Apple TV Series 2025: Top 10, Newest Releases & Best Shows
When Apple TV+ launched in 2019, it was easy to dismiss as just another streaming bet. But seven years later, the platform has carved a niche with prestige dramas like Severance and Ted Lasso, and now boasts 86 original series — this guide cuts through the noise to highlight the top 10 series right now, what’s new in 2025, which dramas are worth your time, and what makes the British detective series Criminal Record a standout.
Total Apple TV+ original series: 86 as of July 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes) ·
Current top-rated series (IMDb): Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show ·
Most awarded series: Ted Lasso with 11 Emmy wins ·
Latest top drama: Widow’s Bay, Criminal Record (Apple TV)
Quick snapshot
- Apple TV+ has 86 original series as of July 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Severance holds the highest Tomatometer score at 97% (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Ted Lasso won 11 Emmy awards (Apple TV)
- Criminal Record is the new British detective series on Apple TV+ (Apple TV)
- Exact Apple TV+ subscriber count (not publicly disclosed) (Cult of Mac)
- Future release dates beyond 2026 may shift (Cult of Mac)
- Which series will be renewed next (no official announcements) (Cult of Mac)
- Apple TV+ launched November 2019 (Apple TV)
- Ted Lasso premiered August 2020 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Severance debuted February 2022 (Apple TV)
- Criminal Record released January 2025 (Apple TV)
Five key facts summarize Apple TV+’s current lineup, from total output to critic darling scores.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Apple TV+ Original Series as of July 2025 | 86 |
| Series with highest Tomatometer score | Severance (97%) |
| Most watched series (IMDb popularity) | Ted Lasso |
| Latest British detective series | Criminal Record (2025) |
| Number of Emmy wins for Apple TV+ | Over 40 across all series |
What are the top 10 series on Apple?
Current top 10 on Apple TV (official list)
Apple TV’s “Most Popular Now” collection in the U.S. includes Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Widow’s Bay, Your Friends & Neighbours, and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (Apple TV). The official drama room also features Severance, The Morning Show, and Pluribus (Apple TV).
IMDb’s most popular Apple TV+ series
While IMDb does not provide a dedicated Apple TV list, its popularity rankings consistently place Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, and For All Mankind among the platform’s most-searched titles.
Rotten Tomatoes best rated series
Rotten Tomatoes’ browse page for Apple TV+ shows highlights top-scored series: Severance (97%), Ted Lasso (91%), The Morning Show (85%), and Bad Sisters (94%).
Apple’s own “most popular” list skews toward recent premieres, while Rotten Tomatoes captures long-running critical darlings. For a balanced watchlist, cross-reference both.
The implication: neither list alone gives a complete picture — combining them surfaces both what’s buzzy and what’s built to last.
What is the newest Apple TV+ series?
Latest releases in 2025
Several high-profile series launched in 2025: Your Friends & Neighbours (April 11), Dope Thief (March 14), and Murderbot (May) (YouTube). Widow’s Bay and Criminal Record also premiered in early 2025 and appear on Apple’s “Most Popular Now” page.
Upcoming premieres for 2026
Collider and Cult of Mac both mention Pluribus — Vince Gilligan’s first series since Breaking Bad — as an anticipated 2026 release (Collider). Your Friends & Neighbours is also slated for a second season.
The pattern: Apple TV+ releases most new series in the first half of the year. Subscribers should check the “Most Popular Now” collection monthly for fresh drops.
What are some good drama series on Apple TV?
Must-watch dramas for new viewers
Apple TV’s drama collection organizes its originals by genre. For new viewers, start with The Morning Show (workplace drama), Severance (corporate sci-fi), and For All Mankind (alternate-history space race).
Critically acclaimed drama series
Rotten Tomatoes shows Severance at 97% Tomatometer, Ted Lasso at 91%, and Bad Sisters at 94%. Collider’s 2025 list also ranks Chief of War as the #1 best Apple TV show of the year.
Popular dramas by theme
- Family drama: Ted Lasso blends humor with heart.
- Thriller: Criminal Record (British detective), Widow’s Bay (crime).
- Sci-fi: Severance, Murderbot.
- Satire: The Studio (Hollywood comedy-drama). For more on The Studio, see our Cast of The Studio (TV Series) guide.
Apple TV+ has fewer dramas than Netflix, but its per-series budgets average higher — meaning each title carries more risk and often more creative ambition.
The catch: higher budgets mean higher stakes — Apple cancels more aggressively when a drama doesn’t land with audiences.
What is the new British Detective series on Apple TV?
Overview of Criminal Record
Criminal Record is the British detective series that premiered on Apple TV+ in January 2025. Set in London, it follows a detective sergeant wrestling with a historic case.
Why this series stood out in 2025
9to5Mac called it “a riveting London crime thriller” and noted Apple TV’s commitment to expanding its crime genre. Cult of Mac included Criminal Record in its must-watch 2025 list.
Comparison with other Apple TV crime dramas
Compared to Widow’s Bay (supernatural crime) and Dope Thief (heist thriller), Criminal Record offers a grounded police procedural in the vein of Line of Duty.
Which Apple TV series is worth watching?
Top picks for different tastes
- Best overall: Severance (97% Tomatometer) – sci-fi thriller with emotional depth.
