We may only be halfway through 2025, but television has already delivered some truly spectacular storytelling, the kind that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. From long-awaited returns to bold new series that instantly cemented their place in the zeitgeist, this year has given us no shortage of must-see TV. While the back half of the year promises even more excitement, a handful of shows have already set an impossibly high bar, so high that several will likely still rank among my absolute favorites when December rolls around.

Severance

Severance is a triumph, a show that deftly balances intimate character drama with the unsettling unease of a dystopian nightmare. Each performance is stellar, with Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, and John Turturro delivering nuanced portrayals that make their dual lives inside and outside Lumon Industries utterly compelling. The writing masterfully manages its characters, precisely peeling back layers of trauma, identity, and corporate control.

What makes Severance so extraordinary is its duality: one half meticulous character study, the other half surreal, creeping horror. The cinematography is gorgeous, using sterile office spaces and eerie lighting to amplify the show’s uncanny atmosphere. The worldbuilding is richly detailed, with every bureaucratic rule and cryptic ritual hinting at a deeper, more disturbing reality.

Now, with its long-awaited sophomore season, Severance dives even deeper into cognitive dissonance, turning existential dread into a mind-melting pleasure. If you haven’t already surrendered to Lumon’s grip, now’s the time. This is television at its most inventive and immersive.

The Pitt

This series is a pulse-pounding, gritty dive into the chaos of modern medicine, offering a hyper-realistic look at the brutal challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers. Set in a Pittsburgh hospital, the series unfolds over a single, relentless day shift, an ingenious structure that amplifies the urgency and exhaustion of emergency medicine. The pace is lightning, the tension unrelenting, and the gore unsettlingly authentic, making it one of the most visceral medical dramas in years.

What sets The Pitt apart is its commitment to realism. The doctors, nurses, and staff grapple not just with life-and-death decisions but with systemic failures, understaffing, and bureaucratic red tape. The writing is sharp, the performances raw, and the emotional weight palpable. Yet, amid the blood, sweat, and moral dilemmas, the show remains undeniably entertaining, a testament to its razor-sharp storytelling.

If you’re looking for a medical drama that doesn’t sugarcoat the profession’s harsh realities while still delivering white-knuckle suspense, The Pitt is a must-watch.

The Studio

What a frenetic, razor-sharp satire of the modern film industry! The Studio follows a woefully unprepared new studio head (played to perfection by Seth Rogen) as he and his executive team desperately try to balance corporate greed with artistic integrity. Created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the show crackles with their signature irreverent humor, blending rapid-fire jokes with genuine anxiety as these suits scramble to keep movies and their jobs alive.

The hyper-dynamic shooting style, with chaotic walk-and-talks, mirrors the absurdity of Hollywood decision-making, turning boardroom battles into high-stakes comedy. The art direction and production design immerse you in the glossy yet soul-crushing world of studio politics, while the cinematography makes even panic attacks look stylish. The entire cast shines, delivering punchlines with the precision of seasoned improv pros while still grounding the madness in relatable desperation.

If the Player and Entourage had a baby raised on Rogen-Goldberg chaos, this would be it. The Studio is a must-watch for anyone who loves Hollywood’s blend of creativity and madness.

White Lotus season 3

The White Lotus returns with its signature blend of privilege and dysfunction, transplanting its all-star cast to a stunning Thai resort where wealth, power, and desire collide. As always, the series excels as a sharp social satire, exposing the worst impulses of its wealthy guests and the quietly scheming staff who serve them. The new ensemble delivers acidic, entertaining performances, and the lush setting provides a gorgeous backdrop for the unfolding chaos.

That said, Season 3 doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. The storytelling is darker and more deliberate, sometimes to a fault, as the pacing drags in places. While packed with intriguing character dynamics and biting humor, the season struggles to tie everything together satisfyingly, leaving some arcs feeling rushed or underwhelming by the finale. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy: standout performances, provocative themes, and Mike White’s keen eye for hypocrisy ensure the ride is engaging, even if the destination isn’t perfect.

If you loved the first two seasons, this one is worth watching—just temper expectations. It’s more of a slow-burning, scenic detour than a triumphant return.

Solo Leveling season 2

The second season of Solo Leveling doesn’t just meet expectations; it smashes through them with even more breathtaking animation, heart-pounding battles, and a narrative that trades pure adrenaline for something richer. Sung Jin-Woo’s meteoric rise continues, but this time, his power comes at a cost. The fights are bigger, the monsters deadlier, and the shadows longer, both literally and emotionally.

A-1 Pictures doubles down on the show’s visual spectacle, delivering fluid, jaw-dropping action sequences that feel ripped straight from the manhwa’s most iconic panels. Yet what makes this season stand out is its willingness to slow down, letting Jin-Woo grapple with isolation, responsibility, and the creeping dread of his transformation. The supporting cast gets more room to shine, too, adding weight to the world beyond its overpowered protagonist.

Season 2 is darker and more introspective but just as thrilling as the first one. The only downside? The wait between episodes feels even more agonizing when each cliffhanger leaves you starving for more.