Apple spent many years, along with various trial and errors, to make Apple TV+ what it is today. Way back in September 2006, Apple first announced the “iTV” box, which was later renamed as AppleTV. The iTV box was for in-home and streaming use of local iTunes content to a TV. Then, in January 2007, the anticipated AppleTV set launched. Later, software updates unhooked it from iTunes and gave customers the ability to stream and purchase iTunes films and TV shows directly on the device. Fast-forward to 2023, and AppleTV looks entirely different. Apple now produces specific 4K TV devices that offer Apple Music, AppleTV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+ — even Siri is integrated into the experience — all from one tiny electronic box. Beginning on January 9, 2023, Fitness+ is set to now include kickboxing workouts and new trainers.

It’s an impressive feat Apple has accomplished, but most users focus on their TV+ experience for the exciting movies and TV series that can be found there. It’s no secret AppleTV+ is all for exclusivity and strives to set themselves apart from everyone else, offering exclusive, original shows and movies. This is no new accomplishment, as most streaming services, such as Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Max, have offered similar exclusives on their platforms. But recently, Apple has been garnering a ton of hype on their streaming service for some specific popular TV shows that have viewers immersed in the storyline. According to Rotten Tomatoes, there are some highly-rated TV shows waiting to be discovered. Let’s dive in.

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10 Dickinson (2019) — 92%

     Anonymous Content 

Dickinson is one of the highest-rated Apple TV shows due to its unique storyline, which offers a surprisingly modern twist on the life of poet Emily Dickinson. The series provides an entertaining coming-of-age story with lots of humor, as well as a look into 19th-Century America and its constraints on society, gender, and family. Hailee Steinfeld delivers an impressive performance as the titular creative, who breaks free from her society’s expectations. With 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Dickinson has proved to be a joyous alternative for viewers looking for something different from your typical period piece drama, with a moving sense of justice thrown into the mix.

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9 Trying (2020) — 93%

     BBC Studios

Trying is a British television drama series that follows the story of Jason and Nikki, a couple struggling with infertility and conception. It follows their journey as they try to adopt a child, while dealing with their hectic lives and trying to win over the adoption panel.

The show has three seasons available on Apple TV+, with an average rating on Rotten Tomatoes of 93%. Trying has opened up the eyes of viewers alike with its blunt display of struggles with infertility. The series has been praised for its humor and heart, as well as its willingness to tackle such a sensitive topic. It has also won awards such as the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

8 Ted Lasso (2020) — 95%

     Ruby's Tuna Inc.

Ted Lasso shines due to its excellent writing, strong performances from the cast, and hilarious premise. The show’s creator, Brendan Hunt, has crafted a story that perfectly balances humor and heart. Jason Sudeikis’ titular character is an endearing lovable fool, who brings joy to everyone he meets — even those who initially doubted him. Additionally, Hannah Waddingham’s performance as his love interest adds another layer of depth to their relationship. The show also features standout performances by Jeremy Swift as Ted’s assistant coach and Brett Goldstein as his rival manager. Furthermore, AppleTV+ took home an Emmy Award in 2021 for Outstanding Comedy Series for Ted Lasso — winning over critics and audiences alike with its clever writing and engaging characters. Overall, it seems like this series has all the right ingredients to make it a success!

7 Calls (2021) — 95%

     StudioCanal

The Apple TV+ show Calls features 13 episodes, each of which focuses on one specific phone call. The show boasts an impressive voice cast, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Aubrey Plaza, Karen Gillan, and Judy Greer. There are a total of 26 actors in the show. Told through a number of interconnected phone conversations, they are chronicled by the eerie story of a group of strangers whose lives are thrown into chaos in the events leading up to an apocalyptic event. Calls allows “audiences to experience short stories through real-life audio sources and minimal visuals.” The show has an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the strongest contenders Apple has to offer.

6 Little America (2020) — 97%

     Alan Yang Pictures

Little America is packed with positives. The series features a talented set of executive producers, including Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, and its unique stories that are inspired by real events. The series explores the lives of immigrants in America and is united by a gorgeous cinematic style and a theme of finding one’s home through unconventional means. Each episode has a new cast and tells a different story about immigrants with heartwarming experiences that are funny, raw, triumphant, awkward — all aimed at reminding viewers that these experiences are happening all around us every day. Furthermore, Little America boasts 97% certified rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which speaks to its popularity among viewers.

5 Central Park (2020) — 97%

     20th Television Animation

Central Park has a unique premise and talented cast. The show is an adult-animated sitcom, created by the team behind Bob’s Burgers, and features songs by Sara Bareilles, Alan Menken, Cyndi Lauper, and Josh Gad. It follows the Tillerman family, who live in Central Park and fight against corporations that want to buy up land for condominiums. The show is eye-opening to the importance of keeping our land and communities for us, not big corporations, but in the lightest way possible. Additionally, it also holds a 97% average rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which can be contributed to its humor, story, and theme.

4 Mythic Quest (2020) — 97%

     RCG Productions

Mythic Quest sits higher up in the rankings due to the unique combination of creative talent behind the series. The series follows the owner of a once successful video game design company and his unique staff struggling to keep their hit game “Mythic Quest” on top. Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney are known for their work on It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, while McElhenney also stars as Ian Grimm in Mythic Quest. The show has received a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes over its two seasons, plus two specials that were filmed during lockdown. Additionally, a third season premiered in 2022, and a fourth has already been given the green light by Apple TV+. The series was nominated for Outstanding Narrator and Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation both in 2021. Mythic Quest’s success can be attributed to its witty humor combined with intriguing characters who viewers can relate to in this post-pandemic world setting.

3 Visible: Out on Television (2020) — 100%

     Apple Inc. 

Out On Television is a series dedicated to the adventure of the history of the American LGBTQ+ rights movement from a TV standpoint. The show combines raw footage and recent interviews to display the homophobia and mistreatment of LGBTQ+ members in the TV world. The series has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and there’s very good reason as to why. Often times, these issues are overlooked due to the fact that some people cannot directly relate to them. Out On Television gives us a first-hand look into the struggles and trials these producers, actors, and filmmakers endure in the world of TV and acting. Per Variety, some reviewers have said that this series’ “in-depth study of a seemingly impossible subject to sum up is very impressive — and, I daresay, necessary.”

2 Acapulco (2021) — 100%

     Lionsgate TV

Acapulco is so vibrant and modern, but entails a romantic story that transports viewers back to the 1980s version of Acapulco, as well as its uplifting feel-good factor. The show has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike for its beautiful setting, charming characters and storyline, and comedic elements. Furthermore, it is inspired by How to Be a Latin Lover, which was also praised for its humor and heartwarming storyline. Additionally, the series is produced by Lionsgate Television, a reputable company known for creating quality content. The Acapulco star Enrique Arrizon even opened up about how this series presents a huge opportunity for the latin community.

1 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (2021) — 100%

     Mercury Studios

1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything is a docuseries that covers one year in music history. Full of rare archival footage, the show seeks to paint a full picture of the music scene in 1971, which is considered the first true year after the post-Beatles era. The series uses different themes to connect many of the year’s classic albums, including Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On and Joni Mitchell’s Blue. The series has received rave reviews from critics and viewers alike due to its interesting premise, as well as its use of rarely seen historical footage. Additionally, it holds a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which shows how highly regarded this series is among viewers who have seen it thus far. By offering an insightful look into one pivotal year in musical history, Apple TV+’s documentary series has become a must-watch for fans of all genres around the world — making it one of their most popular offerings yet!