12 Best Biography TV Shows on Apple TV Plus 2026
Explore standout Apple TV Plus biography shows and films, from Black Bird and WeCrashed to Dickinson, The New Look, and more true-story picks.
If you’re searching for sharp, character-driven dramas and documentaries based on real lives, Apple TV Plus has more than enough to keep your watchlist full. This guide rounds up a mix of standout series and films, including The Crowded Room, Black Bird, WeCrashed, Dickinson, The New Look, Five Days at Memorial, The Shrink Next Door, and Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces. You’ll find true-crime tension, emotional biographical drama, and a few stylized takes on history that feel fresh rather than dry. Whether you want a psychological mystery, a workplace downfall, or a story shaped by real events, these picks cover a wide range of moods and genres. It’s a strong place to start if you want the best biography TV shows on Apple TV Plus without wasting time on filler.
-
01
The Crowded Room
biography · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
In 1979 Manhattan, a young man is arrested for a shocking crime — and an unlikely investigator must solve the mystery behind it.
Directed by Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, Kornél Mundruczó, Alan TaylorCast Tom Holland, Amanda Seyfried, Sasha Lane, Will Chase, Lior RazApple TV Plus -
02
Black Bird
biography · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
As Jimmy Keene begins a 10-year prison sentence, he gets an incredible offer: If he can elicit a confession from suspected killer Larry Hall, Jimmy will be freed. Completing this mission becomes the challenge of a lifetime.
Directed by Michaël R. Roskam, Joe Chappelle, Jim McKayCast Taron Egerton, Paul Walter Hauser, Sepideh Moafi, Greg Kinnear, Ray LiottaApple TV Plus -
03
WeCrashed
biography · drama
Inspired by actual events—and the love story at the center of it all. WeWork grew from a single coworking space into a global brand worth $47 billion in under a decade. Then, in less than a year, its valuation dropped $40 billion. What happened?
Directed by Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, Cory Finley, Tinge, Shari Springer BermanCast Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, Kyle Marvin, Anthony Edwards, Theo StockmanApple TV Plus -
04
Dickinson
biography · comedy · drama · romance
Emily Dickinson. Poet. Daughter. Total rebel. In this coming-of-age story, Emily’s determined to become the world's greatest poet.
Directed by Silas Howard, Stacie Passon, David Gordon Green, Patrick R. Norris, Lynn SheltonCast Hailee Steinfeld, Adrian Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov, Jane Krakowski, Toby HussApple TV Plus -
05
The New Look
biography · drama · history
Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior, as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence.
Directed by Helen Shaver, Julia Ducournau, Todd A. Kessler, Jeremy PodeswaCast Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, David Kammenos, Maisie Williams, Joseph OlivennesApple TV Plus -
06
Five Days at Memorial
biography · drama
Based on actual events from Hurricane Katrina. When the floodwaters rose, power failed, and heat soared, exhausted caregivers at a New Orleans hospital were forced to make profound, heart-wrenching decisions.
Directed by John Ridley, Wendey Stanzler, Carlton CuseCast Vera Farmiga, Cherry Jones, Cornelius Smith Jr., Robert Pine, Adepero OduyeApple TV Plus -
07
The Shrink Next Door
biography · comedy · drama
Inspired by the true story of Marty and the therapist who turned his life around...then took it over. When he first meets Dr. Ike, Marty just wants to get better at boundaries. Over 30 years, he'll learn all about them—and what happens when they get crossed.
Directed by Jesse Peretz, Michael ShowalterCast Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn, Casey Wilson, Cornell WomackApple TV Plus -
08
Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces
documentary · biography
Follows the life and career of actor Steve Martin.
Directed by Morgan NevilleCast John McEuen, Mitzi Trumbo, Finn Wittrock, Quinn Scherbert, Julie BirkeApple TV Plus -
09
Dear...
documentary · biography
An inventive approach to biographies of iconic figures in society by using letters written by those whose lives have been changed through their work.
Directed by Peter McCoubrey, Randy Wilkins, Matt Bieler, Alex Simmons, Jenna RosherCast Matt Vogel, Sameer Khan, Audra Milos, Ryan Villacci, Mycah Bacchus MayeApple TV Plus -
10
Mr. Scorsese
documentary · biography
Explore the many lives of Martin Scorsese through intimate interviews with the man himself, access to his private archives, plus conversations with Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Daniel Day-Lewis, Steven Spielberg, and more.
Directed by Rebecca MillerCast Martin Scorsese, Rebecca Miller, Robert De Niro, Thelma Schoonmaker, Steven SpielbergApple TV Plus -
11
They Call Me Magic
documentary · biography · sport
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is an icon for the ages—from humble beginnings to the Dream Team to business titan. Featuring candid interviews with teammates, rivals, family, friends, and more, this docuseries charts the life and career of a legend.
Directed by Rick FamuyiwaCast Magic JohnsonApple TV Plus -
12
Greatness Code
documentary · short · biography · sport
Iconic athletes pull back the curtain on a pivotal career moment when they touched greatness. A stylized hybrid of live action and visual effects, this short-form docuseries sheds new light on the sports legends you thought you knew.
Directed by Gotham ChopraCast LeBron James, Tom Brady, Alex Morgan, Usain Bolt, Shaun WhiteApple TV Plus
Wrapping Up
The best Apple TV Plus biographical picks work because they do more than recount events; they turn real people and real scandals into gripping television. From the tension of Black Bird and Five Days at Memorial to the wit of Dickinson and the big-screen energy of The New Look, there’s a lot here for drama and documentary fans alike. If you’re building a smarter watchlist, bookmark this page and come back when you need your next true-story binge. We update it regularly, so the lineup stays useful as new releases arrive and older favorites continue to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Apple TV Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes — every title on this list is currently available on Apple TV Plus. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these biography shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the biography titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.
Related Guides
Last updated: September 4, 2026