Some of the best shows (and movies) are Apple TV+ exclusives, yet it still feels like not enough people are talking about them. And ultimately, it's understandable, given the state of our economy as well as various factors, why people wouldn't want to commit to yet another streaming service. At the same time, with the bingeing model, many people have stopped watching shows weekly, which is a lost art in and of itself that I really hope we get back to at some point.
That said, when it comes to Apple TV+, I'll always champion the shows featured on it and beg people to come aboard the incredible rides these series take us on. There is plenty to catch up on with incredible limited series like Lessons in Chemistry (2023) or movies like the recently released F1 (2025). But there are also returning shows and old ones that are already a huge part of our cultural zeitgeist, and they're sure to make your 2026 subscription worth it.
Shrinking (2023-present)
Four words: Harrison Ford does comedy. Need I say more? The iconic film star is revered for countless reasons, but trust me when I say, he delivers his best work to date on Shrinking. Brought to you by the thoughtful minds of Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, the show's approach to grief and moving forward is unlike anything I've seen in the past, and it's bound to become a healing comfort for countless viewers.
With an incredibly hilarious cast alongside Ford, Shrinking is the kind of show that effectively marries heart and humor in a narrative that's achingly honest and relatable. It's also rare for a series to center around therapy the way Shrinking does, so the mental health inclusion ensures that the show feels unique and deeply vital.
Ted Lasso (2020-present)
Like Shrinking, the marriage between heart and humor is inimitable in Ted Lasso. If there's one show I'll recommend to any type of viewer, no matter how different our tastes, it's Ted Lasso. Proof of my love for this gem lies in the words inked on my forearm because it's that special. You'll never think of football, therapy, or a simple game of darts the same way, and you'll be better for it.
Ted Lasso understands the importance of kindness in a way no other series does, and in a world where everything is ugly and bleak, it's the best kind of show guaranteed to improve your mood. Brimming with well-rounded characters, ridiculous jokes, all the found family vibes, romance, and a hopeful message at the end of every episode, it deserves to be on our screens for years and years to come.
Trying (2020-present)
Trying is an underrated gem that I'm convinced only my friends and I watch, but it deserves far more hype, especially among romance fans. Rarely do we get already established relationships with no petty drama and breakups on our screens, yet that's exactly what Trying consistently delivers, all while exploring arcs around adoption and found families. Fans of Jay and Sam on Ghosts (2021) are the only other lucky ones in this regard.
Starring Esther Smith and Rafe Spall, it's a sweet British comedy that's guaranteed to not only make you laugh but also feel all the simple feelings that come from everyday experiences. The decision to shine a light on matters that aren't explored often in fiction makes it exceptionally unique and thoughtful, allowing the character journeys always to take center stage as we go through life alongside them.
Severance (2022-present)
Sci-fi is a niche genre, and it's often hard to recommend it to people who generally don't gravitate toward it in the first place. But Severance is in a league of its own, and it's one that can be palatable to a wide variety of audiences, whether they're a fan of the genre or not. But also, if you want a twist on workplace dramas, it's a must-watch for its means of deep diving into heavy topics while simultaneously delivering moments of levity.
If you're watching Paradise (2025), but somehow not integrated into the world of Lumon Industries, then I promise you're guaranteed to appreciate it here as well. Full of some of the most sensationally and breathtaking performances of all time, Severance is the type of show that demands conversation and countless discussions among peers. It's the type of show that you can watch over and over again while still discovering something new each time.
Pluribus (2025-present)
From the sharp mind of Vince Gilligan, who brought us Breaking Bad (2008) and Better Call Saul (2015), the reunion with Rhea Seehorn as a main character proves to be an absolute masterpiece, with the enormous success of Pluribus in its debut season. Perfect for viewers who love narratives that center on hive minds, the series is different from what Gilligan has done in the past, but with his familiar beats still there.
Pluribus might not return in 2026, but it'd be the perfect time to catch up before its sophomore run. The show shines with its incredible performances and the enticing narrative that gripped viewers from the pilot episode, which is a rarity on its own. Thrilling, layered, and complex, this one's not to be missed if you love complex characters.
Slow Horses (2022-present)
If you recently got into Dept. Q (2025), but are somehow still sleeping on Slow Horses, then please rectify this. The series is also one of the few that consistently gives us a new story every year, but each episode is always better than the one before. Perfect for anyone who loves grumpy characters and a fast-paced plot, it's bound to scratch all the right itches.
While there are a number of series centered around spies, the unique approach that Slow Horses takes to highlight a different division of MI6 is exactly what makes it so compelling. At the same time, Gary Oldman consistently delivers exceptional performances alongside the entire cast, and Jack Lowden's character is basically... well, chef's kiss (he's got my vote as Bond, if anyone's wondering.)
The Studio (2025-present)
Have you ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes of a movie production? And I mean, really, the chaos and calm of it all? If the answer is yes, then The Studio is the show for you. It continues to floor me how a show like this is even made when it pokes so much fun at the industry, and yet, maybe that's where its perfect absurdity lies.
The award-winning phenomenon isn't to be missed, and while the humor might not work for viewers expecting more wholesome beats like in Ted Lasso, each arc is still bound to stick the landing and make you think. From start to finish, it's a clever run that's well-executed, and it's going to be so exciting to see what the creative minds tackle in Season 2.
The Morning Show (2019-present)
If you loved The Newsroom (2012), then you're guaranteed to love The Morning Show, but maybe even more so for all the delicious drama woven into the mix with real-world matters. It might not be suited for viewers wanting an escape from what's actually happening in the news, but if you've ever wanted '90s icons like Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon in the same room, then the show will deliver in spades for you.
Thoughtful, enticing, and bold, The Morning Show isn't afraid of being messy and complex, giving every episode all the markings of a true drama. It's unsettling at times, yet even those tougher-to-swallow narratives feel earned. The performances are always astounding, and every arc is so well done that it's bound to keep you glued to the TV.
