Top 15 Apple TV+ Short English Shows for Busy People

Top 15 Apple TV+ Short English Shows: We all know the struggle: you finally sit down after a long day, but you don’t have the energy for a one-hour drama or a two-hour movie. That’s where short, sharp shows come in. Apple TV+ might be famous for its prestige series, but hidden among the big names are plenty of quick-watch gems that deliver laughs, emotions, and ideas in under 40 minutes.

Here’s my list of the top 15 Apple TV+ Short English Shows that busy people can actually fit into their lives without sacrificing sleep or productivity.

1. Dickinson

Dickinson takes the life of poet Emily Dickinson and spins it into a bold, creative half-hour dramedy. Hailee Steinfeld plays Emily with just the right mix of wit and rebellion, while the show layers in modern slang, hip-hop soundtracks, and absurd humor against a 19th-century backdrop. Each episode runs around 30 minutes, so you can get a dose of laughter, literary history, and surprisingly deep reflection without feeling like you’ve taken on homework. It’s playful, quirky, and clever — a perfect choice when you want something artsy but not overwhelming.

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2. Tiny World

If you’ve ever wanted to escape the noise of daily life and be completely absorbed in nature, Tiny World is a treat. Narrated by Paul Rudd, the series focuses on the smallest creatures in the animal kingdom — from lizards to insects to tiny mammals — and captures their lives with breathtaking close-up cinematography. At just about 30 minutes per episode, you can dive into a whole new world in the time it takes to eat lunch. It’s not just educational; it’s meditative, calming, and a reminder of how fascinating even the tiniest lives can be.

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3. Goldie

For something light and cheerful, Goldie is an animated series that delivers colorful visuals and quick storytelling. The episodes run under 25 minutes, making it the easiest pick for when you only have a short break. It’s upbeat, fun, and doesn’t require heavy thinking — perfect for winding down after work, watching with family, or even playing in the background while you’re cooking dinner. Sometimes you just need entertainment that feels like sunshine, and Goldie does exactly that.

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4. The Big Door Prize

This quirky comedy asks a simple but irresistible question: what if a machine could tell you your true life potential? In a small town, residents discover such a machine, and chaos — as well as laughter — follows. The Big Door Prize mixes humor with heartfelt storytelling, and its episodes typically run under 35 minutes. That makes it easy to watch one, think about what your destiny card might say, and still get on with the rest of your evening. It’s entertaining, a little surreal, and packed with charm.

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5. Shrinking

Jason Segel plays a therapist who decides to start being brutally honest with his patients — all while struggling with his own personal grief. Add in Harrison Ford as his grumpy mentor, and you’ve got one of Apple TV+’s best comedy-dramas. While some episodes stretch longer, many fall into the 30–35 minute range, which is manageable for a busy schedule. The balance of sharp comedy and emotional storytelling makes Shrinking feel both relatable and uplifting. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh, then quietly reflect afterward.

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6. The Studio

The Studio is a clever satire of Hollywood’s chaotic behind-the-scenes world. The show pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make entertainment, delivering sharp comedy about egos, production disasters, and industry absurdities. Episodes vary in length, but several run short enough to make it a quick, satisfying watch. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at celebrity culture or wondered what actually happens inside a studio, this is the series for you. It’s punchy, funny, and often painfully true to life.

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7. The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy is famous for playing characters who don’t quite fit in, and in this travel series, he plays himself — a man who doesn’t actually enjoy traveling. Each half-hour episode follows Levy as he reluctantly explores new destinations, often with hilarious results. His awkward commentary adds comedy to breathtaking visuals of cities, resorts, and natural wonders. It’s a travel show like no other — funny, laid-back, and short enough to feel like a mini vacation without leaving your couch.

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8. All of You

All of You is a heartfelt drama about identity, relationships, and the way our choices shape us. While many Apple TV+ dramas run long, this one keeps its episodes tighter and more digestible. It blends emotional storytelling with relatable everyday struggles, making it the kind of show you can watch when you want substance but don’t have the time for a full movie. Each short episode leaves you with something to think about, but never weighs you down.

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9. Mythic Quest

From the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mythic Quest is a workplace comedy set in a video game development studio. Think office politics, clashing egos, and absurd creative arguments — all in bite-sized 30-minute episodes. It’s one of the funniest and most bingeable shows on Apple TV+, mixing ridiculous humor with sharp insights about teamwork and ambition. Whether you’re a gamer or not, you’ll find the satire relatable to any workplace.

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10. Ted Lasso

The show that became a global phenomenon doesn’t just deliver positivity — it also works beautifully in short bursts. While later seasons pushed toward longer runtimes, many of the earlier episodes are under 35 minutes. Ted’s relentless optimism, goofy coaching style, and the heartfelt stories of AFC Richmond’s players make it the perfect pick-me-up show. Even if you only have half an hour, you’ll finish an episode smiling.

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11. Loot

Maya Rudolph stars as a recently divorced billionaire who tries to find purpose in her life by funding a charity. Loot blends outrageous comedy with surprisingly sweet moments, and its 30-minute episodes move at a brisk, refreshing pace. Watching Rudolph bumble her way through social causes while rediscovering herself is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. It’s ideal for anyone who wants quick laughs mixed with light commentary on wealth and privilege.

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12. Trying

This charming British comedy follows a couple struggling with fertility and then diving into the world of adoption. Each episode is around half an hour, packed with humor, warmth, and touching moments. The characters are relatable, the dialogue feels real, and the pacing keeps everything moving without dragging. Trying is proof that even short episodes can carry deep emotional weight while still being easy to watch.

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13. Platonic

Starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, Platonic explores what happens when two middle-aged friends rekindle their friendship after years apart. The comedy feels grounded, sometimes awkward, but always funny. With episodes hovering around 30 minutes, the show is easy to consume while also tackling real themes about aging, responsibility, and friendship. It’s a great choice when you want humor that feels both silly and surprisingly honest.

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14. Acapulco

This colorful bilingual comedy tells the story of a young man working at a glamorous resort in 1980s Mexico. Even though it switches between English and Spanish, it’s easy to follow for English-speaking audiences. At around 30 minutes per episode, Acapulco offers nostalgia, humor, and lots of heart. It’s light enough for casual viewing, but also layered with family themes and cultural pride.

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15. Schmigadoon!

If you love musicals but don’t have the time or patience for a full Broadway production, Schmigadoon! is the perfect answer. The series spoofs classic musicals with big performances, catchy songs, and campy humor — all in half-hour chunks. It’s silly, over-the-top, and endlessly entertaining. Watching an episode feels like sneaking in a short musical experience without having to commit an entire evening.

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Final Thoughts

Having a packed schedule doesn’t mean you have to give up on great TV. Apple TV+ offers plenty of short English shows that can fit neatly into your life without demanding hours at a time. Whether you’re in the mood for heartfelt comedy, quirky drama, or a quick trip into nature, these series prove that shorter runtimes don’t mean less impact. In fact, they might just be the perfect balance for busy people who still want the joy of storytelling in their day.