The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What are the best Apple TV+ shows of 2025? This curated selection brings together new series and returning seasons released during the year, from science-fiction mysteries and espionage to comedy, history, and family viewing. It is not an official ranking: the picks are organized to help you find a show that fits your interests and time.
How to choose a 2025 Apple TV+ show
“Of 2025” means a show had a new season or series debut that year; it does not mean every title began in 2025. Returning seasons are marked below, so you can tell when earlier episodes may matter. Episode counts are included where Apple’s cited descriptions establish them.
| Show | 2025 release | Genre and viewing fit | Format or source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severance | Season 2; premiered January 17 | Science-fiction workplace thriller; for high-concept mysteries and workplace satire | Returning season |
| The Studio | Series | Comedy; for Hollywood and film-business satire | New series |
| Murderbot | Series | Science-fiction comedy-thriller; for an action-minded story with an awkward, skeptical lead | Based on Martha Wells’s book series |
| Foundation | Season 3; 10 episodes, beginning July 11 | Science-fiction saga; for expansive, large-scale storytelling | Returning season based on Isaac Asimov’s stories |
| Slow Horses | Season 5; six episodes, beginning September 24 | Espionage drama; for viewers who like spy stories | Returning season adapted from Mick Herron’s London Rules |
| Pluribus | Series; first two episodes premiered November 7 | Science-fiction drama; for a new story from Vince Gilligan | Nine-episode season |
| Chief of War | Series | Historical drama; for a story about Hawaiian history framed from an Indigenous point of view | Based on true events; dramatic series |
| The Savant | Limited series; eight episodes | Thriller; for a tense story about an investigator targeting online hate groups | Limited series |
| Invasion | Season 3 | Science-fiction drama; for a global alien-invasion story | Returning season |
| Platonic | Season 2; 10 episodes, premiered August 6 | Comedy; for viewers drawn to Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne’s comic pairing | Returning season |
| Jane | Season 3 | Children’s and family series; for conservation-minded family viewing | Inspired by Jane Goodall’s work; Goodall makes a special appearance |
11 recommended Apple TV+ shows with 2025 releases
1. Severance, season 2 — science-fiction workplace thriller
Apple’s series page lists January 17, 2025, as the release date for season 2. The show’s high-concept mystery and workplace satire make it a strong starting point if you want science fiction that also skewers office life. It is a returning season, so begin with season 1 if you have not watched it.
Start here if: you want a puzzling, unsettling story about work and identity.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- HD 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
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick 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.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
2. The Studio — Hollywood comedy
This comedy takes on the film business and Hollywood. Apple included it among its leading 2025 Emmy programs and later called it the “most-winning freshman comedy in Emmy history,” an awards characterization specific to Apple’s account of Emmy history. That recognition is a useful signal, not a measure of audience size or a universal verdict on quality.
Start here if: you enjoy comedies about movies, studios, and the people trying to make them.
3. Murderbot — science-fiction comedy-thriller
Alexander Skarsgård stars as a self-hacking security construct that is uncomfortable with human emotion but drawn to its clients. Apple describes the series as based on Martha Wells’s bestselling book series. If you want to explore the story beyond the screen, the books begin with All Systems Red.
Start here if: you like science fiction with an offbeat central character and a comic streak.
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.
4. Foundation, season 3 — science-fiction saga
The 10-episode third season began July 11, 2025. Based on Isaac Asimov’s stories, Foundation is the pick for viewers looking for a large-scale science-fiction saga rather than a compact standalone story. It is a continuing series, so the earlier seasons provide its context.
Start here if: you want an expansive science-fiction world and are ready to catch up.
5. Slow Horses, season 5 — espionage drama
The six-episode season began September 24, 2025, and adapts Mick Herron’s novel London Rules. This is a returning season, so newcomers should start with the earlier installments to follow the ongoing story.
Start here if: you want a spy drama and do not mind starting before the newest season.
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
6. Pluribus — science-fiction drama
Created by Vince Gilligan and starring Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus is a new science-fiction drama. Apple lists a nine-episode season whose first two episodes premiered November 7, 2025.
Start here if: you want a new series from Gilligan, rather than another season of a familiar show.
7. Chief of War — historical drama
Co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, the series follows the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i. Apple’s March 31, 2025 announcement says it presents that story “from an indigenous point of view.” That framing describes the series’ perspective; a dramatization should not be treated as a substitute for independent historical sources.
Start here if: you are interested in a historical drama centered on Hawai‘i and an Indigenous point of view.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #4
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
8. The Savant — limited thriller
This eight-episode limited series stars Jessica Chastain as an undercover investigator who infiltrates online hate groups in an effort to stop domestic extremists. Its subject matter and premise make it the more contemporary, threat-focused thriller in this selection.
Start here if: you want a finite thriller about efforts to prevent extremist violence.
9. Invasion, season 3 — science-fiction drama
The series follows an alien invasion through perspectives around the world. In season 3, Apple says the main characters come together on a mission involving the alien mothership. As a returning season, it is best approached after the earlier chapters.
Start here if: you want an alien-invasion story told across multiple perspectives and are prepared to catch up.
Best Value
- Dolby Atmos for immersive, room-filling sound - 4K High Frame Rate HDR with Dolby Vision for fluid, crisp video
- A12 Bionic chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences than ever before
- The new Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad - Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your device on your TV
- Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ - Watch the latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
- More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music - Private listening using up to two sets of AirPods
10. Platonic, season 2 — comedy
Led by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, this 10-episode season premiered August 6, 2025. It is a returning comedy, so the first season is the place to begin if you want the characters’ story from the start.
Start here if: you are in the mood for a character-led comedy and enjoy Rogen and Byrne together.
11. Jane, season 3 — children’s and family series
Inspired by the work of ethologist and conservationist Jane Goodall, the series offers a family-oriented choice among the year’s genre dramas and comedies. Goodall makes a special appearance in season 3. Check current age and content guidance for your household if you need it; no age rating is established here.
Start here if: you are looking for family viewing connected to wildlife and conservation.
What awards and adaptations can—and can’t—tell you
Awards offer one point of reference, not a definitive best-to-worst ordering. In a July 15, 2025 announcement, Apple reported 27 Emmy nominations for Severance and 81 nominations across Apple programming. Those figures describe nominations, not audience popularity or an objective comparison of every show on this list.
Adaptations may help you choose based on what you already enjoy: Murderbot draws on Martha Wells’s books, Foundation on Isaac Asimov’s stories, and Slow Horses season 5 on Mick Herron’s London Rules. The list also includes original premises and historically framed drama, so you need not be familiar with source material to find a starting point.
Where to watch and what to check
These are Apple TV+ titles, but streaming access, availability, and subscription terms can change and vary by region. Apple’s March 31, 2025 Chief of War announcement listed supported device types and described a $14.99 monthly price with a seven-day trial at that time; those dated terms should not be assumed to be current. Check Apple’s service information for your location before subscribing. An Apple TV 4K is not required by the device information in that announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
