Sunny, A24’s latest sci-fi comedy on Apple TV+, shines as the platform continues to carve out a niche for itself in the genre. While Apple TV+ may not boast the vast library of Netflix or the extensive catalog of other streaming giants, it has distinguished itself with a string of science fiction series featuring well-known actors. Sunny, produced by A24, is the latest addition to this lineup, featuring Rashida Jones of Parks and Recreation fame, marking her return to Apple TV+ after a memorable role in Silo.
Critically acclaimed, Sunny stands out among Apple TV+’s 2024 sci-fi releases on Rotten Tomatoes. With 35 reviews counted, the series holds a stellar 91% critics’ score, reflecting its dramedy adaptation’s appeal. Audiences are also showing strong early support with an 86% score, though with only two episodes aired, the audience rating remains subject to change as more ratings come in.
What’s Sunny About?
Sunny airs new episodes weekly leading up to its finale on September 4, with Rashida Jones in the lead role as Suzie. Set in Kyoto, Japan, Suzie’s life takes a tragic turn when her husband and son vanish in a mysterious plane crash. To cope with her grief, she receives a domestic robot from her husband’s electronics company, initially rebuffing Sunny’s attempts to bring positivity into her life. Over time, however, they forge an unlikely friendship that unravels unsettling truths about Suzie’s family disappearance, leading them into perilous discoveries.
Joining Jones in the cast are Hidetoshi Nishijima, Joanna Sotomura, Judy Ongg, YOU, annie the clumsy, and Jun Kunimura. The sci-fi comedy is helmed by Katie Robbins, known for her work on The Affair, and boasts a production team including Jones and A24. Lucy Tcherniak, who has directed episodes of Station Eleven and The End of the F***ing World, serves as both executive producer and director. Sunny marks the second collaboration between Apple, A24, and Jones following the acclaimed film On the Rocks directed by Sofia Coppola.
Sunny has achieved a strong critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes, scoring 91%. This places it comfortably ahead of other 2024 sci-fi series on Apple TV+. Notable competitors include Constellation, which explored space horror and was cancelled after one season, and Dark Matter, adapted from Blake Crouch’s novel. Both Sugar and the recently axed dramedy The Big Door Prize also featured sci-fi elements to varying extents, but Sunny outshines them all.
Despite its positive reception, some reviews, including Lloyd’s, highlight pacing issues common in Apple TV+ Originals and caution that the series’ blend of sci-fi and comedy may not universally appeal. Nevertheless, with its concise episodes and Rashida Jones’ standout performance, Sunny is certainly worth a watch.