Apple has announced that it will be launching its own streaming service, Apple TV+, later this year. How does the major tech company attempt to go to war with established streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu?

Well, The Wall Street Journal reported that the company is ready to invest US$1 billion to produce and acquire original content for Apple TV+. A cool billion dollars is more than enough to attract some of the biggest names in Hollywood to put their content under Apple TV+. Read on to find out who will be a part of the upcoming streaming service. 

Steven Spielberg

Before we jump into what Steven Spielberg will be doing for Apple TV+, here’s a little backstory. In 1985, a show called Amazing Stories premiered and it was created by Spielberg himself. It was described as an anthology series with episodes exploring various genres from science fiction to horror and fantasy. Some episodes include “Mirror Mirror” (directed by Martin Scorsese), about a man who feels that he is being haunted by something in his reflection, and “Hell Toupee”, about a man who believes his toupee is influencing him to commit murder. The show ended its run in 1987 after two seasons. Spielberg will be reviving Amazing Stories for Apple TV+. He is credited as executive producer and according to IMDB, there will be 10 new episodes of Amazing Stories. 

Oprah Winfrey

Speaking of revivals – sadly, living legend Oprah Winfrey will not be bringing back The Oprah Winfrey Show for Apple TV+. The long-running talk show ran from 1986 and ended in 2011. However, we can continue to dream. Instead, Winfrey will be bringing two documentary series to Apple TV+. The first is titled Toxic Labour and it focuses on tackling the effects of sexual harassment at the workplace. The second documentary is a multi-part series which has yet to me named, but what we do know is that it will be about the challenges people around the world face on mental health issues. Recently, Prince Harry announced that he will collaborating with Oprah on the documentary as a partner, co-creator and executive producer. Netflix may have The Crown, but only Oprah Winfrey can convince an actual member of the British Royal Family into making a show for Apple TV+.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon 

Hollywood darlings Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon have a long history of doing television together. When Aniston was a household name on comedy series Friends (1994-2004), Witherspoon co-starred in some episodes as her insufferable younger sister. Now the two will reunite on Apple TV+ for a comedy-drama series The Morning Show. The show will explore the lives of those involved in the production of a daily morning news show, as well as the dynamics between men and women. Other cast members include Steve Carell (The Office), Billy Crudup (Gypsy) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Black Mirror). Both Aniston and Witherspoon are credited as executive producers of The Morning Show. 

JJ Abrams

In between productions of mega Hollywood projects like new Star Wars movies, Mission Impossible and Cloverfield, producer-director JJ Abrams still somehow manages to find the time to make a show for Apple TV+. He will be the executive producer for Little Voice, a musical drama set in New York city. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (known for hit Broadway musical Waitress) will be providing original music for the show. Interestingly, Little Voice is also the title of an album that Bareilles released back in 2007. Abrams will also be the executive producer for My Glory Was I Had Such Friends. The miniseries is based on a memoir by Amy Silverstein, detailing how she relied on a group of women for emotional support when she was told that she needed to do a heart transplant. The show will see Abrams reuniting with Alias star Jennifer Garner.

Jason Momoa

Actor Jason Momoa, who most recently seen in Aquaman, will be starring in an Apple TV+ original series called See. The science fiction show will focus on the survival of humans in a world where everyone is born without the ability to see. Then everything changes with the birth of a pair of twins with sight. How will the twins affect the lives of the others who can’t see? Momoa takes on the role of Baba Voss, a fearless leader and warrior. Alfre Woodward (Empire and 12 Years A Slave) will star as Paris, a priestess and advisor to Momoa’s character. Not comparing here, but See sounds like Apple TV+’s answer to Netflix’s Bird Box.

M. Night Shyamalan

Apple TV+ will be the home for a 10-episode psychological thriller series by M. Night Shyamalan, but plot details are currently under wraps. Viewers can expect a show revolving around a pair of parents who have hired a nanny to care for their newborn child. Cast members include Toby Kebbell (Kong: Skull Island) and Rupert Grint from the Harry Potter film franchise.

Chris Evans

Yes, Captain America himself will star in Defending Jacob, a crime drama. The miniseries is based on a bestselling book by author William Landay, and tells the story of a man who discovers that his own teenage son is the suspect of in the murder of a 14-year-old boy. Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Pablo Schreiber (Orange Is The New Black) are also attached to start alongside Evans.

Sofia Coppola

Director Sofia Coppola will reunite with actor Bill Murray (who starred in her most notable work Lost In Translation) to make On The Rocks, a feature film for Apple TV+. The plot set in New York will feature a woman (played by Rashida Jones of Angie Tribeca fame) as she attempts to reconnect with her father (Murray). Other cast members include actor-comedian Marlon Wayans.

The golden question: When is Apple TV+ coming to us?

Apple TV+ will be available on the Apple TV app from Autumn 2019 (Sept-Nov) onwards. It’s safe to say that the golden age of streaming is here with Apple TV+’s exciting catalogue of shows backed by some of Hollywood’s biggest names. If you’re looking to elevate your Apple TV+ experience, high-quality speakers like KEF LSX wireless speakers do the trick without any of the bulky, messy wires; perfect for the design minimalist like you.

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Let us know which creator/series you can’t wait to watch more of in the comments below.

Cover Credit: Michael Short / Getty Images