Underrated Apple TV+ Shows: Hidden Gems to Stream

Apple TV+ has quietly built a library of some of the most original and well-crafted television of the past few years, yet many of its best series remain under-discussed. This article highlights several critically acclaimed but underrated shows available on the platform, explaining what makes each worth your time and why they haven’t achieved the mainstream recognition they deserve.

Why Apple TV+ Has a Discovery Problem

Apple TV+ launched in November 2019 with a handful of high-profile originals like The Morning Show and See. While those got initial buzz, the service’s library is relatively small compared to Netflix or Prime Video, and its marketing has been inconsistent. Many excellent series premiere with little fanfare, get a brief mention in tech news, and then vanish into the algorithm. The result is a paradox: Apple TV+ has a higher percentage of quality shows per capita than almost any other streamer, but a lower percentage of viewers who have heard of them.

Another factor is the platform’s model: it doesn’t license older content, so there’s no giant catalog to browse. You have to actively choose a specific show, and if you don’t know what’s good, you might not even open the app. This article aims to fix that by spotlighting several hidden gems that deserve a wider audience.

What Makes a Show “Underrated”?

For this list, “underrated” means a show that has high critical praise or a dedicated cult following but hasn’t broken through to the general public. It’s not about being obscure for its own sake; it’s about quality that isn’t matched by recognition. A show can be underrated because it’s overshadowed by a more famous sibling on the same service (like Ted Lasso), because it’s in a niche genre, or because it premiered during a crowded release window.

Here are the criteria I used:

• Critical acclaim: The show has a strong Rotten Tomatoes score or has won industry awards, indicating professional recognition.
• Low mainstream visibility: The show isn’t frequently mentioned in casual conversation or top-10 lists outside of dedicated TV forums.
• Unique premise or execution: The show does something original or does something familiar exceptionally well.

The Hidden Gems: 7 Shows You Should Watch

Here are seven Apple TV+ shows that fit the “underrated” label. They span different genres, so there’s likely something for everyone.

1. For All Mankind (2019–present)

This alternate-history drama imagines a world where the Soviet Union lands on the Moon first, forcing the US to accelerate its space program. It’s not just about rockets; it’s a character study about ambition, sacrifice, and the personal cost of progress. The show spans decades, with each season jumping forward in time. It’s often overshadowed by The Expanse or Star Trek in sci-fi discussions, but its grounded, near-future setting and political intrigue make it a unique watch.

2. Severance (2022–present)

If you’ve heard of one show on this list, it’s probably Severance. It’s a psychological thriller about employees who undergo a procedure that splits their work and personal memories. The show is visually stunning, with a sterile, retro-futuristic office that becomes a character in itself. Despite winning a Peabody Award and receiving Emmy nominations, it still feels under-discussed compared to its quality. Its slow-burn mystery and philosophical questions about identity and work-life balance are best experienced with minimal spoilers.

3. Bad Sisters (2022–present)

This dark comedy-thriller follows four sisters who are suspects in the death of their abusive brother-in-law. It’s a blend of murder mystery and family drama, with sharp writing and a fantastic ensemble cast. The show balances tense moments with genuine humor, and its Irish setting adds a distinct flavor. It won a BAFTA for Best Drama Series, but it’s not as widely known as other Apple TV+ originals like The Morning Show.

4. Mythic Quest (2020–present)

From the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, this workplace comedy is set in a video game studio. It’s often compared to Silicon Valley, but it has a warmer, more character-driven tone. The show has a memorable standalone episode in season 1 that tells a complete story about a game developer’s life, which is one of the best episodes of TV that year. It’s a perfect pick if you want something light but smart.

5. Dickinson (2019–2021)

This biographical comedy-drama reimagines the life of poet Emily Dickinson as a modern, rebellious young woman. It uses anachronistic dialogue and music (including contemporary pop songs) to make history feel fresh. Hailee Steinfeld gives a charismatic performance, and the show is visually inventive. It’s a quirky, feminist take on a literary figure that never found a huge audience, possibly because its style is so unusual.

