Apple TV+ continues to carve out its niche in the streaming landscape with a strategy focused on quality over quantity. March 2024 sees the platform bolstering its already impressive catalog of originals, ranging from historical epics to whimsical series. Here’s a look at what subscribers can look forward to this month.
Exclusive Original Content
Apple TV+ distinguishes itself from competitors by prioritizing exclusive, original content. Shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show have not only garnered critical acclaim but also helped Apple TV+ establish itself as a home for high-quality productions. This commitment to originality is evident in the latest additions to its lineup.
Highlighted New Releases
Napoleon
On March 1, 2024, Ridley Scott unveiled “Napoleon,” casting Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role, with the backing of Apple and Scott Free Productions. Penned by David Scarpa, the cast is rounded out by Vanessa Kirby and Ben Miles. This biopic, which premiered in theaters on November 22, 2023, didn’t grace Apple TV+ until over three months later. It charts Napoleon Bonaparte’s meteoric rise to power and delves into his complex relationship with Josephine, portrayed by Kirby. The film’s reception was mixed, though it did earn three Oscar nominations for its visual achievements. Despite criticisms over historical accuracy, its cinematic quality stands out.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin
March 1, 2024, also saw the premiere of “The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin,” starring Noel Fielding as the iconic highwayman. Unlike the serious tone of historical dramas like “Napoleon,” this series proudly flaunts its fictionalized narrative. Co-starring Hugh Bonneville as Jonathan Wilde, the show spans six episodes, offering a comedic look at the 18th-century bandit. With a focus on charisma over confrontation, it aired from March 1 through March 29, presenting a lighthearted take on Turpin’s adventures.
The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy – Season 2
Returning on March 8, 2024, Eugene Levy stars in the second season of “The Reluctant Traveler” on Apple TV+. After a well-received first season that saw Levy traversing various countries, the second season expands the journey with seven new episodes exploring Europe. From celebrating Midsummer in Sweden to uncovering familial ties in Scotland, Levy’s humor shines through in his travel discoveries. This season promises a blend of cultural immersion and Levy’s comedic perspective, offering viewers a unique travelogue experience.
Manhunt
Set to premiere on Apple TV+ on March 15, 2024, “Manhunt” dives into the turbulent period surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, featuring Hamish Linklater as Lincoln himself. This limited series, drawing from James Swanson’s novel, melds historical events with the thrilling chase for John Wilkes Booth, portrayed by Anthony Boyle. Directed by Carl Franklin, the series also stars Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton, leading the pursuit against Booth and his accomplices. Spanning seven episodes, “Manhunt” offers a narrative enriched with historical fiction and adventure, concluding its run on April 19. While it takes creative liberties, the series endeavors to explore the motivations behind Lincoln’s assassination and the involvement of Booth’s conspirators.
Palm Royale
“Palm Royale,” a comedic glance at the pursuit of status within Palm Beach’s elite circles, debuts on Apple TV+ on March 20, 2024. Inspired by Juliet McDaniel’s “Mr. & Mrs. American Pie,” this ten-episode series casts Kristen Wiig as the ambitious Maxine Simmons. The ensemble cast includes Leslie Bibb, Allison Janney, Laura Dern, Josh Lucas, Ricky Martin, and Carol Burnett, promising a blend of humor and drama. The narrative follows Simmons’ ethical dilemmas on her quest for social prominence, set against the backdrop of 1969. The series will release its initial three episodes simultaneously, followed by weekly releases, culminating on May 8.
Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock – Season 2
The beloved universe of “Fraggle Rock” returns to Apple TV+ with its second season on March 29, 2024. Following an Emmy-winning first season, “Back to the Rock” continues to enchant with its unique blend of music, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. The Fraggles, Doozers, and Gorgs face new challenges as they navigate their independence and confront their past in a changed world. With contributions from Daveed Diggs, Ariana DeBose, and Catherine O’Hara, the series maintains its endearing appeal, promising another season of adventures and discoveries for viewers of all ages.
