NFL
By Rick O’Donnell
While Apple TV+ might not be the largest streamer on the block, you can’t deny their list of hits. Apple takes risks on original content and while they have their misses, the ones that don’t end up being fan favorites. Out of all the shows I’ve watched so far, here’s how they rank:
Side Quest
These were one-shots, a spinoff from the Mythic Quest Series. While it was a fun little bit of lore from the MQ world, that’s all they were meant to be. It was a four-episode mini-series that showcased the culture surrounding gaming. There were no consistent characters and little direct ties to the main story, and it wasn’t meant to be that. Side Quest was just that, a “side quest” that takes place in the same universe, but doesn’t progress the story. If the show wasn’t canceled and the spinoff was given a bit more, it had potential.
See
See was initially one of the first shows announced by Apple. While it had 3 seasons, I feel like it was never made to stick longer than it ran. Something about it, while having a great concept, never really came around and felt like there was anything at stake. It had its highs and its lows but other than the few actors that were in it you’d recognize from other shows/movies it was hard to connect with viewers
Loot
Loot is one of those shows that I want to love, but just can’t. It’s not bad, but unfortunately despite having likable characters, leans too heavily into the sitcom tropes we’ve seen far too often. The plot itself is designed to parody the eccentric billionaires, which stands to be where the humor is.
Earth At Night In Color
Alright, this one isn’t exactly a show so much as a nature documentary, but since it’s a show I’ve watched, it makes the list. This is such an interesting concept where Apple TV+ takes you through the dark terrains, as the title suggests, of Earth at night. They use special cameras to capture and digitally project what certain animals that only can be seen at night would look like if they hunted during the day. It’s a fascinating show if you’re the type that’s into that sort of thing.
Bad Monkey
This one I had higher hopes for. While it does have to follow the story relatively close to the book it was based on, it was said to be a comedy that maybe just didn’t fit my style of humor. The storytelling was great but it almost seemed as if it was a little undercooked. It was a toned-down version of Vince Vaughn’s comedy and that’s okay, but it was situational humor that could’ve played out slightly better. It has its moments, but hopefully, it expands if there’s a season 2.
The After Party
The After Party started off so fresh and funny in season 1 but the show was quickly cancelled after season 2. It was a murder mystery told from the eyes of each of the suspects with a unique blend of humor and perspective. It was Apple’s TV version of a Knives Out style show, just with bigger risks in their storytelling. What could’ve been one of their better shows fell flat in season 2.
Schmigadoon!
Another one of Apple TV+’s shows that didn’t survive its second season. It originally started as a music comedy that was a parody of musicals but the drastic change from season 1 to season 2 left viewers confused. While there were plans to do different music each season, it didn’t feel as if you were watching the same show in season 2. The transition between the two could’ve been smoother and intermingled a bit better but unfortunately, that did not come to be.
Swagger
Swagger started out of the gate with so much fire, only to fade out in its second season. Once a show about a youth league basketball program, season two stepped away from those elements and leaned more into the high school drama that didn’t translate to the main plot of the show. While it’s true you can only tell the stories of the sport so many different ways, to make that extreme of a change it grew out of what made it such an interesting show. It’s almost as if they were trying to tell their whole story too fast and fit as much as they could into the second season instead of focusing on the main plot.
Lessons In Chemistry
With the love for Brie Larson and a thorough enjoyment of the book, this one should’ve been up a bit higher for Apple TV+. However, the fact that it was a limited series and didn’t get a season 2, and a few changes to the live-action version, it stumbled a bit more for my liking. I understand I may not be the target demographic for this show, but I did enjoy it. Unfortunately, if you’re going to change the way the story is told, it wouldn’t be bad to get more into the vision for the character overall, which we didn’t see in one season.
Platonic
This is Seth Rogen’s first show for Apple, but between this and The Studio, he may get a few more chances to create. Platonic is about two lifelong friends who find their way back into each other’s lives and the chaos they create for one another.
Trying
Trying takes the familiar trope of a young couple trying to start a family, but can’t, into a whole series. Another one of the earlier releases for Apple TV+ and another lighthearted comedy. This one isn’t full of actors most will know off the top of their heads but is the perfect show to unwind after a long stressful day. It isn’t laugh-out-loud funny but is full of characters you can relate to and root for.
Central Park
If you’re a fan of Bob’s Burgers and musicals, this one should be on your list. Created by the same people who run Bob’s it has an all-star cast and is a fun mix of music and humor. Central Park is about a family whose dad manages the famous park and the businesswoman trying to buy it and tear it down. You’d have to like animation to enjoy it, but it is easily one of the more original shows they’ve had.
Mythic Quest
Apple TV+ just pulled the plug on Mythic Quest and fans are sad to see it go. For the gamers, this one started off with a ton of humor that made fun of gaming, not the gamers themselves. If you haven’t watched it, imagine a workplace comedy like The Office but with a similar concept of say a Silicon Valley show. The show lost its way towards the end but their COVID episode shot entirely on iPhones was both fantastic and moving at the same time.
Acapulco
How more people haven’t found this charming show is confusing to me. This has the How I Met Your Mother feel to it, but instead of a group of friends in NYC, it’s set in a resort in Acapulco in the 80s. It’s full of the same heart, charm, and humor and another great young cast of actors who play well off each other. Another show that has its cheesy moments, but all comedies do as they tell a story through the eyes of the protagonist who often isn’t the smoothest. This is a great, lighthearted show.
The Morning Show
The Morning Show was one of Apple TV+’s first announced shows. Fast forward to today and it’s still here and about to release another season. Initially, it started with the #MeToo movement telling the story from the lives of the victims as well as the accused. This one somehow slipped through the cracks despite being one of their better shows.
The Studio
The parody on this show is top-notch. The Studio might not be for everyone but it’s easily one of Apple TV+’s best comedies. There are scenes on this one that had me legit laughing out loud. The entire first season is a parody of how movies are made in Hollywood, the pressure the studio puts on everyone involved, and how ridiculous the process can be. Anyone who is a fan of movies can appreciate at least some of the parallels between the show to the drama surrounding their favorite movies.
Severance
I won’t lie to you, Severance is one of the strangest shows. Yet, somehow, I can’t stop watching. It’s so unique and the online community has so many theories as to what is actually going on, it reminds me of the glory days of LOST. Imagine the amount of stress that would be relieved from your life if you could sever the stress of your work and home life from each other, without the corrupt cooperation having control over you.
Ted Lasso
You either get Ted Lasso and love it, or you don’t relate and it’s not for you and that’s okay. The show isn’t without its faults but it still has the stay power that Apple needs right now. Having just been picked back up for a fourth season, fans couldn’t be more excited. It’s true the show may have been given the COVID boost when we all needed something lighthearted and funny, but it quickly became one of their best shows.
Shrinking
Sorry Ted Lasso/Severance fans, but Shrinking is at the top of the list for me at least. Yeah, Ted is a lovable goofball with the dad jokes and catchphrases, but Shrinking is top-notch. There are moments of cheesiness but they never linger too long on them. It’s a relatable show that isn’t getting enough love on the socials as it should. Not only is it a show about mental health and therapy, but one of the biggest themes is grief and loss, both things many people can relate to. With an ensemble cast of characters who have endless chemistry, Shrinking should be on everyone’s watch list.
You don’t see your favorite show on the list? Don’t worry, I probably just haven’t got to it yet or I am not caught up enough to judge its greatness. Keep checking back, as new shows will be added as they air. Plus, there are still shows out there such as Your Friends & Neighbors, Dope Thief, and even Slow Horses that I have to catch up on. This list will be ever-changing so stay tuned.
