Apple TV+

Apple TV+ has been available for well over a year now, and some of the shows have picked up a considerable fan base. Writing for 9to5 Mac, marketing strategist Parker Ortolani argued that we now need some official merch. (And I think he’s got a good point…)

There is plenty of bootleg merch on the web for different Apple TV+ shows, primarily for “Ted Lasso.” That comes as no surprise since the show has been a huge hit for the company. The upbeat show has become a mainstay of pandemic life. It’s uplifting and just a pure joy to watch during these difficult times. We all know that if Apple were to take a stab at making merch, they would make some awesome things. In fact, they already have made some products to market shows like “Ted Lasso.” But they haven’t made them available to the public, rather opting to send gift packages to press and leaders of the television industry. The Apple-branded merch products that they sell exclusively at Infinite Loop and at Apple Park have always been incredibly cool pieces to show your Apple pride. There’s no doubt that Apple’s designers could do the same for these shows and films.

Apple TV+ has picked up three Saturn Awards nominations from The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, AppleInsider reported. This might not be quite up there with the Golden Globes and other awards the stream service’s content has been put forward for, but no doubt every piece of recognition will be welcomed.

“For All Mankind,” is nominated in the Best Fantasy Television Series category. It will compete against shows including “Outlander,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.” Similarly, “Amazing Stories” will compete against “The Mandalorian,” “His Dark Materials,” and, perhaps oddly, also “Perry Mason” for Best Television Presentation (Under 10 Episodes). Lastly, “Servant” is nominated in the Best Horror Television Series category, opposite such dramas as “The Walking Dead,” and “Creepshow.”

Ahead of the launch of Cherry on Apple TV+ on February 26, there was a premiere on February 23. AppleInsider reported on how the story had a personal element for directors Anthony and Joe Russo.

“Like many of us, we’ve had personal experiences with loved ones who have had either addiction problems, overdose problems, even involving death,” Anthony Russo said. “So the issue of the opioid crisis was very present in our personal lives.” “But even beyond that, it felt like it was a very timely issue, something that we really wanted to address now, in the hopes of being able to play some small part in how this issue unfolds for people and evolves.”

Ted Lasso has been a huge, unexpected breakout hit for Apple TV+. Yes, it’s a lovely show, but nobody has yet really put their finger on how or why this happened. (We discussed it briefly on Wednesday’s Daily Observations.) Vox attempted to explain the success.