The 8 Best TV Shows to Start Watching This Year—Ranked & Ready!2025
As 2025 approaches, there are a tonne of new and returning television shows that are sure to enthral, excite, and amuse viewers. This year’s selections cover a wide range of platforms and genres, including everything from animated masterpieces to dystopian dramas, so there’s something for everyone. Our carefully curated list of the top eight TV series to start watching this year includes gritty crime thrillers, heartfelt comedies, and intense sci-fi. These shows are must-watch additions to your queue, ranked according to audience buzz, critical acclaim, and inventive storytelling. Let’s examine the best shows of 2025, including where to watch them and why they’re worthwhile.
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8. The Four Seasons (Netflix)
Reasons to Watch It: The Four Seasons, Tina Fey’s most recent comedy endeavour, is a humorous and affectionate adaptation of the 1981 movie that follows four couples as they negotiate the difficulties of enduring friendships and marriages over the course of a year of vacations. The show excels with its ensemble cast, which includes Steve Carell and Colman Domingo, and its poignant examination of relationships, even though it isn’t as incisive as Fey’s 30 Rock. Its clever dialogue and “lakeside vista” charm have been praised by critics, making it a TV Shows comfortable binge for fans of character-driven comedy.
7. Get Millie Black (HBO)
Reasons to Watch It: This captivating crime thriller, which is set in Jamaica with a rich cultural background, offers a novel viewpoint on the procedural genre. As Millie Black, a detective juggling a complicated murder case that entwines with her personal past, Tamara Lawrance gives a standout performance. The show’s “addictive” pacing and realistic depiction of Jamaican culture, which was created by Jamaican-born creator Janice James, are praised by critics. This is a must-watch if you enjoy mysteries with depth and a strong sense of location.
Why It’s Worth Watching: The Pitt, which takes place in a Pittsburgh emergency room, is a heart-pounding TV Shows mashup of ER and 24 for viewers who enjoy high-stakes medical dramas. As Dr. Robby, played by Noah Wyle, he leads a team through a hectic 15-hour shift that includes patient assaults, car chases, and mass shootings. It is one of the most intense new shows of 2025, with critics praising its gritty realism and calling it “addicting.” This is for you if you enjoy fast-paced stories with heroic medical characters.
5. Adolescence (Netflix)
Reasons to Watch It: This four-part crime drama, which has received high appreciation TV Shows for its emotional depth and well-written narrative, is a chilling examination of the teenage psyche. With a story that explores the nuances of youth and crime, critics call it “harrowing” and unforgettable. Adolescence, written by Jack Thorne, has received praise for its unadulterated passion and exceptional performances, making it a popular choice for viewers who appreciate provocative dramas.
4. Common Side Effects (Max)
Why It’s Worth Seeing: This animated comedy is a daring, fantastical look at the pharmaceutical industry. It centres on two former lab partners who find a miracle mushroom that can cure any illness, only to be confronted TV Shows with Big Pharma plots and government cover-ups. Common Side Effects is notable for its bold visuals and incisive social commentary, combining heady concepts with unconventional humour. This is an absolute must-see for fans of Rick and Morty or BoJack Horseman.
3. Andor (Disney+)
Why It’s Worth Watching: Andor, which is widely considered to be among the greatest Star Wars TV Shows productions since The Empire Strikes Back, returns for its second season with a realistic, gritty perspective on sacrifice and rebellion. With episodes that rival the best heist and prison-break stories on television, showrunner Tony Gilroy creates a lived-in galaxy. It stands out for both drama and science fiction fans due to its anti-authoritarian TV Shows themes and outstanding cast, which includes Diego Luna.
2. The Last of Us (Max)
Reasons to Watch It: Following Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they deal with fresh dangers in a post-apocalyptic world, the second season of The Last of Us builds on the emotional impact of the first. The season promises heartbreaking turns and breathtaking visuals with new characters TV Shows like Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and Dina (Isabela Merced). Its faithful adaptation of the popular video game has both critics and fans talking, and in 2025, it will be a cultural powerhouse.
1. Severance (Apple TV+)
Reasons to Watch It: Severance Season 2, a brilliant fusion of visual poetry, corporate satire, and existential thriller, tops our list. Adam Scott returns as Mark S. following a three-year break, navigating the unsettling “severed” world of Lumon Industries, where personal and professional lives are surgically divided. The season is the most ambitious program of 2025 because of its complex mysteries, breathtaking production design, and outstanding performances (particularly Tramell Tillman as Milchick). Critics laud its emotional TV Shows depth and technical mastery, solidifying its place as a contemporary classic.
Why These Shows Stand Out in 2025
The TV schedule for this year, which combines prestige drama with creative storytelling and a range of viewpoints, is evidence of the medium’s development. These shows, which range from the culturally rich Get Millie Black to the high-concept sci-fi of Severance, push boundaries while evoking strong feelings. There are plenty of excellent viewing options available, whether you’re re-watching beloved shows like The Last of Us and Andor or exploring brand-new favourites like Common Side Effects and TV Shows Adolescence.
Final Thoughts
These eight series are setting the pace for 2025, which is expected to be a huge year for television. This list has something to satisfy every craving, whether you’re in the mood for a gripping mystery, a heartfelt comedy, or a dystopian thrill ride. Thus, take out your remote control, make time in your calendar, and begin binge-watching these essential series. Which one are you most eager to explore? Happy watching, and please share your thoughts in the comments!
