Apple TV has rapidly become one of the most promising streaming services over the last few years. That’s because its offerings are unique and ambitious — and the ones that gain traction tend to continue, while viewers expect cancellations from several competitors. In fact, in 2023, the Variety Intelligence Platform and Luminate collected data demonstrating that Apple TV axes its shows at a lower rate than other streamers (via Variety). This makes the service’s ongoing titles compelling binges, as there’s less of a chance audiences will find their viewing experiences suddenly cut short.
It’s tempting to stick to completed TV shows to avoid such disappointments, but with this streamer, it feels less necessary. On top of that, Apple TV’s greatest series tend to be bingeable outside their seeming security. The platform prioritizes projects with gripping hooks and mysteries, as well as comedies that are genuinely delightful to dig into. This ensures subscribers keep coming back for more. Anyone looking for the ideal binge-watching experience will find it with these ongoing Apple TV shows.
Why You Should Trust Me: I’ve been writing about television for a decade, and I previously served as a TV editor for ScreenRant. I’m well acquainted with what’s currently on, and I’ve watched far more of it than any person probably should.
‘Silo’
Apple TV’s Sci-Fi Dystopian Is Full of Mysteries
Apple TV’s adaptation of Hugh Howey’s book series, Silo is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and dystopian storytelling — especially if they appreciate mysteries that unravel over time. Silo doesn’t feed everything to its audience, preferring to connect the dots along the way. Its story kicks off in an underground bunker where a community resides, believing the outside world is dangerous. As you’d expect, not everything is as it seems — and the deeper realities of the situation come to the surface as the characters begin to dig. Silo takes viewers on an intriguing ride, and it’s the sort of show that functions best when they know as little as possible going in. It’s in the midst of its third season, with four planned, so it’s worth catching up on now. Those who do will still be able to enjoy the final chapter’s resolutions.
Watch This If: You’re looking for something with mysteries to solve and don’t mind slower pacing when getting the answers.
Skip This If: You want escapism over dystopian storytelling, or you need quick pacing to enjoy a binge.
‘Severance’
Adam Scott’s Hit Series Has Mystery & Deeper Meaning
The success of Severance is no secret, but for those who have yet to dig into the Adam Scott-led Apple TV series, it’s perfect binge fodder. Another sci-fi show with numerous mysteries at its core, Severance revolves around the employees of a company called Lumon Industries. Their memories are split between work and their outside lives, and as it continues, it becomes clear there are deeper things at play. Like Silo, Severance is worth going into as clueless as possible, so viewers can truly enjoy the twists and turns. There are some great ones, and they make it immensely bingeable despite its average pacing. It’s just two seasons in, which makes now an ideal time to catch up. (And yes, Severance Season 3 is already confirmed.)
Watch This If: Unique dystopian concepts that unpack larger conversations, like corporate life, are interesting to you.
Skip This If: You’re hoping to fall into something more fast-paced and action-oriented, or a show that’s more uplifting.
‘Dark Matter’
Apple TV’s Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Thriller Returns Soon
Another mind-bending sci-fi show — but one that throws viewers right into the action — is Apple TV’s Dark Matter. Based on the novel by Blake Crouch, the series follows a physicist who is attacked and kidnapped, waking up in a reality that looks totally different from the one he knows. He’s left to decipher whether he’s losing his mind…or he’s really been transported to an alternate version of his own universe. The show is twisty and thrilling, and it currently sits at one nine-episode season. It’s a quick viewing experience, and one worth undertaking, as Dark Matter Season 2 premieres on August 28. (It’s also one of the few sci-fi adaptations to expand on and surpass the book.)
Watch This If: You love thrillers that throw the concept of reality into question, as well as multiverse stories.
Skip This If: Alternate universes bore you, or you’re looking for a binge that’s more straightforward and lighthearted.
‘Pluribus’
Another Standout From ‘Breaking Bad’s Vince Gilligan
Continuing Apple TV’s trend of producing mind-boggling sci-fi thrillers, Pluribus comes from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan and stars Better Call Saul‘s Rhea Seehorn. That’s incentive enough for many viewers to check it out, but it’s another story that will “wow” audiences with its twists — which start fairly early. For that reason, it’s yet another Apple TV series best gone into knowing little to nothing about the premise. Suffice it to say it follows a cynical lead (played masterfully by Seehorn) and is well crafted throughout. It’s generating hype just one season in, and with Pluribus Season 2 on the horizon, subscribers should catch up on it sooner rather than later.
Watch This If: You like sci-fi series that unpack deeper themes, enjoy grating main characters, and want high-quality writing and production.
Skip This If: Unlikable characters bug you too much, or you need mysteries that unravel quickly instead of being built to.
