There’s a unique enchantment that comes only with the initial viewing of a TV series — the kind that makes you gasp at unexpected twists, deeply invest in the story and its characters, and transports you to another world through the visual artistry of the medium. Although Apple doesn’t release as much content as many other streaming platforms, when they do hit the mark, the outcome is usually unforgettable.
With that in mind, a list of six Apple TV+ series that are so remarkable are picked up just to relive the initial experience if they can be wiped off from our minds. These shows span from heartwarming comedies to thrilling espionage adventures and high-caliber dramas that rival Hollywood’s best efforts from recent years.
Acapulco
Vibrant, uplifting, and heartfelt, Acapulco carries a delightful energy reminiscent of How I Met Your Mother and The Wonder Years, thanks to the narration by an older version of the main character, Maximo Gallardo. Set in 1984, it tells the coming-of-age story of a young man who lands his dream job at a beach resort in Acapulco. The narrative expertly balances charm and depth, evoking emotions that leave you both smiling and teary-eyed by the end of each episode.
The show’s pastel color palette and wholesome portrayal of Mexican culture make it hard not to reach for your passports for that long-anticipated first trip to Mexico.
Drops of God
It feels like an understatement to label Drops of God simply as a TV show. It’s a feast for the senses, cleverly disguised as a family drama, akin to a wine-centric version of Succession. The plot unfolds across the globe following the death of a wine connoisseur who orchestrates a series of tests to decide who inherits his estate: his estranged daughter or his prized student.
The series offers a mix of tension and beauty that is subtly heartbreaking. Its cinematography is as intoxicating as a fine Bordeaux, perfectly complementing its subject matter.
Pachinko
This breathtaking adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s award-winning novel is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary shows ever witnessed.
Beginning in Japanese-occupied Korea, it chronicles the journey of Sunja, a young woman’s choices that reverberate over generations as her family migrates to Japan, grappling with war, discrimination, and displacement. The title not only refers to a Japanese gambling game the family relies on for their livelihood but also serves as a poignant metaphor for life’s randomness, slim chances of success, and the quiet strength of those who choose to persevere.
This Apple TV+ production rivals film quality, with its stunning visuals, exceptional acting, and powerful storytelling. Watching it may even shift your perspective, similar to the profound impact of traveling abroad for the first time.
Severance
The buzz surrounding Severance erupted recently with its captivating and addictive second season.
The premise sounds straightforward: what if you could segregate your work and personal memories into two distinct lives? The show masterfully crafts a slow burn of suspense, eerie world-building, and existential unease. It’s so remarkable that it has become the most-watched series on Apple TV+ to date.
Slow Horses
It’s uncommon to find a spy thriller that manages to be both sharply witty and gritty, yet Slow Horses accomplishes this delightful blend largely due to Gary Oldman’s brilliantly chaotic lead performance. The series flips the spy genre on its head by focusing on a band of MI5 misfits instead of conventionally glamorous agents. This twist makes their underdog status equally hilarious and heroic, presenting a world of espionage painted with shades of failure and imperfection.
In a genre fixated on perfection, Slow Horses transforms vulnerability into a superpower.
Tehran
From the moment it begins, Tehran captures your attention and keeps it. This taut espionage thriller follows Tamar, a Mossad hacker who goes undercover in Iran’s capital, where a single misstep could cost her everything — the mission and her life. The show’s strength lies not just in its clever plotting but in the emotional complexity behind every choice Tamar makes. It explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the psychological toll of living a lie.
The audience are eagerly waiting for the upcoming third season, especially since the second season elevated the storytelling, combined with the addition of Hugh Laurie as a nuclear plant supervisor. When executed well, spy thrillers that avoid cliché and focus on sharp writing and realistic tradecraft become favorite shows to watch. Tehran excels in this regard, making it a perfect fit for fans of The Bureau and The Americans. With a commanding lead actress and a constant undercurrent of suspense, betrayals, and moral complexity, Tehran keeps you guessing at every turn.
