Apple TV+: 5 GREAT Shows to Watch This Weekend For Free
By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.
Apple TV Plus, the streaming service which costs $9.99 a month, has been compared favorably to HBO during that channel’s glory days when it produced such classic TV as The Sopranos, The Wire and Game of Thrones. Since it’s Easter weekend, when many people have an extra day or two off to watch TV, let’s look at five original shows on Apple TV Plus that I would highly recommend. And you can check them out without even having to pay thanks to the streamer’s seven-day free trial. Apple TV Plus is also offering the first three months of a subscription for just $2.99 for each month.
Five GREAT Shows On Apple TV Plus
Severance
Adam Scott plays Mark S., an emotionally damaged man who agrees to work at a mysterious company called Lumon which promises to block his depression during his work hours. While there, however, Mark and his co-workers discover that Lumon may be keeping secrets that threaten their very existence inside and outside the office. The sci-fi black comedy – and how’s that for a unique genre – is a fascinating portrait of human frailties and the human survival instinct. The superb supporting cast includes John Turturro, Britt Lower, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Patricia Arquette and Tramell Tillman. Both season one and two are now available on Apple TV Plus.
Your Friends & Neighbors
Jon Hamm stars as a recently divorced and unemployed New York hedge fund manager who decides to rob his neighbors’ homes to maintain his lavish lifestyle. The black comedy also stars Amanda Peet as his ex-wife and Olivia Munn as his booty call pal but Hamm is the reason to stream in. The Mad Man star has managed to eclipse his fame in the AMC series with terrific performances in such shows as Landman, Fargo and The Morning Show. And Hamm is perfect here as a world-weary executive elite who will stoop to almost anything to preserve his comfortable existence. He’s sort of Don Draper without the pitch meeting speeches. The first three episodes of season one are now available on Apple TV Plus.
Sugar
Colin Farrell stars as a neo noirish detective in Los Angeles who’s hired to find the missing granddaughter of a Hollywood producer. The eight-episode series works well as a conventional mystery, but it has a midway twist that turns it into something completely different — and all for the good. Farrell is excellent as the detective, John Sugar, and the outstanding supporting cast includes James Cromwell as the producer, Amy Ryan as the missing girl’s musician Mom and Dennis Boutsikaris as the girl’s father. Sugar will keep you guessing and entertained from beginning to end. Season two is in the works.
Hijack
Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther) plays a master negotiator who must use his special skills to stay alive when the plane he’s on is hijacked by a somewhat dysfunctional team of terrorists. Like Sugar, Hijack doesn’t rely on conventional storylines. Just when you think you understand why the plane has been hijacked, the show peels back another layer of the onion, revealing more details about the whys and whos. Elba, who exploded onto the scene with his portrayal of the drug dealer, Stringer Bell, in HBO’s The Wire, is the best he’s ever been since that show. Like the terrorists, Elba’s character has conflicting motivations which are slowly revealed throughout the seven-episode series and the actor does a splendid job of keeping his cards close to the vest until each revelation is served. Great show, great performance. Season one is now available on Apple TV Plus.
Black Bird
Based on a true story, the six-episode Black Bird stars Taron Egerton as a drug dealer who’s sentenced to 10 years but is given an opportunity for early release if he can persuade a fellow inmate (Paul Walter Hauser) to reveal where he buried the bodies of 14 women he murdered. Black Bird is a taut and fascinating drama with outstanding performances from both Egerton and Hauser. The late Ray Liotta is also a welcome addition playing Egerton’s Dad in one of his last roles. Season one, the only in the series, is now available on Apple TV Plus.
What Is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is a streaming service similar to Hulu, Max and Netflix. The biggest difference between Apple TV+ and its rivals is that its lineup consists of almost all original programming rather than a mix of original fare and older titles licensed from other programming companies. In addition to shows and movies, the streamer also carries two sports exclusives – Friday night Major League Baseball games and the MLS Season Pass soccer plan. The baseball games are free with an Apple TV+ subscription while the soccer package costs $12.99 a month if you are a subscriber. However, there is now a one-month free trial for MLS Season Pass. See this article for more details.
Does Apple TV+ Include Ads?
No. The shows and movies do not include ads.
Why Is Apple TV+ Called the New HBO?
The service has developed a reputation for creating what has become known as ‘Prestige TV’ shows and movies, the kind that once was associated with HBO. The shows, such as Severance from director/actor Ben Stiller, Wild Horses starring Gary Oldman, and Ted Lasso starring Jason Sudeikis, are often provocative and targeted to sophisticated audiences. Consequently, the streamer’s programming has generated strong critical responses and industry awards.
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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
