Worst TV Shows of 2025

2025 has been a year of significant shifts in the television landscape with many streaming platforms opting for quantity over quality. While several new series managed to capture the cultural zeitgeist others were met with lukewarm reception and dwindling viewership numbers. This list highlights the television productions that failed to impress critics and audiences throughout the calendar year. These entries represent the most notable failures ranging from uninspired reality competitions to scripted series that lost their creative direction.

‘Animal Control’ (2023–2025)

The third season of this workplace comedy follows a team of local animal control officers as they navigate their professional and personal lives. While the cast features established comedic talent the humor often relies on predictable tropes and repetitive situations. Many critics noted that the character development stalled during the latest batch of episodes. Fans of the early seasons expressed disappointment with the lack of fresh storylines in the new year. The series struggled to maintain its initial charm amidst a crowded television schedule.

‘The Floor’ (2024–2025)

The second season of this trivia competition continues the premise of contestants competing for territory on a giant LED floor. Rob Lowe returns as the host to guide players through various categories of knowledge. Critics pointed out that the format feels repetitive and lacks the tension found in other high stakes game shows. Many viewers expressed frustration with the slow pacing of the gameplay during the tournament rounds. This installment failed to capture the same level of excitement as the debut season.

‘Alert: Missing Persons Unit’ (2023–2025)

This procedural drama focuses on the Philadelphia Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit as they investigate high stakes cases. The latest season attempted to balance procedural elements with the ongoing personal trauma of the lead characters. Reviewers found the dialogue to be increasingly melodramatic and the plot twists to be highly improbable. The show struggled to distinguish itself from other law enforcement dramas airing during the same time slot. Audience engagement declined as the overarching mystery failed to provide satisfying answers.

‘Night Court’ (2023–2025)

The revival of the classic sitcom continued its run with a third season focusing on the eccentric staff of a Manhattan night court. Despite the presence of original star John Larroquette the series struggled to replicate the wit and timing of its predecessor. Many episodes relied on physical comedy that felt outdated to modern television audiences. The chemistry between the new cast members was frequently described as forced or lacking in depth. It remained a consistent target for critics who felt the reboot lacked a unique creative voice.

‘The Irrational’ (2023–2025)

This series follows a world renowned professor of behavioral science who lends his expertise to high stakes criminal cases. The second season attempted to expand the scope of the investigations but often fell into formulaic storytelling patterns. Critics noted that the psychological explanations provided in the show were often oversimplified for dramatic effect. The lead performance was praised but the supporting characters remained largely underdeveloped throughout the year. Viewers found the episodic nature of the series to be increasingly predictable and unrewarding.

‘Found’ (2023–2025)

A public relations specialist and her crisis management team work to find missing people who are often overlooked by the system. The second season leaned heavily into the dark secrets of the protagonist but many felt the narrative became too convoluted. Critics argued that the show relied on shock value rather than meaningful character growth. The central premise began to feel strained as the season progressed toward its finale. While the performances were solid the writing struggled to maintain a consistent tone.

‘Extended Family’ (2023–2025)

This multi camera sitcom explores the dynamics of a divorced couple trying to raise their children while living in the same apartment. The second season continued to lean on the friction between the former spouses and a new fiancé. Reviewers pointed out that the laugh track often punctuated jokes that failed to land with the audience. The situational humor was described as generic and lacking the edge found in contemporary family comedies. It struggled to find a solid viewership base during its second year on the air.

‘The Great North’ (2021–2025)

This animated series follows the adventures of the Tobin family living in the fictional town of Lone Moose Alaska. The fifth season continued the show’s trend of quirky humor and musical numbers but many felt the formula was growing stale. Critics observed that the stakes of the episodes were often too low to maintain significant interest. The ensemble dynamic remained strong though the individual storylines lacked the punch of the earlier years. It faced stiff competition from other animated programs that offered more subversive or experimental content.

