It may not seem like it, but Apple TV’s streaming service has been around for over 7 years, having first launched as Apple TV + on November 1, 2019. The platform has come a long way in that relatively short time frame, especially considering it didn’t really seem like Apple was letting anyone know that it had series worth watching.
Initially, the lack of IP seemed to hurt the fledgling service, but over time, the lack of obligation to cultivate and maintain existing stories has been a boon. While the movie department still has a way to go, Apple TV has a lineup of show that is mighty impressive, and include a bunch of award-winning dramas and comedies. If you’re looking to get through some quality shows in a short time, there are plenty you can enjoy in full on a cozy afternoon.
- Price
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$13 per month
- Free trial
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7 day free trial and 3 months free if you buy an Apple device
- Simultaneous streams
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6
- # of profiles
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6
- Originals
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Yes
- Live TV:
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Limited (There are live sports and some add-on channels offer live TV)
Schmigadoon!
The musical comedy with Alan Cumming ran for two seasons
This musical comedy has gone through a few iterations, most recently returning to the stage, but when it debuted on Apple in 2021, it featured some of the top names in both musical theater and comedic acting. Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key play a married couple who inadvertently stumble upon Schmigadoon, a folksy town straight out of a 50s or 60s musical where everyone sings. And it turns out, they can’t leave.
Hijinks ensue, as do some incredible numbers that both embrace the time period and subvert the genre conventions. It’s funny, smart, and wildly entertaining. There are two seasons in total, both running only six episodes (at about a half-hour in length each) although I’d say you really only need to watch the first season.
The Afterparty
Creative and comedic murder mystery blends genres
Everyone loves a good murder mystery, and across two successful seasons, The Afterparty delivered a funny and smart take on the popular genre. Each season features a different murder (with a handful of cast members moving from the first season to the second), but what sets The Afterparty apart from the many other shows that blend comedy with murder is that each episode is its own conceit and genre.
The first season involves a shocking death at a high school reunion featuring an ensemble cast that includes Sam Richardson, Zoë Chao, Tiffany Haddish, Ike Barinholtz, Ilana Glazer, and Ben Schwartz, among others. Every potential suspect gets their own starring episode, and their narrative has a different vibe; one feels more like a musical, while another is a noir, while another is a horror story. There is even an animated episode. And it all actually works, it’s far from a gimmick. You can watch one season or both, with each of the 10 episodes running from 35 to 45 minutes.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2023-00-00
- Network
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Apple TV
- Showrunner
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Christopher Miller
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Tiffany Haddish
Detective Danner
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Murderbot
The sci-fi action comedy features a robot on the loose
The Apple futuristic dark comedy stars Alexander Skarsgård, or at least his head and face, as a security robot who suddenly develops his own free will and desires. Of course, this urge to become his own person (or own bot) puts him on the wrong side of his corporate overseers, and so a hunt begins, even though Murderbot wants to indulge in the lazier aspects of human life.
It’s notting particularly riveting, but it does deliver a bunch of things that Apple TV shows consistently check off. First, it’s got an attractive lead, and unlike Disney and The Mandalorian, Apple makes sure Murderbot is rarely wearing a mask. Secondly, Apple TV invests a lot of money into the production to make the special effects great and the visuals stunning. It’s all pretty funny and charming, and all of that makes for a nice little Saturday. And almost all the episodes are under a half-hour in length.
- Release Date
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May 15, 2025
- Network
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Apple TV+
- Showrunner
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Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
- Directors
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Aurora Guerrero, Roseanne Liang
- Writers
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Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
- Franchise(s)
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The Murderbot Diaries
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Alexander Skarsgard
Murderbot
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David Dastmalchian
Gurathin
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Frog and Toad
Sweet animated series based on the beloved children books
I posit there is no more relaxing, pleasant show to watch when you are feeling tired or down than Frog and Toad. When it comes to comfort TV, it’s even better than reruns of The Office. This quaint, delightful animated series tells of small adventures by the titular Frog and Toad, based on the books by Arnold Lobel. Each episode tells two short stories about the pair of best friends as they encounter acquaintances and learn about the world.
The show is for both kids and adults alike, not because there are necessarily jokes or asides that adults will get, like in Disney movies. It’s for adults because it’s a sweet and simple reminder to move slowly and enjoy the world around you. There are 18 episodes in total across two seasons, each at about 23 minutes in length. Put it on and put down your phone.
- Release Date
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2023 – 2024-00-00
- Showrunner
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Rob Hoegee
K-Popped
The reality show features Kpop versions of popular global hits
This inventive reality competition shows followed the surge in popularity of Kpop, the massive Korean musical enterprise that has produced some of the most popular groups and icons in the world. While this series feels a little cheesy at times, there is still a lot of fun to be had as notable Kpop groups join forces with popular North American acts to create new versions of classic songs.
Each episode features two groups: one from the world of Kpop and another from the world of, well, global pop. Each side divides, joins with half from the other side to create a new group, and then comes together to create Kpop version of the hit single. Both sides perform, and then the audience votes on which one is best. If it sounds confusing, don’t worry; the competition part of the show isn’t really the draw.
There are some cute moments looking at the work put in behind the scenes, although a lot of it feels a bit forced and inauthentic. Still, you have a chance to watch ITZY perform with some members of the Spice Girls and Kylie Minogue share the stage with ATEEZ. The performances are great.
There are only eight episodes, each 30-minutes long.
- Release Date
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August 28, 2025
- Network
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Apple TV+
Prehistoric Planet
The immersive documentary transports you to the age of dinosaurs
You can watch an animal documentary at any time of the week, but it feels particularly cozy and fitting when you tune in on a Saturday afternoon. And Apple TV’s Prehistoric Planet might be among the best of all time. That’s in part because of the technology and production behind it. Basically, Prehistoric Planet brings to life animals from the past, including dinosaurs, and shoots them as if they are filming an actual documentary. The visuals and the storytelling feel like there are documentarians on the ground capturing the footage live.
It makes sense too, as it comes from executive producer Jon Favreau, who, in addition to writing and directing (and acting in) some great movies, has done some incredible work when it comes to advancing innovative visual technologies. The series is also narrated by Tom Hiddleston, which adds to the cozy vibes. There are three seasons, each with five episodes, which run to about 45 minutes. The first two seasons are all about dinosaurs, while the third season takes viewers to the Ice Age.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Apple TV+
- Directors
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Adam Valdez
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David Attenborough
Self – Presenter
