The 25 Best TV Dramas to Watch on Apple TV+ Right Now
Apple TV+ has quickly become a major player in the streaming world. It offers a growing library of original content. Among its impressive lineup, the platform excels in producing high-quality drama series. These shows feature big stars, compelling stories, and stunning visuals. Whether you enjoy historical epics, science fiction thrillers, or intimate character studies, Apple TV+ has a drama for you.
This list highlights the 25 best dramas currently available on the service. It covers a wide range of genres and themes. From the initial offerings that launched the platform to its most recent hits, these are the shows that have critics and audiences talking. Get ready to find your next binge-watch and discover why Apple TV+ is a destination for premium television.
The Morning Show (2019)
“The Morning Show” explores the competitive world of morning news. The series begins when a popular news anchor is fired due to a misconduct scandal. This forces his co-host, played by Jennifer Aniston, to navigate the fallout while a new, ambitious journalist, played by Reese Witherspoon, joins the show.
The series examines the workplace dynamics and power struggles behind the scenes of a major news program. It tackles timely issues like the #MeToo movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial inequality. The show has been praised for its strong performances and its willingness to address complex and relevant topics.
Defending Jacob (2020)
This crime drama mini-series is based on the bestselling novel of the same name. It stars Chris Evans as an assistant district attorney whose life is turned upside down when his 14-year-old son is accused of murder. The story follows the family as they deal with the accusation and the subsequent legal battle.
“Defending Jacob” is a gripping thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. The show explores the lengths a parent will go to protect their child and the devastating impact such an accusation can have on a family. It has been noted for its strong performances, particularly from Evans and Michelle Dockery, who plays the mother.
Home Before Dark (2020)
This mystery drama is inspired by the true story of a young investigative journalist named Hilde Lysiak. The show follows a nine-year-old girl who moves with her family to a small town. There, she uncovers a cold case that the town, including her own father, has tried to keep buried.
“Home Before Dark” is a compelling series that highlights the importance of seeking the truth. The young lead actress gives a remarkable performance as the determined and intelligent Hilde. The show is both a family drama and a gripping mystery, with a dark and intriguing storyline.
Ted Lasso (2020)
“Ted Lasso” is a sports comedy-drama that has become a global phenomenon. The series follows an American college football coach who is unexpectedly hired to manage a British soccer team, despite having no experience with the sport. The team’s owner secretly hopes he will fail, but his optimistic and kind-hearted approach begins to win everyone over.
While often comedic, “Ted Lasso” is also a powerful drama about kindness, hope, and human connection. The show has received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and uplifting tone. It has been praised for its ability to be both funny and emotionally resonant.
Truth Be Told (2019)
This legal and crime drama stars Octavia Spencer as a true-crime podcaster. Her character is compelled to reopen a murder case that made her a household name, as new evidence suggests the man she helped convict may be innocent. The series explores the consequences of seeking justice in the public eye.
“Truth Be Told” delves into the world of true-crime podcasts and America’s obsession with them. The show features a strong cast and a compelling mystery that unfolds across its seasons. It raises questions about truth, justice, and the media’s influence.
Foundation (2021)
Based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov, “Foundation” is a sprawling science fiction epic. The series follows a band of exiles on a mission to save humanity and rebuild civilization as a vast Galactic Empire faces imminent collapse. A brilliant mathematician has predicted the empire’s fall and creates a “foundation” to preserve knowledge.
“Foundation” is a visually stunning series with a grand scope and complex narrative. It explores themes of power, faith, and the future of humanity. The show is ambitious in its storytelling, spanning centuries and multiple storylines.
The Essex Serpent (2022)
This British period drama is based on the bestselling novel by Sarah Perry. It stars Claire Danes as a London widow who moves to a small village in Essex to investigate reports of a mythical sea serpent. She forms an unlikely bond with the local pastor, played by Tom Hiddleston, as fear and superstition grip the community.
“The Essex Serpent” is a gothic romance with a mysterious and atmospheric tone. The series explores the clash between science and faith, and the nature of belief. It features strong performances from its lead actors and beautiful cinematography of the English countryside.
Shining Girls (2022)
“Shining Girls” is a science fiction thriller based on the novel by Lauren Beukes. Elisabeth Moss stars as a newspaper archivist in Chicago who survives a brutal attack that leaves her in a constantly shifting reality. When she learns of a murder that is linked to her assault, she teams up with a reporter to track down her attacker.
