The 12 unforgettable TV moments of 2025

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Television always provides unforgettable moments, but 2025 felt especially captivating. After delays caused by the Hollywood strikes, several popular shows finally returned, alongside the launch of many exciting new series. Beyond the shows themselves, 2025 also brought unexpected and noteworthy events involving the people who appear on TV – truly unprecedented occurrences.

It’s tough to list every great TV moment, but here are some of the most memorable ones from the past year, as chosen by the Times staff.

Griffin Mill off his head in ‘The Studio’

(Season 1, Episode 9 and 10)

The final two episodes of Seth Rogen’s funny take on Hollywood, now on Apple TV+, take the story to CinemaCon in Las Vegas. There, the studio characters learn that their company might be bought by Amazon, mirroring the Warner Bros./Netflix situation, which creates panic about their jobs. This stress, combined with plenty of drug use – whether accidental or not – leads to a wildly chaotic and fast-paced series of events. The cast, including Rogen, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Catherine O’Hara, Dave Franco, and Zoë Kravitz, are all fantastic. However, Bryan Cranston truly steals the show as the studio CEO, Griffin Mill. He delivers a brilliantly uninhibited and hilarious performance, portraying a completely out-of-control character – physically unstable and disheveled – culminating in a memorable scene of him acting inappropriately with the statues in a fountain at the Venetian Hotel. I found it consistently funny from start to finish. – Robert Lloyd

Television

According to our television critic, the shows on this list either offered fresh, unexpected approaches and unique structures, or they simply told compelling stories in a classic way.

The birth of a child on ‘The Pitt’

(Season 1, Episode 11)

The HBO Max medical series starring Noah Wyle quickly established itself with a realistic portrayal of life in a hospital emergency room, and its often-graphic medical procedures have been a defining feature. When the show needed to depict a childbirth, it went to remarkable lengths to make the scene feel incredibly real, as if viewers were in the operating room assisting the doctors. The storyline focused on Natalie (Enuka Okuma), a surrogate mother carrying a child for her best friend and his husband. To achieve this level of realism, the production team created a custom setup: a gurney fitted with a silicone prosthetic of a pregnant belly, legs, and a vaginal canal. Enuka Okuma, who played the mother giving birth, sat hidden behind the rig, while puppeteers worked discreetly underneath. One puppeteer controlled fluids like blood through tubing, and another manipulated the prosthetic baby through the vaginal canal. However, the scene’s impact wasn’t just about technical achievement. It served as a stark reminder that childbirth isn’t always smooth and can involve serious, frightening, and even fatal complications. – Yvonne Villarreal

Television

I recently chatted with Noah Wyle – you know, the lead and a producer on Max’s really popular medical drama – about how crazy the first season was, now that it’s wrapped up. It just finished airing on Thursday, and we talked all about it!

The mental load on ‘All Her Fault’

(Episode 1)

Peacock’s crime drama gained a lot of attention online thanks to its sharp and relatable commentary, particularly during the second shift. However, the first episode stands out for its powerful depiction of the challenges faced by working mothers. A particularly viral moment features Marissa (Sarah Snook) and Jenny (Dakota Fanning) bonding over the unfair split of childcare and household responsibilities. Jenny jokingly admits she learned sign language just to curse at her husband, especially when he praises her as ‘amazing.’ Marissa sarcastically repeats the phrase, and Jenny delivers the line, ‘I’m tired of being amazing,’ which resonated deeply with countless exhausted mothers who felt seen and understood. – Mary McNamara

Television

The actors talk about their suspenseful thriller on Peacock, which realistically portrays motherhood and the tendency for women to blame themselves when things don’t go as planned.

Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

(Sept. 23 episode)

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President Trump has often criticized late-night TV hosts, and his attacks have become even more frequent since he returned to office. This led some to speculate that the potential cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show was as much about politics as it was about money. When Jimmy Kimmel was temporarily suspended by Disney, the company that owns ABC and airs his show, it sparked a major debate about free speech, potential government interference, and the power of corporations. Ultimately, Kimmel was reinstated and returned to his show with a moving speech explaining the suspension, clarifying that his words were taken out of context, and emphasizing the importance of free expression. Kimmel quipped about Trump’s efforts to silence him, saying, “He tried his best to cancel me; instead he forced millions of people to watch me. That fired back bigly.” (His contract with the show was later renewed.) — Maira Garcia

Television

Jimmy Kimmel was back on ABC’s late-night show Tuesday, where he spoke about the controversy surrounding his comments about Charlie Kirk and expressed gratitude for the support he received over the last week.

The bat baby birthed in ‘It: Welcome to Derry’

(Season 1, Episode 1)

The movies “It” and “It: Chapter Two” brought Stephen King’s terrifying story to life, largely thanks to the frightening clown Pennywise. However, even viewers who enjoyed those films might have been shocked by the opening scene of HBO’s prequel series, “It: Welcome to Derry.” The scene introduces a young boy, Matty, who’s trying to escape a difficult home life by hitchhiking. He gets a ride with a family who seem nice at first, but things quickly turn disturbing, especially concerning the pregnant mother. Within minutes, she goes into labor and gives birth to a mutant baby with wings. The bat-like baby begins flying around inside the car, scaring Matty before smashing through the window and flying away – a truly nightmare-inducing sequence. — Greg Braxton

Television

Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who made HBO’s prequel series based on Stephen King’s story about the terrifying clown, add layers of meaning to the horror by exploring ideas about prejudice, the dangers of authoritarianism, and the painful experience of growing up.

Milchick telling Mr. Drummond to ‘devour feculence’ in ‘Severance’

(Season 2, Episode 9)

The season finale of the Apple TV thriller was shocking, but a scene from the episode before it really stuck with me. Seth Milchick and Mr. Drummond had a tense exchange where Drummond accused Milchick of involvement in Mark’s disappearance. Milchick defended himself, claiming he’d followed all the rules, and even thanked Drummond for pointing out his mistake. Drummond then criticized Milchick for using overly complicated language, demanding a simple apology. Milchick complied, but Drummond insisted he use even simpler words. This pushed Milchick to his breaking point, leading to a brilliantly delivered line: “Devour feculence.” Tramell Tillman’s performance was incredible – controlled yet full of barely suppressed anger – and his delivery of the line, “I am owed a measure of respect, even by my superiors,” was chilling. It’s no surprise he won an Emmy! – M.G.

A jaw-dropping lie in ‘The Girlfriend’

(Episode 3)

Prime Video’s thriller is often visually striking and worth rewatching, partly because the plot gets quite unbelievable at times. The story is also told from two perspectives, which makes it hard to know what’s really happening. Laura (played and directed by Robin Wright) becomes wary when her son, Daniel (Laurie Davidson), introduces his girlfriend, Cherry (Olivia Cooke). The series plays with feelings of paranoia and how our viewpoints shape what we believe. About halfway through the six episodes, there’s a major twist: after a climbing accident leaves Daniel in a coma, Laura convinces Cherry he didn’t survive. It’s a genuinely shocking moment, and even Laura seems taken aback by her own harshness. What follows is ironic, as others believe Cherry abandoned Daniel after the accident, not knowing he’s still alive. While the lie itself is surprising, the eventual reveal of the truth is even more satisfying.

Television

The actors talk about their new thriller series on Prime Video, which is based on a novel by Michelle Frances. They share how playing angry characters was a release, and discuss the ambiguous ending of the show.

The rally on ‘Dying for Sex’

(Episode 8)

Most of us avoid thinking about the process of dying, and it’s rarely shown realistically in movies or TV—especially the experience of a long illness. But FX’s new miniseries tackles this head-on, focusing on Molly (Michelle Williams), a woman facing terminal cancer who decides to embrace life and explore her sexuality before she dies. In the final episodes, Molly enters hospice, where Nurse Amy (played by the wonderfully funny Paula Pell) explains what happens to the body as death approaches, sharing it with Molly, her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate), and her mom Gail (Sissy Spacek). Amy excitedly finishes her explanation by saying, “Oh, I forgot! There’s a rally—a sudden burst of energy and clarity. Enjoy it!” While Nikki is overcome with emotion, Molly appreciates Amy’s upbeat attitude, saying, “I love your energy, Amy. You’re crazy!” — M.G.

