Apple TV’s 10 Best Shows Of 2025, Ranked

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Apple TV has built a reputation for releasing fewer series, but focusing on high quality and big budgets, much like HBO did when it first started. This approach seems to be paying off, as evidenced by the recent Emmy success of their hit show, The Studio. Beyond comedies like the one starring Seth Rogen, Apple TV is also known for its strong science fiction programming.

Apple TV+ is known for quality shows, and 2025 delivered a fantastic year with compelling series across all genres – from quirky comedies and thrilling action to historical dramas and science fiction. This list highlights the best new shows, and doesn’t even include already popular hits like Shrinking and Ted Lasso. Here’s a look at Apple TV+’s top shows of 2025.

10. Mythic Quest Season 4

The comedy series Mythic Quest, known for its quirky take on the gaming world, began to decline in quality with its third season. However, the show ended on a noteworthy episode – the fourth season finale, which unexpectedly became the series finale. Apple announced the cancellation after releasing “Heaven and Hell,” and while the episode marked the end of the show, it didn’t quite provide a fully satisfying conclusion for viewers.

The team behind Mythic Quest filmed a revised version of the “Heaven and Hell” episode, which has now replaced the original on Apple TV. While it’s up for debate whether the new episode is better, it’s generally considered more cautious, especially in how it handles the characters of Ian and Poppy. The update was specifically written as a potential series finale.

Ultimately, this provides a satisfying conclusion that the show desperately needed. It’s admirable that the creators went back to give the series a proper ending, and it highlights a new benefit of streaming: the ability to revisit and improve upon a finale. Many shows would love the chance to revise an ending to better honor their story, and Mythic Quest deserves credit for being the first to do so.

9. Chief Of War Season 1

The historical drama starring Jason Momoa starts a little slowly, but eventually becomes engaging and emotionally resonant despite its complex storyline. The show is particularly strong thanks to its beautiful cinematography and its accurate portrayal of Hawaiian history and language, especially through the character of the Chief of War.

The conversations didn’t always feel natural, but the show became truly moving once you understood who the characters were and what they were going through. Chief of War shined when it focused on the personal, emotional battles of its historical figures – for example, the touching connection that developed between Kupuohi and Namake when they thought Ka’iana was gone.

The show stands out for its dedication to historical detail, especially its use of the Hawaiian language, ‘ōlelo Hawai’i, for most of its characters until English becomes more prevalent with the arrival of colonial influences. This, combined with the historical storyline and characters viewers may not initially recognize, makes the beginning of Chief of War challenging, but ultimately very satisfying.

8. Foundation Season 3

Season 3 of Foundation faced high expectations after Season 2 significantly improved the show, successfully moving away from the original Isaac Asimov books. While Season 2 maintains a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Season 3 had the potential to further emphasize the show’s unique qualities, but it remains a solid and enjoyable addition to the series with plenty of strong moments.

While the story focuses on the Foundation, the plots involving the Empire are actually more captivating. The Foundation storylines sometimes feel slow-paced by comparison. However, the acting is consistently excellent, with Lee Pace giving a standout performance as Brother Day, especially in the dramatic season finale.

Foundation is skilled at recognizing compelling characters and casting actors who bring them to life. The show smartly builds on these characters, often giving them more depth and screen time than they had in the original books – a particularly effective choice with Laura Birn’s portrayal of Demerzel, culminating in the powerfully emotional events of the season 3 finale.

7. Dope Thief Season 1

If you’re willing to go along with its quirky story, Dope Thief is a really enjoyable show. The idea of criminals pretending to be DEA agents is clever, and the performances from Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) and Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black) are fantastic.

While the show starts with a really interesting idea, it loses some of its focus towards the end, and things become increasingly unbelievable. However, if you enjoy dark and adventurous stories instead of something strictly realistic, Dope Thief remains entertaining thanks to its talented cast.

6. Your Friends & Neighbors Season 1

Image via Apple TV+

Okay, honestly, when I first heard the idea – a wealthy guy robbing other wealthy people to maintain his lifestyle? – it didn’t sound great. Like a Robin Hood story, but without anyone to really cheer for. But this show ended up being a huge topic of conversation, and a lot of that is down to Jon Hamm. He’s fantastic! He’s got great support from Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn, but Hamm is just brilliant at making you almost like this flawed, villainous character – he’s got so much charisma, it really blurs the lines.

The show might be unsatisfying for viewers expecting major changes in its characters, as it focuses on their imperfections. However, these flaws – and the backgrounds they come from – are intentionally presented to spark conversation. Rather than resolving these issues, the show encourages viewers to think about them. Those looking for character development can find it in the storyline of Hamm’s character, Coop.