The new movies available for AppleTV+ subscribers from March 1st:
- 21 Jump Street
- 300
- A Star Is Born
- The Accountant
- American Sniper
- Argo
- Bad Boys
- Black Hawk Down
- The Bodyguard
- Captain Phillips
- Catch Me If You Can
- Con Air
- Draft Day
- Edge Of Tomorrow
- Failure To Launch
- Fast & Furious 6
- Fast Five
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- Fight Club
- Good Burger
- Gravity
- Horrible Bosses
- How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
- The Hurt Locker
- I Am Legend
- Jerry Maguire
- Jurassic World
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
- Kill Bill: Volume 1
- Kill Bill: Volume 2
- Knocked Up
- Lift Mad
- Max: Fury Road
- Mean Girls (2004)
- Men In Black
- Minority Report
- No Strings Attached
- Old School
- The Prestige
- The Proposal
- Saving Private Ryan
- Spider-Man (2002)
- Spider-Man 2 (2004)
- Star Trek (2009)
- Star Trek Beyond
- Star Trek Into Darkness
- The Wolf Of Wall Street
- Titanic
- Training Day
- Troy
- Two Weeks Notice
- Wyatt Earp
- Zodiac
- Zombieland
- Zoolander
The New Look
Continuing through March and ends on April 13
“The New Look,” premiering on Apple TV+ on February 14, 2024, transports audiences to the era of World War II in Nazi-occupied Paris, focusing on Christian Dior’s revolutionary impact on fashion. Amidst the backdrop of the war, the series also unravels the intense rivalry between Dior and Coco Chanel, highlighting how fashion became a beacon of hope and identity for Paris. Ben Mendelsohn portrays Christian Dior, with Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, and the cast includes Maisie Williams, John Malkovich, Emily Mortimer, and Glenn Close. Spanning 10 episodes, the series kicks off with three episodes on its premiere date, concluding on April 3.
The Dynasty: New England Patriots
Ends on March 15
Apple TV+’s “The Dynasty: New England Patriots,” set to debut in February 2024, chronicles the rise of the Patriots within the NFL, spotlighting the era from Tom Brady’s entry to their numerous Super Bowl victories over two decades. Directed by Matthew Hamachek, this 10-part documentary delves into both triumphs and controversies, including “Deflate-Gate” and Aaron Hernandez’s conviction. It explores the dynamics between Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and owner Robert Kraft, featuring insights from key figures across the Patriots’ history.
Constellation
Ends on March 15
“Constellation,” a sci-fi thriller featuring Noomi Rapace, debuts on February 21, 2024. Rapace plays Jo, an astronaut who returns to Earth to find her life fragmented by her space mission’s aftermath. Directed by Peter Harness, the series weaves a narrative of personal discovery, trauma recovery, and the hidden complexities of space exploration. Alongside Rapace, the series stars James D’Arcy and Jonathan Banks, offering a blend of drama and speculative science fiction over its eight-episode run, concluding on March 27.
Masters of the Air
Ends on March 15
“Masters of the Air,” introduced on Apple TV+ in January 2024, is a WWII drama brought to life by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, with Cary Joji Fukunaga directing the initial episodes. The series, featuring Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan, follows the 100th Bomb Group’s harrowing experiences during the war. This high-stakes narrative showcases the bravery and challenges faced by the airmen, culminating in a total of nine episodes, with the finale airing on March 15.
Diversifying Content
Beyond these highlights, Apple TV+’s strategy includes diversifying its portfolio to include children’s programming and sports, broadening its appeal. While it may not have the vast library of Netflix or Hulu, the quality and star power of its shows are designed to compete with the biggest network productions.
Consistent Catalog with Strategic Additions
Unlike other streaming services, Apple TV+ maintains a relatively stable catalog with few departures, focusing instead on strategic additions of high-profile movies and shows. This approach ensures a constant stream of fresh content while retaining its core collection of acclaimed originals.
The Apple TV+ Difference
The service’s commitment to exclusive, original content sets it apart in a crowded streaming landscape. While not every release may be a hit, successes like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Severance underscore its potential to deliver compelling stories across genres.
Wrapping Up
As Apple TV+ adds new titles to its roster in March 2024, it reaffirms its status as a prestigious platform for original, high-quality content. Whether you’re drawn to the historical depths of Napoleon or the imaginative flights of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, there’s something new and exciting waiting for you on Apple TV+ this month. For more insights and updates on the latest in film and TV, visit HITPLAY.