‘Murderbot’
This Fun Sci-Fi Show Is a Breeze to Get Through
Another sci-fi book adaptation — yes, Apple TV has a lot of those — Murderbot is entertaining, well-made, and doing Martha Wells’s books justice so far. There’s only one season currently, so whether that continues will determine where it stands as an adaptation. Viewers can judge it for themselves, though, as Murderbot‘s short episodes (most are around a half-hour) make it an easy binge to commit to. Its premise, which sees a security android navigating missions with its own feelings and desires, is a fun one — and it leads to surprisingly relatable situations and humor. Alexander Skarsgård is fantastic as the lead, and things promise to get better in Murderbot Season 2. Needless to say, Apple TV subscribers should take the time to plow through this one.
Watch This If: You’re looking for snappier, more comical sci-fi that still packs a punch.
Skip This If: Longer binges with episodes that allow their stories to simmer are more up your alley.
‘Slow Horses’
Apple TV’s Spy Thriller Is Messy and Gripping
Apple TV subscribers searching for a binge that’s not in the sci-fi realm and spans numerous seasons will find that in Slow Horses. The spy thriller is based on Mick Herron’s book series, and it features standout performances from Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden. The show follows a messy team of MI5 agents, with each season tackling a new mystery or mission. The outings are on the short side, so they’re easy to get through. The characters and their dynamics make them entertaining, while the actual work they’re doing keeps the thrills coming. And the various storylines make it so that this doesn’t need to be a one-and-done viewing experience. Of course, for those hoping to catch up before Slow Horses Season 6 this September, it’ll have to be.
Watch This If: Thrillers full of conspiracies and unlikely heroes appeal to you.
Skip This If: You’re not interested in the spy thriller subgenre, or you’d prefer following easy-to-root-for characters.
‘Ted Lasso’
Subscribers Looking for Escapism Will Find It Here
Speaking of characters that are easy to root for, Ted Lasso offers that in abundance — and the Apple TV comedy is perfect for those looking for a binge-watching experience that leans into escapism. The series follows Jason Sudeikis’s American football coach as he attempts to lead a struggling English soccer team. The characters are (mostly) lovable, the relationship dynamics are compelling, and the humor lands. In the midst of all of that, the series delivers much-needed optimism. It just returned for Season 4, which introduces a new premise centered on a women’s team. Ted Lasso is sure to be the center of discussions because of it, so subscribers might as well dig in.
Watch This If: A TV show that feels like a warm hug sounds like precisely what you need.
Skip This If: You’re looking for something darker or with higher stakes, or you hate stories that unfold around sports.
‘Shrinking’
Jason Segel & Harrison Ford’s Show Strikes a Balance of Comedy and Drama
Apple TV subscribers looking for a mix of comedy and drama should check out Shrinking, the streamer’s three-season show starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. The concept of a therapist suddenly being too honest with his patients brings the laughs, but the grief experienced by the show’s lead also leads to thoughtful emotional beats. Shrinking strikes a great balance, and its performances make it even more worthwhile. Season 4 is confirmed, so fans looking for a proper dramedy have more to look forward to.
Watch This If: A blend of drama and comedy is exactly what you’re looking for.
Skip This If: You tend to enjoy series that lean either fully serious or completely into lighthearted humor.
‘For All Mankind’
This Ambitious Sci-Fi Story Gives Plenty to Watch
For All Mankind is one of Apple TV’s more underrated sci-fi offerings, but fans of the genre would be wise to tune in — and newcomers will find five seasons to work through immediately. The series, which is set in an alternate history where the Soviet Union wins the Space Race instead of the U.S., jumps through time to show the fallout of that. The concept alone is intriguing, but it also leads to incredible drama, both on the personal and political fronts. The fact that the show is repeatedly forced to reinvent itself makes it a compelling binge-watch. It’s approaching its sixth and final season, offering further incentive to add it to the watchlist.
Watch This If: Ambitious stories that span generations and tackle consequential events are interesting to you.
Skip This If: Alternate history concepts bore you, or you’re looking for a series that isn’t constantly changing.
‘Widow’s Bay’
The Genre-Bending Series Deserves the Praise It’s Getting
Widow’s Bay is getting attention after its April 2026 debut, and the horror-comedy deserves every bit of praise — and to be added to subscribers’ watchlists, especially if they favor either genre. The series sees the mayor of the titular New England town attempting to make it more appealing as a travel destination. Unfortunately, superstitious residents and a curse make that undertaking a difficult one. And as that setup suggests, Widow’s Bay is equal parts fun and genuinely creepy. Widow’s Bay is already renewed for Season 2, and it makes for a great watch for the segue from summer into fall.
Watch This If: You enjoy thrillers or horrors that know how to work comedy into their storytelling, or you’re a fan of folk horror.
Skip This If: Horror’s not your genre of choice, or you only appreciate it when it’s chilling and serious.
