In recent years, Apple TV+ has emerged as a formidable player in the streaming wars, earning comparisons to HBO for its ability to produce critically acclaimed series and maintain high quality across multiple projects.
Journalists and industry insiders are increasingly dubbing Apple TV+ the “new HBO,” and the numbers back it up.
Under Tim Cook’s leadership, the platform has not only delivered compelling serialized storytelling but has also demonstrated an impressive ability to juggle several high-caliber shows simultaneously while expanding its global reach.
This year alone, Apple TV+ has released a slate of standout series that have garnered exceptional critical praise.
The second season of Severance, a psychological thriller exploring work-life balance, scored a remarkable 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
NarcoWars, a gritty dive into the world of drug cartels, earned an 86% rating, praised for its intense pacing and nuanced characters.
Studio City, a drama centered on the inner workings of a Hollywood studio, matched Severance with a 95% score, lauded for its sharp writing and stellar ensemble cast.
Meanwhile, Friends & Neighbors, a heartfelt comedy-drama, secured a 90% rating, striking a chord with audiences for its relatability and emotional depth.
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What sets Apple TV+ apart is its consistency. Unlike some competitors that struggle to maintain quality across a crowded slate, Apple has shown it can deliver multiple hits in a single year without diluting its creative vision.
This disciplined approach mirrors HBO’s golden era, when shows like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Six Feet Under defined premium television.
Tim Cook, it seems, is chasing that same legacy—a reputation for groundbreaking storytelling that resonates with audiences and critics alike.
Apple TV+ is also making significant strides on the international stage, broadening its appeal beyond the U.S. market. Last fall, the platform released Maison de Mode, a French-language series dubbed the “Succession of the fashion world.”
The show, which explores the cutthroat dynamics of a luxury fashion house, earned widespread acclaim and high ratings, proving Apple’s ability to produce culturally specific stories with universal appeal.
This move signals Apple’s ambition to become a global content powerhouse, much like HBO did with international co-productions and localized storytelling.
Tim Cook’s vision for Apple TV+ is clear: he wants the platform to be synonymous with prestige, the kind of cultural touchstone that gave us The Sopranos.
While HBO has faced challenges in maintaining its dominance in the streaming era, Apple TV+ is seizing the opportunity to fill that void.
With a laser focus on quality over quantity, a growing international footprint, and a string of critically adored series, Apple is well on its way to achieving Cook’s goal. If this year’s output is any indication, the “new HBO” moniker may not just be hype—it could be a prophecy.
