5 Most Underrated Apple TV Shows You Should Be Watching in 2026

Apple TV has a plethora of original series that often go under the radar because its stellar prestige shows tend to take the spotlight. The streaming landscape is experiencing a golden era of television, driven in part by Apple’s dedication to quality storytelling. Some even say that Apple invests more in quality than in promoting these shows, which may help explain why so many of them remain underrated despite their exceptionally high quality.

So, if you’re done with mainstream shows and want to dive into Apple TV’s deeper cuts, there are series like Colin Farrell’s sci-fi thriller Sugar, along with offbeat, humorous shows like Mythic Quest. Here are five of the most underrated shows on Apple TV that you should be watching in 2026.

1 Hijack (2023 – Present)

Idris Elba shines in this real-time thriller on Apple TV, playing a corporate hostage negotiator in a performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show does a great job of escalating the stakes, moving from country to country as people are taken hostage in different settings. Despite polarizing reviews, Hijack remains one of Apple TV’s most underrated original series, offering the kind of fun, ’90s-style popcorn thriller that’s easy to enjoy.

Hijack completed its second season this year, with FandomWire’s Richard Valero giving it high praise for its thrilling story. The show makes excellent use of Idris Elba’s ability to command attention, delivering an intense performance as a negotiator who knows when to show restraint.

2 Star City (2026 – Present)

The alternate-history spinoff of For All Mankind imagines a version of the space race in which the Soviets beat everyone to the moon. The show is filled with paranoia, secrets, and tense space-thriller moments, while still carrying the prestige of a flagship series. Star City deserves more attention for putting character-driven storytelling first without sacrificing its larger narrative, making it one of the most underrated shows on Apple TV.

Star City is currently in its first season, making now the perfect time to start watching. If you’re in the mood for old-school KGB espionage mixed with outer-space missions, this show offers exactly the right blend.

3 Mythic Quest (2020 – 2025)

Rob McElhenney created something offbeat and hilarious with Mythic Quest, a workplace comedy centered on the many woes and challenges of a video game company. With memorable characters and episodes that aren’t afraid to explore what drives art and innovation, the series is both heartwarming and cynical. For viewers looking for something like Silicon Valley or The IT Crowd, this series is a great binge and one of the best shows on Apple TV.

Mythic Quest ended after four seasons and received a special finale for fans following its cancellation, making it a solid binge for video game enthusiasts. FandomWire’s Alan French gave the show a 7/10, calling it “one of the funnier and more heartfelt shows on Apple TV.”

4 Bad Sisters (2022 – Present)

Sharon Horgan blends black comedy with a tightly wound thriller in Bad Sisters, which follows a group of Irish sisters plotting the murder of their brother-in-law. Balancing both tones expertly, the series delivers a genuinely compelling mystery that will hook you from the very first episode. Bad Sisters is easily one of the most underrated shows on Apple TV, thanks to its brilliant cast chemistry and gripping narrative.

With FandomWire’s Sean Boleman calling the show “a unique specimen,” we highly recommend it for viewers looking for something unafraid to go in bold, unexpected directions.

5 Sugar (2024 – Present)

Colin Farrell steps into neo-noir territory with a sci-fi twist in Sugar. It’s one of Apple TV’s newer series and remains underrated despite the star power of its lead. The midseason twist caused some viewers to drop the show, but those who stick with it will find a truly original story that offers sharp commentary on media obsession. Farrell once again delivers a powerful performance, playing a cinephile private investigator in this gorgeously shot series.

Sugar is currently in its second season, with our critic M.N. Miller giving the new season a stellar 9/10 score. The show continues to move forward boldly despite polarizing reviews, and Colin Farrell demonstrates how a noir protagonist can carry a unique narrative with style.

Here is a table of the shows mentioned along with their ratings.

ShowIMDb Rating
(as of June 24, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes Score
(as of June 24, 2026)

Hijack (2023 – Present)	7.3/10	82%
Star City (2026 – Present)	7.0/10	97%
Mythic Quest (2020 – 2025)	7.7/10	96%
Bad Sisters (2022 – Present)	8.2/10	88%
Sugar (2024 – Present)	7.4/10	88%

Which show do you plan to watch? Let us know in the comments.

All shows are streaming on Apple TV in the U.S.