Top 10 TV Shows of 2025: The Best Picks for Your Viewing Pleasure

Of everything I watched on TV in 2025, one show that really stood out to me was the four-part Netflix drama “Adolescence.” It’s a gripping story about a young teen accused of murder that has stuck with me since I first watched it. I highly recommend it, but be prepared—it’s heavy and intense in the best way.

Intensity seems to be a common thread in many of my favorite shows from this year. Whether it’s HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt,” Netflix’s twisty thriller “The Diplomat,” or FX’s quirky comedy “The Bear,” these shows kept me on the edge of my seat.

I found myself drawn to dramas that made me a bit uneasy this year. Netflix’s “Black Mirror” and the eagerly anticipated finale of “Stranger Things” both gave me that unsettling feeling in the best way possible. And with unique takes on classic stories like Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and the thrilling reinvention of the Alien franchise in FX’s “Alien: Earth,” there was no shortage of fresh and exciting content to dive into.

When it comes to comedies, shows like Apple TV’s “The Studio” and HBO Max’s “Hacks” provided some much-needed laughter behind the scenes of show biz. And lighthearted mysteries like Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” and Netflix’s “A Man on the Inside” offered a welcome break from the intensity of other genres.

Nonfiction TV also shined this year, with powerful documentaries like Apple TV’s “Mr. Scorsese” and HBO’s “Pee-wee as Himself” capturing the attention of viewers. And talk shows like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jon Stewart continued to impress with their topical humor and irreverence.

One of the standout moments of the year for me was watching a live production of “Good Night, and Good Luck” on CNN, starring George Clooney as Edward R. Murrow. It was a poignant reminder of the power of television to inspire and educate.

In 2025, television continues to push boundaries and deliver thought-provoking content that honors the legacy of pioneers like Ed Murrow. With so much great TV out there, it’s all about finding the time to watch and appreciate the wide range of stories being told.