Hey streaming fans Apple TV+ is making some noise in 2025 and it is time to take notice. From critically acclaimed shows getting everyone talking to live sports action the service is trying to carve out its space in the crowded streaming world. Let's dive into what’s making Apple TV+ interesting right now from the buzz around "Severance" to the crack of the bat in " Friday Night Baseball ".
'Severance' Is the Talk of the Town But Is It a Streaming Giant? Decoding Apple TV+'s Hit Show
You have probably heard of "Severance". It is that mind-bending Apple TV+ show about work-life balance taken to a seriously extreme level. It feels like everyone in certain online circles is obsessed. There are memes articles and deep-dive discussions all over the place. No doubt "Severance" is a big deal especially for Apple TV+. It feels like the kind of hit they have been wanting for a while to really put them on the map as a streaming contender.
But when you look at the actual numbers things get a little more nuanced. Nielsen data for instance showed that in late February "Severance" was a popular streaming original show sure ranking sixth in the US. That is solid no question. However when you compare it to truly massive streaming hits the picture shifts a bit. Shows like "Zero Day" on Netflix with Robert De Niro and "Reacher" on Amazon Prime Video a show about a certain big guy who solves problems with his fists were pulling in way bigger numbers like almost double the viewing minutes in the same period.
And if you zoom out even more and look at all streaming content not just originals "Severance" drops out of the top ten altogether. Suddenly it's competing with reruns of network TV staples like "Family Guy" and "Grey's Anatomy". Does this mean "Severance" is not popular? Absolutely not! It's clearly a hit and a cultural moment. But it's a good reminder that the streaming world is HUGE and what's buzzy in your bubble might be different from what's dominating overall viewership.
The impressive part is "Severance"'s performance within the context of Apple TV+'s smaller size. They don't have the subscriber base of Netflix Amazon or Hulu. So for "Severance" to break through and get this much attention is a real achievement. You might stumble onto a Netflix show just browsing but watching "Severance" on Apple TV+ often means you are actively seeking it out. That says something about its quality and appeal to a dedicated audience.
Streaming Wars: 'Severance' Tops Charts But Faces Stiff Competition From 'Daredevil' 'Reacher' and Reality TV
Let's look at the charts a bit more. "Severance" has consistently topped Whip Media's charts for streaming originals for weeks. That's a big win for Apple TV+. These charts track viewership among US consumers and "Severance" has been holding the number one spot. Its second season which premiered in January clearly grabbed audience attention and kept it.
However the streaming landscape is always shifting. "Daredevil: Born Again" on Disney+ a revival of the Netflix series quickly climbed the charts becoming a strong competitor. "Reacher" season three on Prime Video remains a powerhouse consistently ranking high. Even reality TV like "Love Is Blind" on Netflix can surge to the top of the charts proving how diverse streaming tastes are. "The Pitt" a medical drama and period romances like "Bridgerton" also show up in the mix illustrating the wide range of content battling for viewer attention.
These charts tell a story of constant competition. "Severance" is a winner for Apple TV+ in the originals race but the overall streaming war is a multi-front battle with different genres platforms and audience segments all vying for dominance.
Batter Up! 'Friday Night Baseball' Returns to Apple TV+ for 2025 Season
Switching gears from sci-fi thrillers to sports action Apple TV+ is bringing back "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2025 season. If you are a baseball fan this is your chance to catch weekly doubleheaders streamed live and exclusively on Apple TV+.
The season kickoff this Friday is a power-packed twin bill. First up it is an AL East rivalry clash: Baltimore Orioles vs Toronto Blue Jays. Expect some fireworks in this one especially with the Orioles coming off a strong opening day performance and the Blue Jays looking to answer back with their own big hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Game two takes us to an Interleague matchup: New York Mets vs Houston Astros. This game features some serious offensive talent with Juan Soto for the Mets and Yordan Alvarez for the Astros. These are two hitters you do not want to miss at the plate. The Mets will be seeking revenge after the Astros edged them out on Opening Day so expect some intensity.
"Friday Night Baseball" on Apple TV+ includes pre- and postgame shows for the full baseball viewing experience. Best of all there are no local broadcast restrictions meaning you can watch these games even if you are in the teams' local markets. You do need an Apple ID and an Apple TV+ subscription to tune in. Here is a look at the schedule announced so far through June (schedule subject to change of course):
- Friday April 4th
- Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays
- New York Mets at Houston Astros
- Friday April 11th
- Los Angeles Dodgers at Seattle Mariners
- New York Yankees at Arizona Diamondbacks
- Friday April 18th
- Texas Rangers at Cincinnati Reds
- Chicago Cubs at Miami Marlins
- Friday April 25th
- Los Angeles Dodgers at Toronto Blue Jays
- San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies
- Friday May 2nd
- San Francisco Giants at Philadelphia Phillies
- Texas Rangers at Houston Astros
- Friday May 9th
- Arizona Diamondbacks at Baltimore Orioles
- Los Angeles Angels at Cleveland Guardians
- Friday May 16th
- Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves
- Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels
- Friday May 23rd
- Toronto Blue Jays at Detroit Tigers
- Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals
- Friday May 30th
- Atlanta Braves at New York Mets
- Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners
- Friday June 6th
- Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels
- Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies
- Friday June 13th
- Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Diego Padres at New York Mets
- Friday June 20th
- Arizona Diamondbacks at Washington Nationals
- Los Angeles Angels at Colorado Rockies
- Friday June 27th
- Houston Astros at Texas Rangers
- Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago White Sox
Apple TV+ Finding Its Stride: Quality Content and Live Sports in the Streaming Mix
So what does all this tell us about Apple TV+ in 2025? It seems like they are continuing to build their brand around quality original content like "Severance" shows that get people talking and thinking. And they are also expanding into live sports with "Friday Night Baseball" offering a different kind of draw for subscribers.
Apple TV+ might not have the sheer volume of content as some of the bigger streaming services but they seem to be focusing on curated quality and unique experiences. Whether it's unraveling the mysteries of Lumon Industries or catching a live baseball game on Friday night Apple TV+ is giving viewers reasons to tune in and see what they have to offer in the ever-competitive streaming landscape.