25 Best Shows of 2025, Ranked

Washington. Jefferson. Lincoln. Kennedy. An astounding number of men once graced the White House, making it easy to forget the stragglers. Netflix’s Death by Lightning corrects that oversight by spotlighting President James A. Garfield, whose tragically brief stay at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was long muted by history. Starring Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, and Nick Offerman, the limited series traces Garfield’s unlikely rise to the presidency along with the unhinged story of his grifter assassin, Charles J. Guiteau. Death by Lightning examines political corruption by contrasting Garfield’s decency with the institutional amorality of his peers, all while suggesting that America is doomed to repeat history’s mistakes if they are not remembered or learned from. — Erin Maxwell

The third season of Will Trent sees the crime drama explore so many new facets of the title detective’s character, with emotionally resonant and sometimes even hilarious results. The season begins with Will (Ramon Rodriguez) being pulled back to work from a self-imposed isolation — after that consequential breakup with Angie (Erika Christensen), he’d skipped town altogether — by a crime boss who was also a consequential part of his past, which reveals itself throughout the season. Will also engages in a meaningful new romance, grapples with a devastating shooting incident, and finds solace in a hallucinogen-induced disco dance scene that won’t soon be forgotten. Meanwhile, Angie deals with her own trauma and new beginnings, and the rest of the GBI team gets into some engaging adventures as well. The first two seasons are fun, but the third truly examines what lies within each of the characters in surprising ways that elevate the series to the top of the broadcast bunch. — Amanda Bell

Twisty thrillers are becoming more and more common, but there’s something about this one, a concept that’s not entirely original — can you trust your neighbor, especially if he’s been in the news for potentially causing his first wife’s disappearance? — that makes it stand out. Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys deliver outstanding performances, especially in the cat-and-mouse game between Aggie and Nile and in moments where we can see how these two could be friends, given different circumstances (Episode 5). Even though we’re pretty certain from the start that Nile is guilty of the past crime, it’s impossible to stop watching the places this show takes both that storyline and its effects on what’s going on in the present. It makes for a solid binge, and to be honest, we’d definitely tune in to see more from Aggie.  — Meredith Jacobs

In a recent streak of box office notoriety for Glen Powell, we’d argue his most winning role of 2025 was in Hulu’s new comedy series Chad Powers. The six-episode first season introduces fans to Russ Holliday, a former footballer who thinks he’s about to make a major comeback when his career-ending past comes back to haunt his new plans. When Russ hears about a walk-on quarterback role on the team at South Georgia, and passes by a poster for Mrs. Doubtfire with prosthetics in the back of his Cybertruck, he sets out with a half-baked plan to try out in disguise. Russ’s natural skills allow him to progress with his new identity as Chad Powers, but he relies on team mascot and new bestie, Danny (Frankie Rodriguez), to help keep up the ruse. Things get complicated when Russ finds himself intertwined with coaches Ricky (Perry Mattfeld) and Jake Hudson (Steve Zahn), a daughter and father duo. Despite the abundance of laughter the series delivers, it’s some of Chad Powers‘ more poignant and dramatic moments that keep it front and center in our minds. The bottom line? Season 2 can’t come soon enough. – Meaghan Darwish

Is this the best season of The White Lotus? No. But is it still better than a lot of other television on this year? Absolutely. The weekly viewing and chatter about this show after every episode brings me back to the early 2000s, which is a feeling that’s not often replicated these days. The cast is so lovable and absolutely crushes their performances, even if the storylines are a bit underwhelming at times. Plus, the rumors about what was going on behind-the-scenes only adds to the intrigue. — Alyssa Norwin

Sterlin Harjo‘s second series with FX couldn’t have arrived at a more prudent time, as the dramedy follows Tulsa “truthstorian” Lee Raybon, portrayed by a terrific Ethan Hawke. Inspired by his own years coming up on the Tulsa scene and a former colleague, Harjo brings the same kind of sensibility found in his stellar comedy Reservation Dogs to this delightfully offbeat story about a man digging into the mysterious death of a local man, Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson). With help from his daughter, Francis (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), as well as his fellow locals and the always mesmerizing Keith David as private investigator, Marty, Lee digs into a conspiracy involving Dale’s brother Donald (Kyle MacLachlan) and wife Betty Jo (Jeanne Tripplehorn), that has bigger implications for Tulsa’s history with racism. A guest appearance from Peter Dinklage is just one of the many highlights from this important and entertaining series that is, undoubtedly, among the year’s best. –Meaghan Darwish

