It’s now the norm: no network shows in my Top 20. The streamers have tighter seasons, stronger casting and better writing. This year I had to do 20 because it would be sad to leave some of my other favourites off the list. As usual, most of my choices are based on how eager I was to watch the next episode whether is be a binge on Netflix or week by week on Apple TV. These are the shows that kept me wanting more this year:
TOP 20 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2025
1. ADOLESCENCE (NETFLIX)
Why: I was riveted right
from the start. The oner camerawork was incredible, the acting was
heartbreaking and the plot is so relevant to today. This should be required
viewing for every parent or adult who deals with young teenagers.
MVP: Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) – amazing
child actor
Best Episode of 2025: Episode #1.1 (S01E01)
It
is hard not get pulled in right away. The camera moving throughout the house as
they arrest Jamie and then going through the booking process is mesmerizing. I
spent the whole time going back and forth on whether he was guilty or not and
then had to watch the rest of the series immediately.
2. SEVERANCE (APPLE TV)
Why: While there were some
side plots that didn’t grab me (Cobel’s journey), the main storyline of Mark
trying to find his wife got me glued to the series. The snowy field trip and
the Gemma & Mark’s backstory were also some fine TV.
MVP: Mark Scout (Adam Scott) – plays
both personalities well
Best Episode of 2025: Cold Harbor (S02E10)
Mark
talking to himself with a camcorder was brilliantly shot. The rescue and
running down the hallways of Lumon also standout.
3. THE PITT (HBO MAX)
Why: There’s medical
procedurals and then there’s this. Every moment is jam-packed with intensity
especially when the ER gets bombarded with patients after a shooting. Glad that
they were given 15 episodes to prolong this awesome series
MVP: Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) –
the ticking
time bomb leader
Best Episode of 2025: 7:00 PM (S01E13)
While
there are some ‘fun’ moments with Whitaker treating a clown and great scenes
with Dr. King, it’s Dr. Robby trying everything to save an important patient
and heartbreakingly dealing with the aftermath that gets me all welled up.
4. PLUR1BUS (APPLE TV)
Why: Vince Gilligan does it
again. Thought the alien aspect may
throw me off despite his work on X-Files,
but I am so impressed with the storytelling and the use of minimal cast and
dialogue. Beautifully shot and acted like all his series.
MVP: Carol (Rhea Seehorn) –
a survivor
who can command a screen
Best Episode of 2025: The Gap (S01E07)
This
was hard to pick as all the episodes had amazing moments from the pilot to the
grocery store to the HDP explanation. This episode is mostly silent as Carol takes
advantage of her isolated life until she realizes her need for companionship.
This is shared with Manousos taking a dangerous trip north and painfully
falling into a tree that made me gasp out loud.
5. SLOW HORSES (APPLE TV)
Why: I think what I liked
most about this season was that the gang was pretty much all together instead
of River going solo. Lamb’s storytelling and insults continue to shine but this
season was all about Roddy Ho.
MVP: Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung) – delusional IT guy
Best Episode of 2025: Tall Tales (S05E03)
Watching
Ho get interrogated made me laugh out loud too many times to mention. His
perception of reality is truly outrageous. The rest of Slough House in lockdown
was also fun with Lamb giving a compelling story and trying to escape. His
reaction in the loo is priceless - I think it’s the first time I saw him
outplayed.
6. TASK (HBO)
Why: This is one of those
shows where you are rooting for the good guys but also want certain bad guys to
get away with their crime. Theories abounded as week by week, I tried to
predict how this would all play out. Who was the mole? Who gets the money?
What’s with the bird watching?
MVP: Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey) –
bad choice
maker
Best Episode of 2025: Vagrants (S01E05)
Edge
of your seat moments as Perry visits Maeve who is hiding Sam. The mole is
revealed to the audience. Tom goes too far when he approaches Robbie without
back up. Great writing.
7. DEPT. Q (NETFLIX)
Why: I like a good thriller
with detectives trying to catch the criminal but have to go through a lot of
cold case file stuff to get there. The British angle is also a plus. Throw in
the awesome performance of Matthew Goode and his terrible parking and you got
me watching this 9-episode series hook, line and sinker.
