The Best TV Shows of 2025 So Far

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Last year, the phrase “Make it to ’25” was a constant in Hollywood conversations, echoing from executives down to crew members below the line. However, the strikes of 2023, which pushed back releases originally scheduled for 2024, were not the only problems the entertainment industry faced. It’s no wonder, then, that the actual state of the business doesn’t fully align with the motto.

Nevertheless, the situation has significantly brightened for viewers compared to a year ago, when popular shows were merely resuming production. Currently, these shows have made their comeback, and the standout moments of 2025 thus far have been eagerly awaited new seasons of hit TV series such as Severance and The White Lotus. What’s even more encouraging is the abundance of fresh, exciting shows that have graced our screens, from highly anticipated productions like The Studio, The Pitt, and Dying for Sex to unexpected sensations like Adolescence.

Adolescence (Netflix)

The British miniseries “Adolescence” this year is comparable to the unexpected success of a baby reindeer, sparking a long-needed global discussion about toxic masculinity. Unlike Richard Gadd’s semi-autobiographical and deeply personal black comedy “Reindeer,” “Adolescence” delves into the devastating consequences of incel culture and the misogynistic online world on teenagers who can hardly fathom growing up without social media.

Over four episodes that not only progress in real-time but are also skillfully presented as single shots, co-creators Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne portray the heartrending tale of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. While it’s established early on that he did commit the crime, the series delves into the question of why. A notable episode features Jamie in dialogue with a psychologist (Erin Doherty) who gradually unravels the complex web of influences that transformed a seemingly ordinary middle schooler into a violent individual.

The performances by Cooper, Doherty, and Graham, who plays Jamie’s remorseful father, are all extraordinary. It comes as no surprise that the creators behind this series have been making waves in television in 2025. This year alone, Thorne has released two other poignant social dramas in the U.S., “Toxic Town” on Netflix and “Best Interests” on Acorn. Meanwhile, Graham and Doherty can be seen in Hulu’s Victorian crime series “A Thousand Blows.

Dying for Sex (FX)

In another context, the concept of Dying for Sex might appear implausible or offensive. However, this dark comedy series, not based on a true story but turned into a podcast, presents an unconventional narrative. The protagonist, Molly (Michelle Williams), diagnosed with terminal cancer at 40, leaves her condescending husband (Jay Duplass), enlists her unpredictable best friend (Jenny Slate) as her caretaker, and embarks on a sexual journey to overcome a lifetime of pain and suppression. This odyssey involves Molly asserting control over her circumstances by exploring domination, even in the midst of invasive treatments. The series fearlessly explores taboo territories without ever holding back, and it seldom fails to be convincing. This is largely due to its relatable portrayal of an ordinary person’s extraordinary final days, the electrifying performances by Williams and Slate that depict a bond crucial to both characters, and the skillful blend of humor, passion, and raw honesty about death, a universal experience, shown by co-creators Kim Rosenstock and Liz Meriwether.

Forever (Netflix)

Judy Blume’s novel Forever, known for its candid portrayals of teenage relationships and visits to Planned Parenthood, has been a subject of controversy since its release in 1975 by conservative adults. However, Blume’s compassionate and insightful depiction of first love transformed into a beloved YA book regardless. In an impressive modern adaptation, creator Mara Brock Akil has transported the story from its original white, suburban setting to Black teenagers in L.A for the tech-dominated 21st century. The central characters, Keisha, portrayed by Lovie Simone as an ambitious, working-class girl, and Justin, a wealthy but aimless prep schooler played by Michael Cooper Jr., appear more authentic and nuanced than their original counterparts. To ensure the series appeals to a wide audience, Forever also focuses on their supportive, imperfect parents. The creators and cast maintain the novel’s enduring themes—the thrill of new love, the unpredictable course of youth, and the enlightenment that can only come from life experiences.

Mo (Netflix)

2022 saw the debut of Netflix’s comedy series, “Mo,” co-created by Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef, which was based on Amer’s life as a Palestinian refugee living in Texas. Initially, October 7th was an unremarkable date. However, when the show returned for its second season in January 2023, the tragic events of a Hamas massacre on Israeli soil that occurred on that same day had ignited a war that devastated Gaza. As one of the rare Palestinian-American voices in Hollywood, Amer could have used the final season to address the ongoing situation. Instead, he focused on the story of his character, Mo Najjar’s family, during the months leading up to October 7th. This narrative journey included a detour to Mexico that paralleled Mo’s struggles with those of all immigrants, delved into their challenging quest for citizenship, and concluded with their emotional return to a homeland they hadn’t seen in decades. The show, both comical and poignant, expands perspectives by avoiding polemics and fostering dialogue instead.

