The 36 Most Anticipated TV Shows of Summer 2025

Although summer often lures us with its irresistible sunshine for Vitamin D replenishment, it doesn’t signal a pause in great television productions. In fact, the number of eagerly awaited series seems to be at an all-time high this season!

Apart from familiar faces such as “The Bear,” “And Just Like That,” and “Wednesday” emerging on the television landscape, a host of fresh shows are also gaining traction for must-see viewing. These include anticipated expansions of existing franchises like “Alien: Earth” and Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Ironheart.” Additionally, new comedies like “Stick,” featuring Owen Wilson’s golf venture, and “Too Much,” Lena Dunham’s romantic comedy series starring Meg Stalter, are on the horizon. Lastly, suspenseful crime dramas like “The Better Sister” and “Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey” are also set to captivate audiences.

If you’re looking for a fun diversion or something more intellectually stimulating, check out these 36 must-see TV shows this summer!

Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey

Summer on Paramount+

Although numerous documentaries have delved into the true events surrounding the death of JonBenet Ramsey, a 6-year-old beauty pageant winner who was tragically murdered in her Colorado home in 1996, there are relatively few dramatizations of this story. The series “Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey” will be the fourth time this tale is presented on television, with Melissa McCarthy portraying Patsy Ramsey, JonBenet’s mother, and Clive Owen playing her father, John. The series will primarily focus on their relationship, their carefully crafted family image, and the examination of the suspected cover-up in the investigation of their daughter’s murder.

Washington Black

Summer on Hulu

Sterling K. Brown keeps impressing audiences with “Washington Black,” a Hulu series adapted from Esi Edugyan’s novel of the same name. This 1800s drama unfolds between Barbados and Nova Scotia, focusing on George Washington ‘Wash’ Black (Ernest Kingsley Jr.), a young refugee who is mentored by Medwin Harris, played by Brown, who effectively governs Black Halifax. Notably, Brown will also serve as an executive producer for the series.

Murderbot

May 16 on Apple TV+

The topic that sparks curiosity among many: What if machines that handle our most mundane and trivial tasks turn against us? Murderbot takes this idea to another level: What if it has the potential to rebel, but instead chooses not to, and becomes strangely fascinated with a low-brow TV series? Although not necessarily a leap forward, it certainly veers off in an unusual direction. Alexander Skarsgård plays the enthusiastic humanoid character, joined by a cast of dramedy powerhouses such as David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, John Cho, and Jack McBrayer (an interesting choice considering the internet’s obsession with McBrayer and Skarsgård’s seemingly unexpected long-lasting friendship). The series is adapted from Martha Wells’ book series, “The Murderbot Diaries,” which she also consulted on.

Sirens

May 22 on Netflix

In terms of successful TV series, “Sirens” could very well be the recipe. It’s a blend that’s slightly cult-like, subtly ominous, seasoned with social commentary about the rich, and heavily flavored with lesbian suspense. Meghann Fahy delivers another outstanding performance as a sister who fears her sibling (Molly Alcock) may have been ensnared by her wealthy boss, portrayed by Julianne Moore, who appears to attract a large following of admirers in pastel attire. It’s risky business to upset a billionaire, especially one as silky and sharp-witted as Moore. The talented Kevin Bacon, Glen Howerton, and Bill Camp are also part of the cast.

Adults

May 28 on FX

If Gen X had “Sex and the City” and Millennials got “Girls”, Generation Z might respond with an ensemble comedy that explores the complexities of being on the cusp of adulthood – too old to be just finding your way, but not quite ready to have it all figured out. This show captures the unique experiences of the older members of Gen Z, from striving for the perfect TikTok-inspired dinner party to being labeled as “ancient” in their late twenties. Produced by Nick Kroll from the writers of “The Tonight Show”, this series follows a group of friends, including Owen Thiele, Amita Rao, Jack Innanen, Malik Elassal and Lucy Freyer, who live together in one of their childhood homes. The lineup of guest stars like Julia Fox, D’Arcy Carden, and Charlie Cox is impressive as well.