MVP: Akram (Alexej Manvelov) –
the Syrian sidekick steals show
Best Episode of 2025: Episode #1.8 (S01E08)
In
this penultimate episode, everything starts to come together as identities are
finally revealed and the department gets closer to solving the puzzle. Don’t
wanna spoil anything more.
8. THE LAST OF US (HBO)
Why: While some did not like
this season as much as the first, I thought that they didn’t really miss a
beat. The quality is still top notch, as is the writing. I also loved the addition
of Dina. I will say that I don’t root for Ellie as much though; she too bratty
at times.
MVP: Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) –
the
emotional center of this show
Best Episode of 2025: Through the Valley (S02E02)
Having
not played the game, I had no idea where this series was going. This episode is
not only action packed in the snow but also the most heartbreaking with the
loss of a major character.
9. THE DIPLOMAT (NETFLIX)
Why: I love all the twists
and turns of political intrigue. This seems more House of Cards than West Wing
at this point despite the casting of CJ and Josh. I like the zags the show
keeps taking just when I think I got it figured out.
MVP: Todd Penn (Bradley Whitford) –
emasculated
first gentleman
Best Episode of 2025: Amagansett (S03E06)
Even
though it is an important strategy summit, the couples retreat moments are the
standout. Having Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford as the first family is
genius casting. Playing them off of the equally enticing Keri Russell and Rufus
Sewell is masterful. Gotta love a few double-crosses as well.
10. ANDOR (DISNEY+)
Why: While the first season
set up the major players, this second and final season brought them closer and
closer to the rebellion and Rogue One.
The fascism and revolution is expertly displayed as you can’t help relating it
to today’s world.
MVP: K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) –
an awesome
droid sidekick
Best Episode of 2025: Who Are You? (S02E08)
The
Ghorman revolution is on and it is tragic and well shot. All of Syril’s work to
finally get to Cassian Andor is the perfect conclusion in this epic episode.
The next ep rocks as well.
11. STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX)
Why: The nostalgia, the
sci-fi, the world-building. It has been quite a ride watching these kids grow
up and save the Hawkins (and the world). Lots of storylines to follow but
always great combinations. This list was made before the final episode.
MVP: Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) –
better than
Dustin this time
Best Episodes of 2025: The Turnbow Trap (S05E03)
Though
it is very Home Alone-ish, I enjoyed
the trapping of the Demogorgon and the interactions with Derek. Holly’s bigger
role has been a highlight and the reveal at the end seals the deal.
12. DEXTER: RESURRECTION (PARAMOUNT+)
Why: Who would have thought
that a poor series finale and retconned limited series would lead to yet
another stab for Dexter? Say what you will, Michael C Hall still loves playing
this serial killer and the creators still are able to pump out episodes that
keep you fully entertained.
MVP: Dexter Morgan (Michael C Hall) – the
aging killer still kills
Best Episode of 2025: Call Me Red (S01E04)
An
interesting concept this year, moving the series to New York and having Dexter
find himself among a cohort of fellow killers. Throw in Batista tracking him
down while Harrison hides his own sins and you’ve got another great episode.
13. THE REHEARSAL (HBO MAX)
Why: I loved Nathan
Fielder’s first series, Nathan for You,
this follows a similar strand but with a crap load of HBO money and a slight
movement toward seriousness. His recreations are incredible. His dedication to
the ‘bit’ is outstanding and could actually save lives. This season is
impressive in its scope.
MVP: Nathan Fielder – his deadpan delivery
is pitch perfect
Best Episode of 2025: Pilot’s Code (S02E03)
While
the final episode is ballsy as Nathan actually flies a plane full of
passengers, this ep is bizarre and typical Fielder. After working with a cloned
dog, Nathan decides to live the life of Sully Sullenberger. It is outrageous
and makes you listen to “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence in a whole new way.
14. PEACEMAKER (HBO MAX)
Why: While Chris was
depressed this season, there were a lot of fun characters joining the mix and
playing with alternate universes. Still surprised James Gunn brought Superman’s
Lex to the table and was able to seamlessly adjust from the Snyderverse of the
first season.
