3 spectacular Apple TV+ shows that are so underrated

3 spectacular Apple TV+ shows that are so underrated

  • 18.03.2025 18:11
  • bgr.com
  • Keywords: Streaming Service, Apple TV+, Show, Drops of God, Pachinko, Severance

The article highlights three underrated Apple TV+ shows: "Drops of God" (wine drama), "Pachinko" (multigenerational epic), and a noir thriller with Colin Farrell. These series offer unique storytelling and deserve more attention.

Apple ProductsAAPLsentiment_satisfied

Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Apple is the parent company of Apple TV+ which is highlighted for its original content and streaming service offerings.

Drops of God

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

A show on Apple TV+ that's praised for its intense wine drama and high-quality production.

Pachinko

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

An Apple TV+ series based on a novel, known for its beautiful cinematography and multigenerational story.

Severance

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

A highly-rated Apple TV+ show that's currently in its finale week, contributing to the popularity of the platform.

Context

Analysis of Apple TV+ Shows: Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Streaming Service Focus: Apple TV+ is positioned as a streaming service that offers unique, high-quality content despite receiving less mainstream attention compared to competitors like Netflix or Amazon Prime.

  • Show 1: Drops of God

    • Genre: High-stakes family drama and wine competition.
    • Budget: $148 million (value of the wine collection featured in the show).
    • Format: Adaptation of a Japanese manga.
    • Key Cast: Features intense rivalry between Camille and Issei, with Colin Farrell starring as John Sugar in another show.
    • Renewal Status: The series has been renewed for additional seasons.
  • Show 2: Pachinko

    • Genre: Multigenerational epic drama based on Korean history.
    • Budget: High production value, described as "gorgeous" with fluid storytelling and emotional depth.
    • Key Cast: Starring Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung and Lee Min-ho.
    • Reception: Described as criminally underrated despite its high-quality production.
  • Show 3: The Last of Us

    • Genre: Modern noir detective thriller.
    • Budget: Not explicitly stated but features Colin Farrell in a starring role.
    • Unique Aspect: Features a twist that is considered one of the wildest plot twists in recent television.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • Content Strategy: Apple TV+ focuses on niche, high-quality, and unique storytelling to differentiate itself from competitors. This strategy targets specific audiences rather than broad appeal.

  • Production Costs: The $148 million wine collection featured in Drops of God highlights the service's willingness to invest in visually stunning and sensory-rich content.

  • Critical Acclaim vs. Mainstream Recognition: While shows like Pachinko receive critical praise, they lack mainstream buzz, indicating a potential gap in marketing or distribution strategies.

  • Star Power: The inclusion of Colin Farrell (The Last of Us) and Lee Min-ho (Pachinko) adds significant star power, which could attract diverse audiences but may not be fully leveraged in terms of promotion.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Differentiation: Apple TV+ positions itself as a platform for unique, high-quality dramas that are often overlooked by other streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

  • Niche vs. Mass Appeal: The service's focus on niche genres (e.g., wine drama, multigenerational Korean epics) may limit its audience reach but could also help it stand out in a crowded market.

Strategic Considerations

  • Marketing Strategy: The underperformance of these shows in terms of mainstream recognition suggests that Apple TV+ may need to enhance its marketing efforts to better promote its unique content.

  • Global Appeal: Shows like Pachinko and Drops of God have the potential to attract international audiences, especially in regions with a strong interest in wine culture or Korean history.

Long-Term Effects

  • Building a loyal audience: By consistently delivering high-quality, unique content, Apple TV+ can build a loyal subscriber base that values niche programming.

  • Potential for awards recognition: The critical acclaim of shows like Pachinko and Drops of God could translate into Emmy or other award nominations, enhancing the platform's reputation.

Regulatory Impacts

  • Data Privacy Considerations: While not explicitly mentioned in the text, streaming services like Apple TV+ must comply with global data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) when collecting and using user data.

  • Content Distribution Laws: The global distribution of shows like Pachinko may require compliance with local content regulations in different countries.

Conclusion

Apple TV+ is carving out a unique niche in the streaming market by focusing on high-quality, visually stunning dramas that often go unnoticed. While these shows have significant potential to attract niche audiences and critical acclaim, their underperformance in mainstream recognition highlights areas for improvement in marketing and distribution strategies. The long-term success of Apple TV+ will depend on its ability to consistently deliver unique content while expanding its reach to a broader audience.