- Best comedy-drama: Ted Lasso (91%) – 11 Emmy wins.
- Best crime: Criminal Record – British detective fresh in 2025.
- Best hidden gem: Stick – action drama; see our Stick Apple TV+: Season 2 Status, Cast & Reviews Guide.
Series with high Rotten Tomatoes scores
From Rotten Tomatoes’ browse page: Severance (97%), Bad Sisters (94%), Ted Lasso (91%), The Morning Show (85%).
Hidden gems worth your time
Cult of Mac highlights Smoke and Carême as under-the-radar titles from 2025. Collider’s ranking includes Murderbot and Dope Thief.
What is the most wanted on Apple TV?
What “Most Wanted” means on Apple TV
Apple TV’s “Most Wanted” (also labeled “Most Popular Now”) is a curated collection updated regularly based on viewership and editorial selection. The current U.S. list includes Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Widow’s Bay, Your Friends & Neighbours, and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.
Current most wanted series list
As of July 2025, the “Most Popular Now” collection on Apple TV features four titles: Margo’s Got Money Troubles (drama), Widow’s Bay (supernatural crime), Your Friends & Neighbours (drama), and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (comedy).
How popularity changes over time
Apple TV’s popularity ranking is dynamic. New premieres (like Criminal Record in January) spike and then plateau. Second seasons, such as Severance Season 2, drive renewed interest. For a real-time view, check Apple’s “Most Popular Now” page.
The pattern: popularity peaks at premiere week and fades fast — only breakout hits sustain momentum beyond two months.
Comparison of Top Apple TV+ Series
Five of the most talked-about series, side by side — revealing where critics and audiences align.
| Series | Genre | Tomatometer | Audience Score | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severance | Sci-fi thriller | 97% | 89% | 2 |
| Ted Lasso | Comedy-drama | 91% | 85% | 3 |
| The Morning Show | Workplace drama | 85% | 78% | 4 |
| Criminal Record | British crime | 88% | 82% | 1 |
| Bad Sisters | Dark comedy | 94% | 90% | 2 |
Upsides
- High production values and top-tier talent (e.g., Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus)
- Consistent critical acclaim – multiple series above 90% Tomatometer
- Genre variety from sci-fi to British crime to comedy
- 7-day free trial available for new subscribers
Downsides
- Smaller catalog than competitors (86 original series vs. Netflix’s thousands)
- Some high-profile series cancelled after one season
- Monthly price $9.99+, no annual discount
- Limited third-party content – mostly originals only
Timeline of Apple TV+ series
Key milestones from launch to present.
- November 2019: Apple TV+ launches with The Morning Show, See, and For All Mankind.
- August 2020: Ted Lasso premieres and becomes breakout hit.
- February 2022: Severance debuts to critical acclaim.
- January 2025: Criminal Record, a British detective series, premieres.
- July 2025: Apple TV+ hits 86 original series; Rotten Tomatoes updates ranking.
- 2026 (expected): New series like Pluribus and Your Friends & Neighbours scheduled.
The pattern: Apple TV+ has accelerated its release cadence every year since launch, with 2025 seeing the most new series yet.
What’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Apple TV+ launched in 2019
- Ted Lasso won 11 Emmys
- Severance has 97% Tomatometer
- Criminal Record is the new British detective series
What’s unclear
- Exact number of Apple TV+ subscribers (not publicly disclosed)
- Future release dates beyond 2026 may change
- Which series will be renewed next (no official announcements)
The implication: verified data stops at July 2025 — anything beyond carries uncertainty that viewers should factor into subscription decisions.
Quotes from critics and media
“Severance is a mind-bending thriller with emotional depth.”
Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus
“Apple TV unveils return of acclaimed London crime thriller.”
9to5Mac
“The 29 best Apple TV shows to watch right now.”
EW (Entertainment Weekly)
The pattern: critical consensus on Apple TV+ leans heavily toward prestige drama and thriller, with comedy and sci-fi getting the strongest word-of-mouth.
Summary
Apple TV+ has carved a distinct identity through high-budget, creator-driven originals. For viewers deciding whether to subscribe, the choice is clear: if you value quality over quantity and enjoy prestige drama, thrillers, and sci-fi, Apple TV+ delivers — but if you need a vast library of content, you’ll need to supplement with another service.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Apple TV+ cost per month?
Apple TV+ costs $9.99/month (U.S.) as of July 2025. It is also included with many Apple One bundles.
Can I watch Apple TV+ on a web browser?
Yes, you can stream Apple TV+ through tv.apple.com on any modern browser.
Does Apple TV+ offer a free trial?
Yes, new subscribers get a 7-day free trial. Some Apple device purchases include 3 months free.
How do I cancel my Apple TV+ subscription?
You can cancel through your Apple ID settings on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or via tv.apple.com.
Are Apple TV+ shows available in 4K?
Yes, most Apple Originals are available in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos audio.
Is Apple TV+ available on Android devices?
Yes, the Apple TV app is available on Android phones and tablets via Google Play.
How often does Apple TV+ release new series?
Apple TV+ typically releases several new series per month, with bigger premieres concentrated in spring and fall.
What is the difference between Apple TV and Apple TV+?
Apple TV is the hardware device (and the app) that hosts content; Apple TV+ is the streaming service with original series and movies.
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