The 10 Best Apple TV+ Original Series From 2021, Ranked By IMDb

Although Apple TV+ is still much newer to the streaming service game than many out there, it has quickly carved out a niche as a place to find great television. The platform has already scored multiple Emmy victories and features some of the most well-received shows in recent memory.

2021 was mostly a strong year for Apple TV+ on the television side of things. Debuting series didn’t really get the most impressive reviews but most of the returning shows did well. Looking at the average ratings on IMDb across each episode of these new seasons gives a good indication of what the platform’s best content is.

10 The Morning Show Season 2 (7.3)

The majority of the returning shows on the streaming service continued their consistent ratings on IMDb and with critics. Unfortunately, one that seemed to slip in quality was The Morning Show, which was the flagship series of sorts that Apple TV+ really hung its hat on in the early days.

Following the dramatic ending to season 1 where UBA and higher-ups were exposed for their knowledge of sexual misconduct, season 2 had a lot to live up to. COVID-19 played a part in the season’s struggles with some disjointed storylines happening due to it. Of course, the performances of Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Steve Carell were still praised.

9 Foundation (7.4)

One new series to truly stand out in 2021 was Foundation. This epic sci-fi show is based on the book series also called Foundation and focuses on a group of exiled people scattered across planets who must defy the Galactic Empire they live under in order to save it.

With the likes of David S. Goyer behind the show and the high concept, it had a lot of lofty expectations but mostly lived up to them. Critics felt there were a few hiccups with adapting the source material but it was more than made up for by the work of the cast and the production value.

8 Servant Season 2 (7.5)

If something is made by M. Night Shyamalan, there’s almost a toss-up as to how it will be received. Will it be beloved like The Sixth Sense or Split or will it get panned like The Happening or Lady in the Water? He works as an executive producer on Servant (written and created by Tony Basgallop), which has gotten solid acclaim so far.

The show follows a couple struggling with the loss of their newborn son. They’re given a lifelike reborn doll and when a nanny is hired to help look after it, strange things begin happening all over the home. With season 3 set to release in early 2022, it’s the best time to give this series a chance.

7 Home Before Dark Season 2 (7.7)

A show that has flown under the radar on Apple TV+ is Home Before Dark. After breaking out as a young star in 2017’s The Florida Project, Brooklynn Prince has been popping up everywhere and she leads this cast as Hilde Lisko, a real life teenage journalist.

Inspired by Lisko’s life, Home Before Dark sees the protagonist visit her father’s small town and uncover secrets about a cold case thanks to her ruthless sleuthing skills. Both the mystery aspects and the fantastic effort from Prince in the lead role were met with critical acclaim.

6 See Season 2 (7.9)

There were some people who were turned off by the concept of See. Set in a world where everyone is blind until a set of twins are born with sight, it can be a lot to take in. However, the slick action sequences and the charisma of Jason Momoa helped make this a hit.

Season 2 managed to improve on things by introducing Dave Bautista as Edo Voss, the younger brother of Momoa’s Baba Voss. Their scenes together were tremendous to watch and it helped the series get renewed for a third season that has already wrapped filming. Fans are eagerly awaiting it.

5 Trying Season 2 (7.9)

Another Apple TV+ series that not a lot of people might know about currently is Trying. Created by Andy Wolton, the British comedy show focuses on a couple who has trouble conceiving a baby, leading them to try adoption which comes with its own new set of obstacles.

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith have received praise for their performances as the lead couple, Jason and Nikki, respectively. Season 2 saw the series really put the focus on the adoption process, which made the setup feel fresh and episodes were given good ratings on IMDb.

4 For All Mankind Season 2 (8.0)

In what is certainly the most ambitious project for the streaming service, For All Mankind sees an alternate history where the Soviet Union won the space race and explores the follow-up of how that changed advancements in technology and many other events.

Season 2 upped the ante with some big action sequences happening on the moon after both Americans and Russians placed bases there. With a dramatic finale that saw the tragic death of two popular characters and a tantalizing tease of another time jump, season 2 was a hit that set up season 3 well.

3 Mythic Quest Season 2 (8.1)

Considering It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is considered one of the funniest sitcoms ever (and is now the longest-running live-action one), it makes sense that Mythic Quest has also been successful. The show was created by Rob McElhenney, Megan Ganz, and Charlie Day of IASIP fame.

Though the tone of this series is different, it’s still hilarious and features some memorable characters. The show is a workplace comedy dealing with developers at a fictional game studio. After season 1 was great, season 2 and the quarantine specials did well, leading to two more seasons being announced.

2 Ted Lasso Season 2 (8.4)

If you weren’t watching Ted Lasso already, it might’ve gained you as a fan thanks to the dominating performance it had the Emmy Awards, racking up the wins. Season 2 saw Ted, his friends, and his team work together to try and get them promoted back into the Premier League.

Along with the great sports scenes, the already iconic characters, and the non-stop laughs from great running gags, the show also tackled serious issues. There were significant episodes surrounding mental health, suicide, and more. The show expertly balances these things in a way that almost no other show can.

1 Dickinson Seasons 2 & 3 (8.5)

Hailee Steinfeld just doesn’t seem to miss these days. The tail end of 2021 saw her star in Arcane and Hawkeye, which were both met with widespread acclaim. However, her best work might still be as famous poet Emily Dickinson in Dickinson, which saw the series come to an end after three seasons.

Interestingly, both seasons 2 and 3 aired during 2021. Season 3 had major ramifications as everyone dealt with the ongoing Civil War, Austin’s falling out with his father, and Emily’s relationship with Sue now that the latter had a baby. The show kept with its sometimes absurd humor while never losing the drama and went out on a high note.

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