Written by: Chengli Payton
Sometimes I think I’m the only person I know who watches Apple TV. Of course, I love a good Netflix show or Hulu series, but I think my modern streaming era heart belongs to Apple TV. Launching in 2019, they are a much younger streaming service compared to Netflix or Hulu. However, I believe their lack of back catalog is countered by the fact that they offer such high-quality shows starring actors and actresses with impressive accolades. I watch Apple TV through the subscription bundle called Apple One Family Sharing plan, which allows family members access to Apple TV, Music, News, data storage, and more. Although my family and I will never discard our impressive collection of DVDs and CDs, I am happy to have found Apple TV as well.
As the semester starts to wind down and summer begins to ramp up, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Apple TV shows. While they also have really great award-winning movies, I will focus exclusively on TV series. There’s something for everyone, and maybe you can find your new favorite show!
Up first is comfort shows. One of my favorites is the comedy series Acapulco (2021). We’re flipped back and forth through the exciting telenovela-esque life of a Mexican businessman (Enrique Arrizon) and his older self (Eugenio Derbez) recounting his adventures. The actors smoothly transition from English to Spanish, and they are so lovable that you find yourself rooting for them. Another top contender for comfort show is Shrinking (2023). Starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford as rough-around-the-edges therapists, the show centers around a tight-knit community’s everyday lives. It’s slightly saccharine, a bit chaotic, and a bit cringy, but it’s all in fun. Apple TV does not miss out on the hedonistic, escapist shows, and the sitcom Loot (2022) certainly is that. Maya Rudolph plays a divorcée with a big heart and a bigger wallet who must decide who she really is. I would also be remiss if I did not mention the ever-popular Ted Lasso, which has its fourth season currently in production. The intrepid Ted Lasso, played flawlessly by Jason Sudeikis, and Rebecca Welton, played by the enchanting Hannah Waddingham, have insane hijinks with their newly acquired British soccer (I mean football!) team. My favorite episode, “Sunflowers (S3E6) is about the team’s zany journey to Amsterdam.
For history lovers who can tolerate, err, love some creative liberties, there are a multitude of shows. First off is Dickinson (2019), a drama about the life of a young Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld), as imagined by creator Alena Smith. Jarring at times, it is certainly not restrained or subdued, but it’s truly a captivating project. Similarly anachronistic but fun is The Buccaneers (2023), inspired by the Edith Wharton novel. From convoluted plotlines to beautiful costuming, it’s exuberant, feminist fun with twinges of real-life issues such as spousal abuse and the patriarchy. Also based on a (feminist) novel is Lessons in Chemistry, with Brie Larson playing the scientist-cook protagonist, Elizabeth Zott. There are some devastating plot twists that bring all the feels.
If comedic sitcom styles aren’t for you, Apple TV has a decent amount of shows that will literally terrify you. I don’t watch horror movies, but I love thrillers. Severance (2022) is a great psychological thriller with some haunting implications about work-life balance! Directed by Ben Stiller, everyman Mark Scout (played by Adam Scott) learns more about the mysterious double life that he leads. Possibly even more terrifying is Hijack (2023), a two-season series about the dauntless Sam Nelson (Idris Elba), who finds himself in multiple hijack/hostage situations. Do not watch this show before bed!
Perhaps a mix of the stressfulness of thrillers and the spunkiness of comedies are shows for and by the troublemakers and rabble-rousers. The Afterparty (2022) is a Knives Out-esque mystery with a lot of laughs. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the characters certainly get themselves into some pretty serious situations! Bad Sisters (2022) is a thriller (and a mystery) about five inseparable sisters who are naughty and fiercely loyal. Let’s just say it’s as if the song “Goodbye Earl” were a TV series! If your heart rate isn’t pumping enough from these shows, the drama Physical (2021) will elevate your pulse. The show follows Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne), a suppressed housewife who realizes that the 80s world of Californian aerobics has its dark moments. Rose Byrne is also excellent in Platonic, starring opposite Seth Rogen. The “guy best friend” trope thoroughly plays out in this show, and while a bit slow, it is uproarious in parts.
And lastly, I feel I must mention that the world of Charlie Brown is available on Apple TV. As a huge Peanuts fan, I believe Snoopy and the gang are for everyone. The Easter Beagle and the Great Pumpkin are great fun for the family, but yes, you can also watch them in your dorm like me! All in all, Apple TV may not cater to audiences the way other streaming services do, but don’t miss out on its capacity for storytelling, its stunning visual qualities, and high-profile directors and actors. Let me know if any of these end up catching your eye!
Featured Image Caption: Person Holding a Black Remote Control. Free usage, photo credits to Kaboom Pics