This mind-bending series is a gripping and suspenseful watch. It combines elements of a crime thriller with a complex science fiction concept. Moss delivers a powerful performance as a woman trying to make sense of her traumatic past and unstable present.
Five Days at Memorial (2022)
This medical drama is a limited series based on the non-fiction book of the same name. It chronicles the events at a New Orleans hospital in the five days after Hurricane Katrina made landfall. When the floodwaters rose and power failed, the exhausted caregivers were forced to make impossible decisions.
“Five Days at Memorial” is a powerful and harrowing depiction of a real-life tragedy. The series examines the ethical dilemmas and immense pressure faced by medical professionals in a crisis. It has been praised for its sensitive handling of the subject matter and its strong ensemble cast.
Masters of the Air (2024)
From the producers of “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” this war drama follows the true story of an American bomber group in World War II. The series focuses on the men of the 100th Bomb Group as they conduct perilous bombing raids over Nazi Germany. It portrays the psychological and emotional toll of combat at 25,000 feet.
“Masters of the Air” is a cinematic and action-packed series that pays tribute to the bravery of the airmen. It is based on the book of the same name and features a large ensemble cast. The show has been praised for its historical accuracy and its gripping depiction of aerial warfare.
Severance (2022)
This science fiction psychological thriller presents a unique and unsettling world. In the series, employees of a mysterious company undergo a procedure that surgically divides their memories between their work and personal lives. When they are at work, they have no memory of their outside lives, and when they are home, they have no memory of work.
“Severance” is a suspenseful and thought-provoking show that explores themes of corporate culture, identity, and work-life balance. Its distinctive visual style and compelling mysteries have earned it widespread critical acclaim. The series builds a sense of unease and intrigue that captivates viewers.
Pachinko (2022)
Based on the acclaimed novel, “Pachinko” tells the epic story of a Korean immigrant family across four generations. The narrative moves back and forth in time, following the family’s journey from Japanese-occupied Korea in the early 20th century to Japan and America in the 1980s. The central character, Sunja, faces hardship and discrimination while fighting for a better life.
The series is a sweeping and emotional drama that explores themes of family, identity, and resilience. It is filmed in Korean, Japanese, and English, adding to its authenticity. “Pachinko” has been celebrated for its beautiful cinematography, powerful performances, and rich, multi-generational storytelling.
Black Bird (2022)
This crime drama miniseries is based on a true story. It follows a high school football star who is sentenced to ten years in a minimum-security prison. He is offered a deal to enter a maximum-security prison for the criminally insane and befriend a suspected serial killer to get a confession before the killer’s appeal is granted.
“Black Bird” is a tense and psychologically complex thriller. The show features outstanding performances, particularly from Taron Egerton as the inmate and Paul Walter Hauser as the suspected killer. It is a dark and gripping story about manipulation and the search for truth.
Slow Horses (2022)
“Slow Horses” is a spy thriller with a dark sense of humor. The series follows a team of disgraced MI5 agents who have been exiled to a dead-end department called Slough House. Led by the brilliant but miserable Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman, these “slow horses” find themselves unexpectedly entangled in dangerous espionage schemes.
The show is a refreshing take on the spy genre, mixing suspense with sharp wit. It is based on a series of novels and has been praised for its clever plotting and strong characters. Oldman’s performance as the slovenly but sharp-witted spymaster is a major highlight.
For All Mankind (2019)
This science fiction series presents an alternate history where the global space race never ended. In this timeline, the Soviet Union was the first to land a man on the moon, spurring NASA to aim for even greater achievements. The show follows the lives of astronauts and their families as they navigate this ambitious and dangerous new era of space exploration.
“For All Mankind” is a compelling drama that blends historical fact with speculative fiction. It explores the personal and political stakes of the space race in great detail. The series has been praised for its character development, thrilling space sequences, and optimistic vision of humanity’s potential.
Silo (2023)
Based on a series of novels, “Silo” is a dystopian science fiction drama. The show is set in a future where humanity lives in a giant underground silo that protects them from the toxic world outside. The community is governed by strict rules, and the greatest crime is to express a desire to go outside.
