With huge budgets and A-list talent, Apple TV+ is still the best place to watch sci-fi and drama in 2026. If you're not sure what to watch on Apple TV Plus right now, I've put together a list of the best shows and movies that critics and fans both love.
10 Popular TV Shows on Apple TV+
Apple TV Plus consistently refreshes its library with ambitious new originals. Here are the top-rated shows currently trending on the platform.
Smoke
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Starring: Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics),
- IMDB: 8.2
- Status: Originally premiered June 27, 2025; All episodes now streaming.
In this gritty crime drama, an investigator into arson teams up with a police officer against his will. As they try to catch two well-known arsonists, they find a web of deep-seated lies and suspicions.
This is one of the most exciting movies of the year because Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett are so good together. This is a must-see for anyone who likes atmospheric tales that look into the darker sides of people.
Severance (Season 2)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Psychological Thriller, Black Comedy, Dystopian
- Starring: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 82% (Audience)
- IMDB: 8.7
- Status: Season 2 Premiered January 17, 2025; Full season available.
Severance is more than just a show; it's an unsettling experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. After that heart-stopping Season 1 finale, Season 2 managed to deliver even more mind-bending twists about Lumon Industries.
It remains the gold standard for thought-provoking explorations of corporate control and identity, making it arguably the best show on Apple TV+ right now.
Your Friends & Neighbors
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Starring: Jon Hamm, Amanda Peet
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (Critics), 84% (Audience)
- IMDB: 7.9
- Status: Originally Premiered April 11, 2025; All episodes now streaming.
As a fired hedge fund manager who steals from his rich neighbors, Jon Hamm gives a captivating performance. It starts out as a desperate act, but it quickly turns into a dangerous finding of the secrets that are hidden behind those perfect suburban facades.
It's a sharp, fascinating character study that proves why Jon Hamm remains one of the most exciting leading men on television today.
Murderbot
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Thriller
- Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97% (Critics), 81% (Audience)
- IMDB: 7.8
- Status: Premiered May 16, 2025; Now available for binge-watching.
Based on the beloved book series by Martha Wells, "Murderbot" follows a rogue tech security robot that would much rather binge-watch soap operas than complete its mission. Alexander Skarsgård is brilliant in the title role, perfectly balancing dry wit with high-octane action.
This is a great suggestion if you want a new sci-fi story with a lot of fun and heart that you might not expect.
Stick
- Genre: Sports Comedy, Drama
- Starring: Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79% (Critics), 70% (Audience)
- IMDB: 7.4
- Status: Premiered May 16, 2025; Full season streaming.
Owen Wilson provides a beautifully subtle portrayal as a former golfer who loses his career and his marriage but finds new meaning in teaching a budding golf star.
The story takes place in the high-stakes world of professional golf and is a classic "found family" story. The show's kindness and humor make it a great choice for a fun binge-watching session.
The Buccaneers
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Starring: Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, Matthew Broome, Josh Dylan
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79% (Critics), 93% (Audience)
- IMDB: 6.9
- Status: Season 2 premiered on Jun 18, 2025; All episodes streaming.
Fans of historical dramas will find much to love in "The Buccaneers." It follows a group of young American women navigating the cultural clashes of 1870s London.
The show is a modern, high-energy take on the period piece genre. The music is energetic, the clothes are gorgeous, and the dialogue is crisp. It's beautiful to look at and makes you feel things, perfectly catching the characters' personalities.
Foundation
- Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
- Starring: Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Laura Birn
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 70% (Audience)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Status: Season 3 premiered on July 11, 2025; Now fully available.
Based on Isaac Asimov's seminal work, "Foundation" is a grand-scale epic that explores complex themes of destiny, free will, and the survival of knowledge.
Following the mathematician Hari Seldon as he predicts the fall of a Galactic Empire, the show spans centuries of political intrigue and scientific breakthroughs. For anyone who loves building worlds on a huge scale, its ambitious tale and stunning visuals make it stand out.
The Wild Ones
- Genre: Documentary
- Starring: Aldo Kane, Vianet Djenguet, and Declan Burley
- Ratings: 82% (Audience score)
- Status: Originally premiered July 11, 2025; Now streaming.
In this fascinating nature documentary series, Aldo Kane, Vianet Djenguet, and Declan Burley race around the world to save six species that are in danger of going extinct.