Dept. Q

May 29 on Netflix

Recently, Netflix has been focusing on gritty British crime dramas, and “Dept. Q” is the latest addition to its collection of dark, gritty, and regionally accented productions. The series stars Matthew Goode as a once-respected detective who’s now on a self-destructive path due to guilt. He’s been assigned to lead a new cold case division in Edinburgh, but instead of focusing on his assignment, Goode’s character, Carl Morck, begins questioning the actions of his own organization. “Dept. Q” is adapted from a series of Danish crime novels and was penned by Scott Frank, who also wrote and directed the popular Netflix hit “The Queen’s Gambit.

The Better Sister

May 29 on Prime Video

In this summer season, there are fresh mystery thrillers, one of which is “The Better Sister.” Starring Jessica Biel, who has taken up the intriguing murder mystery mantle from Leslie Bibb in “The White Lotus” and Nicole Kidman in “Nine Perfect Strangers,” as well as Elizabeth Banks, this series focuses on estranged sisters. Their peaceful lives are disrupted when one of their husbands, played by Corey Stoll, is murdered. Although some might already know the ending due to a successful 2019 book written by Alafair Burke, those in the dark are advised to remain so until the series debuts!

Stick

June 4 on Apple TV+

In many sports stories, you often see an accomplished athlete returning to their former sport to guide a promising newcomer (like Eddie the Eagle in 2016, or in A League of Their Own from 1992). This pattern is also seen in 2009’s Eastbound and Down. In the movie Stick, this concept is applied to golf, where Owen Wilson’s former champion takes on the role of coach for a talented but disillusioned prodigy, portrayed by Peter Dager. Alongside them are actors Marc Maron, Judy Greer, and Timothy Olyphant.

The Waterfront

June 19 on Netflix

Kevin Williamson, known for his work on “Scream” and “Dawson’s Creek,” pens the new family drama titled “The Waterfront.” The series stars Holt McCallany (from “Mindhunter”) and Maria Bello and centers around a powerful North Carolina family who struggle to maintain their town and their legacy amidst tragedy. As their world falls apart piece by piece, they must fight to keep it all together. Given Williamson’s past successes with mysteries and bodies of water, this show seems poised for greatness.

Ironheart

June 24 on Disney+

Marvel is wrapping up Phase 5 production with the release of “Ironheart” before “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” premieres this summer. Announced in 2020, the show continues after the events of “Wakanda Forever,” where Dominique Thorne’s character Riri Williams has created a suit that matches Tony Stark’s abilities. Upon her return to MIT, she encounters the enigmatic The Hood (Anthony Ramos), who possesses dark magical powers. After multiple delays, “Ironheart” was initially planned for Disney+ in 2023 but is now set to debut on screen.

Smoke

June 27 on Apple TV+

A fascinating trend that emerged during the 2010s and continues today is the proliferation of television shows inspired by investigative podcasts. One such show, “Smoke,” available on Apple TV+, is adapted from the widely acclaimed truth.media series “Firebug.” This series revolves around a series of arson attacks in the 90s and a supposedly fictional manuscript, written from the perspective of an arsonist, that bore an uncanny resemblance to the real events. In this drama, Taron Egerton, known for his roles in Apple TV+’s gritty dramas, portrays an arson investigator who, alongside Jurnee Smollett, is hot on the trail of two serial arsonists. The show also stars Rafe Spall, Greg Kinnear, and John Leguizamo. If you want to keep the mystery alive, resist the temptation to delve into the podcast before its release.

Too Much

July 10 on Netflix

If your social media feeds have been overflowing with nostalgic clips of the show “Girls” and people reminiscing about Lena Dunham being a representative voice of her generation, then you’ll be excited to learn that more of her perspective is coming soon in the form of “Too Much.” This time, she’s collaborated with her husband, Luis Felber, on a romantic comedy series. The lead character, played by Meg Stalter from “Hacks,” flees to London following a break-up and forms an unexpected bond with a chaotic British character portrayed by Will Sharpe from “The White Lotus.” Given Dunham’s knack for capturing the 2010s millennial experience so precisely, it’s intriguing to speculate about her insights into contemporary romance. Additionally, the cast includes Andrew Rannells, Emily Ratajkowski, and Richard E. Grant, who were also part of “Girls.

