Top 20 Best and Highest Rated Apple TV+ shows so far
As the amount of content on streaming sites only continues to grow and grow, it can be a daunting task just deciding what to watch on an evening. With an overwhelming amount of content, you then start to wonder what the best streaming site is for me, which is just as perplexing a conundrum at times. One of the streaming platforms that seem to be breaking away from the rest and quietly building an impressive library of content for itself is Apple TV+. This American subscription streaming service only launched back in November 2019, but it has already made a name for itself, releasing consistently reliable, prestigious TV and cinema.
At Ready Steady Cut, we are constantly challenged to find the Top 20 best and highest rated Apple TV+ shows the site has to offer. If you are unsure what to watch next, then bookmark this page as we list the top 20 series on Apple TV+. We’ve used the latest ratings on IMDB as the benchmark for this list and also provide the Rotten Tomatoes score for an alternative reading. On top of this, if we have reviewed it on our site, we will also share the review with you. We will update this page every three months so audiences can keep up to date on the latest best, and highest rated Apple TV+ shows as part of their subscription. If you also want to know the best Netflix shows, then check out our Highest Rated Netflix Series of All Time too.
Top 20 Best and Highest Rated Apple TV+ shows so far
20. See (2019 – 2022)
Dystopian sci-fi series See imagined a world where nearly all of its inhabitants were blind, with those lucky few who did have the power of sight being hunted down like witches. Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) created a visually atmospheric, gory, and appropriately inclusive drama out of this premise that explored political upheaval in this new society. Jason Momoa leads the pack as fearless warrior Baba Voss, with stunning performances from Dave Bautista and Sylvia Hoeks.
Cast: Jason Momoa, Sylvia Hoeks, Hera Hilmar, Dave Bautista, David Hewlett.
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63%
19. Tehran (2020 – present)
Tehran is an award-winning Israeli spy thriller featuring Cruella de Vil herself, Glenn Close, in its second season run. The first season introduced viewers to the espionage underworld of the Middle East, with computer hacker and Mossad agent Tamar Rabinyan. She works on an undercover mission to disable a nuclear reactor and takes on a new identity in the process. Critics found the series to be a captivating thriller with a personal touch.
Cast: Niv Sultan, Shaun Toub, Shervin Alenabi, Liraz Charhi, Glenn Close.
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
18. Dickinson (2019 – 2021)
The first comedy series to be released on Apple TV+, this period piece brings a unique and surprisingly modern twist to the life of poet Emily Dickinson. Hailee Steinfeld (Hawkeye) plays the titular creative who breaks free from the constraints of her society and gender in 19th-century America. Dickinson ran for three consecutive seasons, providing a joyous alternative coming-of-age story with lots of humor.
Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Toby Huss, Adrian Blake Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov, Ella Hunt.
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
17. Little America (2020 – present)
Lee Eisenberg (WeCrashed) teams up with The Big Sick writers and real-life married couple Kumail Nanjiana and Emily V. Gordon for an anthology series about immigrants living in America. The first season included eight separate stories, with appearances from Zachary Quinto and Melanie Laurent. The topical show managed to shine a spotlight on a criminally ignored portion of America while telling emotional stories with lots of heart and soul. A timely and relevant series that happens to also be infectiously funny.
Cast: Suraj Sharma, John Ortiz, Melanie Laurent, Zachary Quinto, Shaun Toub.
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
16. Five Days at Memorial (2022)
This miniseries starring Vera Farmiga explores the traumatic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, presenting the unbelievable horrors the staff of a New Orleans hospital had to endure during this catastrophic event. The drama developed by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave) and Carlton Cuse (Lost) brings an unflinching and brutal depiction of the events to the small screen, but it isn’t for the faint of heart.
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Cherry Jones, Cornelius Smith Jr., Robert Pine, Adepero Oduye.
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
15. Calls (2021)
Probably one of the more obscure offerings on the streaming platform, Calls is an experience like no other on the site. From creator Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe), this horror-tinged drama features minimal visuals, consisting entirely of audio samples alone. Each episode focuses on one specific, horrifying phone call. The show boasts an insane voice cast, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Aubrey Plaza, Karen Gillan, Judy Greer, Pedro Pascal, Lily Collins, and many more. A surprising and innovative addition to the site’s roster.
Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Aubrey Plaza, Karen Gillan, Judy Greer, Pedro Pascal.
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
14. Acapulco (2021 – present)
This eighties set comedy series tells the rags-to-riches story of pool boy Maximo, who starts working at Las Colinas, the hottest resort in Acapulco. It’s a lively and comical nostalgia trip that fully commits to its eighties setting. This just beat out Apple’s other eighties-themed comedy series, Physical, to make the top 20. Overall, this is a charming series that currently has a hundred percent rating over on Rotten Tomatoes, so you just know it is worth checking out.
Cast: Eugenio Derbez, Enrique Arrizon, Damian Alcazar, Camila Perez, Raphael Alejandro.
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
13. Defending Jacob (2020)
Miniseries Defending Jacob is a prime example of Apple’s USP, a star-studded cast and crew working together to produce a riveting adaptation. The crime drama stars Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell and J.K. Simmons, telling the story of a family torn apart by the accusations that their 14-year-old boy is a murderer. Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game) directs all eight episodes of this series, which was commended for its emotionally-engaging performances.
Cast: Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell, Cherry Jones, J.K. Simmons.
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%
12. Shrinking (2022)
The gang behind Ted Lasso (Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein), along with Hollywood rom-com star Jason Segel, have struck gold again with this delightful comedy-drama series. Shrinking focuses on Segel’s Jimmy, a therapist that is dealing with severe grief of his own. He decides to try a new tactic at work, with wildly varying results. The series is hilarious and adorable, with one of the best ensembles casts I’ve seen in a long time. A special mention for Harrison Ford as a disgruntled and fragile therapist.
Cast: Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, Christa Miller
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
11. The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (2022)
Samuel L. Jackson is just sublime in this dramatic miniseries about a dementia patient, who is involved in a revolutionary drugs trial that could bring back his fading memories. The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey explores the harrowing realities of dementia, whilst addressing themes of poverty, race and legacy. Jackson is joined by breakout star Dominique Fishback and Walton Goggins. This six-part drama is sure to pull at your heart-strings and then some.
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Dominique Fishback, Walton Goggins, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Damon Gupton.
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
10. Mythic Quest (2020 – present)
Co-creator Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) stars in this side-splitting comedy series about a fictional studio that produces online role-playing games. McElhenney plays egotistical creative director Ian Grimm, leading an equally hilarious cast of comedy stars, including Community’s Danny Pudi and Wes Anderson regular F. Murray Abraham. You know you are on to a winner when all the aforementioned talent are involved and the added bonus of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia alumni Charlie Day and Megan Ganz rounding out the other co-creator credits.
Cast: Rob McElhenney, Ashly Burch, Danny Pudi, F. Murray Abraham, Jessie Ennis.
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
9. Trying (2020 – present)
British comedy series with a heart of gold, Trying stars Rafe Spall and Esther Smith as a couple looking to start a family, but the duo, unfortunately, struggle to conceive. They decide to adopt instead and find themselves caught up in this tricky and frustrating process. This adorable little show is bound to put a smile on your face though, with its addictive humor and heart-warming sense of camaraderie. The couple’s families and friends all band together to support them the best they can. It’s a very simple and formulaic offering, but one that is hard to ignore – an absolute blast.
Cast: Rafe Spall, Esther Smith, Imelda Staunton, Ophelia Lovibond, Oliver Chris.
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
8. Slow Horses (2022 – present)
One of my favorite shows of 2022, Slow Horses, is a witty, twisted spy thriller teeming with tense action sequences and that infamous British sarcasm. The show centers on a group of failed secret agents who are sent to Slough House to perform inane tasks under the watchful supervision of Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). Oldman is having a blast as their scruffy, lazy leader, who may just be the smartest agent of all. The show co-stars Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon).
Cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Olivia Cooke, Jonathan Pryce.
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
7. For All Mankind (2019 – present)
One of Apple’s flagship shows, For All Mankind, tells the story of an alternate history in which the Soviet Union beat the Americans to the moon landing. This devastating blow starts an unparalleled rivalry between the two nations. Ronald D. Moore’s series pictures a different world, where racism, sexism and homophobia are addressed years earlier and mankind moves forward with technological advancements. The show utilizes some breath-taking special effects shots and plenty of tense action throughout its run, developing characters and multiple storylines over the years.
Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Sarah Jones, Sonya Walger, Shantel VanSanten.
IMDB Rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
6. Black Bird (2022)
Another miniseries blessed with unmatched Hollywood talent to gawp at, Black Bird centers on Taron Egerton’s Jimmy Keene, a drug dealer who finds himself caught up in an impossible task. Keene must get a psychopathic serial killer to confess to his murders and reveal the locations of his victim’s graves so Jimmy can walk free of all his convictions. It’s a brutal and tense setup that is only further elevated by its tremendous cast. Paul Walter Hauser is haunting as the killer Larry Hall, whilst Ray Liotta steals the show in one of his last ever appearances. This is spellbinding TV.
Cast: Taron Egerton, Paul Walter Hauser, Ray Liotta, Greg Kinnear, Sepideh Moafi.
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
5. The Morning Show (2019 – present)
Talking of talent, The Morning Show may just have the biggest line-up in all of TV history: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell, Billy Crudup, Jon Hamm, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Will Arnett, Mindy Kaling, oh and the Foo Fighters are all involved in this star-studded series. The drama revolves around a popular breakfast news program, hence the guest stars, and explores a major shake-up in each of its seasons. There is a sexual misconduct scandal and the COVID-19 pandemic to deal with. Critics weren’t particularly balled over by this one, but that headlining cast and lots of juicy drama mean its viewership figures are scarily impressive on their own.
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell, Billy Crudup, Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%
4. Bad Sisters (2022 – present)
Sharon Horgan’s Irish comedy series has become a public obsession as viewers eagerly debate who exactly killed the villainous JP and how they did it. This enthralling mystery is told via a mixture of timelines and differing character perspectives. Flashbacks reveal just how detestable this brother-in-law was and follows the Garvey sisters as they plot to kill him, whilst in the present an insurance company, led by two brothers, attempt to solve the whodunit so they don’t have to pay out. It’s a cunning setup with outstanding performances and a hilarious script. Each episode betters the one before it as the show builds towards a superb crescendo. Addictive TV that you can’t help but fall for.
Cast: Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eve Hewson, Claes Bang, Brian Gleeson.
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
3. Pachinko (2022 – present)
A cinematic masterpiece, Pachinko follows a Korean family across four generations in three different languages and multiple time periods. The series from Soo Hugh, based upon the novel of the same name, is a heart-wrenching saga that explores identity, legacy and pride in a sprawling eight episode arc. The acting is phenomenal, as are the visuals, whilst there are many moments that will hit you in the gut. It’s a real emotional tour-de-force. This is a standout show that transcends the TV format.
Cast: Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Min-ha, Jin Ha, Lee Min-ho, Jimmi Simpson.
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
2. Severance (2022 – present)
Adam Scott leads this mysterious psychological thriller about a company that surgically divides its employee’s memories, separating both work and pleasure. It’s an ingenious premise that cleverly explores the dynamics of work-life balance and corporate control, with an obsessive conspiracy at its core. Severance is an addictive slice of television with more impressive direction from Ben Stiller (Escape at Dannemora) – a show you will want to binge in one sitting.
Cast: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Christopher Walken.
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
1. Ted Lasso (2020 – present)
Apple’s most successful original series, Ted Lasso, takes the number one spot here too. The critically acclaimed comedy series seems to be an unstoppable force of nature, winning over audiences, award shows and us miserable critics alike. The series focuses on Jason Sudeikis’ titular character, an American college football coach who decides to try his hand at soccer. This lovable fool’s optimistic approach seems to have rubbed off on all that watch it as well. Prepare to be amazed by this show’s unbeatable humor and heart.
Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple.
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
And that’s it folks, the Top 20 Best and Highest Rated Apple TV+ shows so far!
And we will make sure to update this page every three months, so keep it bookmarked!
Is there any series on this list that you disagree with? Comment below.
Related Article
The 42 Best Teen TV Shows, from ‘That ’70s Show’ and ‘Riverdale’ to ‘Never Have I Ever’ and ‘Daria’ – IndieWire
August’s Top 10 Most Streamed Movies And TV Shows – LRM Online