Apple TV has steadily carved out a reputation as one of the most formidable players in the streaming world, and as October 2025 draws to a close, its lineup of original programming continues to capture the attention of critics and viewers alike. While the platform may not boast the sheer volume of content found on competitors like Netflix or Prime Video, its "small but mighty" catalog is packed with some of the most compelling, action-packed, and emotionally resonant series currently available to audiences worldwide.
Among the crown jewels of Apple TV’s offerings is Slow Horses, a British spy thriller that has, according to The West Australian, become "one of the best, if not THE best, series on TV right now." The show, based on Mick Herron's novels, centers on a ragtag group of disgraced MI5 agents led by the brilliantly gruff Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). With its blend of dark humor, razor-sharp writing, and gritty realism, Slow Horses has not only won over critics but also inspired a passionate fanbase eager for every new episode. The series’ current season is streaming now, and anticipation is high for each weekly drop.
But Slow Horses isn’t the only Herron adaptation turning heads on Apple TV this fall. Down Cemetery Road, which began streaming this Wednesday, brings another of Herron's crime novels to life. Emma Thompson steps into the role of private investigator Zoe Boehm, described by The West Australian as a "spiky-haired" anti-heroine tailor-made for Thompson's talents. The show promises a wild ride full of humor and suspense, with Thompson herself noting in Radio Times that the wit of Herron's writing was a major draw for her. Early buzz suggests this series could soon rival Slow Horses for the title of Apple TV's top thriller.
Action lovers have plenty to sink their teeth into as well. Apple TV’s roster features a host of adrenaline-fueled series that deliver cinematic battles, tense standoffs, and complex characters. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters transports viewers into the Godzilla universe, following Cate (Anna Sawai) as she unravels her family's connection to the shadowy Monarch organization after surviving one of Godzilla’s attacks. The series is celebrated for its blockbuster-quality monster effects and high-octane chaos, making each episode feel like a feature film event.
Another standout is The Mosquito Coast, which wrapped its run in 2023. Based on Paul Theroux’s novel, the series stars Justin Theroux as Allie Fox, a brilliant but obsessive inventor who leads his family on a perilous journey across Mexico. The show’s blend of psychological depth and road-trip action, coupled with its gritty survivalist energy, made it a hit with audiences seeking both thrills and substance.
Military drama fans have found a new favorite in Echo 3, set on the Colombia–Venezuela border. The show follows elite U.S. Army Special Forces operatives Bambi (Luke Evans) and Elijah (Michiel Huisman) as they embark on a mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist. With its intense firefights, realistic weapon choreography, and emotionally charged storytelling, Echo 3 has earned its place among the best action series not just on Apple TV, but in the genre as a whole.
Dystopian intrigue takes center stage in Silo, a series that plunges viewers into a claustrophobic underground society where engineer Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel the fragile order. The show’s combination of pulse-pounding tension, immersive world-building, and explosive uprisings has kept audiences hooked, cementing its status as a must-watch for fans of high-stakes action and sci-fi suspense.
For those who prefer their action tinged with existential dread, Invasion offers a global perspective on an alien assault, weaving together stories from Japan, North America, and the UK. While some viewers have noted its slower pace, most appreciate its character-driven storytelling and the short bursts of intense action that punctuate the narrative, earning it a reputation as a "slow-burn masterpiece" of emotionally grounded sci-fi drama.
Apple TV’s penchant for adapting literary works is further evident in Foundation, a sprawling sci-fi epic based on Isaac Asimov’s revered novels. The series tracks psychohistorian Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) as he predicts the fall of the Galactic Empire and assembles a group of exiles to preserve knowledge and shorten the coming dark age. With its spectacular visuals, philosophical depth, and dazzling space battles, Foundation has drawn a devoted following of sci-fi aficionados.
Crime drama enthusiasts have also flocked to Defending Jacob, which stars Chris Evans as assistant district attorney Andy Barber. The series explores the harrowing ordeal that unfolds when Barber’s 14-year-old son is accused of murder, plunging the family into a world of courtroom drama and emotional confrontation. The show’s suspenseful plot and intense performances have kept viewers on the edge of their seats, blurring the lines between family drama and action thriller.
No roundup of Apple TV’s top action series would be complete without mentioning See, which ran from 2019 to 2023. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has lost its sight, the series follows Baba Voss (Jason Momoa) and his sighted twins as they navigate a world of tribal warfare and survival. The show’s innovative battle sequences, which emphasize heightened senses over vision, have earned it acclaim for originality and spectacle.
Beyond the action genre, Apple TV continues to impress with its diverse slate. Pachinko, a multigenerational family saga adapted from Min Jin Lee’s novel, has garnered near-universal acclaim and boasts a rare 100% critics' score for its second season on Rotten Tomatoes. The series traces the struggles and triumphs of a Korean family in Japan across decades, exploring themes of identity, prejudice, and resilience.
Meanwhile, Bad Sisters offers viewers a darkly comedic mystery centered on the Garvey sisters, whose vow to protect each other is tested by the suspicious death of a loathsome brother-in-law. With its sharp humor and satisfying twists, the show is perfect for a weekend binge.
The newest addition to Apple TV’s crime thriller lineup, The Last Frontier, debuted on October 10, 2025, and has already generated buzz. Starring Jason Clarke as U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick, the series kicks off with a plane crash in Alaska’s frozen wilderness, setting off a tense cat-and-mouse game between lawmen and escaped convicts. As Remnick uncovers clues suggesting a deeper conspiracy, the show delivers "Con Air"-style thrills with a neo-Western twist.
As the streaming landscape grows ever more crowded, Apple TV’s focus on quality over quantity continues to pay dividends. Whether you’re in the mood for pulse-pounding action, intricate mysteries, or sweeping family dramas, the platform’s carefully curated lineup offers something for every viewer. With new hits like Down Cemetery Road joining established favorites such as Slow Horses and See, Apple TV’s star is only set to rise further as 2025 comes to a close.
For those seeking must-watch TV this weekend or beyond, Apple TV’s latest slate is proof that sometimes, less really is more.
