Three Apple TV Plus Shows With 80%+ Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Apple TV Plus may not have the expansive library of its streaming competitors, but what it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. The platform has garnered critical acclaim for its original programming, boasting a high concentration of shows with impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores. If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy obsession and want a safe bet, these three shows, all boasting scores of 80% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes, are sure to captivate:
1. Ted Lasso (95% on Rotten Tomatoes)
This heartwarming comedy-drama follows the improbable journey of Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team. There’s just one tiny problem: Ted knows absolutely nothing about soccer.
Why it’s a hit with critics and audiences:
- Infectious Optimism: In a world often cynical and jaded, Ted Lasso is a breath of fresh air with his unwavering kindness and folksy wisdom. He approaches every challenge with an infectious optimism that rubs off on everyone around him.
- Character-Driven Comedy: The show’s humor stems from its relatable characters and their evolving relationships. Each character, from the initially skeptical team owner Rebecca Welton to the aging star player Roy Kent, is given space to grow and surprise viewers.
- More Than Meets the Eye: Beneath its comedic surface, Ted Lasso tackles themes of grief, forgiveness, and the power of human connection with surprising depth and nuance.
Who should watch: Anyone looking for a feel-good show that celebrates kindness, perseverance, and the power of teamwork. If you enjoy shows with witty dialogue, endearing characters, and a dash of emotional depth, Ted Lasso should be at the top of your watchlist.
2. Severance (97% on Rotten Tomatoes)
Prepare to enter a world of corporate intrigue and existential mystery with Severance, a chillingly suspenseful drama that will leave you questioning the nature of work-life balance.
The Premise: Mark Scout, an employee at the shadowy Lumon Industries, undergoes a severance procedure that surgically divides his memories between his work life and personal life. While at work, he has no recollection of his outside existence, and vice versa. However, when a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, Mark begins to question the true nature of his job and the sinister secrets his employers are hiding.
Why it’s a critical darling:
- Gripping Mystery: Severance masterfully unravels its central mystery, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with each unsettling revelation. The show seamlessly blends elements of sci-fi, thriller, and workplace drama to create a truly unique and thought-provoking viewing experience.
- Exceptional Ensemble Cast: Led by Adam Scott’s nuanced performance as the conflicted Mark Scout, the cast delivers powerhouse performances that breathe life into the show’s unsettling world. Patricia Arquette is particularly chilling as the enigmatic and unnerving corporate overseer.
- Visually Stunning and Atmospheric: The show’s distinctive visual style, marked by sterile office environments and unsettlingly symmetrical compositions, heightens the sense of unease and mystery. The score and sound design further amplify the show’s chilling atmosphere.
Who should watch: Severance is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, dystopian fiction, and mind-bending mysteries. If you appreciate intricate plots, complex characters, and shows that provoke discussion long after the credits roll, add Severance to your watchlist.
3. Pachinko (98% on Rotten Tomatoes)
Based on Min Jin Lee’s acclaimed novel, Pachinko is a sweeping epic that chronicles the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family across four generations, from the early 1900s to the late 20th century.
A Story of Resilience and Survival: At the heart of the story is Sunja, a young woman who immigrates to Japan during a turbulent period of Japanese colonization of Korea. The series follows Sunja and her descendants as they navigate love, loss, war, and the enduring bonds of family in the face of hardship and discrimination.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Significance:
- Epic Storytelling: Pachinko seamlessly interweaves multiple timelines and perspectives to paint a vivid portrait of a family’s enduring legacy over generations. The series masterfully captures the sweep of history while maintaining an intimate focus on the lives of its characters.
- Visually Breathtaking: From the bustling streets of 1930s Osaka to the serene beauty of Jeju Island, Pachinko is a visually stunning production. The show’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the essence of each era with meticulous detail.
- Powerful Performances: The series features a stellar ensemble cast, with standout performances by Youn Yuh-jung as the older Sunja, Kim Min-ha as the younger Sunja, and Lee Min-ho as the charismatic Hansu.
Who should watch: Pachinko is a must-watch for viewers who appreciate historical dramas, multi-generational sagas, and stories of resilience and cultural identity. If you’re looking for a show that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching, look no further than Pachinko.
Apple TV Plus may be a newer player in the streaming arena, but its commitment to quality storytelling is undeniable. These three critically acclaimed shows represent a small fraction of the exceptional programming available on the platform. So, if you’re ready to discover your next television obsession, give one of these highly-rated Apple TV Plus shows a try. You won’t be disappointed!