Apple TV+ are offering access to their streaming services this weekend for free, worldwide. From 3rd to 5th January, you can watch any of the titles available, giving everyone a great chance to dip in and see what all the fuss is about. There’s some incredible programmes and films on there, and I thought it my duty to help narrow down what should be watched in the short window of availablility.

Three days is seventy-two hours, so assuming you’re willing to sacrifice any naptime, then this is what I would suggest:

• Slow Horses (about 18 hours) Rush in to watch all four series of this immediately, they’re only short, you’re always left wanting more, it’s excellent viewing.
• Shrinking (about 12 hours). Both seasons of this brilliant show are available, with the second having just finished, and it’s a wonderful cast with a warm and uplifting script despite some heavy subjects. Plus it has Harrison Ford in it.
• For All Mankind, Season 2 (about 10 hours). There are four seasons which are all great, but if you’re short on time, then this is probably the best place to start. The alternate history of the space race has people firmly established on the moon and it’s not an easy life up there.
• Silo, Season 1 (about 10 hours). We’re short on time so can’t fit in both series, and the second hasn’t quite finished yet, so get as caught up as you can on this moody and enticing dystopian story.
• Bad Sisters, Season 1 (about 10 hours). I’ve just finished watching the second series of this and, whilst still head and shoulders above a lot of other television, it wasn’t a patch on its original. The first story is entertaining and darkly funny, a brilliant cast having a lot of fun, whilst a mystery unfolds around them.
• CODA (about 2 hours). The only film on my list, I just love this story about a Child of Deaf Adults. So well done, and such a moving ending.
• Black Bird (about 6 hours). You need to prepare yourself for this as it’s intense and disturbing but so well played by everyone involved. I can still barely watch Paul Walter Hauser in anything else.
• Stillwater (the remaining 4 hours). We’re running out of time, but as a palate cleanser, either at the end of all the above, or in between times, I recommend this gloriously mindful kids show about a panda that tells stories to his young neighbours, helping them deal with things that, to be honest, are just as trying to adults as they are to kids. There are a lot more episodes out there, but they’re super short, so just fit in as many as you can with your final time remaining.

Looking back over some of the content that has appeared on Apple TV+ reminded me just what an incredible strike rate the streamer has, such gems to be found. More recently, it feels like there have been fewer shows that grab me, but even among that, there are still so many that jump to the top of any To Watch list. Incredible. Grab your free weekend while you can and make the most of it!