‘Not Dead Yet’ (2023–2025)

A journalist who writes obituaries starts to see the ghosts of the people she is writing about in this supernatural comedy. The second season struggled to move beyond the initial gimmick of the premise. Reviewers found the episodic ghost of the week format to be limiting for the overall character arc. The humor was often described as safe and wholesome but lacking in genuine laughs. While the lead actress provided a charming performance the writing failed to elevate the material.

‘Loot’ (2022–2025)

The second season of this workplace comedy follows a billionaire divorcee as she attempts to run a charitable foundation. Despite a talented lead actress the series struggled to balance its satirical elements with genuine emotion. Many critics felt the show was too hesitant to truly critique the lifestyle of the ultra wealthy. The jokes often missed the mark and the supporting characters were given repetitive arcs. It failed to make a significant impact on the streaming charts during its 2025 release.

‘Unstable’ (2023–2025)

This comedy features a socially awkward son who goes to work for his eccentric and successful father at a high tech research facility. The second season leaned into the father and son dynamic but often felt like a series of missed opportunities. Critics noted that the workplace humor was not as sharp as other contemporary comedies in the same genre. The plotlines often revolved around petty disputes that failed to resonate with the audience. Many viewers found the characters to be more grating than endearing this time around.

‘That ’90s Show’ (2023–2025)

The revival of the popular teen sitcom returned for another season of nostalgic adventures in Point Place. While the appearances of original cast members provided a boost the new teenage characters struggled to find their footing. Reviewers pointed out that the writing felt like a hollow imitation of the original series rather than a fresh take. The humor was often criticized for being too reliant on references to the previous decade. It remained a middle of the road performer for the streaming service throughout the year.

‘The Upshaws’ (2021–2025)

This multi camera sitcom follows a working class Black family in Indiana as they navigate the ups and downs of life. The latest season continued to rely on the bickering between the lead characters for its primary source of humor. Many critics felt that the show had exhausted its best ideas and was now repeating similar scenarios. The performances remained energetic but the scripts lacked the sharpness of the debut season. It struggled to stand out in an era where the traditional sitcom format is increasingly scrutinized.

‘Is It Cake?’ (2022–2025)

The baking competition returned for a third season of contestants creating hyper realistic cakes to fool a panel of judges. While the technical skill of the bakers was impressive the format of the show remained largely unchanged. Critics noted that the gimmick had lost its novelty and the episodes felt indistinguishable from one another. The social media hype that fueled the first season was noticeably absent during this latest run. It served as background viewing for many but failed to generate significant discussion.

‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ (2022–2025)

The star studded version of the classic quiz show featured another lineup of famous faces competing for charity. While the charitable aspect was praised the gameplay often suffered due to the contestants’ lack of trivia knowledge. Many viewers found the slower pace and simplified questions to be frustrating compared to the regular version of the show. The banter between the host and the guests frequently felt scripted and awkward. It remained a filler program for the network during the 2025 television season.

‘The Masked Singer’ (2019–2025)

The long running singing competition returned for more seasons of elaborate costumes and celebrity reveals. Critics argued that the show had long since peaked and was now relying on increasingly obscure celebrities. The judging panel’s over the top reactions were a frequent point of criticism for those seeking more authentic entertainment. The format has remained virtually identical for years leading to a sense of fatigue among the general public. It continued to draw decent ratings but lost its status as a must watch television event.

‘I Can See Your Voice’ (2020–2025)

This musical game show requires contestants to guess whether performers are good or bad singers without actually hearing them sing. The 2025 season struggled to maintain the tension necessary to make the premise work. Many critics found the investigative segments to be padded and the reveals to be underwhelming. The show faced criticism for its repetitive structure and lack of genuine musical talent. It remained a staple of the network schedule but failed to grow its audience base.

‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ (2023–2025)

This reality dating show follows several farmers as they search for love among a group of city women. The latest season was criticized for its predictable outcomes and the perceived lack of chemistry between the participants. Many viewers felt the rural setting was used more as a prop than a meaningful part of the experience. Critics noted that the show lacked the dramatic stakes of other more popular dating franchises. It provided a wholesome alternative to other reality shows but failed to capture significant attention.