Television

The actor discussed playing Nikki in the FX limited series, explaining how she handled the show’s changing moods and the significance of her character’s handbag.

Kleya bidding Luthen farewell in ‘Andor’

(Season 2, Episode 10)

The tenth episode of Disney+’s “Andor,” titled “Make It Stop,” features a heartbreaking scene where Kleya Marki (Elizabeth Dulau) compassionately disconnects the life support of her mentor, Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). She watches him die peacefully, sharing a tender kiss before leaving. This quiet moment powerfully illustrates their bond, their dedication to the Rebellion, and their shared history – even for viewers unfamiliar with their backstory. A central theme of “Andor” is the sacrifices people make for a cause they believe in, and this episode reveals how Luthen and Kleya became the skilled spy and his trusted assistant we’ve seen throughout the series. While both characters are clearly willing to do anything for the greater good, Kleya’s final act with Luthen shows that these choices are never easy. The episode demonstrates that while the stakes in “Star Wars” are often high, it’s the personal moments that truly connect with the audience. — Tracy Brown

Television

Elizabeth Dulau, who plays Kleya in ‘Andor,’ discusses her character’s journey in Season 2, her pivotal sacrifice in the tenth episode, and what it means to now be a part of the ‘Star Wars’ universe.

Nathan Fielder flying a full plane in ‘The Rehearsal’

(Season 2, Episode 6)

In the season finale of his HBO series “The Rehearsal,” comedian Nathan Fielder pulled off an incredible feat he’s calling the “Miracle over the Mojave.” Known for going to extreme lengths for his comedy – similar to his previous show, “Nathan For You” – Fielder truly outdid himself this time. He spent two years training as a pilot, purchased a Boeing 737, and hired 150 actors to fill the plane for a two-hour flight from San Bernardino to the Nevada border and back. He did all of this as an elaborate experiment to explore potential communication issues affecting aviation safety. Beyond the spectacle, the episode also raises important questions about pilot fitness tests and the stigma surrounding mental health. Perhaps most impressively, Fielder managed to convince HBO’s legal team to allow such a risky endeavor.

Aidan calling Carrie for phone sex on ‘… And Just like That’

(Season 3, Episode 1)

The phone call was shockingly awkward, even worse than the beginning of the movie “Scream.” Carrie Bradshaw experienced this firsthand. Long-distance relationships are tough enough, but this one was made unbearable by a strange rule: Aidan insisted on five years of no contact, believing it would make him a better father. They tried to stay connected by sending each other empty postcards, which felt incredibly misguided. Then came the call. Carrie was woken up late at night to find Aidan in his truck, drinking beer, and clearly wanting to be intimate. However, it quickly went from bad to worse. He started directing Carrie to touch herself, accidentally honked the horn, and then admitted he might have soiled his pants. The image of him licking his hand is still disturbing, and honestly, it made you wonder if everyone would have been better off if Carrie had simply ignored the call. It was a truly mortifying experience.

Television

The HBO Max revival of ‘Sex and the City’ has finished, neatly wrapping up all the different plotlines, much like Carrie delivers finished pies to her friends.

Goth Kid on a Jamaican vacation on ‘Saturday Night Live’

(Season 50, Episode 16)

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As someone who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, I spent my teenage years immersed in punk and emo music, dressed in typical goth attire, and documenting my feelings online on platforms like LiveJournal and MySpace – it wasn’t just a phase! That’s why a recent pre-taped “SNL” skit with Michael Longfellow as a goth kid really resonated with me. The skit featured a catchy reggae song performed by Ego Nwodim and Kenan Thompson, and a hilarious parody of My Chemical Romance’s “Welcome to the Black Parade” sung by Jack Black. It was a standout moment from “SNL’s” 50th season, and a perfect example of what makes the show so good. — M.G.

Television

Guest hosts on Saturday Night Live can really make or break an episode, so let’s recognize the ones who did a fantastic job.

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2025-12-17 14:32