Dexter: Resurrection

July 11 on Paramount+

Michael C Hall’s infamous serial killer character from Dexter is making another appearance in the upcoming series, “Dexter: Resurrection”. You might wonder if he really died at the end of the last season, but as we know, a bullet wound doesn’t always mean the end. It seems that even the sequel machine can’t be stopped when it comes to Dexter. Contrary to what you may have thought, Dexter didn’t actually die at the end of “Dexter: New Blood”. Instead, the story will continue just weeks after he was shot by his son, Harrison (Jack Alcott), and miraculously revived. The series will then follow him as he tracks down his son to New York City. As with Dexter, expect some murders, though the producers are keeping quiet about whether this time it’ll be a family affair.

Untamed

July 17 on Netflix

One constant in life is that we’ll continually discover fresh backdrops for crime dramas. In the series Untamed, the camera focuses on the murderous side of America’s vast National Parks. Eric Bana plays a special agent with the National Parks Service, who stumbles upon a grisly death, leading him into a world of harsh truths and concealed enigmas. Additionally featured in the series are Sam Neil, Rosemarie Dewitt, and Wilson Bethel.

Leanne

July 31 on Netflix

In my enthusiasm, I’d like to share some exciting news about a sitcom that continues its journey! Netflix has commissioned “Leanne,” the self-named series by the hilarious Leanne Morgan and sitcom maestro Chuck Lorre. This series follows Leanne, a resilient woman who finds herself starting anew after her husband of 33 years departed for another woman’s arms. However, navigating life as a grandma going through menopause isn’t exactly a smooth sail! The talented cast includes comedy veterans like Ryan Stiles, Celia Weston, and Kristen Johnston.

Chief of War

August 1 on Apple TV+

The role of “Chief of War” has been deeply personal for Jason Momoa, marking his debut as a screenwriter. Alongside Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, he has jointly created and written this series, focusing on Ka’iana, a renowned Hawaiian warrior who strives to bring unity to the Hawaiian islands before the arrival of Western colonizers. Momoa himself will take on the role of Ka’iana, recognized globally as the most famous Hawaiian, alongside a cast predominantly composed of Polynesian actors. Prepare for intense battles, compelling historical narratives, and the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii.

Eyes of Wakanda

August 6 on Disney+

In a new turn of events, “Ironheart” marks the conclusion of Phase 5 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Subsequently, “Eyes of Wakanda,” an upcoming Disney+ series, will serve as the official commencement of this new phase. This animated production, developed within Ryan Coogler’s television agreement with Disney, delves into the historical lore of Wakanda and follows its warriors on a global quest to recover Vibranium artifacts. The voice cast includes renowned personalities such as Winnie Harlow, Patricia Belcher, and Cress Williams.

Alien: Earth

August 12 on FX

In the new television series “Alien: Earth,” part of the extensive Alien franchise that has produced 7 movies, it’s not just spacers and scavengers who are in danger from xenomorph face-huggers; this time, everyone on Earth is at risk. The storyline places the action closer to home than previous films, with a timeline somewhere between the Prometheus/Alien: Covenant movies and the original 80s franchise. Creator Noah Hawley aims to blend the earthy, homemade feel of his hit Fargo adaptation with the sci-fi extravagance of Legion. The series will feature Sydney Chandler, Timothy Olyphant, and Alex Lawther as main characters.

Long Story Short

August 22 on Netflix

In a new series titled “Long Story Short“, the creators behind “Bojack Horseman” delve into the realm of human experiences, depicting the Schwooper family’s life journey as their children leap between childhood and adulthood. Much like its predecessor, “Long Story Short” boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, Dave Franco, and Nicole Byer.

Returning Shows

Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2

May 21 on Hulu

In the second season of “Nine Perfect Strangers,” I’m excited to once again witness an extraordinary transformation by Nicole Kidman. This time, she has bid farewell to her earthy, flowing locks in favor of a chic bob haircut. Her character, Masha, the enigmatic founder of a wellness retreat, has moved from sunny California to the picturesque Austrian Alps and is ready to unveil a fresh set of clients for whom she’ll employ her unique methods. Joining Kidman in this season are an impressive cast that includes Christine Baranski, Murray Bartlett, Henry Golding, Annie Murphy, Dolly de Leon, and Mark Strong.

