8 Must-Watch AppleTV+ Shows Of 2024

Whether you are in the mood for intense action, deep character exploration, or a good laugh, AppleTV+ shows promise to deliver top-notch entertainment. With star-studded casts and compelling narratives, AppleTV+ is out with new shows this summer. From Presumed Innocent to Palm Royale, here are eight must-watch shows to add to your watchlist.

Must-Watch AppleTV+ Shows Of 2024

Presumed Innocent

Based on Scott Turow’s novel, Presumed Innocent features a star-studded cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal and Elizabeth Marvel. The legal thriller follows prosecutor Rusty Sabich (Gyllenhaal) as he finds himself on the other side of the law, defending his innocence in the murder of a colleague.

With themes of obsession, sex, politics, and power, this series flips the traditional script, showing a respected lawyer relying on the justice system and the trust of his colleagues and family to clear his name. The show’s compelling storyline and stellar cast make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Dark Matter

Dark Matter is a sci-fi thriller based on Blake Crouch’s novel. The series stars Joel Edgerton as Jason, a physicist who is abducted and thrust into an alternate version of his own life. Desperate to return home and protect his family from his alternate self, Jason navigates a series of mind-bending realities.

The show’s talented cast and nightmarish visuals bring the existential and thought-provoking story to life. With Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, and Jimmi Simpson also starring, Dark Matter promises tension, excitement, and a deep dive into alternate realities.

Franklin

In Franklin, Michael Douglas stars as Benjamin Franklin in this biographical drama miniseries. Spanning eight episodes, the series begins in 1776 and follows Franklin’s secret mission to France with his grandson Temple (Noah Jupe). Despite his age and lack of diplomatic training, Franklin’s charm and charisma won over the French monarchy, supporting America’s fight for independence. Based on Stacy Schiff’s novel A Great Improvisation, the series showcases Douglas’s captivating performance, highlighting Franklin’s pivotal role in American history.

Sugar

Colin Farrell leads the drama Sugar, a fresh take on the classic private detective story. Farrell plays John Sugar, a private investigator hired to find the missing granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell). As Sugar digs deeper, he uncovers the Siegel family’s hidden secrets.

Sugar’s character is complex, battling personal demons while maintaining a kind heart. His internal monologues reveal his aversion to hurting others, even when necessary. This unique detective story blends mystery with deep character exploration.

Manhunt

Manhunt follows the real-life events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Tobias Menzies stars as Edwin Stanton, who organised the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle), Lincoln’s assassin. The series explores the larger conspiracy behind the assassination and Booth’s dramatic escape. Based on James L. Swanson’s bestselling book, Manhunt combines historical drama with conspiracy thriller elements, offering a fresh perspective on one of history’s most infamous crimes. With its well-crafted narrative and engaging action, the series promises to keep viewers hooked.

Palm Royale

Set in the late 1960s, Palm Royale is a period comedy-drama that immerses viewers in the world of high society in Palm Beach, Florida. Kristen Wiig stars as Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, an average woman determined to join the elite Palm Royale country club. Her journey involves numerous mishaps, including car accidents, arranging an abortion, and stealing clothes from her comatose aunt. With the help of Dinah (Leslie Bibb), Max finally gains sponsorship for the club, but her climb up the social ladder is far from over. Palm Royale masterfully blends drama and comedy with sharp social commentary, making it a standout show for 2024.

Bad Monkey

Created by Bill Lawrence, known for his work on Ted Lasso and Shrinking, Bad Monkey follows Andrew Yancy (Vince Vaughn), a former detective now inspecting restaurants in Southern Florida. The story kicks off when Yancy discovers a severed arm found by a tourist, drawing him into a darkly humorous investigation of greed and corruption affecting both Florida and the Bahamas. The series blends dark humour and emotional depth, with a glimpse into the complex lives of several Floridian characters.

Constellation

Constellation follows a dramatic space disaster where an unidentified object strikes the International Space Station, killing one astronaut and severely damaging the station's systems and a Soyuz descent module. 

Three surviving astronauts evacuate in the functioning Soyuz module, leaving Swedish astronaut Johanna "Jo" Ericsson from the European Space Agency behind to repair the damaged Soyuz. Upon her return to Earth with the deceased crewmate's body, Jo discovers that aspects of her life are either missing or altered from her memories.