Best series on Apple TV+ UK in December 2024
AppleTV+ has a wide range of series to binge in December. Although one of the 'newest' streaming services, it quickly transformed itself to be one of the giants in the realm of television. Subscribers can stream a wide range of content, including the captivating docuseries The Secret Lives of Animals.
The Secret Lives of Animals
Documentary
Summary:Created by the acclaimed BBC Studios Natural History Unit and narrated by Hugh Bonneville, The Secret Life of Animals explores unique and extraordinary animal behaviours in the wild. Filmed in 24 countries over the course of 3 years, the ten-part series follows a whopping 77 animal species during pivotal moments in their life cycles.
Why you should watch: The award-winning natural history content from BBC Studios is always worth watching, showcasing the phenomenal natural world with the latest innovations in filmmaking technology. This is their third collaboration with AppleTV+ after the Emmy-nominated series Prehistoric Planet and The Year Earth Changed. It looks set to be a doozy.
Series available December 18
Silo
Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Drama
Summary:A post-apocalyptic drama about what happens when the last remaining humans on Planet Earth, who reside in a silo deep underground, start asking questions. In season two, Rebecca Ferguson’s Juliette attempts the journey home to reveal the truth of the outside world to her people - but head of IT Bernard (Tim Robbins) will stop at nothing to keep her away.
Why you should watch: A lesson in the delights of rich world building, Silo presents a frighteningly plausible dystopian future. This is boosted by a big name cast who bring their A game. As well as Ferguson and Robbins, Rashida Jones, David Oyelowo and Harriet Walter also star.
New series available now
Bad Sisters
Comedy | Crime | Drama
Summary:This Irish black comedy follows five sisters in modern-day Dublin. When Grace's odious husband dies, she and her four sisters find themselves at the centre of a life insurance investigation. The series flips between timelines - one before John's death, in which the sisters are plotting to murder him, and after his death, where an insurance agent attempts to prove their involvement. But did they really do it? Starring Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eve Birthistle, Sarah Green, and Eve Hewson, a second season of Bad Sisters will be dropping in November.
This perfectly balanced murder-mystery and black comedy enthralled fans and critics when it first aired in 2022, later scooping the BAFTA for Best Drama Series. At its heart is a powerful ensemble performance of compelling characters, led by award-winning writer-actress Horgan. Can season two replicate those fabulous heights? As Empire put it: “One of Horgan’s best, Bad Sisters manages to be both a clever murder-mystery and a hilarious farcical comedy, played by an absolutely killer cast.”
New series available now
Where's Wanda?
Drama | Comedy
Summary:Apple TV+'s first German-language original series is a black comedy following a couple as they go looking for their lost daughter. Wanda disappeared without a trace several months ago. Frustrated by the police's lack of progress, her parents take matters into their own hands and begin investigating their neighbours, learning dark secrets about them in the process. Axel Stein and Heike Makatsch lead.
Why you should watch: It's a really interesting premise - a very serious subject that's also funny. Early reviews for the dark comedy are very good too. The Guardian said: "The series feels like a meta-commentary on telly tropes, ranging from the gruesome fates that often meet female leads to the current, slightly prurient enthusiasm for true crime. Intriguing without ever being laugh-out-loud funny."
Available now
Disclaimer
Drama | Mystery
Summary:Cate Blanchett plays a documentary journalist who discovers she is a prominent character in a new novel. However, to her horror, the book reveals a secret that she was hoping would stay hidden forever. Kevin Cline, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Squid Game star HoYeon Jung are also in the cast.
Why you should watch: It's a thrilling concept with a great cast, led by the brilliant Cate Blanchett - why wouldn't you watch it? Despite not even being out yet, the early reviews from critics are pretty promising. It currently has 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, with one critic branding it "unsurprisingly striking". The 2024 psychological thriller was written and directed by Roma's Alfonso Cuarón, based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Renée Knight.
Available now
Shrinking
Comedy
Summary:Jason Segel plays a therapist called Jimmy who has just lost his wife. In his grief, Jimmy breaks ethical barriers by telling his patients what he really thinks about them and their issues. These shocking home truths then have a major impact on not only their lives, but his too. Fantastic Beasts actress Jessica Williams and Star Wars star Harrison Ford are also in the cast. The second series dropped on Apple TV+ on October 16.
Why you should watch: It's an interesting idea executed well with a great cast, and it's surprisingly heartfelt too. The Review Geek has described it as a "cosy comedy drama with a strong empathetic core", while other critics have labelled it as yet another success for the creators, who also made Ted Lasso. With Emmy nominations, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a second season on the way, get on this one while it’s hot!