5. The Morning Show Season 4

Image via Apple TV+

When Apple TV+ first launched, The Morning Show was one of its flagship programs, and it continues to be a reliable hit. While shows like Shrinking, Ted Lasso, and Severance often generate more buzz, The Morning Show remains consistently well-made, and the latest season is no different.

The Morning Show continues to impress with its ability to both surprise viewers and accurately reflect current events, almost as if it can predict the future. The storyline about the consequences of a media company merger, introduced at the end of season three, feels even more relevant and timely now than it did when it was first conceived.

Jennifer Aniston gave what many consider her strongest performance yet as Alex Levy, especially in the scenes where she confronted her complicated relationship with her father. It was refreshing to see her character genuinely focused on doing what was right, without hidden agendas. However, she still had to navigate the demands of her workplace, which unfortunately meant sacrificing Mia Jordan, who finally recognized her own value after feeling overlooked.

4. Slow Horses Season 5

“Slow Horses” is a really gripping series. A lot of the drama comes from internal conflicts within the intelligence agency. The fifth season feels particularly dark and dangerous, as Coe discovers that a series of events in London are part of a plan to overthrow the British government.

The latest season keeps the series exciting and unpredictable as the team, once overlooked, now steps into the spotlight. We finally see Ho confronted with his own flaws, and the show continues to reveal more about the events that led Lamb to choose a quiet life at Slough House.

The one downside of this season was Louisa Guy leaving the show. She was a positive force for River and brought a sense of stability to the team, so while her decision to prioritize her mental health was understandable, we’re hoping to see her return in season six.

3. Pluribus Season 1

Lewis Jacobs/©Apple TV/Courtesy Everett Collection

Even before the first season finished airing, Pluribus quickly became the most popular show ever on Apple TV+. And it lives up to the hype. Similar to Severance before it, Pluribus starts with a seemingly simple idea, but each episode adds surprising depth and complexity to Carol’s story.

Vince Gilligan masterfully portrays a unique apocalypse – one without immediate threats – and explores how this unexpected turn of events affects those who survive. Carol finds herself facing a perplexing mystery just when she was prepared for a fight. Through Carol’s eyes, and those of other immune survivors like Manousos and Diabaté, as well as the strange hive, Pluribus offers viewers multiple viewpoints, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Okay, so Rhea Seehorn is just absolutely killing it this season – seriously, it feels like she’s carrying the whole show on her shoulders! And the writing? It’s a really interesting mix of funny, heartbreaking, and just makes you think. Honestly, some people were saying early on that the pacing was a little slow, but the recent episodes, especially ‘Pluribus,’ have totally proven those critics wrong. It’s building beautifully.

2. The Studio Season 1

Image via Apple TV+

The hit comedy series immediately made a splash, winning 13 Emmy Awards during its first season and setting a new record for the most wins by a comedy in a single year. The show appealed to both people working in the television industry and general viewers, poking fun at executives and making the audience feel like they were part of an inside joke.

Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, a character who’s incredibly stressful to watch, yet feels both realistic and wildly imaginative. The idea of a studio boss trying to satisfy demands by approving a Martin Scorsese film about the Jonestown tragedy – just to tie in with Kool-Aid – is exactly the kind of bold, improbable move we wish we’d see more of in today’s entertainment industry, which is so focused on products and profits.

This plan is a disaster, built on deceiving people, and it’s only the first of many mistakes from Remick. If you enjoy awkward, funny moments, you won’t find a better show than The Studio.

1. Severance Season 2

Image via Apple TV+

Of course, it would have been better if we hadn’t waited three years for season 2! But the wait was definitely worth it. The season 1 finale was satisfying, but season 2’s finale was on a whole other level – it felt like watching a movie.

Honestly, if you’d told me at the start that Adam Scott would be kicking butt as an action star, I wouldn’t have believed it, but he totally pulls it off. But the real standout moment for me in “Cold Harbor” wasn’t the action, it was that incredibly raw conversation between Mark and his… other self. Throughout the season, those two Marks always felt like two halves of the same person, and the idea that they might finally become one again was just gripping. It was a truly powerful scene.

Watching the characters directly communicate confirmed that the ‘innie’ and ‘outie’ versions of themselves are distinct people with conflicting desires. The show Severance emphasized this idea through striking visuals and strong performances by Britt Lower and Dichen Lachman, who portrayed both sides of these divided individuals.

The show Severance has become a modern classic, gaining popularity on Apple TV+ and capturing the attention of viewers everywhere. Now, fans are hoping the third season arrives much sooner than the three-year wait for the second.

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2025-12-28 03:32