New to Apple TV+? Here’s Our 10 Essentials to Get You Started.
Apple TV+ still feels like the new kid on the streaming block, and now that is has arrived on Fetch, we couldn’t be more excited to sing its praises.
If you’re new to Apple TV+ and yet to fully immerse yourself in all that it has to offer, here’s our Top 10 must-watch titles to get you started on the right foot, and to showcase the breadth of the service.
Full disclosure – we struggled having to leave certain shows and movies off the list. Their output since launch has been consistently strong, but we think these 10 picks represent a good starter pack for anyone wanting to get the best out of Apple TV+.
10. Luck
What is it?
From Skydance Animation comes the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world! Suddenly finding herself in the never-before-seen Land of Luck, she must unite with the magical creatures there to turn her luck around.
Why We Like it?
An inventive roller coaster ride of a movie with impressive animation, Luck is a family crowd pleaser with a heart of gold (or green?). Potentially more suited to younger kids, the film is upbeat, action-packed and funny until the end, with a nice message that should resonate with kids after the credits have rolled.
Watch it if you liked…
…the esoteric undertones of Soul, the cute character relationship of Abominable, with similar journey and tone of Inside Out.
Fun Fact
As the colour green signifies luck in the movie, every single scene contains something that is green. Keep an eye out.
9. Servant
What is it?
From M. Night Shyamalan, Servant follows a Philadelphia couple in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy creates a rift in their marriage and opens the door for a mysterious force to enter their home.
Why We Like it?
With a knockout first season, Servant sets a standard from the get-go with its bizarre, surrealistic tone. Most importantly though, most likely thanks in part to the participation of M. Night Shyamalan, it’s also creepy as hell. His trademark tone and shrewd use of horrifyingly subtle imagery are imprinted all over Servant. Some may not have the patience to watch the mystery slowly unravel, but as with so many Apple TV+ series, the performances are strong enough to keep you engaged regardless.
Watch it if you liked…
…the mysterious tone of The Leftovers and From, the dark imagery of Evil and the shock value of Yellowjackets.
Fun Fact
Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley from Harry Potter) stars in Servant. This is his first ever role in an American TV series.
8. Shrinking
What is it?
2023 nominee for 2 Emmy® Awards. Jimmy is struggling to grieve the loss of his wife while being a dad, friend, and therapist. He decides to try a new approach with everyone in his path: unfiltered, brutal honesty.
Why We Like it?
After only a few minutes in, Shrinking somehow becomes one of the most likeable shows you’ve watched this year. At its core are some deep and dark subjects, but it’s presented with such whimsy and upbeat humour that you often forget the complexity and simply enjoy the ride. Many have compared Shrinking’s tone to Ted Lasso, and while it isn’t as effortlessly cheery as that show, it does feature characters you’ll eventually fall in love with, and story twists that will have you hooked. It must also be said that Shrinking features a surprising, but welcome late-career pivot for Harrison Ford.
Watch it if you liked…
…the quirky, and often absurdist tone of Parks & Recreation and The Good Place with the humour and poignancy of Catastrophe.
Fun Fact
The creators pitched the project to Harrison Ford fully expecting him to turn it down, only to be shocked when he was immediately interested.
7. Hijack
What is it?
When Flight KA29 is hijacked during its seven-hour journey from Dubai to London, Sam Nelson—an accomplished corporate negotiator—tries using his professional skills to save everyone on board. Will this high-risk strategy be his undoing?
Why We Like it?
The effortless charisma of star Idris Elba aside (we still think he’d make a great Bond), Hijack ticks so many boxes for those looking for a fast-paced, sky-high action drama. The series spans 7 episodes and is set in real time. Before you roll your eyes at a gimmick that has been tried before with varying results, the real time schtick actually works wonders for Hijack, and very much intensifies the drama.
Watch it if you liked…
…the clock watching intensity of 24, the prestige British action of Bodyguard, the political back and forth of Homeland.
Fun Fact
An entire Airbus A330 was built to scale to act as a set for the production of Hijack.
6. Morning Wars
What is it?
This Emmy® winner is an unapologetically candid drama that looks at the modern workplace through the lens of the people who help wake America up. Pull back the curtain on early morning TV.
Why We Like it?
With a knockout cast and some of the juiciest TV drama around, Morning Wars has matured from its first season to become the sheer definition of a must watch guilty pleasure. This is a modern day soap opera set within the inner workings of a bustling television studio. Don’t overthink it, just sit back and enjoy the wild ride. Reese Witherspoon is the heart of the show, but it’s Jennifer Aniston’s brash and outspoken Alex Levy that provides the most watchability here. Having just completed it 3rd season, the best news is that the series progressively improves (and becomes more deliciously addictive) as it goes on.
Watch it if you liked…
…the studio shenanigans of The Newsroom, the addictive twists of The Good Wife and the watchable relationship dynamics of Dead to Me.
Fun Fact
This is Jennifer Aniston’s first major TV Role since Friends ended in 2004.