The Pitt (Max)

In a nostalgic throwback to ’90s network TV, the series The Pitt drew viewers in with the return of ER star Noah Wyle to the hospital setting, in a fresh medical drama created by the original show’s producers. However, it had much more than just that to offer. Each episode depicted a full shift at a bustling Pittsburgh trauma center, offering a stark portrayal of the current public health crisis in America. This was praised by the medical community for shedding light on issues faced by hospital workers that are often overlooked in other TV medical dramas. The series introduced compelling characters, including Wyle as a highly skilled doctor dealing with personal struggles and Taylor Dearden as an empathetic young resident. For neurodivergent viewers, Dearden’s performance was particularly resonant. At its best, The Pitt delved into the heart of a nation that, in its numerous crises, resembled an overcrowded emergency room.

The Rehearsal (HBO)

In a twist on Shakespeare’s concept of life as a stage, comedian Nathan Fielder takes this notion to an extreme in his reality comedy series, “The Rehearsal.” The show’s first season challenged perceptions as Fielder delved deeper into helping a woman prepare for motherhood. However, Season 2 has centered around Fielder’s peculiar fixation with aviation safety. The overarching concept – although less mind-bending than its predecessor – remains captivating, suggesting that clear communication between a plane’s captain and first officer could prevent accidents. Yet, the show’s tangents – such as an analysis of legendary pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Fielder’s ingenious reaction to censorship – are equally amusing and enlightening. Without giving away the ending for those who haven’t watched it yet, I’ll just say that the season concludes successfully.

Severance (Apple TV+)

The three-year gap between the first and second seasons of “Severance,” marked by rumors of a tumultuous writing and production process due to fans’ lofty expectations, initially appeared concerning for Apple’s acclaimed sci-fi drama. However, creator Dan Erickson, director-executive producer Ben Stiller, and their exceptional cast successfully navigated those concerns, delivering episodes that matched Season 1 without resorting to repetition. Initially depicted as a somber critique of office life, the show expanded its philosophical themes this season, using the love triangle involving protagonist Mark (Adam Scott), his innie’s romantic interest Helly (Britt Lower), and his outie’s lost spouse (Dichen Lachman), along with the romantic stories of secondary characters, to explore intriguing questions about identity.

The Studio (Apple TV+)

2025’s standout comedy for the year is Seth Rogen’s satirical portrayal of the film industry, titled “The Studio“. This production, set amidst AI fears, labor strife, and a cinema crisis triggered by a pandemic, showcases an amusing approach to success: persuading intellectual directors to create movies connected to popular children’s brands. Although not entirely original in concept, it pays tribute to earlier works like Robert Altman’s “The Player“. What sets this series apart, making each half-hour of its debut season entertaining, is a profound affection for cinema that permeates the narrative—as seen in an extended tribute to “Chinatown” and stylish choices such as a single-episode dedicated to filming a single-shot scene. The ensemble cast, featuring Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and numerous A-list guest stars portraying themselves (Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, Steve Buscemi, Greta Lee, Ron Howard, Anthony Mackie, Olivia Wilde, etc.), certainly enhances the viewing experience.

The White Lotus (HBO)

In the much-anticipated third season, Mike White’s dark satire of high-end tourism titled “The White Lotus” became even more daring and controversial. Some criticized it for its leisurely pace or vaguely developed Thai characters, while others found the incest subplot uncomfortable. It’s understandable, as even I had mixed feelings about the finale, which veered toward predictability in certain aspects and contained inconsistencies. However, White masterfully explored how Eastern spirituality is manipulated by spiritually bankrupt Westerners through his provocative storytelling. Moreover, few shows match “The White Lotus” when it comes to skillfully creating tension and shattering conventions through brilliant dialogue delivered by exceptionally cast actors. This season’s standout performers included Walton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood, Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sam Rockwell in a memorable guest role, and returning favorite Natasha Rothwell. Post-“Succession,” it’s hard to find another show that’s as entertaining to analyze on a weekly basis. So, is “The White Lotus” past its prime? As a poet once said: “Piper, NO!

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (PBS)

It’s rather unfortunate that even a remarkable actor like Mark Rylance, known for his captivating portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in ‘Wolf Hall’, is overshadowed by the praise for ‘The Last of Us’. However, I’m not here to criticize. Instead, I encourage you to reconsider watching ‘The Mirror and the Light’, a series that continues the story of Cromwell as he grapples with his own vulnerability under Henry VIII’s rule. The direction is subtle, allowing the language and performances to shine, particularly Rylance’s portrayal of a lonely, sorrowful strategist who cannot escape the haunting memories of Anne Boleyn’s execution and the ghost of his mentor, Cardinal Wolsey, played by Jonathan Pryce. Despite being set in the 16th century, the series offers insightful commentary on themes like elitism, integrity, and the repercussions when those in power are flawed, which resonates strikingly with our current times.

Here are the next five shows:

1. Andor on Disney+
2. Asura on Netflix
3. Étoile on Amazon
4. Mythic Quest on Apple TV+
5. Pee-wee in His Own Series on HBO

Or, in a more conversational style:

1. I’ll start with Andor on Disney+
2. Then there’s Asura on Netflix
3. You might also like Étoile on Amazon
4. Mythic Quest is a great choice on Apple TV+
5. And don’t forget Pee-wee as Himself on HBO!

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2025-06-03 16:06