It's great that Apple TV+ always has great films, and "The Wild Ones" is no different. You have to see it if you like beautiful photography and important stories about the environment.
Chief of War
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Starring: Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan
- Ratings: 7.6 (IMDB)
- Status: Premiered August 1, 2025; Full season available.
These epic historical dramas are led by Jason Momoa and are about Hawaii's four countries that were split up by war. Momoa brings his usual charisma to a story that is both educational and truly moving as a war chief fighting for peace against an outside threat. The quality of the production is amazing, and the voice is new and important in the world of historical dramas.
Highest 2 Lowest
- Genre: Crime Thriller, Drama
- Starring: Denzel Washington
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89% (Critics)
- IMDB: 7.1
- Status: Released on Apple TV+ Sept 5, 2025; Now streaming.
Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, the famous actor and director pair, work together again on this new version of Akira Kurosawa's crime thriller "High and Low."
The story is about a music mogul who is the target of a high-stakes ransom plan that puts him in a moral bind that could kill him. It's a classic that is tense, smart, and beautiful to look at. Every movie fan should see it.
Popular Movies on Apple TV+
While original series are its claim to fame, Apple TV+ also boasts an impressive slate of films. Here are the most exciting recent releases to add to your watchlist right away.
Deaf President Now!
- Genre: Documentary, Civil Rights
- Starring: Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Jerry Covell, Greg Hlibok, Tim Rarus
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Critics)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Status: Premiered May 16, 2025; Now streaming.
This powerful documentary tells the story of the famous protests at Gallaudet University in 1988. These protests were a turning point in the Deaf community's fight for equality and civil rights.
It uses new ways of making movies to give you an engaging and educational look at the power of working together. It is a very important piece of history that is also very motivating.
Echo Valley
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Starring: Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney, Domhnall Gleeson
- Ratings: 7.2 (Audience score)
- Status: Premiered June 13, 2025; Now streaming.
The movie stars Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney as a mother and daughter whose peaceful lives are turned upside down by a strange and violent visitor. It's a tight, suspenseful drama with powerful emotional performances from actors who are under a lot of pressure.
For those who love strong female leads and gripping narratives, "Echo Valley" is a standout cinematic experience.
Fountain of Youth
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Starring: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson
- Ratings: 6.8 (IMDB)
- Status: Premiered May 13, 2025; Now streaming.
Director Guy Ritchie brings his signature high-energy style to this adventure starring Natalie Portman and John Krasinski. Two estranged siblings use their knowledge of history to hunt for the legendary Fountain of Youth. It's the perfect blend of historical intrigue and escapist fun, making it one of the major hits for Apple TV+ this year.
The Gorge
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Romance
- Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Miles Teller, Sigourney Weaver
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 63% (Critics), 75% (Audience)
- IMDB: 6.7
- Status: Premiered February 14, 2025; Now streaming.
A dark entity comes out of a strange gorge and forces agents from different sides to work together. Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller play the roles of the agents. "The Gorge" is a unique mix of sci-fi action and a new romance. It is both beautiful to look at and makes you feel things.
Wolfs
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
- Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Amy Ryan
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67% (Critics), 72% (Audience)
- IMDB: 6.5
- Status: Originally released 2024; Now streaming.
The legendary chemistry of George Clooney and Brad Pitt is the highlight of this high-octane action comedy. Playing two rival fixers assigned to the same job, the duo delivers a hilarious and thrilling ride. It's a perfect showcase of star power charisma and effortless wit that makes it an essential popcorn flick on Apple TV+.
Classic Videos You Should Never Miss
Beyond the new arrivals, Apple TV Plus is home to several award-winning series that have defined the platform over the years. These are the modern classics that deserve a spot on everyone's watchlist.
Slow Horses
- Genre: Spy Thriller, Black Comedy
- Starring: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98% (Critics), 88% (Audience)
- IMDB: 8.3
- Status: Previous seasons streaming; Season 5 premiered Sept 24, 2025.
"Slow Horses" is a great example of spy fiction, with a new and cynical take on the genre. Jackson Lamb is the smart but disgusting head of Slough House, and Gary Oldman is famous for playing him. Fans on Reddit consistently rave about the show's tight writing and top-notch acting. In 2026, it remains one of the most consistently excellent dramas available anywhere.
