Criminal Record' (2024–Present)
This underrated crime thriller from creator Paul Rutman is a tense cat-and-mouse game set in London. DS June Lenker (Cush Jumbo) and DCI Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi) are forced together by an anonymous tip about a murder case where an innocent man may be serving time. The series explores systemic bias, red tape, and the moral dilemmas of policing. Capaldi's ability to shift from mentor to schemer keeps viewers guessing. Returning for Season 2, the duo faces a far-right bomb plot. Criminal Record is a must-watch for fans of character-driven crime drama.
2. 'Down Cemetery Road' (2025–Present)
Based on Mick Herron's novel, this thriller follows Sarah Trafford (Ruth Wilson) and private investigator Zoe Boehm (Emma Thompson) after a house explosion in Oxford leaves a young girl missing. What starts as a missing-person case spirals into a government conspiracy. Thompson's dry wit and Wilson's frantic determination create a compelling dynamic. Like Slow Horses, this series balances dark humor with high-stakes intrigue, proving female-led crime stories are the future.
3. 'For All Mankind' (2019–Present)
One of Apple TV+'s first originals, this alternate history series imagines a world where the Soviet Union lands on the moon first in 1969. The space race never ends, accelerating technology and geopolitical tensions. Created by Ronald D. Moore, the show follows astronauts, families, and engineers through decades of change. Now in its fifth season, For All Mankind remains a gripping exploration of what could have been. Its spin-off 'Star City' premieres May 29.
4. 'Silo' (2023–Present)
Based on Hugh Howey's novels, Silo is a dystopian sci-fi series set in a massive underground silo where the last 10,000 people on Earth live. Rebecca Ferguson stars as Juliette, an engineer who uncovers secrets about the silo's past. The show's claustrophobic tension and world-building have made it a phenomenon. Season 3 is on the way, and it's a must-watch for hard sci-fi fans.
5. 'Slow Horses' (2022–Present)
Gary Oldman leads this spy thriller about a team of MI5 rejects relegated to Slough House. Based on Mick Herron's novels, the series is a masterclass in character writing, blending dark humor with tense espionage. Each season delivers a tight, twisty plot, and the cast—including Kristin Scott Thomas and Jack Lowden—is impeccable. It's proof that Apple TV+ can do gritty spy drama better than anyone.
6. 'Ted Lasso' (2020–2023)
The show that put Apple TV+ on the map, Ted Lasso is a comedy about an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team—despite knowing nothing about the sport. Jason Sudeikis's portrayal of relentless optimism won hearts worldwide. The series earned multiple Emmys and became a cultural touchstone for its warmth and wit.
7. 'Severance' (2022–Present)
This mind-bending thriller follows employees of Lumon Industries who undergo a procedure that separates their work and personal memories. Adam Scott leads a stellar cast in a show that questions identity, corporate culture, and free will. Severance is a slow-burn mystery that rewards careful viewing, and its second season is highly anticipated.
8. 'Foundation' (2021–Present)
Based on Isaac Asimov's seminal sci-fi series, Foundation is an epic saga spanning centuries. The show follows a mathematician who predicts the fall of the Galactic Empire and works to shorten the dark age. With stunning visuals and complex storytelling, Season 4 is on the horizon, cementing its status as a sci-fi juggernaut.
9. 'The Morning Show' (2019–Present)
This drama about a morning news program tackles power dynamics, sexual misconduct, and media ethics. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell deliver powerhouse performances. The series has evolved from its #MeToo origins into a sharp commentary on the news industry, earning multiple awards and a loyal audience.
10. 'Pachinko' (2022–Present)
Based on Min Jin Lee's novel, Pachinko is a multi-generational saga about a Korean family's struggle for survival and identity in Japan. The series spans decades, from the 1920s to the 1980s, with stunning cinematography and emotional depth. It's a testament to Apple TV+'s commitment to diverse, high-quality storytelling.
These 10 shows are just the tip of the iceberg. Apple TV+ continues to invest in bold, original content that pushes boundaries. Whether you're into sci-fi, drama, comedy, or thrillers, this streamer has something for everyone—and that's why it's the best.
