Apple TV+ burst onto our screens and into the streaming wars in late 2019, with an array of original content. They’ve been met with mixed reviews, but nonetheless, the tech giant has delivered a stack of new original content for our viewing pleasure, and there’s bound to be something for everyone. Canstar Blue has rounded up some of the best shows currently on offer to take away the difficulty of Friday night decision-making.
Best original shows on Apple TV+
Here is a list of the best original shows streaming on Apple TV+ (in our opinion, anyway):
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Roar
Split into eight self-contained episodes, Roar explores eight different scenarios around what it’s like to be a woman in today’s society, including being a mother, being a trophy wife and everything in between. There’s an element of surrealism to each episode, adding another edge to it, but it stars Nicole Kidman with her Aussie accent, so what’s not to love?
Slow Horses
Not all British Intelligence agents can be like James Bond, with some missing the mark on their jobs and assignments, and sent to the purgatory that is Slough House. Nicknamed ‘slow horses’, these agents are relegated to paper work and admin duties, that is, until some of the uncover a sinister plot, with the security of England at risk. Based on the novel by Mick Herron, it’s British drama at its finest.
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| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month | |
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min. cost $10 over one month |
1 | $10 |
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min. cost $16 over one month |
2 | $16 |
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min. cost $18 over one month |
4 | $18 |
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^^View important information | |||
Severance
Ever wanted a real work/life balance? Severance may have you re-thinking that. Following Mark Scout, an office worker whose life looks and feels mundane is offered an opportunity by his company to participate in a procedure that can help further separate his personal and work life. Known as a ‘severance’, the procedure completely separates Mark’s work memories from his personal memories, allowing him to switch off as soon as he steps out of the office. But, there’s a downside, as Mark realises as he tries to unravel what really happens in the office.
The Shrink Next Door
Based on real events, The Shrink Next Door follows Marty Morkowitz, a millionaire who becomes depressed, and seeks the advice and help of psychiatrist Dr. Ike Herschkopf. However, when the good (not really) doctor realises how rich Morkowitz is, he begins to hatch and enact a scheme to keep himself employed. The real story is that Herschkopf eventually moves in with Morkowitz, and stays on as his psychiatrist for over 30 years, making it a pretty wild story from beginning to end.
Dickinson
You’ve likely seen Emily Dickinson portrayed in movies and shows before, but probably not like this. The latest series to do so, Dickinson follows the title character in a very-modern take on her life, so expect a lot of fictionised events, as well as a few shock castings in the series. It’s definitely not traditional, but then again, neither was Dickinson in her time, so we think that this take would’ve gotten the nod of approval.
Foundation
One for the sci-fi fans, Foundation is a new series based on a book series of the same name, detailing the crusade scientist Hari Seldon undertakes in order to save the Galactic Empire, and the race of humans. Set in a time where humans have conquered the known universe, and have forgotten all about Earth, Seldon uncovers some unnerving facts that indicate civilisation may be heading towards a sharp downturn, and must act to save those around him from a horrible fate.
See
One of the flagship shows when the platform launched, this show is back on our list with the release of season two, and after the surprise hit that was season one, I don’t think you can blame us. Jason Momoa returns as Baba Voss, a tribal leader in a world that lives without sight, as he leads his tribe against his brother (played by Dave Bautista) and his followers.
Mr. Corman
What’s better than a series starring Joseph Gordan-Levitt? A series starring, produced and directed by Joseph Gordan-Levitt. Mr. Corman is a show that follows the titular character, a fifth-grade teacher who struggles with life outside of the classroom, while also dealing with funding cuts to his school and the system that supports him. It’s a bit of a wild ride, aiming to hit on a lot of hard truths, with the show also unfortunately not renewed for a second season, but is you’re a Joseph Gordan-Levitt fan (and who isn’t), it’s a must-watch.
Calls
If you’re after something a bit different, then Calls might be the one for you. Told through a series of phone conversations, a group of strangers begin to notice strange events happening to and around them in the lead up to an apocalyptic event. With only a few visuals to accompany the storyline, Calls focuses primarily on the audio conversations to create a heavy environment. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass), Armie Hammer (The Social Network), Aubrey Plaza (Parks & Rec), Danny Pudi (Community), Joey King (The Kissing Booth), Nick Jonas (no explanation needed) as well as Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), there’s plenty to be excited about with this new series.
Ted Lasso
To our delight, what began as a skit from American channel NBC in order to promote their coverage of the English Premier League has now become an entire comedy series, Ted Lasso. Funny man and Saturday Night Live alumni Jason Sudeikis wrote, produced and once again stars as Ted Lasso, the former American football coach who accepts a job as coach of an English soccer team, despite possessing zero knowledge on soccer (“ties and no playoffs, why do you even do this?”). As more people watch Ted fail, he becomes more determined to turn around the fate of AFC Richmond, and his life in England. Ted Lasso scores big in our books.
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Looking for something different? Check out Disney+! With two plans to choose from – a monthly subscription, or prepay for a year – both plans include the same features, with unlimited downloads and the ability to stream on up to four screens at the same time. This table includes links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month or year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $13.99 over one month |
4 | $13.99 |
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min. cost $139.99 over one year |
4 | $139.99 |
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^^View important information | |||
Apple TV+ is still finding its footing, so here’s hoping there’ll be more fantastic shows making their way to our screens soon! Don’t have Apple TV+? Sign up for a seven day free trial to see if the above shows take your fancy. After something different? Check out the best movies on Apple TV+.
Photo credit: Denys Prykhodov/shutterstock.com, Apple TV+
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