And Just Like That Season 3

May 30 on HBO Max

The much-debated show that some adore, some detest, but many can’t help loving again has returned to our screens. Making a comeback for its third installment is the Sex and the City sequel, and two fresh celebrities have joined the cast: Rosie O’Donnell and Patti LuPone. This season offers new romantic prospects, rekindled romances (even Aidan appears to be alive), teenage struggles, and Carrie writing romance novels for the TikTok book community. And voila, we’re right back in!

America’s Sweethearts Season 2

June on Netflix

In the first season of “America’s Sweethearts,” we got an exclusive look at the inner workings of arguably the most renowned cheerleading team globally: the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. This documentary series offered a glimpse into the intense demands that aspirants faced as they competed for a sought-after spot in its elite group. The second season is set to deliver more of the same, with heightened drama, heart-pounding moments, and plenty of spirit fingers.

Ginny and Georgia Season 3

June 5 on Netflix

The second installment of the show “Ginny and Georgia” concluded with a significant suspenseful moment. This series revolves around Georgia (played by Brianne Howey), a single mother, and her children Ginny (Antonia Gentry) and Austin as they migrate to a small Massachusetts town to evade their sinister past. The finale saw Georgia being detained in the back of a police car, hinting that she may have run out of options for escaping her past. Consequently, we’re diving into season 3 with a lot of tension – Will Georgia be released? Could she get away with another murder? Is this the end for our resilient family? It seems unlikely given that season 4 has already been approved, but it promises to be full of thrilling twists.

The Buccaneers Season 2

June 18 on Apple TV+

As The Gilded Age cast was squabbling over opera houses in New York, a different group of socialites were embarking on the game of courtship in 1870s London – this time across the Atlantic. In The Buccaneers, we find ourselves amidst a band of young American high society ladies navigating British aristocracy. Season 2 promises to continue the cultural tension (and the period-inspired take on contemporary music) as we explore more love dilemmas and the struggle between personal feelings and societal norms. To add to the excitement, Leighton Meester, a former high society teen queen, will be joining this season!

The Gilded Age Season 3

June 22 on HBO Max

Love takes center stage in the third season of ‘The Gilded Age’. Featuring Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon and Taissa Farmiga, this series delves into the elite New York society of the early 1900s. It’s not just about the wealth, but also about wielding that wealth for stability and legacy. For the women in ‘The Gilded Age’, this often means seeking marriage. This season raises a thought-provoking question: Is love a factor to consider when the consequences of a union are so significant?

The Bear Season 4

June 25 on FX

Each year brings new installments of an acclaimed series titled “The Bear“. This summer marks the fourth consecutive season release, and the modest Chicago beef sandwich establishment featured is nearing its ambition for a Michelin star. Fans will be eager to see if characters such as Sydney, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, leave for a new opportunity, and whether they receive a favorable opening night critique in the upcoming episodes. Rest assured, this series rarely provides answers casually or without tension.

Foundation Season 3

July 11 on Apple TV+

For a couple of years now, we’ve been waiting for the third season of Apple TV+’s science fiction series, Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy. Now, it’s officially happening, taking us 152 years into the future where conflicts between warring parties are intensifying. In this futuristic drama, Lee Pace and Jared Harris take leading roles, with Pace adding a unique twist to crop tops in the series.

Vince Staples Show Season 2

July 17 on Netflix

Despite initially being marketed as a one-time event, by 2025, such terms hold little weight regarding The Vince Staples Show’s return for another season. Originally inspired by the life of rapper Vince Staples, this series unfolds in Long Beach and chronicles his journey through a world of crime, fame that feels elusive, and simply trying to get through each day without any unwanted drama. The previous season concluded with a subtle teaser for what might follow, featuring the son of a man seemingly killed by Staples in a shootout watching an advertisement for a cereal brand owned by Staples – a wink to Kill Bill, where Uma Thurman’s character assassinates someone using a gun hidden inside a cereal box and encourages her child to seek revenge if the pain still lingers.

Twisted Metal Season 2

July 31 on Peacock

This is an exciting time for television shows set in post-apocalyptic worlds, particularly those based on video games. While series like “Fallout” and “The Last of Us” have gained significant attention, another show that’s garnered less spotlight is “Twisted Metal,” which is inspired by the PlayStation game from the early 2000s. The original game was essentially a high-speed demolition derby, but this adaptation has evolved it into a chaotic journey across America with elements reminiscent of Deadpool and Zombieland, thanks to Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.

