Apple TV+ has carved out a reputation with standout titles that blend sharp writing and cinematic polish. Ted Lasso, the feel-good comedy about an American coaching a British soccer team, remains a cultural phenomenon, earning widespread praise for its humor and heart. Severance, a workplace sci-fi thriller, has hooked audiences with its eerie exploration of work-life balance, becoming one of Apple’s biggest triumphs, as noted by 9to5Mac. The show’s second season, now streaming, has even surpassed Ted Lasso in viewership, signaling Apple’s knack for crafting must-watch TV.
Other heavyweights include The Morning Show, a drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon that dives into the chaos of broadcast news, and Silo, a gripping sci-fi series set in a dystopian underground society. For laughs, Shrinking pairs Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in a therapy comedy that’s as warm as it is witty. These shows, among others, showcase Apple’s commitment to quality over quantity, ensuring each title feels like a worthwhile addition to your watchlist.
Movies That Pack a Punch
Apple’s film offerings are just as impressive, leaning into diverse genres with A-list talent. The Gorge, dubbed Apple’s biggest movie yet by TV Guide, delivers high-octane action, while Wolfs teams George Clooney and Brad Pitt as fixers tangled in a spiraling crime caper, directed by Jon Watts. For history buffs, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon extended cut dives deeper into the emperor’s rise and fall, with 48 minutes of extra footage exploring Josephine’s story and the Russian campaign. Meanwhile, Tetris, starring Taron Egerton, turns the game’s origin into a Cold War thriller, blending drama with nostalgic charm.
These films aren’t just streaming exclusives—they’re crafted to compete with theatrical releases. Apple’s pivot from wide cinema runs to mostly streaming, as 9to5Mac reported, reflects a strategic focus on making TV+ the go-to place for premium movies you can’t find elsewhere.
Fresh Releases Keep the Buzz Alive
Apple keeps the pipeline flowing with new content every Wednesday and Friday, ensuring there’s always something to discover. Recent additions include The Studio, a Seth Rogen-led comedy that satirizes Hollywood with razor-sharp wit. Debuting with near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores, it’s one of Apple’s most acclaimed shows yet. Your Friends & Neighbors, starring Jon Hamm as a disgraced hedge fund manager turned thief, adds gritty drama to the mix, with its first season already renewed for more.
For crime fans, Dope Thief brings Brian Tyree Henry into a tense thriller, while Bad Monkey, a sun-soaked comedy from Vince Vaughn and Bill Lawrence, wraps its second season with quirky flair. Kids aren’t left out either—shows like Frog and Toad, based on the beloved books, offer gentle lessons on friendship in vibrant animation. With 69 originals released in 2024 alone, per 9to5Mac, Apple’s pace shows no signs of slowing, balancing weekly drops with binge-ready seasons.
Accessibility and Value
Apple TV+ is built for convenience. The Apple TV app syncs your progress across devices, letting you pick up where you left off, whether on a PlayStation, smart TV, or phone. Offline downloads make it easy to watch on the go—no Wi-Fi required. At $9.99, it’s competitively priced, but there are ways to save: new Apple device buyers get three months free, T-Mobile’s Go5G plans include it, and Apple One bundles it with services like Apple Music for as low as $19.95 monthly. A limited-time deal until April 24 slashes it to $2.99 per month for three months, perfect for sampling hits like Severance or The Studio.
The catch? The web experience at tv.apple.com is barebones compared to the app, lacking features like intro-skipping or auto-play for the next episode. For the full experience, stick to the native app on Apple TV 4K, where 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos shine.
Why It Matters
Apple TV+ isn’t trying to be Netflix—it’s leaner, more deliberate. By prioritizing originals over licensed filler, it delivers a focused catalog where quality trumps clutter. Hits like For All Mankind, a sci-fi epic reimagining the space race, or Pachinko, a multigenerational drama, show Apple’s range, appealing to niche fans and mainstream viewers alike. The service’s global reach, now including Amazon Prime Video channels, makes it easier to access, while its ad-free model keeps the focus on the story.
Still, it’s not perfect. The smaller library means fewer deep dives for binge enthusiasts, and some shows, like Disclaimer, haven’t landed as hoped. But with renewals for Ted Lasso season four and upcoming titles like F1 set for theaters in June 2025, Apple’s momentum is undeniable. It’s a platform that rewards viewers who value craftsmanship over endless scrolling.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Apple’s slate is stacked. Mythic Quest and Slow Horses return with new seasons, while Murderbot and Fountain of Youth promise fresh sci-fi and adventure. For now, dive into The Studio for laughs or Your Friends & Neighbors for drama—both are streaming now, ready to hook you. Apple TV+ is proving that less can be more, one unforgettable story at a time.
