Best TV Shows of 2025

The television landscape in 2025 reached a significant milestone with the return of several massive franchises and the conclusion of long running fan favorites. Audiences enjoyed a surge in high quality original programming alongside the expansion of established cinematic universes on various streaming platforms. This year stood out for its commitment to complex character driven stories and groundbreaking visual effects in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Producers and creators focused on delivering immersive narratives that captured global attention across traditional broadcast and digital media. These fifty shows represent the absolute best of what premiered or aired new seasons during this calendar year.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

The final season of this supernatural drama brings the Hawkins heroes together for one last battle against the Upside Down. Eleven and her friends navigate the extreme dangers of a world merging with a darker dimension while resolving long standing personal arcs. This series concludes its run as a cultural powerhouse with massive production values and emotional closures for the core cast. The narrative emphasizes the strength of childhood friendships in the face of ancient terrors and cosmic threats.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–2025)

Joel and Ellie return for a second season that explores the cycle of violence and the consequences of past choices in a post apocalyptic world. The story introduces new factions and survivors as the protagonists travel through a dangerous and overgrown landscape. Themes of revenge and tribalism drive the narrative while maintaining the emotional depth of the central relationship. This adaptation continues to receive praise for its realistic portrayal of human nature in extreme circumstances.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–2025)

A new group of affluent travelers arrives at a luxury resort in Thailand where their personal baggage and social status collide with the local culture. The third installment of this anthology series maintains its signature blend of dark comedy and social satire while introducing a fresh mystery. Characters navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and spiritual quests in a beautiful but tense setting. The plot examines the themes of mortality and Eastern philosophy through the lens of Western privilege.

‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (2025)

Matt Murdock returns to the streets of Hell’s Kitchen to fight for justice as both a dedicated lawyer and a masked vigilante. The narrative explores his ongoing conflict with Wilson Fisk who continues to exert significant influence over the political and criminal structures of New York City. Gritty action sequences and deep moral dilemmas define the struggle of the protagonist to balance his dual life and personal faith. This series brings back familiar faces while introducing new threats to the street level heroic landscape.

‘Severance’ (2022–2025)

The mystery of Lumon Industries deepens as Mark and his colleagues deal with the fallout of their discovery about the outside world. This second season explores the origins of the severance process and the true purpose behind the corporate floor. Tensions rise as the characters attempt to bridge the gap between their workplace personas and their real identities. The story continues to offer a haunting and thought provoking look at corporate culture and human autonomy.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–2025)

Wednesday Addams continues her education at Nevermore Academy where she faces new supernatural mysteries and ancient curses. The narrative follows her as she balances her independent nature with the requirements of school life and evolving friendships. Gothic aesthetics and a unique sense of humor define the interactions between the students and the broader community. The story expands the lore of the Addams family while focusing on Wednesday’s personal growth and investigative skills.

‘Andor’ (2022–2025)

The journey of Cassian Andor reaches its conclusion as he fully commits to the burgeoning rebellion against the Galactic Empire. The narrative focuses on the grounded and gritty reality of political revolution and the immense sacrifices required for meaningful change. Espionage and high stakes maneuvers characterize the final steps toward the events of a familiar cinematic story. The series emphasizes the collective effort of ordinary individuals in the face of overwhelming and systemic tyranny.

‘The Bear’ (2022–2025)

Carmy Berzatto and his dedicated team face the high pressure reality of maintaining a premier restaurant in the competitive culinary scene of Chicago. The narrative explores the personal and professional challenges of striving for excellence while dealing with grief and financial instability. Intense kitchen sequences and emotional character arcs highlight the dedication and precision required for culinary success. The story examines the importance of chosen family and the relentless pursuit of perfection in a chaotic environment.

‘Alien: Earth’ (2025)

The discovery of a mysterious spacecraft on Earth leads to a terrifying encounter with a perfect extraterrestrial organism. A group of scientists and corporate agents must work together to understand the danger and prevent a global catastrophe. The story expands the lore of the iconic franchise by bringing the horror to a domestic and recognizable setting. High tension and claustrophobic atmospheres define the struggle for human survival against a relentless and evolved threat.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025)

This prequel series explores the origins of the supernatural entity that haunts a small town in Maine every twenty seven years. The narrative follows a group of residents in the mid twentieth century as they confront escalating disappearances and unexplained phenomena. Themes of trauma and childhood fear are central to the development of the plot and the history of the town. The story builds upon existing mythology while introducing new characters who must face an ancient and manipulative evil.

