20 Best Documentary TV Shows on Apple TV Plus 2026
Find Apple TV Plus documentary standouts, from Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Prehistoric Planet to new 2026 picks across sport, crime, and nature.
If you’re hunting for the best documentary TV shows on Apple TV Plus, this list gives you a smart place to start. From the edge-of-your-seat sports energy of Formula 1: Drive to Survive and The Dynasty: UConn Huskies to the true-crime tension of Hollywood Con Queen, Apple’s lineup covers a lot of ground without losing focus. You’ll also find eye-catching nature and science picks like Prehistoric Planet and The Wild Ones, plus lighter, personality-driven series such as The Reluctant Traveler and Twisted Yoga. With 20 titles on the page, there’s plenty here for fans of documentary, sport, crime, reality-tv, and animation alike.
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01
The Dynasty: UConn Huskies
documentary · sport
Explores the history and the recent win by UConn Huskies Women's Basketball team of the 2025 NCAA National Championship, through a mix of archival footage and interviews.
Directed by Matthew Hamachek, Erica SashinCast Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Breanna StewartApple TV Plus -
02
Twisted Yoga
documentary · crime
Ex-members of a tantric yoga school speak out about how they went from searching for wellness and community to fearing they'd joined a cult, and seeking justice for alleged abuse and manipulation at the hands of a self-styled guru.
Directed by Rowan Deacon, Lily FletcherCast Gregorian BivolaruApple TV Plus -
03
The Reluctant Traveler
documentary · reality-tv
Award-winning actor and nervous explorer Eugene Levy steps out of his comfort zone for a whirlwind tour of the world's most beautiful and intriguing destinations.
Directed by James Callum, David Brindley, Ricky Valentine, Will YappCast Eugene Levy, Héctor Bellerín, Joan Collins, William, Prince of Wales, Sarah LevyApple TV Plus -
04
Hollywood Con Queen
documentary · crime
Exploring the story of an international con artist impersonating the industry's most powerful women; based on the original reporting of veteran investigative journalist Scott Johnson for the Hollywood Reporter.
Directed by Chris SmithApple TV Plus -
05
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
documentary · sport
Drivers, managers and team owners live life in the fast lane - both on and off the track - during one cutthroat season of Formula 1 racing.
Directed by Piers Sanderson, Jake Jones, Rob Wills, Martin Webb, Nick HardieCast Jack Nicholls, Onur Han Besen, Gizem BesenNetflixApple TV Plus -
06
Born to Be Wild
documentary
From first steps to first hunts, follow six rare baby animals as they learn survival skills and bring hope for the future of their species in the wild.
Directed by Tom Barton-Humphreys, Stephanie Holt, Hannah Ward, Emma Brennand, Emma FraserCast Hugh BonnevilleApple TV Plus -
07
Prehistoric Planet
documentary · animation · history
Experience the wonders of our world like never before in this epic series from Jon Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth. Travel back 66 million years to when majestic dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the lands, seas, and skies.
Directed by Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez, Nigel Walk, Krzysztof Szczepanski, Leah ArnoldCast David Attenborough, Tom Hiddleston, Heïdi Sevestre, Victoria HerridgeApple TV Plus -
08
The Wild Ones
documentary
Explore hidden corners of Earth with a trio of experts as they try to save six endangered species from extinction. With crafty camerawork and survival skills, the team race to find, record, and protect these elusive creatures before it's too late.
Directed by Alex Ranken, Will FegenCast Declan Burley, Vianet Djenguet, Aldo KaneApple TV Plus -
09
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars
documentary
Experience thrilling highs and crushing lows as the world's best chefs pursue the ultimate accolade: a Michelin Star. These anonymous inspectors have never let anyone in on their mysterious ways, until now.
Directed by Brent Gundesen, James CallumCast Jesse Burgess, Nicolai Tram, Dae Kim, Bobby Kwak, Jacob PotashnickApple TV Plus -
10
Long Way Round
documentary · adventure
In 2004 Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman embarked on an epic challenge to bike 20,000-miles across 12 countries and 19 time zones in just 115 days. Watch as two friends ride around the world together and, against all the odds, realize their dream.