Series 1 and 2 available now
Before
Drama | Mystery
Summary:Before tells the story of a recently-widowed child therapist who finds himself drawn to a patient called Noah. He becomes convinced the child is connected to his dead wife and his past in a mysterious way. The more time they spend together, the deeper their bond grows. Billy Crystal leads, while Ugly Betty star Judith Light and Oscar-nominated Rosie Perez also feature.
Why you should watch: The premise of this one sounds creepy, haunting, and very intriguing. After tragically losing his wife to suicide, child psychiatrist Eli Adler encounters a troubled young boy who seems to have a haunting connection to Eli's past. The mystery surrounding how Noah fits into Eli's life will surely keep you gripped throughout - as will Billy Crystal's performance.
Available now
Slow Horses
Crime | Drama | Comedy
Summary:Starring Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden, Slow Horses follows a dysfunctional group of MI5 operatives as they attempt to protect England, all while dealing with their frankly obnoxious boss. The fourth season is currently airing on AppleTV+, with episodes running through until mid-October. A fifth season has also been commissioned. Based on the books by Mick Herron (of which there are currently eight).
Why you should watch: Widely regarded as one of the best series AppleTV+ has ever made, Slow Horses makes Line of Duty look amateur. With an all-star cast, clever script - including comedy, drama, action, and explosions - this is a must-watch for fans of gritty dramas with a lighter touch to them. The series has been nominated for several awards, including BAFTAs, Emmys, and Golden Globes. If that doesn't sell it to you, it's also got 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Gary Oldman's performance is frankly spellbinding (and repulsive).
Available now
Bad Monkey
Comedy | Crime
Summary:Vince Vaughn stars as a former police detective who now works as a restaurant inspector. However, when he finds the severed arm of a tourist, he is dragged back into a world of mystery. Joining Vaughn in the cast are Deadpool's Rob Delaney, Mission Impossible's Michelle Monaghan, and Anne Boleyn lead Jodie Turner-Smith.
Why you should watch: If you're in the mood for a murder mystery with plenty of laughs, you're in the right place. It's not a tough watch either, with Empire describing it as a "breezy, paradise-set murder-mystery". It has 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, so if you fancy something a bit more easy-going, this will keep you entertained. And Vince is, as always, very watchable. It's an adaptation of Carl Hiaasen's bestselling cult novel, and the latest effort from Ted Lasso and Shrinking creator Bill Lawrence.
Available now
Sunny
Mystery | Drama | Comedy
Summary:Rashida Jones stars as Suzie, an American woman in Japan whose life is turned upside down when her husband and son go missing. As consolation, the technophobe receives a domestic robot called Sunny from her husband's electronic company. However, this is no ordinary robot...
Why you should watch: If you're a fan of Rashida Jones, then this will be a must-watch, with Empire magazine describing her performance as a "career-best". This sometimes strange yet moving series is both a comedy and a thriller, and a beautifully-written observation on grief and loss. Unsurprisingly, series 1 left many clamouring for a second season to be commissioned. It currently has a score of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and The Guardian called it "excellent".
Available now
Ted Lasso
Comedy | Drama
Summary:This comedy/drama follows an American football coach who is hired to become the manager of an English football team. The owner of the team secretly hopes the appointment will lead the club to disaster, however the opposite happens. Across three seasons, viewers follow Ted and Richmond FC on their football journey. But it's not all headers and volleys, the series is also about the drama that takes place in the dressing room. Starring Jason Sudekis, Hannah Waddingham, Nick Mohammed, and Brett Goldstein, a fourth season has recently been announced.
Why you should watch: Ted Lasso is considered to be one of the jewels in Apple TV+'s crown, and for good reason. The show is one that really put the streaming service on the map in terms of being a serious competitor to the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The best thing about Ted Lasso is that you don't even have to be a football fan to fall in love with it. And if you are a football fan, what are you waiting for?! The show has been nominated for 61 Emmys since it first aired, and won 13. Watch it now!
Available now
Severance
Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Summary:Adam Scott portrays Mark S, an employee at Lumon Industries. Mark agrees to take part in their shocking Severance programme, where his non-work memories are separated from his work memories. In the outside world, Mark can't remember anything about his job. And when he's working, he can't remember his 'real' life as a "outie". In fact, that's the reason why he opted for the procedure - to numb the painful memories of his dead wife.
Why you should watch: One of Apple's best sci-fi series, Severance has received rave reviews since first airing in 2022. Its wildly unique plot makes it a thought-provoking watch, and it's as interesting as it is chilling. Essentially, like Sunny, it's a look at grief, human nature, and the bonds that tie us - with a thriller aspect too. Severance has proven to be something of a hit on the awards circuit too, having been nominated for Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Unsurprisingly, it's been given a green light for series 2, which will land in 2025.
