11 Apple TV Shows That Will Convince You to Cancel Your Netflix Subscription

11 Apple TV Shows That Will Convince You to Cancel Your Netflix Subscription

If you’ve been side-eyeing your monthly streaming bills lately, you’re not alone.

The truth is, Netflix isn’t the no-brainer it used to be—especially when Apple TV+ keeps dropping one prestige series after another.

What once felt like “that extra subscription you forgot you had” has quietly transformed into one of the most consistently impressive streaming platforms out there.

Between Emmy-winning dramas, mind-twisting sci-fi thrillers, and comedies with actual personality, Apple TV+ has something Netflix has been struggling with: quality control.

You don’t sift through endless filler.

You don’t waste 20 minutes searching for something “good enough.”

You just hit play—and it is good.

These 11 Apple TV+ shows are so ridiculously strong that you might start wondering why you’ve been paying Netflix to recommend reality dating spin-offs.

Let’s get into it.

1. Severance

Nothing prepares you for the unsettling brilliance this series delivers from its very first episode.

The story revolves around employees who undergo a procedure that splits their work and personal memories—a concept that’s equal parts terrifying and fascinating.

This unique premise earned the show a 2022 Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design and widespread critical acclaim.

Ben Stiller directs many episodes, giving the series its signature eerie, minimalist style.

Adam Scott leads the cast with one of his best dramatic performances to date.

The world-building is so meticulous that fans spent months dissecting the office architecture and symbols online.

If you miss the tightly crafted mystery of shows like Lost—but want something smarter, sharper, and more grown-up—this one will hook you instantly.

Just be prepared to binge the entire season in one weekend.

2. Slow Horses

Every spy thriller fan eventually hits the “predictable plot twist” wall—but not with this show.

Centered around MI5 rejects exiled to a dingy department called Slough House, the series finds humor and heart in all the chaos.

Gary Oldman delivers a wonderfully grimy, unforgettable performance as Jackson Lamb.

Critics call it one of the best espionage series in years, thanks to its fast pacing and sharp dialogue.

Each season adapts one of Mick Herron’s Slough House novels, which means the storytelling stays tight and grounded.

Apple TV+ renewed it through Season 5 before Season 3 even aired.

That alone tells you how confident they are in its potential.

If you crave something grittier than Netflix’s glossy thrillers, this is the gritty, witty upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

3. Black Bird

A gripping true-crime story rarely feels this emotionally intense or this well-acted.

Based on the memoir of real-life inmate Jimmy Keene, the show follows his mission to befriend a suspected serial killer in exchange for freedom.

Taron Egerton delivers a career-best performance, but it’s Paul Walter Hauser who steals the show with chilling realism.

Ray Liotta appears in one of his final roles, adding even more emotional weight.

Critics praised the series for its authenticity and unflinching tension.

The pacing keeps you hooked without relying on cheap twists or shock factor.

By the time you finish, you’ll be Googling every detail of the real investigation.

Netflix offers plenty of true-crime, sure—but almost none with this kind of depth, nuance, and unforgettable atmosphere.

4. Pachinko

Epic, sweeping, and emotionally loaded—this series delivers storytelling on a whole different level.

Adapted from Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel, it follows four generations of a Korean family navigating identity, survival, and belonging.

The show is filmed in Korean, Japanese, and English, reflecting its global narrative.

Visually, it’s one of the most stunning productions on any streaming platform.

The New York Times named it one of the Best TV Shows of 2022, and it earned a Peabody Award for its masterful storytelling.

Youn Yuh-jung, an Oscar winner, leads an exceptional ensemble cast.

Every episode feels like a mini-film rather than a TV installment.

Apple invested heavily in authenticity, and it shows.

You won’t find anything this rich or cinematic on Netflix’s current lineup.

5. The Morning Show

A messy newsroom drama has never looked this polished or felt this relevant.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon lead the series as anchors navigating scandal, power struggles, and shifting public expectations.

Billy Crudup won an Emmy Award for his role as the network’s delightfully unpredictable executive.

The show frequently tackles real issues—from #MeToo to misinformation—without feeling preachy.

Every season brings new cast additions, including Jon Hamm and Julianna Margulies, raising the stakes even higher.