‘The Bachelor’ (2002–2025)

The venerable dating franchise aired its latest season with a new lead looking for a potential spouse. Many long time fans expressed disappointment with the lack of innovation in the show’s structure and storytelling. The drama often felt manufactured by producers rather than resulting from natural interactions between the contestants. Critics pointed out that the show’s success rate for lasting relationships remains statistically low. It continued to dominate social media conversations but faced increasing calls for a total format overhaul.

‘The Bachelorette’ (2003–2025)

Similar to its male counterpart this dating series followed a woman through the process of narrowing down twenty five suitors. The 2025 season was plagued by controversies involving the contestants that distracted from the central romance. Reviewers found the season to be particularly monotonous with very few standout moments or genuine emotional connections. The ratings continued to trend downward as audiences sought out more modern and diverse dating programs. It struggled to maintain its relevance in an evolving media environment.

‘Bachelor in Paradise’ (2014–2025)

Former contestants from the franchise returned to a tropical resort to find love in a less structured environment. The latest season was described by critics as chaotic and lacking in meaningful narrative direction. Many viewers felt the show had become too focused on creating viral moments rather than fostering real relationships. The repetitive nature of the format and the recycling of the same personalities led to a sense of viewer burnout. It remained a guilty pleasure for some but was largely panned by critics.

‘Vanderpump Rules’ (2013–2025)

The reality series documenting the lives of staff at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants returned for another year of interpersonal drama. Critics argued that the cast members have grown too far removed from the show’s original premise of working in the service industry. The conflicts often felt rehashed from previous seasons and lacked a sense of genuine stakes. Many viewers expressed that they had outgrown the behavior of the participants who are now well into adulthood. The show struggled to reclaim the high levels of interest seen during previous scandals.

‘Selling Sunset’ (2019–2025)

The high end real estate reality show continued to focus on the personal lives and professional rivalries of agents at the Oppenheim Group. Reviewers noted that the balance between real estate and drama shifted almost entirely toward the latter this season. The luxury listings often felt like an afterthought to the carefully curated feuds between the cast members. Critics pointed out the highly stylized nature of the show made it feel more like a scripted drama than a reality series. It remained popular for its aesthetic but was criticized for its lack of substance.

‘Love is Blind’ (2020–2025)

The social experiment where singles get engaged before seeing each other returned for its latest season. Critics noted that the novelty of the pods has worn off and the show now relies on toxic relationship dynamics to maintain interest. Many of the couples featured this year were described as being ill suited for one another from the start. The reunion episodes were criticized for focusing on sensationalism rather than addressing the actual experiences of the participants. It remained a top performer for its streaming platform despite the negative critical reception.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ (2020–2025)

The reality show that forbids contestants from engaging in physical contact returned with another group of attractive singles. Many viewers felt the premise had become entirely predictable as contestants inevitably broke the rules for the sake of the narrative. Critics pointed out that the growth arcs for the participants felt manufactured and insincere. The show’s reliance on the same twists year after year led to a decline in critical interest. It served its purpose as escapist entertainment but offered little in terms of creative evolution.

‘The Kardashians’ (2022–2025)

The reality series continued to document the personal and professional lives of the famous family across multiple streaming platforms. Many viewers noted that the storylines felt increasingly manufactured and lacked the spontaneity of earlier iterations. Critics pointed out that the episodes often served more as promotional material for various business ventures than as engaging entertainment. The pacing was described as sluggish with several episodes dedicated to minor events that did not warrant extensive coverage. This season struggled to justify its existence in an already crowded reality television landscape.

’90 Day Fiancé’ (2014–2025)

The long running franchise followed more international couples as they navigated the K 1 visa process and the challenges of cultural differences. The 2025 season was criticized for featuring couples that appeared to be together solely for the sake of television exposure. Many viewers felt the show had moved away from its original documentary style toward a more sensationalist approach. The repetitive arguments and predictable hurdles made the episodes feel longer than necessary. It remained a staple of reality television but faced growing criticism for its ethics and authenticity.

