So what finally drew me in and got me to signup? Hearing friends talk about Ted Lasso and how great of a show it was. I had always been a fan of Jason Sudeikis since his SNL days. And he was great in the Horrible Bosses franchise, among other things. But I decided to start watching Ted Lasso, with some skepticism, thinking is this show as good as people claim it to be? And wow, was I pleasantly surprised. Ted Lasso exceeded my expectations in almost every way. From the start, the show managed to balance humor and heart so well that it was nearly impossible not to get hooked. Jason Sudeikis plays the relentlessly positive and kind Ted Lasso in a way that feels so genuine and relatable. It was refreshing to watch a character who, instead of being hardened by the world, chooses to meet every challenge with optimism and empathy. It’s rare to find a show that can pull off that kind of warmth without feeling overly sentimental, but Ted Lasso does it perfectly.
But what kept me subscribed wasn’t just Ted Lasso. Once I had Apple TV+, I discovered other incredible series that proved the platform had much more to offer. Shows like Severance, For All Mankind, Slow Horses, Dark Matter, and Silo all bring something unique to the table, with standout performances, high production value, great casts and gripping storylines that keep you invested from episode to episode. Here's a little bit about each show mentioned above.
Severance is a dark, mind-bending thriller that explores the concept of work-life balance in a truly unique way. The show’s premise—a workplace where employees undergo a procedure that separates their work memories from their personal ones—sets up a fascinating dive into identity, autonomy, and corporate control. Directed by Ben Stiller, Severance masterfully builds suspense through a haunting atmosphere, a starkly minimalist set design, and phenomenal performances, especially from Adam Scott, who perfectly captures the struggle of someone torn between two lives they can’t fully access. Each episode peels back a layer, adding mystery and tension, making it one of the most compelling thrillers on any streaming service.
For All Mankind is a treat for space enthusiasts and alternate history fans alike. It imagines a world where the Soviet Union beat the United States to the moon, igniting an extended space race that pushes humanity further into the cosmos. The series combines a meticulously crafted, retro-futuristic aesthetic with a narrative that’s both thrilling and thoughtful. The show captures the grit and bravery of astronauts, while also highlighting the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas they face. Each season deepens the stakes, evolving from moon landings to Mars missions, all while exploring societal shifts along the way. It’s a mix of high-stakes drama and character development that’s rare in space-based series.
Slow Horses, adapted from Mick Herron’s popular spy novels, gives a fresh take on espionage by following a team of disgraced British intelligence agents. Far from the glamorous world of James Bond, these agents are exiled to a mundane office where they handle low-priority cases. But the show quickly reveals that these "slow horses" are still highly skilled, though sometimes reluctantly so, and they’re constantly pulled into dangerous missions that are far from mundane. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of the sardonic, washed-up leader, Jackson Lamb, is a highlight; his dark humor and rough-around-the-edges demeanor are perfectly balanced by the show’s suspenseful, twisty plots.
Dark Matter (assuming it follows the tone of the novel it’s based on) offers an intense, sci-fi experience with profound questions about identity, choice, and reality. The plot, which revolves around a physicist who gets thrown into alternate versions of his life, combines elements of thriller and science fiction to create a story that’s gripping and existentially unsettling. The exploration of the multiverse and the roads not taken taps into universal questions about fate and the impact of our decisions, making it both action-packed and thought-provoking.
Silo (based on Hugh Howey’s Wool series) is a dystopian drama set in an underground silo where the last remnants of humanity survive. The story unfolds as a mystery, with inhabitants questioning the silo’s rules and the true nature of the outside world. The claustrophobic setting and strict social hierarchy add layers of tension, while the constant secrets, lies, and rebellion keep the plot engaging. Silo doesn’t just deliver on high-stakes drama; it uses its post-apocalyptic setting to explore themes of power, survival, and trust, creating an immersive, thought-provoking narrative that’s both intense and impactful.
Apple TV+ has numerous other shows that I haven't even got a chance to take a look at yet, The Morning Show, Presumed Innocent, Hijack, and Black Bird, all of which have great reviews. Apple TV+ isn’t just relying on quantity; they’re clearly focusing on quality content, with a lineup that consistently delivers. And while Netflix and other streaming giants have their hits, I’ve found that Apple TV+ has a curated feel that’s refreshing in the world of endless content. I went from being skeptical of the platform to actually recommending it to others, even with my ongoing lack of enthusiasm for Apple’s physical products.
I guess you could say that Apple TV+ has proven that sometimes, a company can surprise you when you least expect it. It’s reminded me to keep an open mind—even toward brands I’ve written off in the past—because you never know when they might just create something truly exceptional. I would highly recommend giving Apple TV+ a chance if you haven't already.
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