# Apple TV+’s *Disclaimer*: A Psychological Thriller Taking the Streaming Scene by Storm
While Apple TV+ may not boast the vast catalog seen with some rivals, it has consistently established itself as a provider of outstanding, thoughtfully chosen content. Its latest triumph, *Disclaimer*, exemplifies this philosophy, demonstrating that in the battle for viewer attention, quality often surpasses quantity. Directed by the Oscar-acclaimed Alfonso Cuarón and featuring a stellar cast, *Disclaimer* has swiftly risen to the top as the #1 show across streaming platforms, as reported by Reelgood, which monitors viewing patterns on major services.
## The Storyline of *Disclaimer*
*Disclaimer* unfolds as a psychological thriller focusing on Catherine Ravenscroft, a prominent journalist portrayed by Cate Blanchett, whose existence is upended upon learning that she is the inspiration for a novel revealing her most profound secrets. Authored by an enigmatic writer, the book exposes a traumatic incident from her past that she has long concealed. As she investigates the book’s origins, she must face her past demons while striving to safeguard her current life.
The series is adapted from Renée Knight’s bestselling novel of the same title, celebrated for its intricate storyline and psychological insight. Under Cuarón’s direction, the adaptation successfully maintains the novel’s suspense and intricacy, while also infusing the visual style and emotional resonance that Cuarón is renowned for.
## An A-List Ensemble
A significant attraction of *Disclaimer* is its impressive cast. Cate Blanchett, recognized for her range and powerful portrayals, leads the remarkable ensemble. She’s joined by Kevin Kline, who portrays her spouse, and Sacha Baron Cohen, who adopts a more serious persona than audiences typically expect from him. The interplay among these actors, paired with Cuarón’s direction, elevates the series well beyond a conventional thriller.
Blanchett’s depiction of a woman disintegrating as her past resurfaces has earned particular acclaim. Critics highlight her talent for expressing both vulnerability and resilience, rendering Catherine Ravenscroft an intriguing and multifaceted character.
## Acclaim from Critics
The show has received enthusiastic praise from both critics and viewers alike. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes describes *Disclaimer* as “an astute creation from a talented dream team that also offers some straightforward pulpy enjoyment. *Disclaimer* is a rich and fulfilling psychological enigma.” The fusion of sophisticated psychological drama with more mainstream thriller elements has resonated with a broad audience base.
NPR further shares its perspective, labeling the series a “vast thriller tailored for the streaming era.” This highlights the show’s capacity to captivate audiences across multiple episodes, with each new twist adding complexity to the mystery.
## What Makes *Disclaimer* Unique
In a time when streaming services typically prioritize producing vast amounts of content, Apple TV+ has adopted an alternative strategy. The platform focuses on curation and excellence, and *Disclaimer* serves as a prime illustration of this approach’s success. The show’s elaborate storyline, coupled with exceptional production quality and elite talent, helps it stand out in a saturated streaming environment.
Additionally, *Disclaimer* connects with the contemporary cultural obsession with psychological thrillers and mysteries. Programs like *The Undoing* and *Sharp Objects* have shown that viewers are eager for narratives that keep them on their toes, and *Disclaimer* certainly meets that expectation. The series’ surprising twists, along with its themes of memory, guilt, and identity, render it a captivating watch.
## Reelgood Rankings: *Disclaimer* at the Top
According to Reelgood, a service that monitors viewing choices among 20 million U.S. users, *Disclaimer* has been ranked as the #1 show for the week ending October 23, 2024. Achieving this rank is no minor accomplishment, especially amidst competition from other prominent streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.
Here’s a glimpse at the top 10 television shows on Reelgood’s list for that week:
1. **Disclaimer** (*Apple TV+*)
2. **Only Murders in the Building** (*Hulu*)
3. **The Penguin** (*HBO Max*)
4. **High Potential** (*Hulu*)
5. **Agatha All Along** (*Disney+*)
6. **Teacup** (*Peacock*)
7. **Nobody Wants This** (*Netflix*)
8. **Matlock** (*Paramount+*)
9. **Shrinking** (*Apple TV+*)
10. **The Lincoln Lawyer** (*Netflix*)
As evidenced, *Disclaimer* is among esteemed company, topping a list that features some of the most discussed shows across various platforms. Its strong position in the rankings reflects its broad appeal and the emerging significance of Apple TV+ within the streaming industry.
## The Future of Apple
