Apple TV makes great shows that somehow never enter the mainstream conversation in a way Separation or Ted Lasso he did. These three nominees all share that frustrating pattern, filled with critical praise, loved by the people who received them, and no longer considered a crime.
Among them, you find a mystical comedy, a sweeping historical drama, and a sharp workplace sitcom, which is proof that Apple’s range goes beyond their biggest hits. If you’re looking for something really cool that’s flown under your radar, start here.
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Mythic Quest (2020)
Type: Humor at Work
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Set inside the chaotic offices of a video game studio, this comedy follows the dysfunctional team behind a popular video game as they juggle egos, deadlines, and the occasional creative meltdown. Rob McElhenney and Charlotte Nicdao have amazing chemistry as a creative director and an underappreciated engineer who keep clashing despite (or because of) how much they respect each other.
The show takes creative risks as well, occasionally letting the main characters go entirely with stand-alone episodes that hit harder than you’d expect from a comedy. Mythic Quest ran for four ridiculous seasons and never quite became the cult hit it deserved to be. If you’ve ever worked on a high-powered creative team, you’ll see all the chaos here.
You can watch Mythic Quest on Apple TV.
Pachinko (2022)
Type: Historical Drama
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
This multi-generational saga follows a Korean family over nearly seven decades, traveling between Japanese-occupied Korea and 1980s New York in a plot that crosses timelines. The show is filmed in Korean, Japanese, and English, and that option alone adds a layer of authenticity rarely seen on American broadcast platforms.
Youn Yuh-jung’s performance as the older version of the lead character has an emotional weight that sneaks up on you episode after episode. Despite landing on many of the best lists for 2022, the show’s creator said that Apple is still deciding on a third season based on its view, which is wild (replace this word) with something announced. Still, Pachinko is a slow-burning epic that rewards patience.
You can watch Pachinko on Apple TV.
Grand Prize of the Department (2023)
Type: Sci-Fi Comedy, Mystery
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
A mysterious arcade machine appears in an ordinary small town store and claims to reveal the true power of an individual’s life. That one premise sends the entire city into an identity crisis. Chris O’Dowd anchors the show as a high school teacher who never stops asking himself if he’s living up to his potential, and the writing doesn’t rush for answers. It plays more like a slow character study than a sci-fi mystery, which is part of why it works so well. If you love the small-town charm of Schitt’s Creek but also want something a little more original, this underground show on Apple TV is a must-see.
You can watch Door Grand Prize on Apple TV.
