If you want a critic-score-led shortlist of Apple TV+ shows, Rotten Tomatoes’ September 2, 2026 guide puts the music documentary series 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything first, followed by Pluribus. The highest-scoring titles span documentary, science fiction, crime, and espionage, so genre and tone are better tie-breakers than tiny differences in score.
How these review scores work
The percentages below are Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer scores: they reflect critics, not audience ratings. The ranking is a dated snapshot from September 2, 2026, and Rotten Tomatoes sorts it by Tomatometer. A high percentage is not a guarantee that a show will suit every viewer.
Metacritic uses a separate 0–100 Metascore, based on professional critics’ reviews. The two scales are not interchangeable. For example, Rotten Tomatoes listed Silo at 92% in its September guide, while Metacritic’s March 27, 2026 scripted-series selection gave it a Metascore of 77. Those figures describe different scoring systems, not conflicting versions of the same number. Metacritic’s Apple TV+ guide also quotes Guardian critic Lucy Mangan describing Silo as “a fantastically made story” that combines classic cliffhangers with careful characterisation.
Top critic-scored Apple TV+ picks
These titles lead or stand out in Rotten Tomatoes’ September 2, 2026 guide. Choose by the kind of viewing experience you want, rather than treating a one-point difference as a meaningful quality gap.
#1 Best Overall
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| Show | Tomatometer | Format and what to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything | 100% (Rotten Tomatoes, September 2, 2026) | Documentary series about music and its cultural moment; the guide’s highest-listed score. |
| Pluribus | 99% (Rotten Tomatoes, September 2, 2026) | High-concept speculative series for viewers in the mood for an unusual premise. |
| Widow’s Bay | 98% (Rotten Tomatoes, September 2, 2026) | A genre blend built around an island mystery and strange events. |
| Black Bird | 98% (Rotten Tomatoes, September 2, 2026) | Crime miniseries inspired by actual events. |
| Mr. Scorsese | 98% (Rotten Tomatoes, September 2, 2026) | Documentary about the filmmaker’s life and work. |
| Slow Horses | 98% (Rotten Tomatoes, September 2, 2026) | Spy drama following an MI5 team led by Jackson Lamb. |
More highly rated options by mood
For another documentary
Mr. Scorsese is listed at 98% in the same Rotten Tomatoes snapshot. For a documentary series focused on music and its wider context, try 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, which leads the guide at 100%.
For a different kind of drama
Pachinko and Little America each score 97% in the September 2026 guide. Trying (97%) and Central Park (97%) offer other directions if you would rather watch a comedy or animated musical comedy than a mystery or thriller.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
For science fiction, workplace comedy, or lighter viewing
Severance is listed at 95%; Silo and The Studio at 92%; and Ted Lasso at 89%. These critic scores can help narrow a search, but they do not measure audience satisfaction or establish which show you will enjoy most.
Choosing what to watch on Apple TV right now
- Pick the format first: the shortlist includes documentary series, a feature-focused documentary, a crime miniseries, and ongoing scripted dramas.
- Match the tone: choose speculative fiction for a high-concept premise, Black Bird for crime, or Slow Horses for espionage.
- Use scores as a filter, not a verdict: Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic use different scales, and aggregate rankings flatten distinctions in genre and personal taste.
- Check your local catalogue: the cited rankings do not establish that each title is available in every country on October 8, 2026. Apple TV+ catalogues and release details can vary by market and change over time.
If you want to read more after watching Silo
Metacritic identifies Silo as based on Hugh Howey’s novel series. The books are an optional way to explore the story’s source material; the series does not require prior reading. The cited guide does not establish current book stock or edition availability.
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Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
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