The series is a captivating mystery that uncovers the secrets of the silo and its origins. It follows an engineer who begins to question the official narrative after a loved one breaks a fundamental rule. “Silo” has been praised for its world-building, suspenseful plot, and strong lead performance.
Bad Sisters (2022)
This dark comedy-drama follows the lives of the five Garvey sisters. After the premature death of their parents, the sisters promised to always protect one another. The series begins with the death of the abusive husband of one of the sisters, and a pair of life insurance agents who are determined to prove the sisters were involved.
“Bad Sisters” is a witty and engaging story of family loyalty and dark secrets. The show skillfully blends humor with suspense, as it flashes back and forth in time to reveal the sisters’ plot and the investigation into the husband’s death. It has been acclaimed for its sharp writing and a fantastic ensemble cast.
The Crowded Room (2023)
This psychological thriller is set in Manhattan in the summer of 1979. A young man is arrested for a shocking crime, and an investigator must solve the mystery behind it. The series unfolds through a series of interviews, revealing the man’s life story and the events that led to his arrest.
“The Crowded Room” is a character-driven drama that explores themes of mental health and trauma. It features a strong central performance by Tom Holland. The show is a slow-burn mystery that builds suspense and emotion as the truth is gradually revealed.
Lessons in Chemistry (2023)
Based on the popular novel, this drama is set in the 1950s. It stars Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist whose dreams of a scientific career are put on hold by a patriarchal society. When she is fired from her lab, she accepts a job hosting a television cooking show and uses her platform to teach a nation of overlooked housewives much more than recipes.
“Lessons in Chemistry” is an empowering and charming series about a woman who challenges the status quo. The show has been praised for its stylish production design and Larson’s compelling performance. It is a story about feminism, science, and the courage to be yourself.
The Last Thing He Told Me (2023)
This mystery thriller is based on the bestselling novel of the same name. Jennifer Garner stars as a woman whose husband mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note. To find the truth, she must forge a relationship with her reluctant teenage stepdaughter, played by Angourie Rice.
The series is a suspenseful drama that follows the two as they search for answers and uncover secrets about the man they thought they knew. It is a compelling story about family and trust. The performances of Garner and Rice as the central duo have been highlighted as a strength of the show.
Hijack (2023)
This real-time thriller stars Idris Elba as a corporate negotiator who is on a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London that gets hijacked. He must use his professional skills to try and save the lives of the passengers. The story unfolds hour by hour on the plane and on the ground, where authorities are scrambling to understand what is happening.
“Hijack” is a tense and fast-paced series that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The real-time format creates a constant sense of urgency. Elba’s performance as the calm and resourceful negotiator is central to the show’s appeal.
The New Look (2024)
This historical drama series chronicles the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior after World War II. It explores how Dior and his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel, navigated the horrors of the war and launched a new era of fashion. The series focuses on the pivotal moment in Paris when Dior’s creations brought beauty back to the world.
“The New Look” is a stylish and fascinating look at a key period in fashion history. It features a strong cast and beautiful costume design. The show delves into the personal and professional lives of these iconic designers, set against the backdrop of a recovering city.
Manhunt (2024)
This historical drama is a conspiracy thriller about the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The series follows Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War and friend, as he leads the hunt for assassin John Wilkes Booth. The story is based on the bestselling non-fiction book of the same name.
“Manhunt” is a gripping and detailed account of one of the most famous manhunts in history. It explores the political turmoil and national grief following Lincoln’s death. The series is a compelling historical piece that brings the past to life.
Sugar (2024)
“Sugar” is a contemporary detective series with a unique twist on the genre. Colin Farrell stars as John Sugar, a private investigator looking into the disappearance of the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. The case leads him to uncover dark family secrets.
The series pays tribute to classic film noir while adding its own modern and unexpected elements. It is set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Farrell’s performance as the enigmatic and gentle detective has been widely praised.
Franklin (2024)
This biographical drama stars Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin. The series focuses on a crucial period in Franklin’s life when, at age 70, he embarked on a secret mission to France. He must use his fame and ingenuity to convince the French monarchy to support America’s fight for independence.
“Franklin” is a compelling historical drama that sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history. It showcases the political intrigue and diplomatic challenges Franklin faced. Douglas gives a powerful performance as the iconic founding father.