If you want to know your favorite reality TV stars’ favorite reality TV show, look no further than Love on the Spectrum U.S.. Featuring vibrant series newbies, Madison Marilla and Pari Kim, alongside returning favorites Abbey Romeo, Tanner Smith, Connor Tomlinson, Dani Bowman, James Jones, and more, Season 3 takes the Netflix docuseries to the next level, exploring love on the most authentic, genuine level. In a sea of gamified dating competitions, Cian O’Cleary’s Love on the Spectrum U.S. rises above as romance reality TV at its best. — Rebecca Perlmutter

Fans of It were in for a big treat when the first season of the prequel series took us back in time to the cycle before the Losers’ Club ever existed, when the Black Spot massacre from Stephen King‘s novel interludes took place. Andy and Barbara Muschietti reteamed with Jason Fuchs to create the original offering, filling it with all of the gore and scares fans of It and It: Chapter Two have come to expect … as well as some truly intriguing Easter eggs, connected characters, and game-changing new concepts. The season was a slow burn at first, but it ended with a massive payoff that puts Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) in a whole new light, answering questions we might’ve had from the book and prior adaptations and asking completely new ones that make us desperate for Season 2 and 3. — Amanda Bell

The show known for making high drama out of Christine Baranski crossing a street has leveled up the stakes without jumping the shark in its third season. Divorce, lost fortunes, past secrets, and ambitious social climbing within (relatively) limited means in 1883 New York are a threat to all. And just like the show’s critique of union busting in Season 2 unintentionally aired in time with the real-life Hollywood strikes, Season 3 has its finger on the pulse yet again with its look at American capitalism. Episode 7, in which a millionaire is gunned down by someone with a grudge, just so happened to be written around the time Luigi Mangione shot the United Healthcare CEO. But where the show really sings is in its depiction of the Black elite of the era, which deftly explores how colorism, Women’s Suffrage, and the legacy of slavery impact this community without excessively traumatizing its characters. — Kelli Boyle

Viewers tuning into AMC‘s ‘70s-set noir know that Dark Winds is high-quality television, and Season 3 is no exception to the show’s streak of delivering great episodes. Along with a stellar and standout performance by leading man Zahn McClarnon, who heads up the Navajo police as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, Season 3 features fun cameos from executive producers Robert Redford and George R. R. Martin, as well as guest appearances from Jenna Elfman and Bruce Greenwood that aren’t to be missed. Dark Winds continues to break the mold of the crime TV genre by including depictions of Navajo traditions while incorporating familiar cop plots at an elevated scale. It’s can’t-miss TV. – Meaghan Darwish

There’s nothing quite like that all-consuming experience of first love. Mara Brock Akil took Judy Blume’s timeless young adult classic Forever and created one of the best shows of not just the year, but the decade. Through Keisha and Justin’s relationship, the series showcases young Black love in all its beauty, the intricacies (and confusion) of navigating your feelings, the anxieties of high school, the pressures of parental expectations, and the tenderness of falling in love for the first time. Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. are revelations as Keisha and Justin. Forever is a show that lingers long after you’ve finished watching. Like any core memory from childhood, Forever takes up a permanent place in your heart. — Avery Thompson

The conceit of this apocalyptic drama reveals itself at the end of the premiere episode: After the president of the United States (James Marsden) is murdered, his top Secret Service agent (Sterling K. Brown) rushes to find out who was responsible… with the kicker being that this happens in an otherwise utopian bunker built for a select few thousand people to survive a global catastrophe. That initial framework reveal isn’t what makes this series such a sensation, though; instead, it’s the glimpses back to the lives (and deaths) that lead up to the premiere events that solidifies the series as a seminal piece of the small screen this year. — Amanda Bell

