The 10 Best Apple TV+ Shows of the Last Five Years

When Apple first launched its streaming service back in 2019, most people assumed it would be a glorified repository for a few celebrity‑driven projects. Fast forward five years, and the platform now boasts a surprisingly diverse lineup that can hold its own against the giants of the industry.

Below, we’ve pulled together the shows that not only gathered critical applause but also resonated with viewers. The ranking isn’t set in stone—everyone’s taste is different—but this list should give you a solid roadmap for what to watch next on your Apple TV.

10. Mythic Quest – A video‑game studio serves as the backdrop for this clever, workplace comedy that’s equal parts satirical and heartfelt. Led by the brilliant improvisational chemistry of Rob McElhenney and Charlotte Nicdao, the series balances absurdist humor with surprisingly genuine character arcs.

9. Servant – M. Night Shyamalan’s foray into horror‑thriller territory feels more like a slow‑burn psychological puzzle than a traditional scare‑fest. The unsettling atmosphere, coupled with the unsettling performances from Lauren Ambrose and Toby Kebbell, keeps you guessing for every episode.

8. The Shrink Next Door – Based on a true‑to‑life podcast, this limited series finds comedy in the most uncomfortable places. Paul Rudd’s charmingly naive therapist collides with a manipulative patient (Will Ferrell), creating a bizarre power‑dynamic that’s both funny and oddly tragic.

7. For All Mankind – An alternate‑history space epic that asks: what if the Soviet Union had landed on the Moon first? The show’s ambitious scope, stellar production design, and strong ensemble cast (including Jodi Balfour and Michael Dorman) make it a standout sci‑fi drama.

6. See – A post‑apocalyptic saga starring Jason Momoa, where humanity has lost the sense of sight. The series leans heavily on visual storytelling, dazzling fight choreography, and an unusual premise that keeps viewers glued—even if the plot sometimes meanders.

5. Severance – This mind‑twisting thriller from the creators of Black Mirror takes corporate culture to an extreme: employees surgically separate their work memories from their personal ones. With a hypnotic performance by Adam Scott and a meticulously designed aesthetic, it’s a show you’ll be dissecting long after the credits roll.

4. Dickinson – A modern, anachronistic take on the life of poet Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld). The series blends witty contemporary dialogue with 19th‑century settings, making the struggle for artistic freedom feel surprisingly current.

3. The Morning Show – A high‑profile drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell that explores the cut‑throat world of morning news. While its star power is undeniable, the show also tackles timely themes—sexual harassment, media ethics, and the battle for ratings—making it both topical and emotionally charged.

2. Ted Lasso – Perhaps the most beloved Apple TV+ export, this feel‑good comedy follows an eternally optimistic American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) who ends up managing a struggling English soccer team. Its blend of kindness, sharp wit, and surprisingly deep character work makes it a comfort watch that never feels cheesy.

1. Barry – Though technically a HBO series, the final season found a home on Apple TV+ after a historic licensing deal, and it’s impossible to ignore the impact it’s had on the platform’s prestige. Bill Hader’s darkly comic anti‑hero, a hitman yearning for an acting career, delivers equal parts hilarity and horror, culminating in a finale that left audiences both satisfied and heart‑wrenchingly unsettled.

All told, Apple TV+ has matured from a curiosity into a serious contender, offering everything from laugh‑out‑loud sitcoms to brain‑twitching thrillers. Whether you’re in the mood for a light‑hearted pick‑me‑up or a deep‑dive into existential dread, there’s probably a show on this list that fits the bill. So grab your remote, settle in, and let the streaming begin.