Apple launches its new streaming service with original shows from Jason Momoa and… Jennifer Aniston!
FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER
In an attempt to rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Apple is going into the TV streaming business in a big way. And their service Apple TV+ arrives next Friday in earnest, with a handful of new scripted series, kids’ shows (Snoopy In Space!) and documentaries. But let’s face it, the main reason we’d consider shelling out the initial £4.99 per month (after a seven-day free trial period), is that they’ve got Jen-an back on TV for the first time since Friends.
THE MORNING SHOW
Aniston’s series is set in the ultra-competitive world of American breakfast TV. She’s a nationally famous network presenter and news anchor, alongside her co-host, played by Steve Carell (The US Office). Just to ratchet up the star power of this ten-part hour-long comedy drama, Reese Witherspoon is also in it (and co-exec produces with Aniston), as a local reporter who gets her big break when an off-the-cuff video of her goes viral. Throw in a #Metoo storyline and you have what should be the first mustwatch show of Apple TV+.
SEE & DICKINSON
The other big scripted shows available on launch day are See, an epic high-concept drama starring Jason Momoa (Game Of Thrones), and the half-hour comedy series Dickinson, based on the life of 19thcentury American poet Emily Dickinson, played by Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect). See is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans have lost the sense of sight, and promises action and “world building”. Dickinson, meanwhile, will take a modern look at the literary icon.
AND THERE’S MORE…
In the docu-drama field, there’s For All Mankind, a series imagining what would have happened if the global space race never ended, plus there’s a wildlife film called The Elephant Queen. And, best of all, Oprah brings her famous Book Club to TV, with in-depth chats with major authors. Oh, and if you buy a new Apple product any time over the next 12 months, you get Appletv+ for free.