‘Peacemaker’ (2022–2025)

Christopher Smith continues his unconventional mission to maintain peace at any cost with his team of loyal misfits. The story follows his development as a hero while he grapples with his complicated relationship with his father and his own past actions. Violent action and irreverent humor drive the plot as new threats emerge from domestic and extraterrestrial sources. Peacemaker must learn the true meaning of justice and sacrifice in a world filled with moral ambiguity and chaotic events.

‘Ironheart’ (2025)

Riri Williams uses her genius intellect and advanced armor to navigate the challenges of being a young hero in a technologically evolving world. The narrative follows her journey as she balances her life as a brilliant student with the responsibilities of her heroic persona. Clashes between magic and high technology define the central conflict of the first season. Riri must find her own unique path while dealing with the legacy of those who pioneered similar advancements before her.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)

Gi hun returns to the mysterious and deadly tournament with a new objective to dismantle the organization from the inside out. The story follows a fresh group of desperate participants who must compete in lethal versions of children’s games for a massive cash prize. Social commentary and high tension drive the narrative as the stakes reach a global scale in the new games. The series continues to examine the limits of human morality and the desperation caused by modern economic inequality.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–2025)

Percy Jackson embarks on a new quest to the Sea of Monsters to save Camp Half Blood and find his missing friend. The narrative follows the young demigod as he discovers more about his heritage and the ongoing war between the Olympians and the Titans. Mythological creatures and ancient legends come to life in modern settings as the trio navigates dangerous waters. The story focuses on the themes of loyalty and the search for identity in a world of gods and monsters.

‘Hacks’ (2021–2025)

The professional partnership between legendary comedian Deborah Vance and young writer Ava Daniels reaches new heights of success and complexity in Las Vegas. The narrative follows their efforts to remain relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment industry while navigating their own personal growth. Sharp dialogue and emotional vulnerability define their relationship as they continue to challenge each other to improve. The story explores the sacrifices and rewards of a life spent in the pursuit of comedy and fame.

‘The Morning Show’ (2019–2025)

The competitive world of broadcast news faces new internal and external challenges in a volatile and rapidly changing media landscape. Alex Levy and Bradley Jackson navigate power shifts and ethical dilemmas while trying to maintain their journalistic integrity and ratings. The narrative explores contemporary social issues and the personal lives of those who deliver the daily news to millions. Professional rivalries and corporate maneuvers create a high pressure environment for everyone at the network during this season.

‘Shrinking’ (2023–2025)

A grieving therapist continues to practice his unconventional method of telling patients exactly what he thinks about their lives. The story explores the ripple effects of his radical honesty on his personal life and his relationships with his colleagues and daughter. Characters navigate the complexities of mental health and personal growth with a unique balance of humor and sincerity. This chapter of the series focuses on the importance of human connection and the messy process of healing after loss.

‘The Diplomat’ (2023–2025)

Ambassador Kate Wyler manages international crises while dealing with the volatile nature of her own marriage and political career. The narrative follows her efforts to prevent global conflict through backroom negotiations and high profile public appearances in London. High pressure situations in the world of global statecraft test the limits of her professional expertise and personal resilience. The series highlights the intricate and often hidden world of modern diplomacy and the personal costs of public service.

‘Silo’ (2023–2025)

The mystery of the underground bunker deepens as Juliette Nichols discovers more about the world outside and the secrets of the creators. Internal rebellion and the quest for truth drive the narrative forward in a high stakes struggle for freedom from the authorities. Characters must navigate a claustrophobic society governed by strict rules and hidden agendas designed to prevent discovery. The story examines the cost of survival and the power of forbidden knowledge in a dystopian future.

‘Poker Face’ (2023–2025)

Charlie Cale travels to new locations and uses her innate ability to detect lies to solve a series of unique and deadly crimes. Each episode features a standalone mystery where the protagonist encounters a diverse cast of characters in unexpected and dangerous situations. The story maintains a classic detective structure while utilizing a modern and gritty aesthetic across the American landscape. Charlie must stay one step ahead of those who wish to silence her while continuing her journey of discovery.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–2025)

The anthology series returns with a new set of stories that explore the dark and often unintended consequences of advanced technology on society. Each episode presents a unique vision of the future or an alternate reality that challenges the perceptions of the audience. Themes of privacy and artificial intelligence and the nature of reality are central to the new narratives. The series continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the intersection of human behavior and digital innovation.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–2025)

The Master of Dreams continues to rebuild his vast realm and correct the mistakes of his long absence from the dreaming world. This season explores more stories from the mythology of the Endless as Dream interacts with gods and mortals alike across different dimensions. Visual storytelling and philosophical depth define the journey through various realms of existence and human imagination. Characters face the consequences of their eternal desires and the immutable nature of change in the universe.

