The 16 TV shows we’re excited for in 2025

As a seasoned TV critic with over a decade of experience under my belt, I have seen it all – from groundbreaking dramas to mind-numbing reality shows. But among the countless series that have graced our screens, there are a few that truly stand out, and Sally Wainwright’s “Riot Women” is one of them.

Having grown up in Yorkshire myself, I can attest to the resilience and determination of the women who live there, and Wainwright captures this spirit perfectly. The series is a testament to the power of friendship, the importance of finding your voice, and the transformative power of music. With a stellar cast that includes Joanna Scanlan, Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Amelia Bullmore, “Riot Women” is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates well-crafted television.

But what really sets “Riot Women” apart is Wainwright’s ability to infuse her work with humor, honesty, and a keen eye for the everyday struggles of ordinary people. As someone who has been fortunate enough to cover Wainwright’s previous projects, I can say with confidence that she is one of the most quietly radical auteurs working in television today.

Now, if only Pee-wee Herman would come out of retirement and start a punk rock band… that would really be something!

As a long-time fan of television and movies, I am thrilled that this year brings the return of several beloved series that have been on hiatus due to various reasons, such as the Hollywood strikes. The anticipation is palpable as cliffhangers are finally going to be resolved or new ones will arise. It’s like being reunited with old friends as familiar characters make their comeback, and who knows, we might even meet some new faces too.

In addition to the return of established series, a fresh batch of shows is ready to debut, each vying for our attention and a place in our viewing queue. As someone who spends countless hours watching and analyzing TV shows, I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us. So here are some new and returning series that I believe you should keep an eye on this year. Happy New Year, and happy watching!

— Maira Garcia

‘The Pitt’ (Max, Jan. 9)

Fifteen years after my stint as Dr. John Carter on the long-running series “ER,” I’m once again stepping into the ER, this time as Dr. Robby at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital for a 15-episode drama. Each episode will delve into an hour of a 15-hour shift, highlighting the modern-day challenges faced by healthcare workers. It’s great to be back and I’m not just acting – I’m also serving as an executive producer on this project, titled “The Pitt.” This reunion with my “ER” producers, John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill, brings a sense of nostalgia. Interestingly, there was a bit of controversy in 2024 when the estate of Michael Crichton, creator of “ER,” sued Warner Bros., claiming that “The Pitt” is an unauthorized reboot. However, Warner Bros. denies these allegations, stating that “The Pitt” is not a derivative work of “ER.” We’ll see how it unfolds! – Yvonne Villarreal

‘Severance,’ Season 2 (Apple TV+, Jan. 17)

As a dedicated fan of psychological thrillers who has spent countless hours immersed in the genre, I am eagerly awaiting the return of this captivating series that has kept me on the edge of my seat for the past few years. The intrigue surrounding Lumon Corporation and its enigmatic microdata refinement team has been a rollercoaster ride, leaving me hooked from the very first episode.

The cliffhanger at the end of season one left us all hanging with the team — Mark (Adam Scott), Helly (Britt Lower) and Irving (John Turturro) — living as their Outies for a whopping 45 minutes, courtesy of Dylan’s (Zach Cherry) extraordinary ability to manipulate the levers in Lumon headquarters. The suspense is killing me, and I can hardly contain my excitement to see what happens next.

I am particularly curious about the fate of Dylan and the rest of the team now that their actions have been exposed by the higher-ups at Lumon. Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) didn’t seem too pleased, so I can only imagine the turmoil they must be facing.

One question that lingers in my mind is whether Ms. Cobel (Patricia Arquette) will continue to play a significant role as Mark’s neighbor and superior at Lumon. Her character has been instrumental in unraveling the mystery, and I hope she stays involved in the storyline.

Another burning question that needs answers is what really happened to Mark’s wife? The enigma surrounding her disappearance has added another layer of intrigue to an already complex narrative.

I find myself praying to Kier (the fictional deity from the series) for some resolution and closure, as I am certain many other fans are doing as well. I can only hope that the new season will provide us with the answers we so desperately seek.