‘Catfish: The TV Show’ (2012–2025)

The investigative series continued to help people discover the true identities of their online love interests. Critics noted that the show’s formula has remained unchanged for over a decade which has led to a lack of suspense. Many of the reveals this year felt underwhelming or repetitive compared to the more dramatic cases of the past. The hosts provided their usual empathetic guidance but the format struggled to adapt to the changing landscape of social media. It remains a consistent performer but lacks the cultural impact it once possessed.

‘Pawn Stars’ (2009–2025)

The reality series set in a Las Vegas pawn shop continued to feature historical items and negotiations between the owners and customers. While the educational aspect of the show remains its strongest point many viewers felt the scripted interactions were becoming too obvious. The family dynamics that once provided a comedic backbone to the series felt tired and uninspired this year. Critics noted that the show has become a victim of its own longevity with very few surprises left to offer. It continues to air in heavy rotation but has lost its must watch status.

‘Ghost Adventures’ (2008–2025)

The paranormal investigation team traveled to new locations to document alleged hauntings using various technical devices. Critics frequently pointed out the lack of scientific rigor and the reliance on subjective experiences for dramatic effect. The host’s aggressive style of investigation remained a polarizing element for the audience. Many episodes felt like retreads of previous investigations with very little in the way of compelling evidence. It remains a hit with believers but is largely dismissed by skeptics and critics alike.

‘The Curse of Oak Island’ (2014–2025)

The treasure hunting series continued the long and expensive search for legendary artifacts on an island off the coast of Nova Scotia. Many viewers expressed frustration with the slow pace of the search and the lack of significant discoveries after many years. The episodes often rely on heavy narration and speculative theories to fill the time between minor finds. Critics pointed out that the show’s structure is designed to create suspense that rarely results in a meaningful payoff. It remains a ratings success for the network despite the lack of a resolution.

‘Big Brother’ (2000–2025)

The summer reality staple returned for its twenty seventh season of houseguests competing for a large cash prize. The 2025 season was criticized for its lackluster casting and the predictability of the alliances formed early in the game. Many fans felt the twists introduced by the producers were more annoying than innovative. The live feeds remained a source of controversy as the behavior of certain contestants drew negative attention online. It struggled to maintain the excitement of previous milestone seasons.

‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ (2023–2025)

Couples on the verge of marriage are separated to date other people before deciding whether to stay together or move on. The latest season was criticized for its high levels of toxicity and the perceived emotional manipulation of the participants. Many viewers felt that the premise was inherently flawed and did not foster healthy relationship growth. Critics pointed out that the show focused on the most explosive moments rather than the nuanced reality of the situation. It generated significant social media engagement but received largely negative reviews for its content.

‘Milf Manor’ (2023–2025)

This dating show features older women looking for love in a villa filled with younger men including their own sons. The second season continued to rely on the shock value of its premise to attract viewers. Many critics found the show to be cringe inducing and lacking in any genuine romantic development. The interactions between the families were often described as uncomfortable and staged for maximum dramatic effect. It remains one of the most ridiculed programs on television for its bizarre concept and execution.

‘Deal or No Deal Island’ (2024–2025)

The spin off of the classic game show takes the briefcase opening action to a tropical island with added physical challenges. The second season failed to sustain interest as the novelty of the hybrid format wore off. Critics noted that the integration of Survivor style elements felt forced and did not add much to the core gameplay. Many viewers found the episodes to be overly long and the elimination process to be convoluted. It struggled to find a consistent audience during its 2025 run.

‘Fboy Island’ (2021–2025)

This reality show follows three women who must determine which of their suitors are nice guys and which are self proclaimed fboys. The latest season was criticized for its repetitive humor and the predictable behavior of the male contestants. Many viewers felt the show had become a parody of itself and lacked the subversive edge of the early seasons. The host provided a sarcastic commentary that some found amusing while others found it grating. It faced a significant decline in viewership and critical interest this year.

‘Crime Scene Kitchen’ (2021–2025)

Bakers must guess what dessert was made in a kitchen based on the crumbs and clues left behind before recreating it. The third season continued with the same format but many critics felt the mystery element had become too easy or too obscure. The judging remained consistent but the show lacked the excitement found in more traditional baking competitions. Many viewers found the investigative segments to be repetitive after several episodes. It remained a mid tier performer for the network without gaining much cultural traction.

