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May brings a wide selection of new content to Apple TV. Two brand-new thriller series, a science fiction production in the vein of “For All Mankind,” John Travolta’s directorial debut, and the first US Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season are all on the schedule. The lineup is rounded out with new episodes of existing series and additional sports programming.
Following a packed April, Apple TV continues its strong performance in May. The platform continues to combine high-quality original productions with well-known actors and live sports. This month's content diversity is particularly striking: from a paranoid Cold War thriller to a dark comedy and a nostalgic road movie, there's something for every taste.
Formula 1: Miami Grand Prix on May 3rd
The first Formula 1 race of the 2026 season on US soil, the Miami Grand Prix, will take place on May 3rd. This is a special date for Apple TV subscribers in the US, as Apple will be broadcasting the entire Formula 1 season there for the first time this year, including all races and additional content, at no extra cost to their existing subscription.
In Germany, however, the situation remains unchanged: Sky still holds the exclusive broadcasting rights, with its contract running until 2027. The recent acquisition of Sky Deutschland by the RTL Group, approved by the EU Commission, does not initially alter this. Nevertheless, Apple's entry into Formula 1 underscores the significant expansion of the platform's overall sports offerings. In addition to Formula 1, its growing portfolio also includes Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, among others.
Thriller series: Unconditional from May 8th
The new thriller series “Unconditional” premieres on May 8th. The plot revolves around a relaxing mother-daughter vacation that turns into a nightmare. 25-year-old Gali, played by Talia Lynne Ronn, is arrested in Moscow for drug smuggling.
Her mother, Orna, portrayed by Liraz Chamami, refuses to accept the accusations. However, in her fight for her daughter's freedom, she herself becomes increasingly entangled in a dangerous web of crime and corruption. The series blends family dynamics with a suspenseful crime plot.
Black comedy: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed from May 20th
On May 20th, “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed,” a blend of thriller and comedy, will be released. The film centers on Paula, played by Tatiana Maslany, a recently divorced mother who gets caught in a dangerous web of blackmail, murder, and youth soccer.
Convinced she has witnessed a crime, Paula begins her own investigation while simultaneously dealing with a custody battle and a personal identity crisis. She stumbles upon a larger conspiracy that could not only solve the case but also offer her the chance to rebuild her family and her sense of self. Among those working alongside her is Jake Johnson.
Film premiere: Propeller One-Way Night Coach from May 29th
John Travolta's directorial debut, "Propeller One-Way Night Coach," will be released on May 29th. The film is set in the golden age of commercial aviation and tells the story of young aviation enthusiast Jeff, played by newcomer Clark Shotwell.
Together with his mother, played by Kelly Eviston-Quinnett, Jeff embarks on a cross-country trip to Hollywood. What begins as a simple flight develops into the defining experience of his life. Between in-flight meals, charming flight attendants played by Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann, unexpected layovers, and colorful fellow passengers, a series of magical and unusual moments unfolds. The film blends nostalgia with a personal coming-of-age story.
Science fiction thriller: Star City from May 29th
The long-awaited series also starts on May 29th. Star City. Inspired by the space drama "For All Mankind," the production takes the audience into an alternate version of the space race. The starting point is the moment in this alternate history when the Soviet Union becomes the first nation to put a man on the moon.
The perspective is unusual: the series consistently tells the story from a Soviet point of view, behind the Iron Curtain. The focus is on cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers of the Soviet space program. “Star City” combines historical realism with a paranoid thriller atmosphere and illuminates the personal risks behind the scenes of the Cold War.
Fittingly, the fifth season of the series For All Mankind is ending at the same time, before the sixth and final season brings it to a close. The series laid the foundation for this genre on Apple TV.
New episodes of current series
In addition to the new releases, Apple TV will deliver more episodes of popular shows in May:
- Margo's Got Money Troubles: The comedy starring Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer runs until May 20th.
- For All Mankind: The fifth season continues until May 29th.
- Your Friends & Neighbors: The second season with Jon Hamm continues until June 5th.
- Criminal Record: The London-based thriller starring Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi runs until June 10th.
- Widow's Bay: The horror-comedy starring Matthew Rhys runs until June 17th.
This ensures that the program remains varied throughout the entire month, as the weekly releases provide fresh content in addition to the new releases.
Apple Arcade is also getting new content
Alongside its TV and movie lineup, Apple is also expanding its game selection on Apple Arcade. An overview of all new titles and updates can be found in our article Apple Arcade May 2026: Nick Jr. Replay and New Games.
Apple TV showcases breadth and prominence in May
May underscores Apple TV's consistent focus on a combination of star-studded productions, new genres, and live sports. With "Star City," the science fiction lineup gains a worthy successor to "For All Mankind," while "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed" and "Unconditional" expand the thriller offerings. John Travolta's directorial debut adds a touch of nostalgia to the programming. All in all, it's a month that should offer little chance of boredom for Apple TV subscribers. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront Offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / M-Production)
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