8 Greatest Apple TV Shows No One Ever Talks About

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Even though many streaming services are competing for viewers, Apple TV has become a reliable source of high-quality television. Recently, shows like Pluribus and Shrinking have captured the public’s attention, and over the past few years, Apple TV has also delivered popular and critically acclaimed series such as Ted Lasso, Dickinson, and Presumed Innocent.

Despite launching in 2019, Apple TV+ has quickly become known for high-quality shows, even exceeding the standards set by streaming giants like Netflix and HBO Max. A prime example is Severance, which has become a cultural phenomenon after just two seasons, reportedly costing $200 million to produce a single season.

Like all streaming services, Apple TV+ has some hidden gems that didn’t get as much attention as others. These eight shows – whether they were short-run series or unfairly cancelled – are worth checking out while you’re waiting for new seasons of popular shows like The Studio or The Morning Show.

Schmigadoon!

This Musical Theater-Inspired Comedy Deserved Much Better

Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon! is a fantastic musical comedy that more people should be watching. Starring Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong, the show follows a couple who stumble into a magical town, Schmigadoon, while trying to save their relationship. The town is like stepping into a classic Golden Age musical, reminiscent of shows like The Music Man or Carousel.

Featuring Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Jane Krakowski, and Aaron Tveit, Schmigadoon! is a dream come true for musical theater fans. But the show also offers relatable, emotional stories that appeal to all viewers. Though it was canceled after two seasons, the recent Broadway adaptation gives fans hope that a third season might still be possible.

The Shrink Next Door

A Reunion Between Anchormen Turns Into Psychological Manipulation

The true-crime podcast “The Shrink Next Door” was a natural fit for a TV series, and Apple TV brought together Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell to create it. The show, primarily set in the 1980s, centers on Marty (Ferrell), a very anxious man whose sister encourages him to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Ike Herschkopf (Rudd). But Dr. Ike becomes dangerously involved in Marty’s life, especially after learning Marty is set to inherit a fortune, and begins to exert harmful control over the vulnerable patient who relies on him for help.

Despite amazing chemistry between Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd, The Shrink Next Door is a deeply disturbing psychological thriller that showcases their serious acting skills. The true story of a manipulative psychiatrist who controls his patients is difficult to watch, but the show is so compelling—thanks in part to the likable leads—that it’s hard to turn off once you begin.

Physical

Rose Byrne Gets Physical In This Emotional 80s Dramedy

It’s becoming clear that Rose Byrne has consistently given outstanding performances throughout her career, and shows like If I Had Legs I’d Kick You are finally getting her the recognition she deserves. But if you have Apple TV+, you’ve been able to enjoy some of her best work for years. Physical is a great example – a show set in the 80s where Byrne plays Sheila, a woman who throws herself into aerobics as a way to cope with a failing marriage and her own mental health challenges.

The show definitely gets intense and deals with some heavy themes, particularly as Sheila struggles with her mental health. But Kerry Byrne is so captivating in the role that it’s impossible not to keep watching. It’s a shame she never received an Emmy nomination for this performance, considering how brilliant it was, especially since the series, despite only lasting three seasons, had a satisfying conclusion.

The Afterparty

A Murder Mystery Where The Alibis Are Truly Cinematic

Apple TV+’s The Afterparty felt like a show that could have been huge, but somehow didn’t quite break through. This clever and unique murder mystery centers around the death of pop star Xavier (Dave Franco) at a high school reunion. Each suspect and witness gets a chance to tell their side of the story, and what makes the show special is that each retelling is done in the style of a different movie genre, as Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) investigates.

The second season starts with Danner waking up the morning after a wedding where the groom, Edgar (played by Zach Woods), unexpectedly died. However, the show truly shines because of its talented cast. Sam Richardson and Zoë Chao are fantastic as Anik and Zoë, former lab partners with a playful connection, and the show features great guest stars like Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, Ken Jeong, and Elizabeth Perkins. It really could have been Apple TV’s version of a series like Knives Out, which is disappointing considering it was canceled after just two seasons.

Platonic

Seth Rogen And Rose Byrne Reunite To Play Best Friends

Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, well-known for playing a married couple battling noisy college students in the Neighbors films, reunite on screen as childhood friends. The show begins with Rogen’s character, Will, going through a divorce, prompting Byrne’s Sylvia to reconnect with him. It’s a refreshing series featuring two charming actors in a delightful and playfully unpredictable friendship – exactly the kind of show we need more of on TV.

One of the best things about the show Platonic is that it stays true to its name – it focuses on a purely platonic friendship and avoids turning into a romance. Thankfully, Apple TV has renewed it for a third season! Hopefully, once Seth Rogen finishes working on The Studio, viewers will get to enjoy more of Will and Sylvia’s entertaining friendship.

Lessons in Chemistry

Science, Romance, And Cooking Make For A Perfect Combo With Brie Larson

Even though Brie Larson won an Academy Award over ten years ago, she hadn’t had a role that truly showcased her talent until now. That changed with Lessons in Chemistry, a limited series on Apple TV+ adapted from Bonnie Garmus’s popular novel. Larson stars as Elizabeth Zott, a remarkably intelligent but reserved chemist in 1950s California, who unexpectedly finds herself hosting a successful TV cooking show.

It’s an oversimplification to say that’s the core of the series – revealing everything would spoil the experience. But the story of Elizabeth Zott is powerfully moving and resonates so deeply that you might assume Lessons in Chemistry is based on real events. Brie Larson’s performance, along with strong supporting roles from Lewis Pullman and Aja Naomi King, keeps the show engaging and dynamic as it unfolds over several years.

Palm Royale

Few Things Are As Entertaining As A Scheming Kristen Wiig In Late 60s Palm Beach

You only need to watch the first episode of Palm Royale to understand why everyone’s excited about it. Kristen Wiig stars as Maxine, a mysterious woman who cleverly schemes her way into the exclusive Palm Royale country club in 1969 Palm Beach, Florida. It’s fascinating to watch Wiig portray a character who is both fragile and hard to read.

It’s not only Kristen Wiig’s fans who will enjoy Palm Royale. The show features a fantastic cast, including the beloved Carol Burnett as Norma Dellacorte, and even brings together another star from The Carol Burnett Show in its second season. Laura Dern plays Linda, a dedicated feminist, and Allison Janney stars as Evelyn, a country club member who doesn’t quite trust Maxine.

Stick

Owen Wilson Makes A Well-Earned Comeback As A Washed-Up Golf Star

Owen Wilson delivers a compelling performance in Loki, reminding everyone of his talent. He plays Pryce Cahill, a once-promising golfer now stuck selling clubs after his career stalled. Everything changes when Cahill meets Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), a gifted young golfer who Cahill begins to mentor, offering him a chance to experience success through the boy’s potential.

After just one season, many viewers have compared this show to Apple TV+’s heartwarming sports comedy, Ted Lasso. Hopefully, future seasons will prove it’s more than just a copycat. The show Stick getting renewed for a second season sets up an interesting rivalry with the next season of Ted Lasso, and we’re excited to see how it plays out.

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2026-04-25 17:10