Must Watch Shows
- TEAM TANDA
- Jul 18, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 4
We LOVE a good TV show. There are so many out there, so let us help you pick what to watch the next time you want to rot on the couch.
Today we attended the Apple TV press launch, which means we got to hear from the cast and writers directly about all the new shows and movies coming out this year.
We are massive Apple TV fans (as you all know) and we think what separates it from other streaming services is how curated and thoughtful they are about what shows/movies they choose to film. It really feels like we haven’t watched a bad show on Apple TV!
So on that note, we are excited for some new movies & shows to watch.
Here are our top picks…
Pluribus
Themes: sci-fi, drama, comedy
Short Bio:
The series follows novelist Carol Sturka as she navigates a world where a mysterious, non-malicious virus transforms humanity into a content, peaceful hive mind, leaving her as one of the few immune survivors.
Our take:
An unusual and interesting take on an alien invasion. It’s a dystopian story that doesn’t feel that way at first. It’s funny and mysterious and heart breaking and usual all at once. And the best part is that the main character, Carol is a lesbian woman! Let’s go lesbians!! This show has a lot of hype around it, but it lives up to it!
Season 1:
Now streaming
Imperfect Women
Themes: Mystery, psychological thriller, crime, friendship
Short Bio:
Based on Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, ‘Imperfect Woman’ examines a crime that shatters the lives of three women in a decades-long friendship.
Our take:
Excited to watch this as we heard the series is told from each of the women’s perspective and that is always an interesting take of a storyline. The cast described this show as a raw take on the complexities of female friendship showing all the dark parts of it like guilt, shame and secrets. One of our favourite actresses of all time is Kerry Washington, so we’re excited to see her shine in this one!
Release Date:
March 18 2026
Outcome
Themes: Dark, comedy, drama
Short Bio:
“Outcome” is a dark comedy that centres on Reef Hawk, a beloved Hollywood star who must dive into the depths of his hidden demons after he is extorted with a mysterious video that’s sure to shatter his image and end his career. With the support of his lifelong besties Kyle, and Xander, along with his crisis lawyer Ira, Reef embarks on a soul-searching journey to make amends with anyone he could have possibly wronged in hopes of identifying the blackmailer.
Our take:
We got a sneak peak at the trailer for this one and it’s so hard to describe what our interpretation of this movie is. It visually looks dreamy, but the characters definitely go deep and have to face some of their darkest moments to get through the drama and chaos that unfolds. Very excited for this one!
Release Date:
April 10 2026
Your Friends & Neighbors
Themes: Drama, Crime, Comedy
Short Bio:
After being fired in disgrace, Andrew “Coop” Cooper, a hedge fund manager still grappling with his recent divorce, resorts to stealing from his neighbours’ homes in the exceedingly affluent Vestment Village, only to discover that the secrets and affairs hidden behind those wealthy facades might be more dangerous than he ever imagined.
Our take:
This show has potential to become iconic, similar to how desperate housewives dominated for years! We haven’t watched S1 yet, but after hearing about S2 and the dynamic between cast members off screen - we are curious to see what all the hype is about. The key takeaway is that this show focuses on how money effects real world relationships and communities, so if your curious like us, maybe this is one to add to your list too!
Season 2 Release Date:
3rd April 2026
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
Themes: Dark, comedy, thriller, sexual
Short Bio:
“Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” follows newly divorced mom Paula as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole of blackmail, murder and youth soccer. Convinced she witnessed a crime – while simultaneously struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis – Paula begins her own investigation, one that could unravel a greater conspiracy while also holding the keys to rebuilding her family and sense of self.
Our Take:
This story is all about an overwhelmed mum gets pulled into an abnormal world. The world of cam boys and hustlers. We got to watch the trailer that’s not out yet, but let me tell you… it looks fast paced, intense and terrifying! We don’t usually watch shows like this but it kind of peaked our curiosity, so we’ll definitely give it a watch!
Release Date:
May 20 2026
Some other AppleTV faves of ours....
Foundation - AppleTV+ Original
Themes: Sci-Fi, Futuristic, Mystery
Short Bio:
The fate of an entire galaxy rests on the beliefs of Dr. Hari Seldon (Jared Harris). Will his conviction save humanity or doom it? Based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov, Foundation chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilisation amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.
