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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFor a critic-score snapshot, Rotten Tomatoes’ September 2, 2026 list ranks 100 Apple TV original series by Tomatometer; the 30 below are its first 30, in the same order. That is a dated critics’ ranking, not an independent verdict on which show every viewer should watch first. Use the genre and premise notes to find a better fit for your mood.
How this ranking works
The order follows Rotten Tomatoes’ 100 Best Apple TV Original Series Ranked by Tomatometer, published September 2, 2026. Tomatometer placement reflects critics’ reviews in that list; it does not measure audience preference or determine which series is right for you. Scores and catalogue availability can change, so treat this as a dated guide.
The list spans documentary, drama, comedy, animation and science fiction. For a documentary-first starting point, try the music history series at No. 1 or the film-focused profile at No. 5; for scripted viewing, choose by genre and tone rather than rank alone.
The 30 best Apple TV+ original series
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1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
A music documentary series exploring a pivotal year in music and its relationship to the culture and politics around it. Best for viewers who want a historical, documentary-led entry point.
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Pluribus
A science-fiction series in the ranked list’s top position after the documentary. Consider it if you want a speculative scripted story; check the current Apple TV listing for its premise and availability.
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Widow’s Bay
A series placed third in this Tomatometer snapshot. Its position reflects critics’ ranking, not a promise that its subject or tone will suit every viewer.
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Black Bird
A crime drama among the top four. A strong candidate for viewers looking for tense, character-led scripted storytelling.
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Mr. Scorsese
A documentary profile of filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Pick this one if film history and an individual creative career are more appealing than fiction.
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Slow Horses
An espionage series. Rotten Tomatoes’ description places it among the spy stories in the list, making it a natural option for viewers after intrigue and workplace friction.
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Pachinko
A family drama about immigrant experience. Choose it for an expansive, emotionally focused story rather than a quick comedy or procedural.
Rank #2
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Central Park
An animated series, offering a very different format from the dramas and documentaries around it. A useful pick when you want animation rather than live action.
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Trying
A comedy-drama in the top ten. It offers a lighter scripted alternative to the list’s crime, espionage and historical subjects.
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Little America
An anthology series in the first ten. Anthology structure can suit viewers who prefer stories that do not depend on following one continuous plot.
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Mythic Quest
A workplace comedy. Consider it if a comic take on a professional setting is your preference.
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Platonic
A comedy ranked twelfth. It is one of the list’s lighter options for viewers who want relationship-centered humor.
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Margo’s Got Money Troubles
A scripted series in the top 15. Its strong placement makes it worth considering, while the current Apple TV listing is the best place to confirm details and availability.
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Drops of God
A drama that sits just outside the top ten. A good option for viewers open to a character-driven story beyond the list’s most familiar genres.
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Severance
A workplace science-fiction series. Rotten Tomatoes listed it at 95% in its September 2026 snapshot; that figure is a changeable critics’ score, not a measure of audience consensus. Its premise makes it a strong choice for viewers who like unsettling speculative drama.
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Murderbot
A science-fiction series at No. 16. Choose it if you want another speculative option, distinct from the workplace mystery of Severance.
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Carême
A historical drama in the middle of this ranking. Check the current service listing for its synopsis and availability before choosing.
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Calls
A distinctive series ranked eighteenth. Its placement is a reminder that the list includes formats beyond conventional live-action drama; check the show page to see whether its presentation is for you.
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Star City
A science-fiction series in the top 20. It is another option for viewers browsing the list primarily for speculative storytelling.
Rank #4
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Shrinking
A comedy-drama at No. 20. Consider it for a mix of humor and emotional storytelling.
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Schmigadoon!
A musical comedy. It is a natural pick if you want something playful and song-driven rather than a thriller or serious drama.
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Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
A series ranked twenty-second. Its place records the September 2026 list order; consult Apple’s listing for the current description and whether it is available in your region.
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Swagger
A drama in the lower half of this top 30. It broadens the selection beyond sci-fi, comedy and documentary.
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Silo
A science-fiction series ranked twenty-fourth. A useful candidate if you are browsing for a larger speculative setting.
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The Studio
A comedy about the entertainment business, according to the series’ general subject. Consider it if industry satire is more appealing than the list’s dramas.
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Dickinson
A historical comedy-drama. Its blend of historical setting and comic approach offers a change of pace from straightforward period drama.
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The Afterparty
A mystery-comedy. Choose it when you want a crime or puzzle framework with a comic tone.
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Bad Monkey
A crime comedy ranked twenty-eighth. It is one of the list’s options for viewers who prefer crime stories with humor.
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Chief of War
A historical drama near the end of the top 30. Check the current series description for its subject and regional availability.
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The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
A drama closing out this selection. Its thirtieth-place finish is still within the first 30 of Rotten Tomatoes’ 100-series ranking, but the position is not a universal quality verdict.
Choose by what you want to watch
- Documentary: Start with 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything for music history or Mr. Scorsese for a filmmaker profile.
- Espionage or crime: Try Slow Horses for spies, or Black Bird and The Afterparty for crime with very different tones.
- Science fiction: Compare the workplace premise of Severance with Murderbot, Star City or Silo.
- Comedy: Look to Trying, Mythic Quest, Platonic or the musical comedy Schmigadoon!.
- Animation: Central Park is the clear format-specific choice in this selection.
Where to watch these series
Apple says its originals are available through the Apple TV app on supported devices, smart TVs and streaming platforms, and online; an Apple TV 4K box is not required. Check the Apple TV service page for current availability, subscription terms and offers. As of October 4, 2026, Apple listed a $14.99 monthly price after a free seven-day trial, but pricing and offers can change.
Before settling on a title, confirm that it is currently available in your country and check whether it has the season or format you want. Streaming catalogues and critics’ scores are time-sensitive.
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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.
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