Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2025

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2025 was an amazing year for television. Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, delivered a fantastic new series, James Gunn launched impressive projects for the DC Universe, and beloved shows like Dexter and King of the Hill returned with great new seasons.

2025 had an incredible amount of great TV, and I unfortunately didn’t have time to watch everything. I really missed out on two shows in particular: the highly-rated Andor from the Star Wars universe, and Max’s gripping medical drama, The Pitt. From what I’ve heard, I probably would have loved both of them, so I’m giving them a special mention even though I haven’t seen them. While I can’t say for sure, it seems like everyone else really enjoyed them.

Okay, so I dove deep into television this year – really deep. We’re talking 86 seasons deep! I’ve been keeping track of everything, but I wanted to share my favorites specifically from shows that wrapped up their seasons in 2025. That’s the rule I set for myself. It means fantastic shows like Fallout won’t appear on this list – its season finale aired just outside the window – but don’t worry, it’s definitely on my radar for next year’s picks!

10. You

Where to Watch: Netflix

The first season of You was a chilling thriller focused on a disturbed man who obsessively manipulated a woman. The second season maintained that unsettling tone, but surprisingly began to portray the main character, Joe Goldberg, as somewhat heroic. However, the show truly found its footing in Season 3, perfectly blending intense drama with darkly comedic moments.

After a disappointing fourth season, I expected even more from the latest installment of You. Thankfully, Season 5 is a huge improvement, bringing back the over-the-top, entertaining energy that made the show so enjoyable in the first place. It’s a bit silly at times – Joe’s hat seems to have magical powers! – but it’s packed with suspense and provides a satisfying conclusion to Joe Goldberg’s story. While it’s not groundbreaking television, Season 5 is simply a lot of fun to watch.

9. Peacemaker

Where to Watch: HBO Max

While Season 2 of Peacemaker wasn’t quite as impactful as the first, that really highlights how excellent Season 1 was. This season is the first fully connected to James Gunn’s new DC Universe, and it cleverly addresses some inconsistencies from Season 1 in a way that keeps the story moving. The first half starts a bit slowly, but around the midpoint, the season really picks up with surprising plot twists and lots of action. If you’re invested in where Gunn is taking the DC Universe, Peacemaker Season 2 is essential viewing, as it has significant consequences for the future of the franchise.

8. Creature Commandos

Where to Watch: HBO Max

While Superman is getting a lot of attention, Creature Commandos is actually the first project launching James Gunn’s new DC Universe. This adult animated series follows a team of quirky, super-powered individuals tasked with saving the world. The show introduces interesting characters like The Bride, Frankenstein, and G.I. Robot, who we might see in future live-action DC movies and series. Creature Commandos delivers exciting action, but it’s the show’s heartfelt moments that really make it special. A second season is planned, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release.

7. Invincible

Where to Watch: Prime Video

In 2025, Invincible surpassed other superhero shows like Creature Commandos and Peacemaker. The third season of this action-packed comic book adaptation continued to deliver the intense, hard-hitting fights fans love, and many consider it to be the series’ best yet. Fortunately, viewers won’t have to wait long for Season 4, which is coming this March.

6. Dexter: Resurrection

Where to Watch: Paramount+

I’ve always loved the original Dexter. Even when the show wasn’t great, it was still really fun to watch, mostly because the actors were fantastic and it was so good at building suspense. Dexter: New Blood, the first reboot, was an improvement over the show’s weakest seasons, though it didn’t quite reach the level of its best moments.

Alongside Dexter: Resurrection, another Dexter series, Dexter: Original Sin, premiered in 2025. Though it takes some getting used to the new actors, the show successfully recreates the feel of the original Dexter, especially with its return to the Miami setting. It’s a worthwhile series, but sadly, it won’t be renewed for a second season.

The newest season of Dexter, titled Dexter: New Blood, doesn’t quite reach the heights of the show’s best seasons (2 and 4), but it’s still a strong addition to the series. This season finds Dexter Morgan in a new setting – New York City – where he’s trying to rebuild his relationship with his son while also trying to escape his dark past. Without giving away any spoilers, it’s safe to say that Dexter: New Blood is a reboot worth watching.

5. King of the Hill

Where to Watch: Hulu

While Dexter: Resurrection came out in 2025, the return of King of the Hill was a real standout. The reboot of Mike Judge’s beloved animated series exceeded all expectations. Reboots are often risky, but King of the Hill nailed it by moving the timeline forward, creating a fresh feel while still honoring what fans loved about the original. I thought the reboot would be good, but I was surprised by how many truly exceptional episodes it delivered.

4. Severance

Where to Watch: Apple TV

As a huge cinema fan, I can honestly say the first season of Severance is one of the most captivating shows I’ve ever seen – the idea behind it is brilliant, the mystery unfolds perfectly, and those twists? They really knocked me sideways. Season 2 mostly lives up to that incredible standard. It has some truly phenomenal episodes, although a couple felt a little off and slowed things down. But honestly, the high points are so strong that Severance remains essential viewing. My biggest advice? Go into it knowing as little as possible. If you haven’t started watching yet, seriously, do it now!

3. The Rehearsal

Where to Watch: HBO Max

Nathan Fielder’s show, The Rehearsal, is famously strange and full of uncomfortable moments that are strangely captivating. While the first season was incredible, the second season somehow managed to be even better, pushing the boundaries of the show to unbelievable levels. It’s a true standout, and many would say it’s Nathan Fielder’s best work yet – and that’s saying a lot considering how brilliant he is.

2. Hacks

Where to Watch: HBO Max

Right now, Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels are the most compelling pair on television, and the show Hacks is consistently excellent. The connection between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder is incredible, with both actors delivering outstanding comedic and dramatic performances. Hacks has already earned nine Primetime Emmy Awards, and it’s likely the fifth and final season will add even more to that total.

1. Pluribus

Where to Watch: Apple TV

Given the incredible success of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, it would be understandable if Vince Gilligan’s new show wasn’t quite as phenomenal. Breaking Bad is frequently considered the greatest TV show ever, and Better Call Saul is a standout spin-off. However, you should never underestimate Vince Gilligan. While future seasons of Pluribus might not live up to the excellent first season, that first season is still remarkably strong on its own.

In the series Pluribus, Rhea Seehorn plays Carol Sturka, one of the last people unaffected by a bizarre alien virus. This virus has connected the rest of humanity into a disturbingly effective and unsettling collective consciousness. I don’t want to spoil the details, but Pluribus features exceptional writing, brilliant performances, and a captivating story that will keep you engrossed throughout its nine episodes.

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2025-12-27 22:36