As I purchased a new iPhone 11 in the weeks leading up to the launch, I was given a free one-year subscription to the service and signed up on day one.
In today's post, I'll write about all of the drama and comedy series' I've watched on Apple TV+ and then write about whether I feel the product is value for money. So far.
The Morning Show
Synopsis:
Episodes Watched: All ten episodes of season one
Do I Plan To Watch More?: Yes
Thoughts:
Well, that little synopsis I took from IMDB doesn't really explain the programme at all. This is the big budget series starring Jennifter Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. It's very topical as it plays on the #MeToo movement as one of the morning show hosts - played by Steve Carell - is ousted from his job following allegations of sexual misconduct. This leaves the show looking for a replacement to work alongside Aniston's character. As you've probably guessed, if you haven't watched the series, this turns out to be Witherspoon's character.
This was the first series I watched on Apple TV+ and I enjoyed it.
See
Far in a dystopian future, the human race has lost the sense of sight, and society has had to find new ways to interact, build, hunt and to survive. All of that is challenged when a set of twins is born with sight
Episodes Watched: One
Do I Plan To Watch More?: NO WAY!
Thoughts:
The first episode was enough for me. I found it bad. It's like a Poundland version of Game of Thrones. Or something.
Dickinson
An inside look at the world of writer Emily Dickinson
Episodes Watched: One
Do I Plan To Watch More?: No
Thoughts:
Well, it would be 'an inside look at the world of writer Emily Dickinson' if the dialogue was similar to how they'd talk back during her day. This was a 'modern' (?) tale about Dickinson's life. Only it wasn't. I couldn't get into it. It wasn't for me, but I don't hate on it as much I loathe See.
For All Mankind
Synopsis:
The series explores what would have happened if the global space race had never ended
Episodes Watched: All of season one
Do I Plan To Watch More?: Absolutely. This is obviously dependent on there being further seasons. If so - Yes!
Thoughts:
I also enjoyed the special effects watching it on a 4K TV. It looked stunning.
Little America
Synopsis:
From the people who brought you The Big Sick and Master of None, Little America is an anthology series that observes the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and surprising stories of immigrants in America.
Episodes Watched: Five.
Do I Plan To Watch More?: Yes. I have three more episodes to watch and will certainly watch more if further seasons are produced.
Thoughts:
I didn't think I would like this anthology series about immigrants finding, and living, the American Dream any good when I first came across it.
I was very wrong.
I've watched five episodes so far and think all have been good. Some better than others, though. Had I not decided to do this post, it's possible I could have passed on watching this. That would have been a huge error because I have enjoyed watching this series.
Servant
Synopsis:
Episodes Watched: 6 out of 10.
Do I Plan To Watch More?: I'm at least planning to get to the end of episode 10.
Thoughts:
This is an intriguing tale. As noted, I'm closing in on seven episodes in and it's a very creepy drama. I just don't know where it's going, which is probably a good thing.
There is something I find irritating, though. Rupert Grint has a dreadful American accent. In my opinion, of course.
Truth Be Told
Synopsis:
Episodes Watched: 4 out of 8
Do I Plan To Watch More?: Yes
Thoughts:
I believe this is a 'limited series'. Therefore, it has a fixed number of episodes. I am half-way through it and I'm enjoying it so far. I will be sticking around until the close.
Mythic Quest - Raven's Banquet
Synopsis:
Episodes Watched: 4 out of 9.
Do I Plan To Watch More?: I guess so...
Thoughts:
This is a comedy based inside a software production company. It has its moments, but I'm not sure if it's really my cup of tea. With that said, I am nearly half-way through the series and the episodes are only close to half-an-hour long, so it isn't that much of an investment in my time if I were to catch further episodes now and again.
I guess what I'm implying is I wouldn't go out of my way to watch an episode.
Amazing Stories
Synopsis:
Amazing Stories, executive produced by Steven Spielberg, will transport the audience to worlds of wonder through the lens of today's most imaginative filmmakers, directors and writers.
Do I Plan To Watch More?: Yes.
Thoughts:
I am a Twilight Zone fan. Therefore, it should go without saying that this is the series for me.
I liked the original Amazing Stories back in the 1980's (they had a video of it in my local video shop), so I looked forward to this anthology series and watched each episode almost as soon as they were released.
Of the five episodes, there was only one that I wasn't completely keen on even though it wasn't bad. It's just that I didn't really care for the story. This was the second episode titled 'The Heat'.
The rest range from good to very good.
Home Before Dark
Synopsis:
Episodes Watched: 2 out of 10
Do I Plan To Watch More?: Maybe
Thoughts:
I'm not really digging this one. Granted, I am only two episodes in, but I am finding it a chore to sit through right now.
I need it to pick up some pace before I state whether I like it or not.
Defending Jacob
Synopsis:
Episodes Watched: 1 of an available 3 (more will be added as the weeks progress)
Do I Plan To Watch More?: Definitely
Thoughts:
The first episode has locked me in for at least the next few chapters. I haven't read the book, so I am unaware how the story unfolds. However, after the first episode's cliffhanger, I have to give it a thumbs up with an asterisk until I sit through the rest. So far, I will definitely stick through with this programme until the end. I surmise that this is also a limited series considering it's an adaption from a novel.
Is It Worth It?
As stated in the opening, I am basing my opinion on the Apple TV+ streaming service on the two things I mainly watch on it: drama and comedy. There are other genres available like children's TV, a couple of movies and documentaries, but I think the bread and butter are drama and comedy.With that preface once again out of the way, I have to say that - had I paid for the year - I would feel that I have not had my money's worth so far.
This is mainly because of the lack of a full library. Look at Apple TV+'s competitors, like Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime TV (or whatever it's called!). All three of those have catalogue-upon-catalogue of old content alongside new programming.
I know Apple wants to have original content, but I personally believe that it also needs to have had extra content to bring - and ultimately retain - interest in the product.
I cannot see the service flourish without old stuff. It evidently works with the aforementioned services.
There is no doubt in my mind that, when my twelve-month trial is up, I will have some serious thinking to do about signing up for a full year or dipping in and out a couple of times a year just to cherry pick any new seasons of the programmes I was high on above or for anything that might have people talking.
Speaking of which, that's something that I have noticed. Nobody I know or follow on Twitter has ever mentioned Apple TV programmes. I see lots of talk about the other platforms like Netflix, Amazon and Disney Plus, but never the Apple streaming service.
I'm sure people are talking about those shows, it's just that Apple TV+ is a rarity inside my bubble.
And it isn't anything to do with them not being Apple customers, because a lot of my friends have Apple products.
There is something that's not making them want to venture over to that service.
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