Network TV’s 10 Best Shows Of 2025, Ranked

Each year brings a flood of new TV shows, and the highlights for 2025 include both fresh series and returning favorites. Lately, cable and streaming services have become known for high-quality, critically acclaimed shows, which has left traditional broadcast television with a somewhat less glamorous reputation. Shows like police procedurals and traditional sitcoms – especially those filmed with a live studio audience – have often been dismissed as less important, a perception that isn’t really justified.

With the current TV season being roughly halfway through its two-year cycle, it’s become clear that shows on major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC are delivering high-quality programming, whether through their current episodes or what’s already aired from last season.

10. Found

©NBC / Courtesy MovieStillsDB

Crime shows on network television often have straightforward storylines. However, NBC’s Found offered a fresh take on the genre by focusing on the complicated dynamic between crisis manager Gabi Mosely and the man who both kidnapped and was then held captive by her, known as Sir. The second season ended with Gabi’s secret – that she kidnapped her own kidnapper – being revealed, promising a compelling third season. Sadly, NBC canceled the show before it could happen.

9. Murder In A Small Town

Fox (MovieStillsDb)

Most police dramas on TV take place in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. However, Murder in a Small Town offers a refreshing change of pace. It maintains the core elements of the genre while creating a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, and season two really nails this approach. Because the crimes happen in a close-knit community, the show focuses on how people connected to each other become suspects. Adding to the appeal, the series also features a charming romantic storyline between Karl Alberg and Cassandra Lee.

8. Abbott Elementary

For several years, Abbott Elementary has been the leading comedy on network television. Created by Quinta Brunson, the show’s strength comes from its relatable setting and its ability to address real issues in education with humor and warmth. Seasons 4 and 5, continuing through 2025, build on this success while also adding new dimensions to the series. One standout episode was filmed at a live baseball game, and the season concluded by introducing a compelling new direction: the repurposing of an abandoned mall.

7. Law & Order: SVU

NBC

After being on television for so long, you might expect Law & Order: SVU to be losing steam, but it consistently delivers strong, compelling stories. While other shows from the same creator have ups and downs, SVU remains reliably good. Season 27 is especially notable because the supporting cast finally feels settled after years of changes, and Olivia Benson’s new work conflict adds an interesting layer to her character.

6. Brilliant Minds

Medical dramas, like police procedurals, are a common sight on television. While there are plenty of them, Brilliant Minds, debuting in 2025, is poised to stand out. This NBC show, created by Zachary Quinto, focuses on complex neurological cases, moving beyond the typical emergency room setting. The personal journey of the lead character, Oliver Wolf, is just as compelling as the medical mysteries he solves, as he navigates his own neurodivergence. The show’s commitment to authentic storytelling is further demonstrated by casting Eric Dane, who lives with ALS, in season 2 to help raise awareness – a clear sign that Brilliant Minds offers a different approach to the medical drama genre.

5. Ghosts

The “found family” storyline is popular in workplace comedies, especially on network television. CBS’s Ghosts is a standout example, successfully refreshing this familiar trope. After five seasons, executive producers Joe Port and Joe Wiseman continue to surprise viewers by adding depth to the history of Woodstone Mansion. In 2025, the show promises exciting new details about the ghosts who live there, including long-awaited confirmation of Hetty’s abilities.

4. NCIS

CBS

The past few years were challenging for the CBS drama NCIS, especially after Mark Harmon’s departure as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. It took time to rebuild the show, but season 23 feels like a fresh start, with NCIS now firmly back on track. The current season has been particularly strong, offering both engaging weekly cases and well-developed character storylines. The show is also cleverly using its history, bringing back beloved characters like Vera Strickland and Ellie Bishop in interesting ways.

3. High Potential

Kaitlin Olson’s new ABC police drama, High Potential, had a very strong start in 2024. Unlike many shows that decline in quality after their first season, High Potential season two improves on what worked before, especially by finally moving forward with the story of Roman. The addition of Steve Howey as Nick Wagner shakes up the Major Crimes division and creates new opportunities for the characters. Plus, the developing romantic connection between Morgan and Karadec is beginning to come into focus.

2. Will Trent

ABC (via MovieStillsDb)

As a big fan of crime dramas, I’ve been really enjoying Will Trent. It’s a police show, sure, but it feels different from everything else out there. It’s based on Karin Slaughter’s books and is doing well with viewers, which is great, but it’s more than just ratings. It’s a really fresh take on the genre – it’s got that satisfying thrill of the hunt, but with a unique style and characters who are actually going through interesting things. Honestly, the way it’s made and how creative it is has made it a clear favorite with both critics and viewers like me.

1. Matlock

Credit: CBS via MovieStillsDB

I have to say, Matlock was the best network show of 2025, hands down. I was a little unsure about it at first, since the original was so iconic, but CBS really pulled it off with this reboot. Season one was amazing and quickly proved everyone wrong – it was one of the biggest hits of 2024, right up there with High Potential. While the first season was great at setting things up, season two really blew me away with all the unexpected turns and how well the weekly cases connected to the bigger story. Plus, the friendship between Madeline and Olympia felt so genuine and is something you just don’t see much of on network TV these days.

Like Screen Rant’s TV coverage? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get exclusive insights from actors and creators about the shows you love! Just be sure to select “Network TV” in your newsletter preferences.

2025-12-29 00:00