‘Star Trek: Section 31’ (Paramount+, Jan. 24)

In the timeframe sandwiched between the Kirk and Picard eras, following “Star Trek: Discovery,” was a TV movie that initially planned as a series but was overshadowed by “Strange New Worlds.” Michelle Yeoh, an accomplished actress known for martial arts films and “Wicked,” takes on the role of Philippa Georgiou, a former emperor-turned-nightclub-operator who joins a covert division of Starfleet. With the responsibility to safeguard the United Federation of Planets, she simultaneously confronts the transgressions from her past. Sam Richardson, familiar from “The Afterparty” and “Ted Lasso,” plays Quasi, a Chameliod with shape-shifting abilities; it seems this “Star Trek” wouldn’t be complete without a comic character. — Robert Lloyd

‘Watson’ (CBS, Jan. 26)

As a long-time fan of Sherlock Holmes stories, I find it fascinating to see how the character of Dr. Watson has evolved over time and taken center stage in CBS’ new drama “Watson.” Having watched Nigel Bruce, Jude Law, Martin Freeman, and John C. Reilly bring the character to life, I am intrigued by the decision to give top billing to Morris Chestnut, who has a rich background in portraying medical professionals on various series since his breakthrough role in “Boyz n the Hood.”

The modern-day twist on the Holmes legacy, with Watson solving medical mysteries as the head of a clinic treating rare and mysterious illnesses, is an innovative approach that I believe will resonate with audiences. As someone who has followed Morris Chestnut’s career for many years, I am excited to see him take on this iconic role and bring his unique perspective to the character.

Craig Sweeney, who has previously worked on another Sherlock Holmes update, “Elementary,” has shown a knack for adapting these classic stories for contemporary audiences. With Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu delivering compelling performances in “Elementary,” I have high hopes that Morris Chestnut will also deliver a memorable portrayal of Dr. Watson in this new series.

Overall, I am eager to see how the character of Dr. Watson continues to develop and evolve in this modern retelling of the Sherlock Holmes legacy, and I believe Morris Chestnut is the perfect choice to bring that evolution to life on screen.

‘The White Lotus,’ Season 3 (HBO, Feb. 16)

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my anticipation for the third season of “The White Lotus,” set at a luxurious Thai resort. From the initial sneak peeks, it’s hard to discern the exact plot twists, but one thing is certain: creator-director Mike White has cooked up another serving of the mischief and chaos that made the first two seasons of this HBO anthology series an unpredictable, outrageous treat, leaving viewers and critics charmed. The ensemble cast includes familiar faces like Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Scott Glenn, and a new addition in Natasha Rothwell, who graced our screens as a Hawaiian resort spa manager in the first season. Goggins himself hinted in an interview last year that revealing any details about the upcoming season could potentially be fatal! — Excited Fan

‘Zero Day’ (Netflix, Feb. 20)

In this new TV series, Robert De Niro steps into the world of prestige television for the first time, portraying a beloved former U.S. President named George Mullen. After a nation-threatening cyberattack occurs, Angela Bassett’s character, the current POTUS, enlists Mullen’s help. This could be an ideal escape from everyday worries! As Mullen leads the Zero Day Commission to uncover the attackers, he also confronts his own hidden secrets.

Joining this political thriller are Jesse Plemons, Connie Britton (a delightful nod to their “Friday Night Lights” days), Dan Stevens and Lizzy Caplan. The six-episode series is the brainchild of Eric Newman (“Narcos,” “Griselda”), Noah Oppenheim (former NBC News President) and Michael S. Schmidt, a New York Times investigative reporter. Lesli Linka Glatter (“Homeland,” “The Morning Show”) directs all episodes. — Y.V.

