Apple TV+ might not boast the endless back catalog of Netflix or Disney+, but what it lacks in volume, it more than makes up for in sheer quality. The streamer has built a reputation for producing shows that consistently earn sky-high ratings—most hover around 80% or above on Rotten Tomatoes. From sharp comedies to mind-bending thrillers and sweeping dramas, Apple TV+ has curated a library of near-perfect series that are absolutely worth your time. Here are seven standout shows that prove quality beats quantity every time.
'Ted Lasso' (2020–Present)
Jason Sudeikis stars as Ted Lasso, an American college football coach whose boundless optimism lands him a job managing a struggling English Premier League soccer team—despite knowing next to nothing about the sport. The twist? The team's new owner, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), secretly hopes he'll fail as revenge against her ex-husband. But Ted's unwavering kindness slowly transforms everyone around him, from cynical captain Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) to Rebecca herself. This cultural phenomenon won back-to-back Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series, with Sudeikis, Waddingham, and Goldstein all taking home acting awards. While the third season wrapped things up nicely, fan demand has pushed Sudeikis and co. toward a fourth season. Ted Lasso occasionally leans into sentimentality, but its sharp wit and emotional intelligence make it genuinely lovable television.
'Severance' (2022–Present)
Imagine a work-life balance so extreme that your office self has no memory of your personal life, and your home self has no clue what you do all day. That's the chilling premise of Severance, a sleek psychological thriller about Mark Scout (Adam Scott), who undergoes a procedure that splits his consciousness between work and private life at the mysterious Lumon Industries. Directed by Ben Stiller, the show is a masterclass in suspense, blending dark corporate satire with stunning visuals. The Season 1 finale is widely considered one of the most tense and brilliantly crafted hours of television. With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and 14 Emmy nominations, Severance is a near-perfect work of sci-fi that keeps you guessing.
'Pluribus' (2025–Present)
From Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, comes Pluribus, a wildly original pandemic drama. When an alien signal encodes a viral RNA sequence, humanity transforms into a peaceful hive mind called the Others. But 13 people prove immune, including Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), who resists assimilation. The show has earned a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating for its philosophical ambition and emotional honesty. Pluribus offers no easy villains—the Others are genuinely nonviolent, and Carol is a grieving protagonist we understand. Its meditative pace and stunning landscapes may test some viewers, but this haunting drama about loneliness and freedom is one of a kind.
'For All Mankind' (2019–Present)
What if the space race never ended? For All Mankind imagines an alternate history where the Soviet Union lands on the moon first in 1969, propelling NASA into a decades-long push deeper into space. Created by Ronald D. Moore, the show follows a wide ensemble of astronauts, engineers, and their families as the world evolves around an ambitious space program. Praised for its meticulous world-building and character-driven storytelling, For All Mankind explores progress, prejudice, and the cost of big dreams. If you're a fan of sci-fi epics, check out our article on Apple TV's 'Star City' Spin-Off Soars as Sci-Fi Thriller Dominates Streaming in June 2026 for more space-themed thrills.
'Pachinko' (2022–Present)
Based on Min Jin Lee's acclaimed novel, Pachinko is a sweeping multigenerational drama that follows a Korean family from the early 20th century to the 1980s. The story centers on Sunja, a young woman whose life takes unexpected turns during Japan's occupation of Korea. With stunning cinematography and powerful performances, the show has earned near-perfect reviews for its emotional depth and historical richness. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves epic family sagas.
'Slow Horses' (2022–Present)
Gary Oldman leads this gritty spy thriller about a group of MI5 agents relegated to Slough House, a dumping ground for failed operatives. When a routine mission goes wrong, these misfits find themselves in the middle of a deadly conspiracy. Slow Horses is a masterful blend of dark humor and tense espionage, with Oldman delivering a career-best performance as the slovenly but brilliant Jackson Lamb. The show has been praised for its sharp writing and tight pacing, making it one of Apple TV+'s best-kept secrets. For more on streaming hits, see Murder, She Wrote Is a Streaming Hit on Apple TV Store 30 Years After Finale.
'The Morning Show' (2019–Present)
This drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell pulls back the curtain on a morning news show rocked by a sexual misconduct scandal. The Morning Show is a gripping exploration of power, media, and accountability, with powerhouse performances that have earned multiple Emmy nominations. While its later seasons have divided some critics, the first season remains a near-perfect blend of thriller and social commentary. It's a must-watch for fans of behind-the-scenes drama.
Apple TV+ may not have the deepest library, but these near-perfect shows prove that when it comes to quality, the streamer is in a league of its own. Whether you're in the mood for comedy, sci-fi, or historical drama, there's something here worth your time. For more recommendations, check out 21st Century's Most Perfectly Directed Thrillers, Ranked.