6. Physical (2021–2023)

Set in the 1980s, this dark comedy stars Rose Byrne as a housewife who discovers aerobics as a form of empowerment and self-destruction. It’s a brutal satire of the wellness industry and the toxic side of self-improvement. The show is unflinching in its portrayal of anxiety and eating disorders, but it’s also darkly funny. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a rewarding one for those who appreciate complex, antihero-driven stories.

7. The Afterparty (2022–2023)

This murder-mystery comedy has a clever gimmick: each episode is told from a different character’s perspective, and each perspective is in a different genre (musical, animated, action, etc.). The show is a love letter to the whodunit genre, with a great cast including Tiffany Haddish and Sam Richardson. It’s fun, inventive, and doesn’t overstay its welcome. It was cancelled after two seasons, but both are worth watching.

How to Find More Hidden Gems on Apple TV+

If you’ve watched these and want more, here are some strategies to uncover other underrated shows:

• Check the “For You” section: Apple’s algorithm is actually pretty good if you rate shows you’ve watched. It will suggest things you might not have found otherwise.
• Look at award lists: Shows that win Independent Spirit Awards or Critics’ Choice Awards often fly under the radar but are high quality.
• Browse by genre: Instead of looking at the main page, click into “Comedy” or “Drama” and sort by release date. You’ll find shows that were buried in the feed.
• Read TV critic year-end lists: Many critics include Apple TV+ shows in their top-10 lists, but these don’t always translate to mainstream popularity.

Common Misconceptions About Apple TV+

One common misconception is that Apple TV+ is a “prestige drama only” service. While it does have its share of heavy dramas, it also has excellent comedies (Mythic Quest, The Afterparty), family-friendly content (Wolfwalkers, Central Park), and even documentaries (The Velvet Underground). Another misconception is that the service is expensive; it’s actually one of the cheaper major streamers, and it’s often bundled with other Apple services through Apple One.

Another misconception is that underrated means low quality. In the case of Apple TV+, many of these shows are simply victims of a crowded market. Severance is a masterpiece, but it’s not a show that’s easy to describe in a tweet, so it doesn’t spread as quickly as a meme-able comedy.

How to Choose What to Watch Next

If you’re still not sure which of these to start with, consider your mood:

• If you want a mind-bending thriller: Start with Severance.
• If you want a character-driven sci-fi epic: Go with For All Mankind.
• If you want a laugh: Try Mythic Quest or The Afterparty.
• If you want a dark comedy with heart: Bad Sisters is your pick.
• If you want something visually unique: Dickinson or Physical.

You can also use the calculator above to decide how many shows to start with based on your available time. For example, if you have 2 hours, you can watch the pilot of one show. If you have 6 hours, you can watch a full season of a half-hour comedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shows actually good, or just “good for Apple TV+”?

They are genuinely good by any standard. Severance has a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Bad Sisters won a BAFTA, and For All Mankind has been praised for its realistic portrayal of space exploration. They stand up against anything on HBO or Netflix.

Why haven’t I heard of these shows?

Apple TV+ spends less on marketing than other streamers, and its library is small, so shows don’t get the same word-of-mouth push. Also, many of these shows are serialized dramas that require attention, which can be a barrier in an era of background-watching.

Do I need to watch these in order?

For most of these, yes, you should watch from the beginning. Severance and For All Mankind have ongoing storylines that build on previous episodes. Mythic Quest and The Afterparty are more episodic, but you’ll still get more out of them by starting at episode 1.

Are there any underrated documentaries on Apple TV+?

Yes, Boys State (2020) is an Oscar-nominated documentary about a mock government program for teenagers, and The Velvet Underground (2021) is a stylish music doc. Both received critical acclaim but didn’t get the same attention as the service’s scripted shows.

Will these shows get more seasons?

Severance has been renewed for a second season, and For All Mankind has been renewed through season 6. Bad Sisters has a second season in development. Dickinson and Physical have ended, but they have complete stories. The Afterparty was cancelled after two seasons, but it ends on a satisfying note.

Is Apple TV+ worth subscribing to just for these shows?

If you’re a fan of high-quality, original television, yes. The service has a smaller catalog, but the hit rate is remarkably high. You can also subscribe for a month, binge the shows you’re interested in, and then cancel. There’s no contract, so it’s a low-risk way to check out these hidden gems.

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