‘Zero Day’ (2025)

A former American president is pulled out of retirement to lead a commission investigating a devastating global cyber attack. The narrative explores the vulnerabilities of modern infrastructure and the political intrigue surrounding international security and digital warfare. Tension and high stakes negotiations define the effort to find the perpetrators and prevent further chaos. The story examines the fragility of democratic institutions in an age of misinformation and technological dependence.

‘Paradise’ (2025)

In a peaceful community where no crime has occurred for decades a shocking murder forces the residents to confront hidden secrets. The narrative follows an investigator who must peel back the layers of a seemingly perfect society to find the truth behind the violence. Themes of social engineering and the cost of utopia drive the development of the plot. The story highlights the tension between public perception and the reality of human behavior in a controlled environment.

‘Duster’ (2025)

Set in the nineteen seventies this series follows a getaway driver whose life takes a dramatic turn after he becomes involved with a crime syndicate. The narrative blends high octane car chases with a gritty crime drama aesthetic across the American Southwest. Characters navigate a world of shifting loyalties and dangerous missions as the driver tries to escape his past. The story emphasizes the atmospheric setting and the physical demands of a life on the edge of the law.

‘The Pitt’ (2025)

Medical professionals at a busy urban hospital in Pittsburgh face the daily challenges of a strained healthcare system and personal crises. The narrative focuses on the fast paced and emotional environment of the emergency room as the staff works to save lives. Realistic portrayals of medical procedures and the impact of systemic issues define the tone of the series. The story explores the resilience and dedication of those who serve on the front lines of public health.

‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ (2025)

This animated series follows Peter Parker during his early days as a hero while he balances high school life and his new responsibilities. The narrative explores the origin of his powers and his interactions with a variety of classic characters in a fresh setting. Vibrant animation and a focus on the teenage experience define the tone of the show. Peter must learn the true meaning of being a hero while navigating the social challenges of adolescence.

‘Eyes of Wakanda’ (2025)

This animated anthology explores the history of Wakanda through the stories of the brave warriors who traveled the world to recover dangerous artifacts. The narrative dives into different eras of the hidden nation and the legacy of its protectors throughout time. Stunning visuals and rich world building highlight the cultural and technological advancements of the region. The series expands the lore of a beloved cinematic universe while introducing new heroes and legends.

‘Star Wars: Visions’ (2021–2025)

The third volume of this animated anthology brings together diverse animation studios from around the world to tell unique stories in a distant galaxy. Each episode offers a fresh artistic perspective on the themes of the Force and the struggle between light and dark. Creative freedom and cultural influences define the varied narratives and visual styles presented in this installment. The series continues to push the boundaries of storytelling within a massive and established fictional universe.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021–2025)

The complicated relationship between a mother and daughter continues to evolve as secrets from the past threaten their new life in a small town. The narrative explores themes of family loyalty and the challenges of growing up in the shadow of parental mistakes. Dramatic twists and emotional revelations drive the plot as the characters navigate social pressures and romantic interests. The story focuses on the strength required to build a future while running from a difficult history.

‘The Recruit’ (2022–2025)

A young CIA lawyer finds himself caught in another web of international espionage and dangerous political maneuvers during his second year. The narrative follows his efforts to navigate the bureaucracy of the agency while dealing with high stakes field assignments. Humor and suspense blend as the protagonist learns that his legal training is only a small part of surviving the world of intelligence. The series highlights the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of modern covert operations.

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025)

The long running rivalry between different karate dojos reaches its final conclusion in a global tournament that tests every student and sensei. The narrative resolves the personal conflicts of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence as they work together to protect the legacy of their art. High energy martial arts and coming of age drama define the journey toward the ultimate confrontation. This final season provides emotional closure for the characters and the community they built together.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023–2025)

Peter Sutherland returns for a new mission that takes him deep into the world of covert operations and high level government conspiracies. The narrative follows his development as a seasoned agent while he protects a new set of assets from dangerous threats. Fast paced action and intricate plot twists drive the story across various international locations. Sutherland must rely on his training and instincts to uncover a plot that could destabilize the entire region.

‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2022–2025)

Mickey Haller continues to run his law practice out of the back of his Lincoln while taking on the most challenging cases in Los Angeles. The narrative follows his efforts to navigate the legal system and uncover the truth in complex criminal trials. Personal relationships and professional ethics collide as he faces pressure from both the authorities and the criminal underworld. The series maintains its focus on the procedural details of the law and the charismatic nature of its lead character.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–2025)

The mystery of what happened to the stranded soccer team in the wilderness continues to unfold across two timelines in the third season. The narrative explores the escalating tension and survival tactics of the teenagers while the adult survivors deal with new threats in the present day. Psychological horror and character driven drama define the exploration of trauma and the dark secrets that bond the women together. Mysteries about the true nature of the wilderness remain central to the evolving plot.

‘Foundation’ (2021–2025)

The epic struggle to preserve galactic civilization moves into a new era as the Foundation faces its greatest crisis predicted by Hari Seldon. Scientific discovery and political intrigue collide across multiple systems as the Empire continues to struggle with its diminishing power. Massive visual effects and complex philosophical themes drive the story of a small group trying to guide humanity through a dark age. Characters grapple with the weight of destiny and the limits of technological foresight.

‘1923’ (2022–2025)

The saga of the Dutton family continues as they face the challenges of the early twentieth century in Montana and beyond. The narrative explores the impacts of prohibition and the Great Depression on the survival of the sprawling ranch. Family loyalty and the brutal reality of the frontier define the struggles of the characters across different continents. This season brings the historical prequel to a conclusion while connecting the legacy to the broader western drama.

‘Invincible’ (2021–2025)

Mark Grayson faces the increasing responsibilities of being Earth’s primary defender while the threat of the Viltrumite Empire looms closer. The narrative explores the brutal physical and emotional costs of superhero conflicts in an uncompromising world. New alliances and formidable villains emerge to challenge the young hero and his evolving team of allies. The animated format allows for massive scale action and a deep examination of the consequences of absolute power.

‘Gen V’ (2023–2025)

The students at Godolkin University continue to navigate the dark and corporate world of superheroes while dealing with their own evolving powers. The narrative explores the fallout of the discoveries made at the school and the increasing tension with Vought International. Aspiring heroes must decide where their loyalties lie as the stakes of their education become a matter of life and death. The series combines collegiate drama with intense action and sharp social commentary on modern celebrity culture.

‘The Gilded Age’ (2022–2025)

New York City high society remains a battlefield of social ambition and traditional values during the final decades of the nineteenth century. The Russell family continues their ascent through the ranks of the elite while facing resistance from established old money clans. Lavish costumes and intricate set designs provide a background for stories of industrial progress and domestic scandal. The narrative explores the changing economic landscape of the era and the evolving roles of women in a rigid society.

‘Outlander’ (2014–2025)

The epic romance of Claire and Jamie Fraser reaches its final chapters as they face the ultimate trials of war and the building of a new nation. Historical events provide a dramatic backdrop for the personal struggles of the family as they protect their home in colonial America. The story balances elements of time travel with detailed period drama and deep emotional character development. Viewers witness the final resolution of a journey that has spanned decades and continents.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–2025)

The Doctor embarks on a fresh set of adventures across space and time with a focus on exploring the mysteries of the universe. This season features a mix of historical encounters and futuristic challenges that test the limits of the TARDIS crew. Ancient enemies return while mysterious new threats emerge from the furthest corners of reality. The series continues to reinvent its narrative through imaginative storytelling and the evolution of its central character.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–2025)

The lives of a group of high school students are explored through their struggles with addiction and the pursuit of individual identity in a modern world. The narrative utilizes a highly stylized visual approach to examine the complexities of adolescence and mental health. Characters navigate a world of intense emotional experiences and significant social pressures. This season focuses on the long term consequences of their choices as they prepare for the transition to adulthood.

‘The Night Manager’ (2016–2025)

Jonathan Pine returns for a high stakes mission that pulls him back into the dangerous world of international espionage and arms trafficking. The story explores the personal toll of undercover work as Pine faces new adversaries in sophisticated global settings. High production values and a tense atmosphere define the continuation of this acclaimed thriller. The narrative emphasizes the moral complexities and the physical dangers of working in the shadows of the global power structure.

Please share your thoughts on which of these 2025 series was your personal favorite of the year in the comments.