Top 5 Must-Watch Apple TV Shows This Week: Dec 29–Jan 4, 2026

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This week, from December 29th to January 4th, 2026, Apple TV has a lot to offer. Here are five of the best shows, including some excellent, lesser-known miniseries and critically praised releases from 2025 that you shouldn’t miss.

If you’re looking for something new to watch, let me tell you about five Apple TV+ series that are definitely worth checking out. Ebaster’s got a great rundown of what’s hot on all the major streamers – Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Paramount+ – and honestly, any of these five shows will keep you hooked as you head into the New Year. I highly recommend giving them a look!

Government Cheese

The comedy-drama series Government Cheese debuted in April and finished its 10-episode run in late May. The show, which didn’t get much attention, features David Oyelowo (known for Lawmen: Bass Reeves) as Hampton Chambers, a former prisoner attempting to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family.

Set in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles during the late 1960s, Government Cheese is a funny and unusual show that mixes family drama with surreal, often absurd, moments. Inspired by co-creator Paul Hunter’s own upbringing, it’s a surprisingly good series that many people haven’t discovered. Hopefully, Apple TV will renew it for a second season.

With a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and positive feedback from viewers who enjoyed its distinctive and comforting vibe, Government Cheese is a hidden gem on Apple TV worth checking out this week. It’s one of the platform’s most underrated new shows of 2025.

Lady in the Lake

Natalie Portman, the Academy Award-winning actress, makes her debut as the lead in a TV series with Lady in the Lake. Fans won’t want to miss it! This limited series, with only seven episodes, is set in 1960s Baltimore, offering a fresh change of scenery from the usual Los Angeles settings.

“Lady in the Lake” is a murder mystery set in the past, blending a whodunnit plot with a look at society during that time. The show stars Mikey Madison, Moses Ingram, Brett Gelman, and others, and it received a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s based on the novel of the same name by Laura Lippman.

Natalie Portman plays Maddie Schwartz, a privileged woman who feels unfulfilled and wishes she’d followed her dream of becoming a journalist. She fixates on a local cold case – the murder of a young woman – and becomes determined to solve it and bring the killer to justice, no matter the cost.

Murderbot

Released in 2025, Murderbot quickly became a hit on Apple TV+, joining the platform’s growing collection of groundbreaking science fiction. The series, which premiered in May, was one of Apple TV+’s most popular shows that spring, and after its finale in July, it was renewed for another season.

Featuring Alexander Skarsgard as a security robot questioning its own existence, Murderbot has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, earning a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series is adapted from the novel All Systems Red by Martha Wells and also includes performances by David Dastmalchian, John Cho, Clark Gregg, Jack McBrayer, and other talented actors.

If you enjoy sci-fi shows on Apple TV+ like Severance, For All Mankind, and Silo, you’ll probably love Murderbot. It’s a clever series that mixes thought-provoking concepts with a witty sense of humor. Plus, with episodes ranging from 22 to 34 minutes, it’s a quick and easy show to binge-watch this week.

Chief of War

Chief of War is a sweeping historical drama created and led by Jason Momoa. The show tells the story of how the Hawaiian Islands were united, told from the perspective of the native Hawaiian people. It focuses on Ka’iana, a Hawaiian war chief played by Momoa, and premiered in August as one of Apple TV+’s biggest new shows of 2025.

Chief of War skillfully blends engaging storytelling with historical accuracy, offering both entertainment and informative context. The acting is consistently excellent, with many comparing it to a show like Game of Thrones. Highly acclaimed – nominated for a 2026 Critics Choice Award and boasting a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – this Apple TV series is a truly captivating and unmissable experience.

Still Up

Released in 2023 on Apple TV, Still Up is a funny series that sadly didn’t get a second season. With only 8 short episodes – each under 30 minutes – it’s a quick and easy comedy to watch all the way through.

Even though Still Up only had one season, it’s worth a watch if you enjoy other Apple TV+ comedies like Platonic or Bad Sisters. The show centers on Lisa (Antonia Thomas) and Danny (Craig Roberts), two people who can’t sleep, and their developing relationship. It’s a charming and funny series that gets even better after the first couple of episodes.

Looking for a relaxing show to watch on Apple TV? Check out Still Up – it’s a great choice for a quick binge-watching session, especially as you start the new year!

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2025-12-31 00:09