Apple TV+ is entering the summer of 2025 with clear intent: to cement its reputation as a premium destination for original, distinctive content. From bold historical dramas to character-driven comedies, riveting documentaries, and a slate of genre-bending premieres, the platform is offering one of its most ambitious seasons to date. With global stars, award-winning creators, and a deliberate push into culturally resonant storytelling, Apple is firing on all cylinders.
Historical Epics & Prestige Dramas Take the Spotlight
Chief of War – Premiering August 1, 2025
Apple’s marquee summer title, Chief of War, is more than just a star vehicle for Jason Momoa. Co-created and co-written by Momoa, this nine-part saga recounts the colonization of Hawai‘i from the indigenous perspective. It’s not only a deeply personal project for the Hawaiian-born actor but also a rarity in mainstream TV—an indigenous story told on an epic, cinematic scale. The production reportedly involved native Hawaiian consultants and was shot across lush island landscapes with high production value.
The Buccaneers: Season 2 – June 18, 2025
The elegant period drama returns with its tale of American heiresses navigating the rigid social codes of 1870s Britain. Season 2 deepens the themes of power, gender, and cultural clash with new alliances, romantic entanglements, and even sharper commentary on class dynamics.
Carême – Premiered April 30, 2025
A French-language gem, Carême dramatizes the real-life rise of legendary chef Antonin Carême, known as the father of haute cuisine. With political undertones and lavish culinary cinematography, it joins the ranks of globally focused Apple TV+ imports, further proving that the service is courting an international prestige audience.
Comedies That Cut Through the Noise
Platonic: Season 2 – Begins August 6, 2025
Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are back, and this time their chaotic platonic friendship enters new territory—with relationships, work-life balance, and mid-life identity crises all colliding. All episodes will be available by October 1.
Stick – June 4, 2025
Owen Wilson tees up as a washed-up pro golfer turned misfit mentor in this offbeat sports comedy that promises irreverent humor and unexpected heart. Apple is leaning into its comedy game here, hoping to replicate the character-first success of Ted Lasso.
Shrinking: Season 3
Set to return later in 2025, this hit therapy-focused comedy stars Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, with a new cast addition teased as an “iconic” star—potentially elevating it to Emmy-contender status for the coming awards cycle.
Big-Screen Energy: Films With Star Power
Fountain of Youth – Premiered May 23, 2025
Directed by Guy Ritchie, this globe-trotting action-adventure pairs Natalie Portman and John Krasinski as estranged siblings chasing immortality. Critics have likened the tone to Indiana Jones meets National Treasure, with snappy dialogue and sweeping set pieces.
Echo Valley – Coming June 14, 2025
Apple’s next major film release stars Julianne Moore in a psychological thriller set against the rural backwoods. Details are under wraps, but early buzz from industry insiders suggests an awards-season contender.
Smoke – Premieres June 27, 2025
Starring Taron Egerton and inspired by true crime events, Smoke delves into organized crime and systemic corruption. The gritty tone and real-world stakes mark it as Apple’s most grounded thriller this summer.
Documentaries and Real Stories With Impact
Mr. Scorsese
Rebecca Miller directs this five-part exploration of Martin Scorsese’s life and legacy. Featuring intimate interviews with Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Thelma Schoonmaker, it’s a cinephile’s dream and will likely premiere during the fall festival circuit.
Bono: Stories of Surrender – Premiered May 30, 2025
More than a concert film, this intimate documentary captures U2’s frontman performing stories from his memoir, blending spoken word, visuals, and music. It’s also one of the first Apple TV+ docs to be enhanced for the Apple Vision Pro.
Deaf President Now! – Premiered May 16, 2025
This impactful documentary revisits the historic 1988 Gallaudet University protests through the lens of Deaf students, scholars, and activists. It stands out for centering sign language and Deaf culture in both narrative and production.
For Families and Younger Audiences
Lulu Is a Rhinoceros – Premiered May 30, 2025
This animated special encourages self-acceptance through the story of a bulldog who believes she’s a rhinoceros. Featuring the voice of Auli’i Cravalho (Moana), it’s a colorful and empowering musical for preschoolers.
Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical – Premieres July 18, 2025
Everyone’s favorite beagle returns in a new Peanuts special that blends classic charm with music, making it perfect summer fare for families.
Not a Box – Coming Soon
Based on the bestselling children’s book, this new series turns imagination into reality as kids transform ordinary boxes into extraordinary adventures.
Looking Ahead: New Series & Renewals in Development
- The Wanted Man – Hugh Laurie returns to espionage in this newly announced thriller.
- Wild Things – Jude Law and Andrew Garfield team up in this limited series set in the 1980s criminal underworld.
- Women in Blue – Renewed for Season 2 after critical acclaim for its portrayal of Mexico’s first female police force.
- Ted Lasso: Season 4 – Filming begins this summer. This time, Ted reportedly returns to coach a women’s team, signaling a new chapter in the beloved franchise.
Apple TV+ continues to pursue a strategy of quality over quantity—prioritizing auteur-driven content, international voices, and A-list partnerships. With Emmy contenders, festival-caliber documentaries, and highly watchable blockbusters, the platform is proving it can balance artistic ambition with broad appeal. Expect Apple to make serious waves this awards season—and keep pushing the boundaries of what a streaming service can be.
Severance Season 2 Overview
Season 2 picks up in the immediate aftermath of the explosive revelations from Season 1. Now aware of the blurred line between their “innie” and “outie” personas, characters like Mark, Helly, and Irving are navigating new levels of psychological and emotional turmoil. As the walls around Lumon’s secrets begin to crack, the story promises to become more expansive, with external threats and deeper philosophical questions entering the mix.
Premise and Plot Developments
Season 2 will continue to explore the consequences of the severance procedure, especially as characters attempt to reconcile their dual identities. Mark’s discovery about Ms. Casey — and her connection to his real-life past — is expected to take center stage. Meanwhile, Helly’s outie identity as a powerful Lumon figure opens up intriguing conflicts of interest. As rebellion brews within Lumon and external parties begin probing the company’s ethics, the stakes will grow both internally and globally.
Production Insights
Production on Season 2 began in late 2022 but was interrupted in 2023 by the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes, causing considerable delays. Filming resumed in late 2023 and concluded in early 2024. Ben Stiller remains an executive producer and directed several episodes, ensuring continuity in tone and vision. Series creator Dan Erickson is also back, alongside new writers added to broaden the series’ scope and deepen the worldbuilding. Post-production has focused heavily on the show’s meticulous editing and unnerving score — both trademarks of the series.
Cast and Character Arcs
Returning cast members include:
- Adam Scott as Mark Scout
- Britt Lower as Helly R
- John Turturro as Irving
- Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel
- Zach Cherry as Dylan
- Tramell Tillman as Milchick
Season 2 also welcomes new cast members such as Gwendoline Christie, Alia Shawkat, Merritt Wever, and Bob Balaban, although their roles remain tightly under wraps. These additions hint at expanding the show’s world beyond the confines of Lumon’s sterile hallways, potentially introducing new corporations, resistance groups, or government interest in severance technology.
Release and Reception
Apple TV+ has confirmed that Severance Season 2 will debut in January 2025, although a specific day has not been revealed. The first trailer is expected to drop in fall 2024, building anticipation as the platform positions the show as one of its flagship dramas. Given the awards attention and critical praise from Season 1, Apple is likely to give the new season a major promotional push. Industry analysts expect the series to once again be in contention during the next awards cycle.
Cultural and Industry Impact
Severance continues to resonate with viewers for its bold critique of workplace culture and corporate control. Its haunting visual style and slow-burn storytelling have drawn comparisons to shows like Black Mirror and Twin Peaks. The series has sparked deep online discussion and fan theories, particularly around the ethics of memory manipulation and identity autonomy. As more streaming platforms chase high-concept dramas, Severance remains one of the few to deliver both substance and suspense in equal measure.