Our take:
I'd have to say this is now one of our favourite shows of all time! Hangingggg for season 3 to come out. 😭
There are many storylines and 'main characters' in this series and they are all great for different reasons. Heaps of twists and the storyline is super interesting the entire way through.
SILO - AppleTV Original
Themes: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Dystopian Future
Short Bio:
In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo.
Our take:
Season 1 had us on the edge of our seat every episode. Hooked us right from the start!
We loved watching Rebecca Ferguson in Dune, so we were keen to see her playing a main character role in this series. I teared up a few times throughout S1 which goes to show the acting and storytelling in this series is great! S2 was definitely slower and felt like a bridge to series 3, so it kind of left us disappointed. It didn’t really didn’t hit the emotional chord like S1 did because we weren’t as connected to the characters. The storyline is still super interesting, I just wish it was on x2 speed. Based off the last 5 minutes of the season it looks like we will be going back in time in S3 to understand why the area above the Silo is uninhabitable so fingers crossed they can pull it off!!
Severance - AppleTV+ Original
Themes: Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Psychological thriller, Soap opera, Drama, Utopian and Dystopian fiction
Short Bio:
From Ben Stiller and creator Dan Erickson, Severance centers around Mark Scout (Adam Scott), a leader of a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives.
Our take:
Heart-wrenching, weird, shocking and unexpected.
S2 of severance had so many intense moments, emotional stories and deep dives into the characters we love.
It really felt like the Severance Universe expanded this season as we got to see a lot beyond the clinical walls of Lumon but also a lot more rooms inside the facility too.
We have some theories starting to form about why this place exists and how all of the different departments are working on the same end goal… but figuring out what is a misdirection vs. important information is challenging since the whole show is strange.
We love the detail this show puts into its language, symbols, departments and camera angles. It’s a masterpiece in the making and could go down as one of the best shows of all time rivalling ‘Lost’ with it’s mysterious and drawn-out storyline.
The pacing of Severance is soooo slow and when episodes finish you are usually left with a feeling of ‘wtf just happened’, but there is something addictive about it that keeps you coming back.
Judging by how S2 ended, S3 will be explosive.
Dark Matter - AppleTV+ Original
Themes: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Novel, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction
Short Bio:
Dark Matter is a sci-fi thriller series based on the blockbuster book by acclaimed, bestselling author Blake Crouch. The nine-episode series features an ensemble cast that includes Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi and Oakes Fegley.
Our take:
Really enjoyed this show as there were heaps of twists and turns. If you like sci-fi and want something different this is a great short series to binge!
NETFLIX SHOWS:
Squid Game 3
Themes: Dystopian, Thriller, Horror
Short bio on Season 3:
A failed rebellion, the death of a friend, and a secret betrayal. Picking up in the aftermath of Season 2’s bloody cliffhanger, the third and final season of Netflix’s most popular series finds Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, at his lowest point yet. But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve. With each round, their choices lead to increasingly grave consequences. Meanwhile, In-ho resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the elusive island, unaware there’s a traitor in their midst. Will Gi-hun make the right decisions, or will Front Man finally break his spirit?
Our Take:
Squid Game has been a global phenomenon. It's shocking and thrilling all at the same time. I'll never forget watching the first game, Red Light Green Light and picking my jaw up off the floor once the game ended.
Every episode in this series has some sort of mystery to it, so it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Nothing beats S1 but the entire series is worth the watch as there is nothing like it!
Stranger Things 5
Themes: Sci-fi, Horror, Mystery, Drama
Short bio:
When a young boy named Will Byers disappears, a group of his friends, his mother Joyce, and the town's police chief, Jim Hopper, uncover a mystery involving a government laboratory, supernatural forces, and a young girl with telekinetic powers named Eleven. They soon realise they're facing a threat from an alternate dimension called the Upside Down.
Our Take: Loveeee Stranger Things! The storyline, the actors and set design are just some of the things that make this series a stand out. And can I just say... even as a grown woman, I am still terrified of Vecna.
Bridgerton - Netflix
Themes: Romantic TV Dramas, TV Dramas, TV Shows Based on Books, Period Pieces
Short Bio:
As a new crop of debutantes yearns to become the brightest of the ball, a wallflower with a double life finds her light amid secrets and surprises.