The cast includes Anthony Mackie, Neve Campbell, and Stephanie Beatriz, and in Season 2, we’ll find ourselves back in a derby where the stakes are higher than ever. Oh, and there’s a homicidal clown thrown into the mix!

Wednesday Season 2 – Part 1

August 6 on Netflix

Immediately upon its release on Netflix in 2023, Wednesday shattered viewing records and found a dedicated fanbase among society’s outcasts. Unsurprisingly, fans have eagerly awaited Season 2, and now, two years later, it has arrived. For this new chapter, Wednesday is returning to Nevermore Academy, accompanied by her brother this time. To add to the chaos, both of her parents will also be making an appearance. Even if you’re the most fashionable, popular girl at school, there’s nothing quite as embarrassing as running into your parents in the hallway. This season introduces Steve Buscemi and Joanna Lumley as new cast members. Following Netflix’s current trend, the season will be divided into two parts, with Part 1 debuting in August and the remaining episodes scheduled for September 3.

Platonic S2

August 6 on Apple TV+

Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne have an outstanding comedic rapport, as shown in their performances in the 2023 debut of Platonic, a series that reunited them following their successful collaboration on the Bad Neighbors films. In this production, they portray old college friends rekindling their bond in maturity while adjusting to changes in their lives. The show, which blended elements of “When Harry Met Sally” and a stoner buddy comedy, concluded on a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for more. Now, we’re getting it! Although plot details are scarce, the cast has been expanded to include former Saturday Night Live stars Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney, and Beck Bennett.

Final Seasons

Big Mouth Season 8

May 23 on Netflix

It’s a relief that puberty eventually ends, but with that comes the unfortunate fact that Big Mouth, Nick Kroll’s cartoon about the gross and messy aspects of growing up, must also come to an end. With eight seasons under its belt, it holds the record as Netflix’s longest-running scripted series, reflecting how long middle school can seem to last. However, we all eventually move on to high school, where no more strange or unusual things happen – at least that’s what we like to believe!

Squid Game Season 3

June 27 on Netflix

Get ready as the thrilling conclusion of the popular South Korean series “Squid Game” unfolds! This gripping show revolves around a string of lethal competitions where financially struggling individuals are compelled to engage until only one survivor remains. The third and last season is now underway, hot on the heels of season 2’s release on the streaming platform. The nail-biting conclusion of season 2, which depicted Lee Jung-jae’s character Gi-hun attempting a rebellion against the grim games and their ruthless mastermind, concluded in a heartrending cliffhanger. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Gi-hun will finally bring an end to this twisted series of games, and who among the characters may not make it through.

The Handmaid’s Tale Series Finale

May 27 on Hulu

After spending eight years and completing six seasons, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has officially concluded its run. Just as the chilling technological themes from “Black Mirror” seem to mirror real-world advancements at an alarming speed, one might say that this series, which depicts a future totalitarian society where women are oppressed, is uncomfortably close to contemporary issues. Each new episode of the final season releases weekly, bringing us closer to discovering if Gilead will be overthrown by revolution and what becomes of its displaced population.

The Sandman Season 2 Volume 1

July 3 on Netflix

Despite Neil Gaiman’s Sandman anthology consisting of ten volumes, the Netflix series inspired by it, featuring Tom Sturridge as Dream, will only run for two seasons. It is anticipated that the upcoming season will explore the fourth volume of the original graphic novel, where Dream ventures back to Hell and reunites with his troubled family members. Similar to other Netflix series, this one will be released in two installments, with the second part set for release on July 24.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3

July 16 on Prime Video

Given that “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is adapted from a trilogy of books by Jenny Han, it’s logical that the TV series, featuring music by Taylor Swift, would conclude with its third season. Additionally, the complexity of a love triangle involving two brothers can be somewhat limited, so it seems appropriate for the story to progress. The upcoming third season takes place two years after the end of Season 2 and finds Belly (Lola Tung) content in her relationship with Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), but one must wonder if she has fully moved on from his brother Conrad (Christopher Briney). So far, the series has remained faithful to its source material. If you prefer an unspoiled romantic comedy conclusion, it’s best to avoid this season!

2025-05-20 01:09