Apple TV+ Shows 'Physical,' 'Schmigadoon' and 'Lisey's Story' Coming This Summer

Apple today shared additional details on upcoming Apple TV+ series "Physical," which Apple says is "coming soon." There are 10 episodes of "Physical," with the show described as a dark comedy.

physical tv show
Set in 1980s San Diego, "Physical" follows Sheila Rubin, a dutiful housewife supporting her husband's political aspirations. She becomes hooked on exercise and starts a business taping fitness videos. From the show's description:

Set in the idyllic but fragile beach paradise of sunny 1980s San Diego, "Physical" is a half-hour dark comedy following Sheila Rubin, a quietly tortured, seemingly dutiful housewife supporting her smart but controversial husband's bid for state assembly. But behind closed doors, Sheila has her own darkly funny take on life she rarely lets the world see. She's also battling a complex set of personal demons relating to her self-image... that is, until she finds release through the unlikeliest source: the world of aerobics.

At first hooked on the exercise itself, Sheila's real road to empowerment comes when she discovers a way to merge this newfound passion with the burgeoning technology of videotape to start a revolutionary business. The series tracks her epic journey from a stifled, overlooked enabler to a powerful, confident economic force, as Sheila transforms into someone we take for granted today (but was entirely radical at the time) -- the female lifestyle guru.

"Physical" stars Rose Byrne as Sheila Rubin, and Rory Scovel as her husband Danny. The show was created by Annie Weisman, who has worked on shows like "About a Boy," "Suburgatory," "I Feel Bad," and "Desperate Housewives." Apple has not provided a specific release date for "Physical," but says the series will premiere in summer 2021.

Apple also shared a first look at "Lisey's Story," a TV series that's also set to come out in summer 2021. Starring Julianne Moore and Clive Owen, "Lisey's Story" is based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, who created the show.

lisey story apple tv plus
"Lisey's Story" is a personal thriller that tells the story of Lisey Landon two years after the death of her husband, famous novelist Scott Landon. Unsettling events cause Lisey to face her memories of her marriage to Scott that she's blocked out of her mind.

A third series premiering this summer is Schmigadoon!, a musical comedy that is set to star Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key. The series is described as a parody of iconic musicals, with the two main stars playing a couple on a backpacking trip that's meant to reinvigorate their relationship.

They come across the magical town of Schmigadoon, where everyone lives in a studio musical from the 1940s. They're unable to leave until they can find "true love."

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Top Rated Comments

solofest Avatar
59 months ago
So, they’re definitely going to do a cross-promotion with Rose Byrne in character leading an Apple Fitness+ aerobics class, right?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BWhaler Avatar
59 months ago
She’s an underated actress. It may be a good show.

I don’t know how Apple gets Apple TV+ to work in a tidal wave of subscriptions choices and alternatives for our time, but I hope it’s a success. I think Apple TV+ has the potential to be the next HBO.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MisterMxyzptlk Avatar
59 months ago
TV Executive: Why would I watch this?
George: Because it’s on TV
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Websnapx2 Avatar
59 months ago
Reminds me of American Horror Story's "1984" season, deadly obsession with aerobics as a humorous sub-plot. I loved that show, and love Rose Byrne so I'm in.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alexandr Avatar
59 months ago
does watching this give you 3 free months of fitness+?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tedwill Avatar
59 months ago
Looking forward to Lisey's Story. One of my favorite Stephen King books.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)