As 2025 enters its final stretch, it’s time to look back at the television that defined the year. This list has one major omission, though: the series Pluribus. Created by Vince Gilligan, the mind behind Breaking Bad, but I simply haven’t had the chance to watch the whole season yet. I’m genuinely looking forward to finishing it. Until then, here are my ten favorite shows of 2025.

10. The Bear (Season 4)

The Bear continues to impress me with Season 4, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of the first two seasons. Still, it was one of my personal favorites of 2025. The writing remains sharp and nuanced, diving deep into themes of anxiety, grief, emotional scars, and the quiet, painful journey of healing. Every episode balances intense, often chaotic kitchen energy with moments of introspection and vulnerability, creating a show that’s both thrilling and profoundly human. The characters continue to feel believably complex and fascinating, making their struggles and triumphs resonate on a personal level. While I’m not sure if The Bear will return for a fifth season, I would be perfectly satisfied if this season were the last. It provides a meaningful, emotionally satisfying continuation of the story. Season 4 proves that The Bear remains a powerful exploration of human resilience, connection, and the messy art of moving forward.

9. The Diplomat (Season 3)

I was a bit late to The Diplomat, but I binge-watched the first two seasons just in time for Season 3, and it was worth every minute. Netflix’s series continues to shine, anchored by Keri Russell’s magnetic presence and commanding performance. This season maintains its perfect balance of personal drama and high-stakes international intrigue, making it both emotionally resonant and suspenseful. The writing is sharp, with snappy, witty dialogue that keeps you on your toes, never quite knowing what will happen next. Relationships remain at the heart of the story, providing depth and emotional weight amidst the political maneuvering. Each episode feels meticulously crafted, with a perfect mix of tension, humor, and character-driven moments. Season 3 proves that The Diplomat is more than a political drama; it’s a compelling, addictive character study wrapped in the glamour and danger of global diplomacy. Well-acted, well-written, and endlessly engaging.

8. DanDaDan (Season 1, Part 2)

After the cliffhanger at the end of the first half of Season 1, I had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Part 2 of DanDaDan. And wow, it absolutely delivered. Every episode is a joy, from the meticulously crafted animation to the immersive sound design. The characters feel alive, their development is engaging and satisfying, and the story continues to be clever, exciting, and surprisingly heartfelt. What impresses me most is how the series seamlessly balances multiple genres, action, comedy, supernatural elements, and emotional beats, without ever feeling disjointed. It’s rare to find an anime that manages such a flawless mix, keeping the viewer engaged from start to finish. The pacing, humor, and dramatic moments all hit perfectly, making this installment just as compelling as the first. DanDaDan is pure fun, inventive, and, without a doubt, one of the best anime series airing today.

7. Hacks (Season 4)

Four seasons in, Hacks continues to prove why it remains one of TV’s smartest and most sharply written comedies. Season 4 keeps the show’s comedic edge razor-sharp while pushing its characters into new emotional territory. The evolving and gloriously dysfunctional dynamic between Deborah and Ava reaches new highs (and lows), delivering some of the most chaotic, brilliant interactions the series has ever offered. After three seasons of tension building between the two, this installment gives us a huge payoff, striking a perfect balance between biting humor and genuine pathos. It’s deeply funny, frequently uncomfortable, and undeniably compelling, a reminder of why these characters resonate so strongly with audiences. And just when you think the season has run out of surprises, Hacks drops a final cliffhanger that practically demands a Season 5. If this trajectory continues, the series will go down as one of the defining comedies of the decade.

6. Long Story Short (Season 1)

I’ll admit it—I went into Long Story Short with a healthy dose of skepticism. As a massive BoJack Horseman fan, I wasn’t convinced Raphael Bob-Waksberg could strike gold twice, especially with another emotionally layered animated series. But just a few episodes in, those worries disappeared. Long Story Short is a beautifully crafted blend of humor, sadness, and unexpected pockets of joy, all woven together through clever storytelling that jumps across eras in its characters’ lives. The result is a show that feels nostalgic and forward-looking at the same time, stylish in its visuals, sharp in its writing, and quietly profound in its emotional punch. The characters aren’t just funny; they’re deeply human, flawed, and relatable in the most poignant ways. Bob-Waksberg has done it again with another heartwarming, thoughtful, and thoroughly binge-worthy series. If there’s a second season on the horizon, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

