The best TV shows of 2025

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Besides eye strain, the most annoying part of being a TV critic is when people ask for recommendations. I usually struggle to answer right away because, as soon as I finish reviewing a show, I tend to forget about it to make space for new ones. (I usually stall by asking what they enjoy.) It’s only when the year comes to a close that I have time to look back and actually make a list of shows I’d recommend.

Television always has its high and low points, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why. Right now, there seem to be a lot of suspenseful psychological thrillers available, but plenty of new shows still stand out. This list focuses only on series that premiered this year. Some made the cut because they were truly innovative, offering unexpected twists in format or storytelling. Others simply excelled at classic techniques – strong characters, compelling narratives, and great acting – or just brightened my day with humor.

Here they are, in no special order.

‘Hal & Harper’ (Mubi)

Cooper Raiff’s new film is a sensitive and realistic story about a brother and sister navigating loss and change. Raiff and Lili Reinhart portray the siblings at both younger and adult ages, capturing their bond after the early death of their mother and their father’s ongoing grief (played by Mark Ruffalo, simply called “Dad”). The film’s plot is sparked by the sale of their childhood home and the introduction of their father’s new girlfriend (Betty Gilpin, delivering a strong performance). The story relies on subtle interactions and unspoken emotions, rather than lengthy explanations.

‘The Lowdown’ (FX)

Sterlin Harjo, the creator of “Reservation Dogs,” returns with a new series starring Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a quirky resident of Tulsa. Lee is a bit of a detective – he investigates the suspicious death of a member of a prominent family while working as a journalist and selling used books. The show is inspired by classic noir films, but it’s more lighthearted and optimistic, despite some violence. The story brings together politicians, developers, white supremacists, and Native Americans. The talented cast includes Kyle MacLachlan, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Peter Dinklage, Keith David, Kaniehtiio Horn (from “Reservation Dogs”), as Lee’s former wife, and Ryan Kiera Armstrong as his helpful teenage daughter. Keep an eye out for John Doe as a seller of illegal caviar.

‘Women Wearing Shoulder Pads’ (Adult Swim), ‘Common Side Effects’ (Adult Swim), ‘Oh My God … Yes!’ (Adult Swim), ‘Long Story Short’ (Netflix)

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Here’s a list of shows and where you can find them: 1. “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” is on Adult Swim (distributed by Warner Bros.). 2. “Common Side Effects” is on Adult Swim. 3. “Oh My God … Yes!” is on Adult Swim (from Warner Bros. Discovery). 4. “Long Story Short” is available on Netflix.

“Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” is a funny and dramatic stop-motion animated film in Spanish. It’s visually inspired by the 1980s films of Pedro Almodóvar and tells the story of a guinea pig – is it a pet or dinner? – and the conflict between two strong women. You can find a full review here.

I just finished reading about “Common Side Effects,” and it sounds really good! It’s a thriller with a lot of heart, about a mushroom that can actually heal people, and the fight the person who found it has with big pharmaceutical companies. Plus, Martha Kelly is in it – if you’re a fan of her, you’re going to love her as a DEA agent in this one. Definitely check out the full review!

“Oh My God … Yes!” is a funny and imaginative superhero story set in a modern city, blending Afrofuturism and surrealism. Think of it as a grown-up, more realistic, and Black-centered take on the Powerpuff Girls, with robots, animals that act like humans, and aliens who are openly gay (they’re called ‘gayliens’!).

Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator of “Bojack Horseman,” brings us “Long Story Short” – a charming, funny, and surprisingly touching animated series. It follows the everyday life of a typical Jewish family, and while the world feels relatable, the unique animation style gives it a special quality. (You can find a full review here.)

‘Demascus’ (Tubi)

This Black sci-fi comedy explores themes of identity and finding meaning in life. Okieriete Onaodowan stars as a man who experiences alternate realities of his life through a new virtual reality device that responds to his thoughts and feelings. As his surroundings shift – from a dating show to a family Thanksgiving and even a mental institution setting reminiscent of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ – the people around him, including Martin Lawrence, transform into different characters. (Read the full review for more details.)