‘Ludwig’ (BritBox, March 20)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’m excited to delve into the captivating world of “Utopia,” a British series that showcases the versatile talent of David Mitchell. Known for his comedic brilliance in shows like “Peep Show” and “Would I Lie to You?”, David takes on a more serious role here as a crossword puzzle creator whose detective twin brother vanishes. In an intriguing twist, he assumes his brother’s identity to solve the mystery – a narrative style that seamlessly blends episodic storytelling with an overarching plotline.

In this gripping tale, Anna Maxwell Martin plays my sister-in-law, while Derek Jacobi, Felicity Kendal, and Karl Pilkington (a familiar face from Ricky Gervais’ projects) are among the esteemed guest stars. Rumors swirl of an American remake, but I have high doubts that it will live up to this brilliant original.

‘The Residence’ (Netflix, March 20)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must say it’s no surprise to find numerous shows this year revolving around presidents or their inner circles. One such series is the Shondaland production by Paul William Davies (“For the People,” “Scandal”), which unfolds during a state dinner at the White House with Australia, where a shocking discovery has been made – a dead body. The enigma can only be unraveled by Cordelia Cupp, a meticulous consulting detective for the Metropolitan Police Department, portrayed brilliantly by Uzo Aduba. She’s not just sharp and observant but also quick-witted. FBI special agent Edwin Park (Randall Park) is initially skeptical of her methods but finds himself drawn into the case. This show boasts an impressive lineup of actors, including Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Kelechi Watson, Ken Marino, and Jason Lee, to name a few. — M.G.

‘Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light’ (PBS, March 23)

Over nine years since “Wolf Hall” reignited interest in historical dramas, Hilary Mantel’s last installment of her gripping portrayal of Thomas Cromwell, titled “The Mirror and the Light”, is now ready to debut in the U.S. In this final chapter, Cromwell (played by Mark Rylance), who was beheaded in 1540, finds himself at odds with his volatile monarch, King Henry VIII (Damian Lewis). This conflict promises to heighten the political machinations within the royal court. Among the numerous works exploring Henry’s religious schism, marital history, and impact on English history, Mantel’s ruthlessly contemporary novel series stands as the benchmark. The TV adaptation by Peter Kosminsky and Peter Straughan skillfully mirrors Mantel’s unique writing style. – Matt Brennan

‘The Studio’ (Apple TV+, March 26)

As a dedicated screenwriter who enjoys satirical stories set behind the scenes of Hollywood, I’ve been longing for more shows that delve into how movies are produced ever since “Barry” and “The Other Two” concluded in 2023. Entering the scene is “The Studio,” an HBO production that pokes fun at superhero films, with Seth Rogen portraying Matt Remick, a beleaguered studio head at Continental Studios who values movies over “artsy fartsy films” – much to the dismay of the highbrow CEO. While it might seem risky to side with executives amidst astronomical salaries and ongoing labor disputes, if the trailer is any indication, Rogen’s character will be mercilessly criticized by industry heavyweights like Martin Scorsese, Kathryn Hahn, Zac Efron, Charlize Theron, and Anthony Mackie. This suggests that “The Studio” will take aim at those in power, making it a show that pokes fun rather than targets the underdog. – M. Brennan

‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ (Apple TV+, April 11)

How does Andrew “Coop” Cooper handle his life falling apart, the one he had envisioned? This question seems to be a constant source of contemplation for him, a man who’s dealing with depression, divorce, and sudden job loss, leaving him burdened with alimony, private school fees for his children, and maintaining two homes. In desperation, he turns to stealing from his affluent acquaintances, but it seems this plan won’t run smoothly. This series showcases Jon Hamm’s talent once again as his character’s personal life and financial situation spiral out of control, much like in “Mad Men,” where he was known for his romantic entanglements. The cast also includes Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn. If you enjoy watching the wealthy engage in questionable activities, this series might appeal to you, especially since it has already been renewed for a second season. — M.G.