Directed by David Alexanian, Russ MalkinCast Ewan McGregor, Charley BoormanApple TV Plus -
11
Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series
documentary
Experience the battle of juggernauts like never before as the Yankees and Dodgers revive MLB's most iconic playoff rivalry. With intimate access to superstar players, managers, and their families, witness the sacrifices it takes to claim baseball's throne.
Directed by R.J. CutlerCast Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dave RobertsApple TV Plus -
12
Long Way Down
documentary
Three years after Long Way Round, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman set off on a 15,000-mile journey from the northernmost tip of Scotland to the southernmost tip of South Africa, mixing their love of motorcycles with the lure of far-flung roads.
Directed by David Alexanian, Russ MalkinCast Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, David Alexanian, Russ Malkin, Jimmy SimakApple TV Plus -
13
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
documentary · history · music
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.
Directed by Asif Kapadia, James Rogan, Danielle PeckCast Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, George Harrison, John LennonApple TV Plus -
14
Omnivore
documentary
From Peruvian salt flats to Rwandan coffee forests, explore and celebrate the ingredients that built societies, shaped beliefs, and forever altered the tapestry of humanity.
Directed by Drea Cooper, Isabel Coixet, Sami Khan, Nicola Marsh, Collin OrcuttCast René RedzepiApple TV Plus -
15
Earth at Night in Color
documentary
Filmed across six continents, this docuseries uses cutting-edge camera technology to capture animals' nocturnal lives, revealing new behaviours filmed in full color like never before.
Directed by Justin Anderson, Simon Muriel, Tom Payne, Joe StevensCast Tom HiddlestonApple TV Plus -
16
Number One on the Call Sheet
documentary
Some of Hollywood's biggest stars reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. In candid interviews, they shine a light on the highs and lows of their craft, breakthrough moments, blueprints for success, and the next generation's huge potential.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, Shola LynchCast Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, John Boyega, Don Cheadle, Morris ChestnutApple TV Plus -
17
Cowboy Cartel
documentary · crime
Follows a rookie FBI agent uncovering a multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme orchestrated by Mexico's ruthless Los Zetas cartel through the American Quarter Horse racing industry.
Directed by Dan Johnstone, Castor FernandezCast Matthew Graham Wagner, Mike Keyrouse, Chris Herpin, Anna Strickland, Gabriel EscobedoApple TV Plus -
18
Super League: The War for Football
documentary · sport
The past, present, and future of European football collide when plans for a breakaway league emerge, leaving the game’s most powerful leaders to defend—or upend—the traditions of the sport.
Directed by Jeff ZimbalistCast Gianni Infantino, Aleksander Čeferin, Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio FerdinandApple TV Plus -
19
The Secret Lives of Animals
documentary
Showcases rare footage of animal behaviors across 77 species in 24 countries, highlighting their intelligence and adaptability through pivotal life moments like birth, raising families, and finding food.
Directed by Rebecca BangayCast Hugh BonnevilleApple TV Plus -
20
The Line
documentary · crime · war
In covert modern warfare, the line between right and wrong has blurred. This docuseries examines the moral ambiguities of war as embodied by the 2018 case in which a U.S. Navy SEAL platoon accused its chief, Eddie Gallagher, of war crimes.
Directed by Doug Shultz, Jeff ZimbalistCast Eddie GallagherApple TV Plus
Wrapping Up
This roundup is built for viewers who want more than a quick watchlist: it highlights the Apple TV Plus documentaries and docuseries that stand out for storytelling, access, and variety. Whether you’re in the mood for competition, investigation, travel, or natural history, the mix here makes it easy to find your next binge. Bookmark this page and come back when you want a fresh pick, because it’s updated regularly as new series arrive and the lineup changes. It’s a simple way to keep track of the best nonfiction viewing on the service.
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 documentary shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the documentary titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026