Let’s face it—trying to keep up with the greatest shows of 2025 is a little like whack-a-mole with your TV remote. There’s only so much television, and only so many hours in the day. But if you’re in need of cutting through the clutter and getting right to the good stuff, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled the top 10 shows of the year to date—ranked and ready to binge. So get comfy, get some snacks, and get ready to refresh your watchlist.
10. Paradise (Disney+)
Mixing political suspense with a dash of sci-fi thrills, Paradise begins with Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) investigating the president’s sudden, appalling assassination of President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). It’s twisty, speed-of-light, and full of tension enough to keep you on the edge of your seat—even if it’s not necessarily Emmy bait. A surprise success that continues to turn heads.
9. Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV+)
Jon Hamm adds a darkly comedic twist to Andrew “Coop” Cooper, a hedge fund manager turned suburban burglar by night. Your Friends & Neighbors examines privilege, greed, and lives unraveling with wicked humor and stylish panache. The pacing’s occasionally ambitious, but performances carry the day.
8. The Studio (Apple TV+)
What happens when a film nerd takes over a legendary movie studio? Chaos—and comedy. The Studio stars Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, a newly crowned exec trying to steer a crumbling empire. Catherine O’Hara steals scenes as his ousted mentor, and the whole thing is a love letter to Hollywood insiders and cinephiles alike.
7. The Four Seasons (Netflix)
Spread over four vacation retreats, this dramedy ensemble presents longtime couples and friends dealing with everything from aging and cheating to rekindled friendships. The Four Seasons blends witty one-liners with powerful truths, reminding us that growing older together with your ride-or-dies is as messy as it is reassuring.
6. The Bear – Season 4 (FX/Hulu/Disney+ in Canada)
The heat in the kitchen has not eased. Season 4 of The Bear sees Carmy and the team striving for perfection while fighting burnout, blurred boundaries, and demons. Sure, some reviewers say it’s not as razor-sharp as in the past—but even at a simmer, this series offers emotional depth that few others can provide.
5. American Primeval (Netflix)
Set during the unforgiving days of the American frontier, American Primeval is violent, gripping, and visually stunning. Taylor Kitsch leads a cast of survivors navigating life, death, and identity in the wilderness. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re drawn to bold storytelling, this one’s worth the ride.
4. Adolescence (Netflix)
This four-part miniseries suddenly appeared out of the blue and left everybody reeling. Adolescence revolves around 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested over the death of his classmate. The narrative goes in-depth into internet nastiness, young people, and responsibility. Each episode plays out in a single take, making viewers feel on the edge. With record-breaking viewership figures and gasp-inducing acting performances from Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters, it’s already poised to be one of Netflix’s all-time greatest successes.
3. Dept. Q (Netflix)
If you prefer your crime dramas moody and atmospheric, Dept. Q is beckoning. The nine-episode psychological thriller follows Detective Carl Morck, relegated to cold cases after a traumatic event. The show delves into unsolved crimes—and unsolved grief—in a slow, steady, and thoroughly engrossing manner. It’s less concerned with the “who” and more with the “why.”
2. The Pitt (Max / Crave in Canada)
Set over one frenetic day in a downtown ER, The Pitt is unflinching, raw, and unrelenting. Noah Wyle makes his return to the medical drama fold in a tour-de-force performance as a physician grappling with pandemic PTSD. Shot nearly in real-time, the series conveys both burnout and heroism among frontline healthcare workers. It’s visceral, emotional, and impossible to turn away from.
1. Andor – Season 2 (Disney+)
Still sitting comfortably at the top is Andor. Season 2 of the Star Wars spinoff continues its slow-burn brilliance with Diego Luna leading a story that’s more grounded and morally complex than anything else in the galaxy. The writing is smart, the stakes are real, and the tension never lets up. It’s a masterclass in character-driven sci-fi, whether or not you’re a longtime Star Wars fan.
There you have it: the most crucial shows of 2025. From dark thrill rides to emotional dramas, these shows are a reminder that peak TV is still on the scene. So when you’re browsing around for something new, cut the suspense—these are the ones that need your attention.