Available now
For All Mankind
Drama | Sci-Fi & Fantasy | War & Politics
Summary:Suicide Squad star Joel Kinnaman stars in this sci-fi drama set in an alternate version of history, imagining if the Soviets had won the space race by landing on the moon first in 1969. Set over the course of four decades, For All Mankind follows the US as they attempt to keep up with the Russians in the space race. There are currently four series, with a fifth on the way. A spin-off, focusing on the Soviet space programme, is currently in development.
Why you should watch: If you're a fan of alternate history dramas like The Man in the High Castle, then this should definitely be on your watch list. And it's not all sci-fi space journeys and rockets blasting off to far-off places, it's also a character drama, with Kinnaman's NASA astronaut Ed at the heart of it. For All Mankind has been a hit in terms of awards, winning a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Emerging Media Program earlier this year. It currently has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92%.
Available now
Lessons in Chemistry
Drama
Summary:Based on the book of the same name, this drama set in the 60s stars Avengers star Brie Larson as a chemist who, when sacked from her job, uses her new role hosting a cooking show to educate housewives on scientific topics.
Why you should watch: As well as having some fantastic performances (in particular from Brie Larson), this series has been classed as a prestige drama and has been widely compared to another hit drama, Mad Men. A "wholly enjoyable watch" says The Guardian, this is a must-see if you're a fan of 60s-set drama, or just the book in general!
Available now
The Morning Show
Drama
Summary:Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon lead this drama inspired by the #metoo scandal. After her co-anchor is sacked amidst a sexual misconduct scandal, Alex (Aniston) fights to retain her job as a top news anchor as she's forced to host alongside Bradley (Witherspoon), whose impulsive actions threaten the network's future. The Office lead Steve Carrell and Loki star Gugu Mbatha-Raw also star. Three seasons are available, with a fourth on the way.
Why you should watch: The awards speak for themselves, if the impressive cast list didn't already. The show has been nominated for 27 Emmys, 10 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and nine Golden Globe Awards. In 2019, a review by The Guardian went so far as to say that the show is "so excellent, it'll make you totally resent Friends" and how "wasted" Jennifer Aniston was on the show. A prestige drama that deals with real-world issues, this is one of the best shows on TV, let alone on Apple TV+.
Available now
Trying
Comedy
Summary:Trying follows Nikki and Jason - played by Esther Smith and Rafe Spall - as they struggle to start a family. In order to have a baby of their own, they decide to adopt, but it isn't as smooth sailing as they hoped. The series follows them as they attempt to navigate the trials and tribulations of adoption. Trying has an all-star cast, with the likes of Imelda Staunton, Phil Davis, Cush Jumbo, and Sian Brooke in the cast. There are four seasons available so far.
Why you should watch: As you might expect with infertility and adoption as a subject matter, one minute you'll be laughing, the next you'll be drying your eyes. Trying is, at heart, relatable. It's a heartwarming, sweet, funny series, with Spall and Smith's chemistry described as "brilliant" and "one of the series' greatest strengths" (The Guardian). Actor Rafe describes it as a "show about good people trying to be good". In fact, in 2024, the co-stars actually revealed they were in love in real life, and expecting their own baby together! It has 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is pretty impressive!
Available now
Black Bird
Drama | Crime
Summary:Kingsman star Taron Egerton portrays convicted criminal Jimmy Keane, who is starting a 10-year prison sentence. However, he is offered a deal - he'll be free if he can get a suspected killer to confess to a murder. The 10-part series follows Jimmy as he takes on the challenge of a lifetime in a bid to free himself. Paul Walter Hauser and Ray Liotta also star.
Why you should watch: Based on real life events, this is a must watch for true crime fans. The plot is based on Larry Hall, a convicted kidnapper and alleged serial killer, who is still alive today. The miniseries focuses on the involvement of James Keene, a former high school football player who was offered a shorter sentence in exchange for befriending Larry Hall in prison. It's a fascinating tale, bought to life with brilliant performances. Hauser actually won a Golden Globe for his role (Egerton was nominated too). The tension is never-ending as James walks a fine line befriending Larry.
Available now
Dickinson
Comedy | Drama
Summary:One of Apple TV+'s early successes, Dickinson is a comedy/drama about American poet Emily Dickinson as she navigates relationships and her romances. Hawkeye star Hailee Steinfeld portrays the titular character who is in love with her brother's fiancée, Sue (Ella Hunt). Unlike traditional historical dramas, Dickinson has anachronistic music and language throughout. There are three seasons available to stream.