‘Pluribus’ (Apple TV)

Vince Gilligan’s series feels like a fresh take on the classic “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” story – a space virus creates a unified, almost blissfully happy, collective consciousness. While it’s not entirely gripping, it’s definitely thought-provoking, and Rhea Seehorn delivers a fantastic performance as one of the few people unaffected. Her character’s refusal to accept this contentment, and her insistence on feeling anger, is compelling. The show is deliberately paced, but consistently engaging, and Seehorn is captivating even in quieter moments. (You can find a full review here.)

‘The Studio’ (Apple TV)

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s new series is a fast-paced, funny look at the world of Hollywood, and the pair are clearly doing well within it. Rogen plays a newly-appointed studio executive who’s navigating terrible pitches (like a movie based on Kool-Aid), inflated egos, and his own self-doubt. The show is set at events like the Golden Globes, a charity dinner, and a Las Vegas convention, and features a strong supporting cast including Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, Bryan Cranston (who you might remember from “Seinfeld” and “Malcolm in the Middle” before “Breaking Bad”), and the always-excellent Catherine O’Hara, playing the person Rogen’s character replaced.

‘North of North’ (Netflix)

This charming romantic comedy is set and filmed in the remote Canadian Arctic, among the Inuit community. Anna Lambe shines as a 26-year-old mom juggling a lively 7-year-old, a self-absorbed husband, and a complicated relationship with her recovering alcoholic mother. She longs for a better life, even if it’s something simple like a trip to the dump. Mary Lynn Rajskub plays the upbeat town manager, and the film follows the protagonist as she becomes her assistant. A new romance and a hidden family secret are on the way. Plus, the traditional beaded parkas are absolutely stunning. (You can find a full review here.)

‘The Pitt’ (HBO Max), ‘Adolescence’ (Netflix)

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Here are some cast members from recent shows: Noah Wyle and Tracy Ifeachor appear in HBO Max’s “The Pitt,” while Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham star in Netflix’s “Adolescence.”

Both shows unfold as events happen, allowing for realistic performances and a heightened sense of tension. “The Pitt,” featuring 15 episodes, revisits a busy Pittsburgh emergency room over a single, 15-hour shift, bringing Noah Wyle back as a doctor overseeing a large team of medical professionals. The show features a variety of medical cases – from electrocution and drowning to overdoses and even scurvy – alongside the personal lives and dramas you’d expect from a hospital drama. (You can read a full review here.)

“Adolescence” is a gripping and intensely personal drama centered around a 13-year-old boy (Owen Cooper) accused of murder. The four-part series unfolds uniquely, with each episode filmed in a single, continuous shot. The powerful performances earned Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham (who also co-created the series and plays the boy’s father), and Erin Doherty (as a child psychologist) Emmy Awards. (You can read a full review here.)

‘Dope Thief’ (Apple TV), ‘Deli Boys’ (Hulu)

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The Apple TV+ show “Dope Thief” features Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura. (Apple) Hulu’s “Deli Boys” stars Saagar Shaikh and Asif Ali. (James Washington/Disney)

While drugs are harmful, they often drive the storylines we see on TV. Two new shows explore this, both featuring protagonists in dangerous situations, caught between law enforcement and drug cartels. “Dope Thief” is particularly noteworthy as it stars Brian Tyree Henry (known from “Atlanta”) in his first leading role – which alone would have been enough to recommend it, but the show itself is also fantastic. (You can find a full review elsewhere.)

“Deli Boys” is a classic, funny story about two brothers who find themselves in over their heads. Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh star as Pakistani American brothers who think they’ve inherited a simple convenience store business, only to discover it’s actually a cover for their father’s drug operation. The film is boosted by a fantastic performance from Poorna Jagannathan, who plays their wise and intimidating aunt. (You can read a full review here.)

‘Ludwig’ (Britbox)

This funny and intriguing series, set in Cambridge, stars David Mitchell (known from shows like “Peep Show” and “Would I Lie to You?”) as a socially awkward but brilliant puzzle-maker. He’s forced to step into the shoes of his identical twin brother, a police detective who has mysteriously disappeared. Surprisingly, he proves to be quite good at detective work, despite his lack of real-world experience and amusingly naive observations. While living with his brother’s wife, he also discovers the value of family. It’s a well-paced and genuinely funny show. (Read the full review.)

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2025-12-04 14:02