The writing moves at a rapid pace, giving the series the energy of a political thriller disguised as a morning show drama.

If you enjoy chaotic workplace dynamics, this is the stylish, star-studded version Netflix simply doesn’t offer.

6. Bad Sisters

Watching five sisters plot to take down their abusive brother-in-law shouldn’t be this funny, yet somehow it is.

This dark comedy-thriller blends mystery with family chaos in the most entertaining way possible.

Sharon Horgan, who also created the show, delivers razor-sharp humor and emotional depth.

Critics loved its perfect balance of heart, tension, and wicked scheming.

The show earned the 2023 BAFTA for Best Drama Series, proving its staying power.

Flashback storytelling keeps the mystery alive without dragging it out.

Every character feels layered and real, making the emotional payoff ridiculously satisfying.

If you’re tired of formulaic Netflix crime dramas, this clever, heartfelt series will feel like a breath of fresh Irish air.

7. The Afterparty

A murder mystery you can laugh through is rare—but this show nails it effortlessly.

Every episode retells the night of the crime from a different character’s perspective.

Each retelling uses a unique film style—musical, noir, animation, you name it.

Tiffany Haddish leads as the detective with just enough quirkiness to keep things fun.

The structure makes it incredibly bingeable, especially if you enjoy puzzles.

Critics praised it for originality, something Netflix’s algorithm-heavy content often struggles with.

Season 2 brings in a fresh cast and an entirely new case, proving the concept has real staying power.

It’s the perfect pick if you want something clever, funny, and genuinely rewatchable.

8. Dickinson

Teen angst, poetry, and 19th-century feminism shouldn’t blend this well—but they absolutely do here.

Hailee Steinfeld plays Emily Dickinson with a modern flair that’s both charming and unexpectedly relatable.

The show is known for its playful anachronisms, blending period costumes with modern music.

Critics praised its bold creativity and emotional resonance.

The series dives into Dickinson’s real poetry and reimagines her inner world with humor and heartbreak.

Wiz Khalifa even appears as the embodiment of Death in one of the show’s most memorable creative choices.

It’s weird, wonderful, and unlike anything else on streaming.

Netflix rarely takes risks this bold—and that’s exactly why this series stands out.

9. Bad Monkey

If you like your crime stories with a twist of tropical chaos, this show delivers in spades.

Based on Carl Hiaasen’s bestselling novel, it blends mystery with dark humor and larger-than-life characters.

Vince Vaughn stars as a disgraced detective whose search for redemption spirals into wild, Florida-fueled absurdity.

The series mixes corruption, environmental crime, and quirky local culture.

Fans of Hiaasen’s books will recognize his signature satire all over the place.

Apple’s adaptation stays faithful to the offbeat tone while adding sleek production value.

It’s a refreshing contrast to the overly serious crime dramas dominating other platforms.

If you want something fun that still keeps you guessing, this one’s worth the dive.

10. The Essex Serpent

A haunting sense of mystery runs through every scene of this beautifully atmospheric period drama.

Set in 1890s England, the story follows a widow investigating rumors of a sea serpent terrorizing a small village.

Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston deliver nuanced, emotionally rich performances.

The series blends romance, science, superstition, and social tension in a way that keeps you fully immersed.

Its breathtaking cinematography and meticulous production design make it feel like a gothic novel brought to life.

The show explores themes of grief, curiosity, and moral panic without losing its human touch.

If you enjoy slow-burn stories with striking visuals, this series will hook you hard.

Netflix rarely produces period dramas with this level of artistry.

11. Masters of the Air

A war drama hasn’t felt this cinematic on TV in a long time.

Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the series follows the real-life 100th Bomb Group during World War II.

It serves as a companion to Band of Brothers and The Pacific, continuing their legacy of historical accuracy and emotional depth.

Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan lead a strong ensemble cast.

The show’s aerial combat scenes are some of the most ambitious ever filmed for television.

Apple spent a massive budget to ensure realism—from uniforms to aircraft replicas.

The result is a visually stunning, deeply human war story that hits hard.

If you’re craving prestige storytelling, this is the kind of big-budget epic Netflix rarely attempts anymore.