Why you should watch: This is a must for historical drama buffs, and book fans. Not only are the performances wonderful - with Steinfeld and Hunt both magnetic - Dickinson became the first Apple TV+ show to win a Peabody Award, which is pretty massive. It's very different from your usual historical drama, but it's definitely not one to be sniffed at. Rotten Tomatoes rates it highly, with the show currently holding a rating of 92%.
Available now
Mythic Quest
Comedy
Summary:Mythic Quest follows the team behind the biggest (fictional) multiplayer video game of all time. When the team isn't building new worlds and characters, they're fighting in the office as they attempt to keep the video game successful. Mythic Quest is written by It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia duo Rob McElhenney (who also stars) and Charlie Day. Ashly Burch, Jessie Ennis, and Imani Hakim also star. There are three seasons currently available.
Why you should watch: If you're a fan of It's Always Sunny then you should definitely give this show a go. It's just as funny (but not as weird or adult!). Mythic Quest notoriously doesn't have the best first episode, but if you stick with it, you'll see why it's become such a smash hit. With a score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Mythic Quest always does well on the awards circuit, with the show nominated for a number of Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards in 2021.
Available now
Servant
Drama | Mystery
Summary:Psychological horror Servant tells the story of a couple in mourning after a tragic accident. They hire a nanny to look after their newborn son. Except, their son is dead and has been replaced by a reborn doll - and they're convinced it's real. Their grief and struggling marriage subsequently allow an evil force to infiltrate their home. Six Feet Under star Lauren Ambrose plays the grieving Dorothy and Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint plays her brother. There are currently four seasons of Servant to stream.
Why you should watch: Yep, it's as creepy, surreal and bonkers as it sounds. But the first series at least is brilliant, dark, eerie, and thrilling. If you don't mind feeling unsettled, Servant is going to be perfect for you. Created by the king of twists, M Night Shyalaman, Servant has been described as being "riveting" (The Playlist) and currently has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 81%.
Available now
Criminal Record
Crime | Drama
Summary:This crime drama features Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi and Vera actress Cush Jumbo as detectives - one a grizzled veteran, the other just starting out in her career. They're forced together when a mysterious phone call revives an old, unsolved murder case. Zoë Wanamaker and Shaun Dooley also feature in this eight-episode series.
Why you should watch: It's a crime drama starring Capaldi and Jumbo, that's why. Two acting powerhouses, going at each other over the course of eight episodes - isn't that enough of a selling point?! With another series in the works - and a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes - this should be one you watch right this very second (or when you've finished this article, at least).
Available now
Pachinko
Drama
Summary:Based on the brilliant book of the same name, Pachinko follows a Korean family across four generations, beginning in 1913 and ending in 1989. In 1931, Sunja leaves her family in Korea - which is under Japanese rule - to live in Koreatown, Osaka, Japan. The series follows the conditions and discrimination experienced by Korean immigrants living in Japan. The Call star Kim Min-ha leads the cast.
Why you should watch: Pachinko is considered to be something of a hidden gem on Apple TV+. With two seasons available, a string of awards, and 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's definitely worth a watch. As The Ringer said in their review, Pachinko "proves itself an exceptional entry in the literary-hit-to-prestige-miniseries pipeline. The tears will flow, and every one is earned." Give the book a read, while you're at it.
Available now
Hijack
Drama
Summary:Idris Elba plays a businessman who finds himself trapped on a seven-hour flight between Dubai and London when the plane is hijacked. Using his powers of negotiation, he must try and broker a peace deal before the plane lands. Peaky Blinders' Neil Maskell also stars, as does Torchwood actress Eve Myles. There is a second season on the way, despite the first series originally intended to be a standalone.
Why you should watch: A story told in real-time, Hijack is an edge of your seat thriller with plenty of twists and turns - perfect if you're after something a bit more exciting. Not so good if you're about to get on a flight for your holibobs. There are heroes and villains, scares and shocks, and Idris Elba smouldering on screen. As a critic from Butler's Cinema Score says Hijack is the "perfect one-day binge" - and who doesn't love one of those?
Available now
Manhunt
Drama | Crime
Summary:Manhunt tells the story of Edward Stanton's search for Abraham Lincoln's murderer following his assassination. Game of Thrones star Tobias Menzies plays Stanton. Also in the cast are Tolkien's Anthony Boyle, 13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn, and The Walk's Lovie Simone.
Why you should watch: A historical conspiracy thriller based on real life events? Yes, please! Manhunt has had some great reviews since its release, with Menzies receiving a Gotham TV Awards nomination for his portrayal of Stanton. As Rotten Tomatoes says, Manhunt is "addicting entertainment". It has a score of 88%.
Available now
The incredible series on offer from Apple TV+ proves it is a real competitor against some of the best known streaming giants out there. The only thing you need to do, is to choose which one to watch first?