Astronomers intercept an extraterrestrial radio signal containing an RNA sequence, inadvertently unleashing a virus that sparks a devilishly chipper hive mind that swiftly conquers Earth. Except for Carol (Rhea Seehorn). Novelist Carol and a handful of immune stragglers are the lone exceptions in this sci-fi thriller from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan for Apple TV, which explores themes of individuality versus collective consciousness, the nature of happiness, and what it truly means to be human. As Carol struggles against the “Others” and resists joining their unnervingly blissful collective, she battles not only for her own individuality, but for the very idea of free will itself. — Erin Maxwell

Season 2 of Andor continues to follow Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) evolution from rebel outsider to dedicated operative, proving that masterful storytelling can thrive through character-driven drama and political tension in the Star Wars universe. We know how it ends — after all, all roads lead to Rogue One and Cassian’s eventual demise — but the path there is anything but predictable. Along the way, Andor leans into gritty storytelling and fan nostalgia, delivering a gripping political thriller and a rich character study through memorable moments, such as the tragic tale of Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), the Ghorman Massacre, and Mon Mothma’s (Genevieve O’Reilly) arc. The result is a genre-elevating entry in the Star Wars universe that stands above most due to its grounded tone, complex characters, and more mature themes that resonate with both longtime fans and contemporary audiences who may or may not be in tune with the Force. — Erin Maxwell

The Righteous Gemstones was consistently one of the funniest shows on television throughout its four-season run, and the final season is the show at its best. It’s vulgar, hilarious, and moving, with pitch-perfect line readings (especially from fan favorite Edi Patterson). The show goes out with a literal bang with the long-awaited wedding between Kelvin (Adam DeVine) and Keefe (Tony Cavalero). We’ll miss you, Gemstones. — Leah Williams

Season 4 of The Traitors gives us Gabby Windey‘s one-liners, Dylan Efron and Rob Mariano‘s bromance, and oh so much more. This show just keeps getting better. Even though Dolores Catania and Lord Ivar Mountbatten are underwhelming as two of the four faithful winners, there are so many exciting roundtables and some epic betrayals that no one sees coming. — Alyssa Norwin

Although only four episodes long, each hour-long installment is a tour de force in acting, camerawork, and storytelling, creating a narrative blow to the chest. The use of long takes creates immersive storytelling, as the horror surrounding a young boy who brutally kills a classmate unfolds in real time, forcing the audience to witness every moment without looking away. As the mystery of why surfaces, a cautionary tale emerges, one more terrifying than any horror film and more shocking than a jump scare. Episode 3 stands out as the best of the series — a powerhouse moment in television — as accused 13-year-old murderer Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is assessed by clinical psychologist Dr. Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty) in a one-on-one session that slowly escalates into rage, contempt, and a dark descent into the manosphere. Unrelenting in its realism and camerawork, Adolescence compels the audience to confront the monsters shaped by culture, no matter what form they take. — Erin Maxwell

Mark Ruffalo steps into the shoes of FBI agent Tom Brandis, a man reeling from a family tragedy when he’s suddenly asked to head up a task force to investigate a string of local robberies that are raising tensions between gangs in Delaware County (Delco, a.k.a. the same setting as creator Brad Inglesby’s previous drama for HBO, Mare of Easttown). Mirroring Ruffalo’s FBI agent is the standout performance of Tom Pelphrey as down-on-his-luck family man, Robbie Prendergast. When a robbery he’s committing in order to better his children’s lives takes an unexpected turn, it forces everyone to tread carefully. Also featuring Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, Thuso Mbedu, and Martha Plimpton, among others, this drama was one of HBO’s most popular in 2025, and there’s certainly a reason why, making its inclusion here pretty self-explanatory. –Meaghan Darwish

Overcompensating is a millennial masterpiece. Created by Benito Skinner, the Prime Video comedy series follows Benny, a closeted high school football star, as he navigates the chaotic new world of college. The show seamlessly balances raunchy humor, razor-sharp dialogue, and heartfelt emotional arcs as Benny and his friends deal with the highs and lows of love and friendship. Episode 5, in particular, is a standout. Skinner is the beating heart of the show, but he’s surrounded by an incredible ensemble of actors: Wally Baram, Adam DiMarco, Mary Beth Barone, and Holmes, to name a few. The first season feels like the first time you listened to Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” (inside joke) at the club in 2010. Overcompensating is a much-needed burst of energy in the TV landscape, a glitter bomb of charm and relatability. — Avery Thompson