5. Silo
What is it?
In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo.
Why We Like it?
Sci-Fi fans rejoice. Silo is the kind of sophisticated, intelligent series you have been waiting for. It’s dark and complex, but never dumbs-down its intent like other shows have in the past. This is a series not afraid to take its time to immerse you into its world. Silo’s success relies heavily on its lead performance, and thankfully Rebecca Ferguson was the absolute perfect choice. She holds it all together and keeps us wanting more, even in a claustrophobic world like this. Keep an eye on Silo becoming a genuine Sci-Fi TV classic.
Watch it if you liked…
…the engaging Sci-Fi plot devices of The Expanse, the undertone of dread in The Last of Us, with the similarly post-apocalyptic feel and social commentary of Snowpiercer.
Fun Fact
Based on a trilogy series of books by Hugh Howey, season 1 only covers the first 30 chapters of the first book, “Wool”. That book contains 82 chapters.
4. Lessons in Chemistry
What is it?
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Zott’s dream of being a scientist is challenged by a society that says women belong in the domestic sphere. She accepts a job on a TV cooking show and sets out to teach a nation of overlooked housewives way more than recipes.
Why We Like it?
While Lessons in Chemistry revels in its rich, precise 1950s aesthetic, it quickly becomes clear that this is a story built for our modern era, with current day social issues coming to the fore. Meticulously designed and beautifully shot, it’s a prestige drama anchored by a wonderful performance from Brie Larson. Empowering and moving at once, Lessons in Chemistry is so well crafted that it is impossible not to get swept up into its world.
Watch it if you liked…
…the detailed production design and social politics of Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, with a headstrong, intelligent lead in the same vein of The Queen’s Gambit.
Fun Fact
This is Brie Larson’s first lead role in a TV series, though she did co-star in The United States of Tara, which ended in 2011.
3. CODA
What is it?
Winner of 3 Oscars®, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor. As a CODA (child of deaf adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her home. When she discovers a passion for singing, Ruby must choose between family obligations and her dreams.
Why We Like it?
CODA is a bona fide tearjerker that cemented Apple TV+ as a legitimate destination for movies. A film that is as close to the feeling of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket as there is. We like the fact that CODA doesn’t care if it wears its emotions on its sleeve. The performances (especially from Emilia Jones) ground it beautifully, and never allows you to question its authenticity. We also loved its celebration of both family and music. Good luck keeping your eyes dry during this Best Picture winner.
Watch it if you liked…
…the family bonding of Little Miss Sunshine and Boyhood with the feel good tone of The Peanut Butter Falcon and The Intouchables.
Fun Fact
Troy Kotsur was the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar for his role in CODA. His wife in the film, Marlee Matlin was the first deaf female actress to win an Oscar in 1987 for Children of a Lesser God.
2. Severance
What is it?
2022 winner of 2 Emmy® Awards. Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. They begin a journey to discover the truth about their jobs.
Why We Like it?
While Lasso takes all the glory, it’s actually Severance that shines as the lesser spoken of fan favourite in the Apple TV+ catalogue. Difficult to describe, but immediately addictive, it’s some sort of corporate satire that is weird, terrifying, humorous and devastating at once. Never before has a series been able to successfully hold our attention until its fantastic finale, all the while perplexing and intriguing us as much as Severance does. With a great cast lead by Adam Scott, and under the eye of Ben Stiller’s adept direction (he directed 6 of the 9 eps) we can’t think of a series we are more excited to see return for a season 2.
Watch it if you liked…
…the messed up unpredictability of Black Mirror and The Twilight Zone, with the surrealist touch of Being John Malkovich.
Fun Fact
Though more well known as an actor, Ben Stiller has directed several TV Series alongside Severance, as well as movies like Reality Bites, The Cable Guy, Tropic Thunder and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
1. Ted Lasso
What is it?
2023 nominee for 21 Emmy® Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Jason Sudeikis is a football coach hired to manage a British soccer team. What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism, determination…and biscuits.
Why We Like it?
Not much can be said about Ted Lasso that hasn’t already been covered elsewhere. Suffice to say, it really is one of the landmark TV series of the past few years. Fans would most likely explain away its success with a simple “You know if you know”, and there may not be any simple explanation why it caught on and had such infectious momentum. Maybe it’s the characters? Maybe it’s the storylines? Or just maybe Ted Lasso encapsulates the term “feel-good” more than any show before it? We think the secret sauce that makes Ted Lasso so brilliant should be something you try to discover for yourself. If you are yet to start your journey, we envy you. This is easily the series you can’t miss on Apple TV+.
Watch it if you liked…
…the feel good sense of camaraderie in Parks and Recreation, Superstore and The Good Place, the similar subject matter to Welcome to Wrexham and the sharp humour of Abbot Elementary and Scrubs.
Fun Fact
Fan favourite Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent, was initially hired only as a writer on the show, but after getting so attached to the character he auditioned, and won the role.