‘Kitchen Nightmares’ (2023–2025)

Gordon Ramsay returned for another season of attempting to save failing restaurants across the country. Many critics noted that the show followed a very rigid formula that has not changed in nearly two decades. The dramatic reveals of disgusting kitchen conditions and the inevitable turnaround felt scripted and predictable to longtime viewers. While Ramsay’s personality remains a draw the show lacked the authentic tension of its original run. It served as a reminder of how much the reality television landscape has moved on from this style of programming.

‘Selling the OC’ (2022–2025)

The Orange County based spin off of Selling Sunset focused on a new set of agents and even more interpersonal drama. Reviewers pointed out that the cast members were often unlikable and the conflicts felt extremely petty. The focus on real estate was minimal compared to the shouting matches and rumors that dominated the season. Critics argued that the show lacked the aspirational quality of the original series and felt more like a typical trashy reality show. It received low marks for its lack of originality and repetitive narrative beats.

‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ (2006–2025)

The original franchise in the Real Housewives series returned for its nineteenth season of documenting the lives of wealthy women in Southern California. Critics and fans alike noted that the show has struggled to find a compelling narrative in recent years. Many of the cast members seemed to be going through the motions rather than engaging in authentic interactions. The conflicts were often described as forced and the new additions to the cast failed to make a lasting impression. It remains a foundational part of the network but is clearly in its twilight years.

‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ (2008–2025)

Following a total cast reboot the show continued with its new group of women navigating life in the Big Apple. The 2025 season was criticized for lacking the chemistry and wit that made the original cast iconic. Many viewers found the storylines to be superficial and the cast members to be overly conscious of their public image. Critics pointed out that the show felt more like an influencer marketing campaign than a reality series. It has struggled to regain the ratings and cultural relevance of its predecessor.

‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (2010–2025)

The glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills were once again the backdrop for a season filled with luxury and intense feuds. Critics noted that the show has become increasingly focused on legal drama and off screen controversies that are not always well explained in the episodes. Many viewers felt that the season was dragged out with very little actual plot progression. The cast dynamics were described as fractured and the constant arguing became exhausting for many long time fans. It remains a high profile show but one that is increasingly polarized.

‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ (2018–2025)

The original cast of Jersey Shore continued their extended vacation with another season of trips and family dinners. Reviewers argued that the show has completely run out of steam as the cast members have matured and have less in common than they once did. Much of the drama felt manufactured for the cameras and lacked the raw energy of the original series. The episodes were often padded with flashbacks and slow motion montages to make up for the lack of actual content. It remains a nostalgia trip for some but has lost its comedic edge.

‘The Circle’ (2020–2025)

The social media based reality competition returned for another season of players flirting and feuding through a dedicated app. Critics noted that the strategy of the game has become completely stagnant as players have learned how to game the system. The high energy narration and constant use of hashtags were described as increasingly annoying and dated. Many viewers felt the show lacked the genuine connections that made the first few seasons compelling. It remained a filler hit for its streaming service but failed to innovate in its fifth year.

‘Velma’ (2023–2025)

The third season of this animated reimagining continues to explore the origin stories of the Mystery Inc gang through a modern lens. Viewers frequently criticized the writing for its inconsistent tone and reliance on meta humor that felt forced. The characterizations remained a point of contention for longtime fans of the original franchise who felt the show strayed too far from its roots. Despite the high production values the narrative failed to resolve the ongoing mysteries in a satisfying manner. It concluded the year as one of the most polarizing and poorly received programs on television.

‘Ironheart’ (2025)

This superhero series follows a young genius who creates a suit of armor similar to that of Iron Man. While the lead performance was generally well received the show was criticized for its weak writing and poor visual effects. Many critics felt the story lacked a clear sense of direction and relied too heavily on established tropes from the broader cinematic universe. The pacing was often described as erratic with several episodes failing to move the central plot forward. It struggled to stand out in an increasingly crowded market of comic book adaptations.

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