We came for the smut, but we stayed for the stunning slow-burn romance. Crave’s Heated Rivalry charts the years-long secret relationship between Shane (Hudson Williams) and Ilya (Connor Storrie), professional hockey players at the top of their game. True to author Rachel Reid’s book of the same name, Heated Rivalry is unabashedly, gloriously horny, in a way that not enough shows get the opportunity to be. But that’s not what gives Heated Rivalry its staying power: It’s the moments of tender, emotional intimacy, masterfully played by newcomers Williams and Storrie, that gradually lead to their characters’ self-discovery. In fact, Heated Rivalry’s best episode so far — the penultimate “I’ll Believe in Anything” — is devoid of spice. It’s all about Shane and Ilya’s deep yearning for each other coming to the surface, as they also come to terms with who they are and what’s important to them. Their journey is full of messy and sometimes even painful drama, enhanced by creator Jacob Tierney’s ability to make devastating book moments hit even harder on screen. But the director-writer carefully makes the highs between the characters just as powerful as the lows. At its heart, Heated Rivalry is a joyful, fresh celebration of queer love and to put it simply, an all-around great time. — Morgan Pryor

Bold, meta, and artistic in its writing and technical work, The Studio stormed onto the scene as an inside-baseball satire of what it takes to make a movie and — as Seth Rogen‘s Matt Remmick swears he’s trying to do — keep art alive in Hollywood. Critiquing the business is a time-honored tradition for us outsiders. The Studio takes our critiques and says, “Oh, you have no idea how insane it really is,” and then gives us a look inside with a staggeringly star-studded cast. It’s hyperbolic, but beneath every joke there lies a spark of truth. With this frugal format of shining a hilariously embarrassing light on a different issue plaguing their industry in each episode, The Studio has unlocked a concept that could run for as long as they (and Apple TV+) want. — Kelli Boyle

After years of declining ratings, Dancing With the Stars was back and better than ever in 2025. But the buzz went way beyond viewers just tuning in each week. Social media blew up in between the live episodes, with the cast using their platforms to engage with fans more than ever before. In its 20th year on-air, DWTS was larger than life, and having such a lovable winner in Robert Irwin only added to the reasons to still be loving the dance competition two decades later. — Alyssa Norwin

It will be difficult to look back on 2025 without remembering the long-awaited second season of Apple TV+’s hit drama Severance. Entrancing from the very first episode, Severance‘s latest chapter provides some much-desired answers, while raising new questions, expanding the universe first introduced to viewers in 2022, and offering unlimited twists for viewers to chew on week to week. Whether it’s Helena’s (Britt Lower) infiltration of the Severed floor, Gemma’s (Dichen Lachman) origin story episode, or Outie and Innie Mark’s conversation, we are utterly riveted. — Meaghan Darwish

Can a perfect show get more perfect? That’s the question Hacks Season 4 seems to answer, which is, yes, it can get more perfect. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are as electric as ever, taking on Deborah Vance’s late-night TV ascension with Ava Daniels helming the head writer gig she blackmailed her way into. Managers Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and Kayla (Megan Stalter) remain a highlight alongside new guest stars, client Dance Mom (Julianne Nicholson) and new assistant Randi (Robby Hoffman). To put it simply, Hacks is the best it’s ever been. — Meaghan Darwish

This show not only reinvents the medical drama, it also brings back appointment viewing. The real-time format (with each season one shift, each episode one hour) allows for both non-stop action, moving from patient to patient during the mass casualty incident (a shooting at a musical festival), and the quiet moments (an honor walk for a teen who overdosed) to breathe, with every minute used wisely. Its outstanding cast is led by Noah Wyle, delivering the best performance of his career by portraying the true weight Robby carries as lead provider. It brings attention to the effects of the job on the doctors and nurses, through Robby and his breakdown (as he continued to deal with the death of his mentor during COVID, then the losses stacking up) and charge nurse Dana (Katherine LaNasa) after a frustrated patient punched her. It feels real, raw, and grounded in a way that few series do these days, and there’s a reason it received 13 Emmy nominations: It’s the best show on TV this year. — Meredith Jacobs