Apple TV’s five must-watch sitcoms: 'Bad Sisters,' 'Shrinking' and more

Apple TV has carved a niche in the sitcom world by blending sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and stellar ensembles that feel refreshingly real.
Forget cookie-cutter laughs; these five must-watch series deliver-character-driven stories perfect for bingeing on lazy weekends. Dive into these gems that will make you laugh till your jaw hurts!

‘Trying’ follows infertile couple Nikki and Jason’s awkward adoption quest, a warm hug of British banter and family blunders. Directed by Elliot Hegarty among others, episodes span 30 minutes or 0.5 hours. Esther Smith shines as optimistic Nikki, Rafe Spall as lovable oaf Jason, with Imogen Faires and Gabriel Holmes as foster kids Princess and Tyler, plus Sian Brooke as meddlesome sister Karen.

The cast nails relatable mishaps, from botched BBQs to social worker standoffs, with Smith’s exasperated glow-ups stealing scenes alongside Spall’s hapless heart. Brooke adds sibling spice, grounding the optimism in real stakes. Four seasons strong with sky-high audience scores, it’s pure comfort viewing for life’s big leaps.

‘Mythic Quest’ skewers video game studio madness led by egomaniac Ian Grimm, a workplace farce packed with tech satire. Directors like David Gordon Green and Nisha Ganatra helm 30-minute episodes, each. McElhenney plays the delusional Ian, with Charlotte Nicdao as frustrated lead coder Poppy, F. Murray Abraham as enigmatic narrator Brad, Danny Pudi as eager tester Dana, and Ashly Burch as sassy artist C.W.

Guest stars like William Shatner amplify the absurdity, as the team bungles updates and chases glory in episodes like the viral quarantine special. Nicdao’s quiet intensity clashes brilliantly with McElhenney’s bluster, while Abraham’s—deadpan narration ties the frenzy together. Now in its third season, it nails gaming culture jabs with surprising heart, making it essential for Office fans craving pixelated pandemonium.

‘Shrinking’ kicks off with therapist Jimmy Laird’s wild pivot after personal tragedy, turning sessions into blunt truth bombs. Directed by Lawrence and James Ponsoldt, with each episode running about 40 minutes . Jason Segel stars as the grieving Jimmy, joined by Harrison Ford as his gruff mentor Paul, Jessica Williams as romantic spark Gaby, and a vibrant ensemble including Luke Tennie as troubled teen Sean and Christa Miller as Jimmy’s bold friend Liz.

The cast’s chemistry crackles as Jimmy’s rule-breaking sparks hilarious fallout. Who can forget, Sean’s violent outbursts and Paul’s salty wisdom. Ford’s Emmy-buzzy turn as a Parkinson’s-afflicted psychiatrist pairs perfectly with Segel’s hangdog charm, while Williams brings electric energy to therapy group dynamics. Season two deepens bonds amid fresh chaos, earning raves for balancing belly laughs with raw emotion. It’s the show for anyone craving Ted Lasso vibes with more bite.

‘Bad Sisters’ twists sisterly bonds into a darkly funny murder cover-up after one brother’s sticky end. Directed by Sharon Horgan with Dearbhla Walsh, 45-minute episodes hit. Horgan leads as fierce lawyer Eva, Sarah Greene as rebel Bibi, Eve Hewson as innocent Becka, and Anne-Marie Duff and Maria Doyle Kennedy as Ursula and Grace.

Hewson’s wide-eyed vulnerability contrasts Duff’s steely resolve, fueling 100% Rotten Tomatoes thrills. Season two unravels more secrets with killer pacing.

‘The Big Door Prize’ unleashes small-town frenzy when a fortune-telling machine upends lives with quirky predictions. Directed by Anu Menon and others, half-hour episodes run 0.5 hours. Chris O’Dowd anchors as skeptical Dusty, Gabrielle Dennis as ambitious wife Cass, Sammy Fourlas as son Leo, and Crystal Fox as wise neighbor Trudy.

O’Dowd’s deadpan shines amid talent-show riots and marital rifts, with Dennis owning Cass’s reinvention arc. Fox brings soulful depth to the whimsy. Season two hints at bigger magic, delivering gentle laughs on regret and reinvention.