5. Adolescence

Adolescence is a deeply unsettling and emotionally charged drama that refuses to look away from every parent’s most terrifying nightmare. When 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for murdering a schoolmate, the family’s seemingly ordinary life implodes under the weight of suspicion, fear, and unimaginable grief. The show excels at capturing the raw fragility of a family forced into the harsh glare of a case “ripped from the headlines,” yet it never feels exploitative. Instead, it turns the spotlight toward the human beings devastated by tragedy. Owen Cooper delivers an amazing performance as Jamie, managing to balance innocence, confusion, and the chilling possibility of darkness in a way that feels heartbreakingly real. The direction and writing are equally powerful, presenting a narrative that grips you with its suspense while constantly pulling at your empathy. Adolescence lingers long after the credits roll, reminding us that behind every shocking story is a family shattered.

4. The Pitt (Season 1)

The Pitt is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and immersive atmosphere, the kind of medical drama that feels startlingly real from the very first scene. Set over the course of a single day in a chaotic ER, the show delivers a pulse-pounding look at the frantic pace and emotional whiplash that define emergency medicine. Each case feels grounded, urgent, and painfully believable, never tipping into melodrama or sensationalism. What makes The Pitt truly special, however, is its cast. Every actor fully inhabits their role, turning doctors, nurses, and patients into real people with fears, flaws, and resilience. As the show unfolds, you begin to feel like an invisible observer, trailing behind the ER team as they confront life-or-death stakes and the messy complexity of human health. I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much, but The Pitt might just be the best medical series I’ve ever seen. I’m already eager for more.

3. Mr. Scorsese (Docu-Series)

A beautifully crafted tribute to one of cinema’s greatest storytellers, Mr. Scorsese is a docu-series that reminds us why Martin Scorsese’s journey still matters not just for film lovers, but for anyone who values passion and persistence. At its core, this is a story of survival: artistic, moral, and profoundly human. Through an impressive collection of interviews, archival footage, and film clips, the series revisits Scorsese’s most iconic works and the creative partnerships that shaped them, from his earliest collaborations to the masterpieces that defined generations. Director Rebecca Miller delivers more than a biography; she offers a fresh lens through which to experience Scorsese’s cinema, revealing nuances and motivations we may have missed. The result is an engaging, heartfelt portrait of a long-form love letter to filmmaking itself. Mr. Scorsese isn’t just a retrospective of an extraordinary career; it’s a celebration of his lifelong obsession with the art of movies.

2. The Studio (Season 1)

Bursting onto the scene with the confidence of a blockbuster and the attitude of a behind-the-scenes roast, The Studio has earned its place as one of 2025’s most relentlessly entertaining comedies. Hilarious and razor-sharp, the show delivers a nonstop barrage of jokes without sacrificing genuinely clever storytelling. The writing is exceptionally fresh, self-aware, and unafraid to poke fun at Hollywood’s biggest egos and most ridiculous clichés. Seth Rogen leads a phenomenal ensemble cast that absolutely nails the tone: chaotic, playful, and just grounded enough to feel like a wickedly honest satire of the film industry. Cameos pop in constantly, each one funnier than the last, while the pacing keeps the energy at an almost insane high. Add in some surprisingly stylish cinematography, and you’ve got a comedy that looks as good as it makes you laugh. Simply put: The Studio is a riot, and we’re already hungry for Season 2.

1. Severance (Season 2)

There’s a reason Severance continues to dominate the conversation in 2025 Season 2: it not only keeps the ball rolling, but it also launches it into entirely new territory. The series doubles down on everything that made its debut unforgettable: striking visuals that turn the mundane into surreal nightmares, characters we grow ever more emotionally tethered to, and a narrative that rewards your attention with jaw-dropping reveals. What truly elevates this season, though, is the character development. The writers dive deeper into personal histories, motivations, and consequences in a way that enriches every moment and intensifies the stakes. These are no longer just office workers caught in a corporate mystery; they are complex, evolving individuals fighting for identity, memory, and meaning. In a year packed with inventive television, Severance still stands alone. There is simply nothing else like it, the most unique and masterfully executed show of 2025.