THE TOP 12 BEST TV SHOWS OF 2025 SO FAR - AND NO. 1 IS AN ALL-TIME CLASSIC

Television in 2025 is nothing short of extraordinary. From epic historical dramas and chilling crime thrillers to razor-sharp comedies and bold new experiments in storytelling, this year's small-screen lineup has delivered one knockout after another. Streaming giants like Netflix, HBO, and Disney+ have pulled out all the stops, flooding our screens with prestige TV, breakout newcomers, and returning favourites that are better than ever.

Whether you're into sweeping samurai sagas, gritty whodunnits, or darkly comic capers, there's been something for everyone-and plenty to binge. With awards buzz already heating up and critics scrambling to keep up, we've rounded up the 12 best TV shows of the year so far. One's a stone-cold classic already, another has smashed Netflix records. Others offer total curveballs that no one saw coming. Ready to see what made the cut? From slow burners to instant obsessions, these are the must-watch shows of 2025.

12. The Wheel of Time: Season 3 (Amazon Prime Video)

In its third season, The Wheel of Time elevates the fantasy saga as Rand al'Thor embraces his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, with Josha Stradowski's performance capturing the character's internal struggles and growing power.

Facing new threats, including the Forsaken and internal divisions within the White Tower, the series deepens its complex world-building. Critics have praised this season as the series' best yet, with a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

11. Ludwig (BBC)

David Mitchell stars as a socially awkward genius who moonlights as a crime-solving consultant under his brother's identity in this delightfully quirky mystery series.

With razor-sharp wit, eccentric puzzles, and a standout performance from Mitchell, Ludwig is equal parts whodunnit and comedy gold.

This clever mystery series earned the Best Comedy Programme award at the 2025 Broadcast Awards. Its unique premise and witty writing have made it a standout in British television.

10. High Potential (ABC)

Kaitlin Olson stars as Morgan Gillory, a single mother-of-three and cleaning woman at the LAPD, whose exceptional intellect propels her into a consulting role with the homicide division after she inadvertently solves a complex case.

The series blends procedural crime-solving with personal drama, as Morgan balances her new role with family life and the mystery of her missing partner.

Lauded for Olson's dynamic performance, the show has achieved significant viewership success, becoming ABC's most-watched new series in seven years.

9. Hacks: Season 4 (HBO Max)

Season 4 of Hacks sees comedian Deborah Vance navigating the fallout from a career-defining decision, while her relationship with writer Ava deepens.

The series continues to explore the complexities of mentorship and ambition in the comedy world. Season 4 adds new layers of tension and vulnerability, as success forces both women to confront what they're willing to sacrifice for the spotlight.

Jean Smart's performance remains a highlight, contributing to the show's multiple Emmy wins in previous seasons.

8. The Righteous Gemstones: Season 4 (HBO)

The fourth and final season of The Righteous Gemstones wraps up the saga of the televangelist family with a blend of dark humour and heartfelt moments.

As patriarch Eli navigates a new relationship, his children grapple with personal and professional challenges, leading to a climactic showdown that tests their bonds.

The series finale has been praised for its balance of absurdity and emotional resonance, with Time noting it provides "a fitting farewell to the chaotic but endearing evangelical family".

7. MobLand (Paramount+)

Tom Hardy leads this gritty crime drama as Harry Da Souza, a mob fixer navigating London's underworld and his own family's betrayals.

Pierce Brosnan portrays Conrad Harrigan, the patriarch of the Harrigan crime family, delivering a performance that adds depth and gravitas to the series.

The series boasts a stellar cast, including Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan, Conrad's formidable wife; and Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan, their son.

The ensemble's dynamic performances contribute to the show's intense and gripping narrative

6. You: Season 5 (Netflix)

In its final season, You wraps up Joe Goldberg's twisted journey with a satisfying conclusion.

Now entrenched in high society, Joe attempts to balance his murderous urges with a carefully curated public persona. The show wraps up with sharp twists and eerie introspection, giving fans the closure they craved.

The series maintains its suspenseful storytelling and psychological intrigue, ensuring that fans are left both shocked and content with the resolution. It's a twisted, satisfying farewell that stays true to the show's voyeuristic roots.

5. The White Lotus: Season 3 (HBO)

Season 3 of The White Lotus jets off to Thailand, where a new batch of rich, chaotic guests are busy ruining paradise.

With Parker Posey leading the charge as a nightmare wellness tourist and Carrie Coon oozing quiet menace, the cast delivers drama, scandal, and more awkward poolside tension than ever.

Add in cheating, fake enlightenment, and secrets ready to explode, and you've got another addictive dose of sun-soaked dysfunction.

4. Andor: Season 2 (Disney+)

Andor Season 2 delivers a gripping continuation of Cassian Andor's journey, delving deeper into the complexities of rebellion against the Empire.

Set four years before Rogue One, the season explores Cassian's transformation from a reluctant participant to a committed revolutionary. The narrative intertwines personal sacrifices with political intrigue, featuring characters like Mon Mothma and Orson Krennic.

Critics have lauded the series for its mature storytelling and emotional depth, with The Guardian calling it "the most mature installment in the Star Wars franchise".

3. Black Mirror: Season 7 (Netflix)

Black Mirror Season 7 dials back the doom but keeps the unease, serving up twisted tales that hit closer to home than ever. From AI breakups to surveillance gone wrong, it's a sharp, unsettling return to form.

Peter Capaldi and Emma Corrin steal the show, with standout performances in episodes that feel all too possible. It's less apocalyptic, more personal - and somehow that makes it even more disturbing.

2. Adolescence (Netflix)

This British psychological crime drama follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, arrested for his classmate's murder. The series has been acclaimed for its powerful performances and its unflinching examination of contemporary issues such as online radicalisation and toxic masculinity.

Adolescence has become one of Netflix's most-watched English-language series, garnering over 141million views since its release and swept the Gotham TV Awards, winning Best Breakthrough Limited Series and acting awards for Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper.

1. Shgun (FX/Disney+)

FX's Shgun is a lavish, blood-soaked epic that plunges viewers into the deadly politics of feudal Japan. Hiroyuki Sanada commands the screen as Lord Toranaga, a cunning daimyo navigating a treacherous path to power, while Cosmo Jarvis plays John Blackthorne, an English pilot shipwrecked into a world of honor, betrayal, and ritual.

Anna Sawai stuns as Lady Mariko, a noblewoman torn between duty and desire. With its breathtaking visuals, brutal swordplay, and Game of Thrones-level scheming, Shgun is prestige TV.

The series has garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple awards including Best Television Series - Drama at the Golden Globes. Its meticulous storytelling and stunning visuals have solidified its status as a modern classic.

2025-06-08T09:11:05Z