‘Andor,’ Season 2 (Disney+, April 22)

It’s been over two years since the Season 1 finale of “Andor” ignited a spark of rebellion in a distant corner of the galaxy, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating more episodes ever since. Starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, this Emmy-nominated “Star Wars” spy thriller stands out among the franchise’s recent installments for its politically charged, gritty portrayal of an ordinary person’s transformation into a committed revolutionary. The second season will delve into Andor’s life between the end of Season 1 and the days leading up to the events of “Rogue One” (2016), the “Star Wars” prequel film about the Rebellion stealing the plans for the Death Star. I am excited to see how creator Tony Gilroy and his team portray the coming together of various resistance groups into the Rebel Alliance, along with any growing pains they may encounter on this journey. — T.B.

‘The Last of Us,’ Season 2 (HBO, spring 2025)

With the second season of the first live-action adaptation of a video game that achieved unprecedented success now upon us, many are wondering: Will Pedro Pascal follow in the footsteps of Sean Bean? “The Last of Us,” which debuted in 2023 to widespread praise and record viewership, largely mirrors its 2013 source material. The characters Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) quickly captured the hearts of viewers as they did in the game. Joel is a smuggler who has grown hardened after losing his daughter during the early days of a global pandemic, while Ellie, an immune individual, is the one he agrees to escort cross-country.

In the premiere of “The Last of Us Part II” sequel, gamers were taken aback by the swift demise of Joel, a gruesome act that sets Ellie on a path of vengeance. The creators of the series, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, have been characteristically tight-lipped about their interpretation of Joel, stating they aim to stay true to the game while making decisions beneficial for the TV show. HBO, known for its bold moves like eliminating main characters – remember Bean from “Game of Thrones” who didn’t make it to Season 2? – now faces the question: will fans accept a series without Pascal? (Mary McNamara)

‘Long Story Short’ (Netflix, fall 2025)

In simpler terms, the upcoming series “Long Story Short” is generating excitement due to its creative team, who previously worked on the critically-acclaimed “Bojack Horseman.” This includes creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Lisa Hanawalt, known for her work on “Tuca & Bertie.” “Bojack Horseman” was Netflix’s pioneering adult animated series, distinguished by its rich themes and satire. Details about “Long Story Short” are scarce, but with its logline suggesting it’s an animated comedy focusing on a family across different time periods, and given my personal appreciation for both “Bojack” and “Tuca & Bertie,” I can’t wait to see what this means. — T.B.

‘Riot Women’ (BritBox, fall 2025)

Sally Wainwright, one of the subtly revolutionary voices in TV production – either British or international – is recognized for her female-focused series set in the northern regions of England. Her portfolio includes the dramedy “Tango in Halifax,” the crime drama “Happy Valley,” and the period piece “Gentleman Jack.” Despite effortlessly switching between genres, Wainwright consistently maintains a unique perspective. Her upcoming work is “Riot Women,” a six-episode series set in Yorkshire, where five women band together to form an impromptu punk rock group for a local talent show. This unforeseen action sets off changes in their lives and gives expression to their various grievances. The cast includes Joanna Scanlan, Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Amelia Bullmore. The series also features music by ARXX and is described as a “tribute to the strength of friendship.” Although plot specifics are scarce, given Wainwright’s reputation, expect ordinary yet tenacious women taking on life’s hurdles with authenticity and wit. – Meredith Blake

‘Pee-wee as Himself’ (HBO, 2025)

In this two-part documentary, titled “Pee-wee as Himself”, we’ll delve into the life story of Paul Reubens, famous for his roles as Pee-wee Herman, a cherished character from the ’80s shows “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”. Known for keeping his personal life private and maintaining a consistent in-character persona, Reubens encountered public scrutiny in 1991 following an arrest for indecent exposure. Before his passing at the age of 70 in 2023, he spoke with director Matt Wolf about his life and career, a conversation reportedly marked by tension as Reubens aimed to shape his own narrative. Interestingly, it’s said that Reubens did not disclose his cancer diagnosis to Wolf, creating an intricate dynamic between filmmaker and subject. The documentary is set to premiere at Sundance in January and will later air on HBO, likely reigniting the spotlight for Pee-wee and Reubens alike. — M. Blake

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2025-01-02 14:34