Widow's Bay is an Apple TV horror-comedy, meaning scary and funny, about Mayor Tom Loftis and a cursed New England island. Season 1 has 10 episodes with Matthew Rhys, earned 95% critics score and 14 Emmys, and streams only on Apple TV. Tourism succeeds just as dismissed curse tales start happening again. This guide covers story, cast, episode dates, reception, and how to watch.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Story?
- Who Leads the Cast?
- When Did Season 1 Air?
- How Did Viewers and Critics Respond?
- How Can You Watch?
What Is the Story?
Apple TV Press describes Loftis pushing tourism to revive a struggling island in Apple TV Press release. Success arrives just as long-dismissed curse stories start happening again.
Collider describes Loftis as a pragmatic mayor and single father. He faces superstitious residents convinced the town is cursed.
Who Leads the Cast?
Matthew Rhys leads as Mayor Tom Loftis. Kate O'Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll and Dale Dickey co-star.
Katie Dippold created the series. Hiro Murai directed and executive-produced it for Apple Studios, according to Apple TV Press.
When Did Season 1 Air?
Season 1 has 10 episodes, reports Brit + Co in Brit + Co episode guide. It premiered April 29, 2026 with "Welcome to Widow's Bay!" and "Lodging." It then aired weekly on Wednesdays through June 17, 2026, with two episodes on May 27.
Decider guides from April and September 2026 differ on whether two or three episodes dropped day one. Check episode order in the Apple TV app before you watch.
How Did Viewers and Critics Respond?
ScreenRant reported 95% critics and 93% audience scores in early May 2026, later listed around 98%, in ScreenRant report. That signals unusually strong agreement for a horror-comedy.
Collider called it Apple TV's weirdest, boldest show yet in an April 24, 2026 review. Apple Newsroom announced September 15, 2026 that it won 14 Emmys. Wins included Outstanding Comedy Series, Rhys for lead actor, O'Flynn and Root for supporting, plus Dippold for writing and Murai for directing.
How Can You Watch?
Widow's Bay streams exclusively on Apple TV, says Decider in Decider streaming guide. You can watch on Apple devices, smart TVs, consoles, and tv.apple.com. It is also available via Apple TV channels on Prime Video and Roku, with a subscription and seven-day free trial for new subscribers.
Open the Apple TV app and search for Widow's Bay. Pick Season 1 to see the current episode order. Listed price moved from $13.99 a month in April 2026 to $14.99 a month in September 2026, so confirm the current plan in-app. Decider reported both figures in its April and September guides.
- Confirm your plan price in-app before paying
- Start the seven-day free trial if you are new
- Add the show to your watchlist