MVP: Eagly– yes, Peacemaker’s eagle is the star of
this show
Best Episode of 2025: Ignorance Is Chris (S02E06)
While
the gang goes to rescue Peacemaker, Flagg Sr. gets Lex involved. Vigilante
meeting his doppelganger was fun stuff but the real treat is at the end when
this new universe is not quite what everyone, including Chris, thought it was.
15. ENGLISH TEACHER (FX/DISNEY+))
Why: While not as funny as
the first season, this one is still full of laughs. There’s a great episode
with a talking disposal unit making judgements of the students, just as an
example of the absurdity. The best episodes are when everyone is at the school
and dealing with regular situations in an outlandish way.
MVP: Jeff (Ben Bondurant) – my favourite student despite
age
Best Episode of 2025: Recruiter (S02E06)
The
recruitment stuff is quite well done with a funny twist at the end but the
highlight is how the teachers deal with cell phones and try to create a policy.
So relevant in our schools right now.
16. THE STUDIO (APPLE TV)
Why: This probably hits
Hollywood and LA people a lot more than regular folk, but I also enjoy seeing
behind the scenes stuff of movie studios. Seth Rogen gets a little tired with
his constant beleaguerment but I appreciate the challenges he has to face.
MVP: Sal Saperstein (Ike Barinholtz) – the
perfect sidekick exec
Best Episode of 2025: The Oner (S01E02)
Nothing
like a oner episode that deals with Matt interrupting an attempted final oner
of a movie. Though not as seamless as Adolescence,
the shooting is very well done. This does get a bit cringe as Matt keeps unintentionally
causing problems.
17. THE BEAR (FX/DISNEY+)
Why: This series is still
coming out with fantastic episodes but it just didn’t resonate with me as much
as previous seasons. I like that there is more character growth going on in
this season and the final confrontation hits all the right notes.
MVP: Neil Fak (Matty Matheson) –
lots of
good intentions and fun
Best Episode of 2025: Bears (S04E07)
Ritchie
sucks it up and goes to his ex-wife’s wedding only to find himself under a
table, along with the rest of cast, trying to ease the mind of Ritchie’s
daughter. Great speeches abound in this longest episode of all four seasons.
18. DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN (PARAMOUNT+)
Why: Yes, another Dexter spin-off on this list. I would
have never thought that I would care about the early years of Dexter Morgan but
here we are. I think most of it has to do the amazing casting of Patrick Gibson
as young Dexter. His similarity to Michael C Hall’s performance in uncanny. The
storylines are also well told, like the originals. I do like an origin story at
times.
MVP: Dexter Morgan (Patrick Gibson) –
a treat to watch
Best Episode of 2025: The Big Bad Body Problem (S01E07)
Dexter
has to find a new hiding place once the police find something he accidentally
left behind. Deb goes to far with her teammates and gets in trouble. Dexter
figures out an elusive kidnapper’s identity.
19. HACKS (HBO MAX)
Why: The petty fighting
between Deb and Ava gets stale pretty quickly but I enjoyed the late night talk
show angle this season. Didn’t think the ending stuck the landing though.
MVP: Kayla (Megan Stalter) –
an agent
with the best lines
Best Episode of 2025: A Slippery Slope (S04E09)
Execs
want to censor Deb on her show which leads to a possible firing of Ava. Stands
are taken.
20. A MAN ON THE INSIDE (NETFLIX)
Why: It is fun to see Ted
Danson take on this role of a private investigator who goes all in. You can
tell people liked the first season with all the fun cast additions this year.
Everyone just want to play with Ted, especially his wife, Mary Steenburgen
MVP: Jack (Jason Mantzoukas) –
every line
reading is golden
Best Episode of 2025: Family Weekend (S02E03)
Charles
needs some backup to investigate Mona’s whereabouts on the night in question.
His daughter tries but its his grandson who is able to pull it off.
UPCOMING
REVIEWS: 2026 Preview
So what’s in your Top 20 for 2025?