Acapulco
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Starring: Eugenio Derbez, Enrique Arrizon
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Audience)
- IMDB: 7.8
- Status: All seasons now streaming including the latest 2025 run.
If you want to feel good, "Acapulco" is like watching pure sunshine on TV. It takes place in the 1980s and is about a young cabana boy at a fancy lodge. The show really makes you feel good, with both funny and touching parts. It has a lot of fans who love its charm and nostalgic wit, which makes it one of the most underrated gems on the platform.
Silo
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Mystery
- Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90% (critics)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Status: Season 1 and 2 streaming; Full story now unfolding in 2026.
"Silo" is a great example of how to build a story and a world. In a broken and dangerous future, thousands of people live in a huge underground bunker, but the truth about their lives is slowly coming out. Rebecca Ferguson gives a strong performance in a story that keeps you completely interested. For people who like speculative fantasy that makes you think, this is a must-see.
Shrinking
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (critics), 88% (Audience)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Status: All seasons now streaming including the 2025 releases.
"Shrinking" is a touching and funny show that deals with mental health and loss in a very honest way. Harrison Ford and Jason Segel, who is surprisingly sensitive, work really well together. The show will make you laugh and cry at the same time, leaving you feeling warm and with a greater understanding for how people connect with each other.
For All Mankind
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Alternate History, Drama
- Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Wrenn Schmidt
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% (critics)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Status: All seasons now streaming including the latest 2025 run.
This show is an absolute triumph of alternate history. It explores a world where the space race never ended, pushing the boundaries of its premise with each season. It's meticulously researched, brilliantly written, and consistently thrilling. As one Redditor noted, "It gets better with every season." In 2026, it stands as an essential pillar of the Apple TV+ catalog.
Ted Lasso
- Genre: Comedy, Sports, Drama
- Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham
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Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90% (critics), 85% (Audience)
- IMDB: 8.8
- Status: Full series now available for streaming.
"Ted Lasso" changed what feel-good TV was all about. People all over the world are still moved by its message of kindness and hope in 2026. Jason Sudeikis is great as the friendly American coach who wins over a city that isn't trusting. If you haven't experienced AFC Richmond yet, it's a phenomenon that truly lives up to the hype.
How to Catch Up with the Trending Content
With a library as good as Apple TV+'s, it's important to keep it up to date. These are the best ways to make sure you never miss a new book.
The most reliable way to get accurate launch dates is to get them straight from Apple. You can use it to find out what new movies are coming out next.
For critical reception and trending scores, the Apple TV+ specific browse page on Rotten Tomatoes is an excellent resource for deciding what's worth your time.
We regularly update our recommendations to reflect 2026's biggest hits, ensuring you have the latest info on the best shows on Apple TV Plus.
Enjoy Apple TV+ Titles Offline with KeepStreams
Apple TV+ offers some of the best high-bitrate streaming today, but the official offline download feature has strict limits on expiration dates and device compatibility. For a more flexible viewing experience, I highly recommend using a dedicated tool.
So, how to download Apple TV+ videos using KeepStreams? In fact, it's pretty simple. You only need to follow these 4 steps:
Download the tool from the official website. Depending on your operating system, you can choose either a Windows or a Mac device.
From among the several streaming services supported, choose Apple TV+. Sign in to your Apple TV account or create a new one.
Use the search feature to find the video that you wish to download. This should bring the download parameters dialog box. Configure the parameters such as video resolution, audio tracks, and subtitle preferences.
Click on Download Now to begin downloading the video. Once done, you can transfer the video to any of your preferred devices.
FAQs
Q1. What is the #1 show on Apple TV Plus right now?
A1. As of 2026, Season 2 of Severance and Season 5 of Slow Horses are the most-watched and best-rated shows on the site.
Q2. Is Apple TV+ worth it in 2026?
A2. Absolutely. While the library is smaller than Netflix, its "hit rate" for prestige dramas and sci-fi is significantly higher.
Q3. Can I watch Apple TV Plus content offline forever?
A3. The official app has limits, but a tool like KeepStreams lets you save Apple TV Plus videos as MP4 files that will never expire.
Conclusion
Apple TV+ as really made its own niche in 2026 by consistently delivering high-quality original material that people want to watch. There are a lot of great stories, from the psychological depth of Severance to the clever spying in Slow Horses.
KeepStreams for Apple TV Plus can make sure you can watch your favorite shows and movies whenever you want forever.