Our take:
Absolutely love all of the characters, set & costume design in this. We feel like despite the fact there’s a lot of gossip and drama in the show, it’s not the type that makes you feel anxious! It’s more of an exciting watch where you’re on the edge of your couch hoping for happy endings. A really great modern take on older times!
How to Get Away with Murder - Netflix
Themes: Legal thriller, Mystery
Short Bio:
Brilliant criminal defense attorney and law professor Annalise Keating, plus five of her students, become involved in a twisted murder case.
Our take:
PLOT TWISTS AT EVERY TURN. We feel like in this show you love every character, then you hate them, then you love them, then they frustrate you. We love that any questions the show brings up always gets answered in the end so it’s a satisfying watch. You really don’t know what’s coming next in this show. The last season or two does feel like it drags a little but overall is a fantastic show.
Avatar: Last Airbender (Cartoon Version) - Netflix
Themes: Family Time TV, Kids' TV, TV Cartoons, Fantasy TV Shows
Short Bio:
Siblings Katara and Sokka wake young Aang from a long hibernation and learn he's an Avatar, whose air-bending powers can defeat the evil Fire Nation.
Our take:
We absolutely adore this show. It’s such a wholesome and fulfilling show to watch. Despite the fact it’s a cartoon, every episode has a mini life lesson that you can take away from it. Each of the characters storyline’s are so deep, you actually love every character but for different reasons (even the bad ones)! And the ending and storyline is just everything! I love that they didn’t drag out the show just because it was performing well, it’s the perfect length and each episode feels like it has a purpose to the overall storyline.
Inventing Anna - Netflix
Themes: TV Dramas, US TV Shows, TV Shows Based on Real Life
Short Bio:
Audacious entrepreneur or con artist? A journalist chases down the story of Anna Delvey, who convinced New York's elite she was a German heiress.
Our take:
THE BEST. It is absolutely mind boggling the things the main character was able to get away with for so long. The story is such an interesting one especially because it’s based on a real life experience. Alessia feels like Anna is a boss, you feel both happy but also sorry for her.
That's So Raven - Disney+
Themes: Comedy, Family/Children
Short Bio:
Raven Baxter is a typical teenager who just happens to be psychic. The only problem is that Raven's sneak peeks into the future can make her (and her best friends Eddie and Chelsea) jump to the wrong conclusions. Somehow, they manage to create more comedic problems than they solve!
Our take:
One of our favourite childhood shows that still makes us laugh every time we watch! Whenever we need a mood booster, we chuck some Raven on!
Scandal - Disney+
Themes: Drama, Thriller
Short Bio:
Olivia Pope, former head of media relations to the President, opens her own firm. She and her team use their skills to become the most formidable problem solvers in Washington.
Our take:
One of our top 5 favourite TV shows, this series is KILLER! It follows the life of a publicist that needs to diffuse scandals for high ranking politicians and powerful people. Meanwhile, if you watch the entire series, the main character becomes a bit of a publicity nightmare for the white house herself. Would watch this again it was so good!
Gray's Anatomy - Disney+
Themes: Medical, Romantic, Melodrama, Ensemble Drama
Short Bio:
The high-intensity medical drama follows Meredith Grey and the team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial who are faced with life-or-death decisions on a daily basis. They seek comfort from one another, and, at times, more than just friendship.
Our take:
Despite the fact that I have only watched 5 seasons I really LOVE this show! I think there’s a character and also a storyline which everyone and anyone can relate to. It’s got a perfect mixture of drama and comedy, and I really like that although they’re working at a hospital doing surgery it’s not super gruesome!
The only reason I haven’t continued to watch the show was because there’s 20 seasons and that feels like a huge commitment I’m not ready to make yet. But overall the show is fantastic!
The Kardashians - Disney+
Themes: Reality-TV
Short Bio:
The family you know and love is back with a brand-new series that gives an all-access pass into their lives. Kris, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie bring the cameras back to reveal the truth behind the headlines. From the intense pressures of running billion-dollar businesses to the hilarious joys of playtime and school drop-offs, this series brings viewers into the fold with a rivetingly-honest story of life and love in the spotlight.
Our take:
Reality TV that is so far from our reality is so interesting 😂. A lot of people don't like the Kardashians, but after watching their show for many seasons now, you can't dispute they are masters of staying relevant. Even though more recent seasons feel like an Advertisement, we still keep watching every season.
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