Top 10 TV Shows of 2025 So Far

Disney picked up some Netflix scrap and greenlit Daredevil: Born Again, a revival of the canceled-too-soon MCU classic. Many superhero fans enjoy this type of mature storytelling, exhibiting the flash and circumstance of wild action sequences but keeping the story grounded in the rules and realities of our universe. Born Again tells a character-driven narrative populated with interesting themes like, as the title suggests, the idea of resurrection and dual identities. Its also filled with standout performances, especially those of Charlie Cox and Vincent DOnofrio, who is, once again, unbelievably good as Wilson Fisk. That man was born to play Kingpin, and were just glad to see him stepping into those giant shoes once again.

Judy Blumes Forever is an acclaimed but controversial book, exploring themes of teenage sexuality. Netflix adapted and modernized Blumes story, bringing it from the mid 70s to the modern day. Well, 2018, but close enough. Despite its fancy new setting, Forever retains the emotional core of Blumes novel while updating it for modern audiences, addressing contemporary issues such as digital privacy and consent in todays romantic landscape. It also stands out for its sincere and realistic depiction of adolescence, and the protagonists, Keisha and Justin, are wonderfully portrayed with depth and complexity. And with artists like SZA, Travis Scott, and Childish Gambino, you just cant beat that soundtrack.

True crime and fraud are hot right now. Enter Apple Cider Vinegar, which tells the true story of Belle Gibson, an Australian health guru who falsely claimed to have cured her terminal cancer with the help of alternative medicine and exercise. Her deceit led to the creation of a popular app and cookbook called The Whole Pantry which influenced many to forgo conventional treatments themselves. The show emotionally and realistically explores the ramifications of Gibsons actions while exploring contemporary themes of misinformation in the social media age. And wed be remiss if we didnt mention Kaitlyn Dever, who gives a commanding performance as Belle Gibson, often deftly balancing hateful manipulation and grudging pity.

2025 is giving us some wild shows - including one that blends animation, drug comedy, business and political satire, and conspiracy thriller. That show is Common Side Effects. Marshall and Frances discover a magic mushroom with healing properties and then uncover a government conspiracy meant to hinder all public knowledge of said mushroom. The genre-defying narrative offers a fresh take on the complexities - and controversies - of the healthcare industry, while the gorgeous animation lends a trippy and surreal atmosphere to the drug-fueled proceedings. Luckily, the adventure is also littered with some genuinely compelling characters, with humorous supporting roles and a complex leading man in Marshall Cuso. Common side effects of watching may include laughter and contemplation.

Toxic Town is what would happen if Erin Brokovich and Chernobyl had a baby. It tells the true story of the Corby toxic waste case, exploring the lives of three women who enter a massive legal battle with the Corby Borough Council. After the Corby Steelworks closed in 1980, the council excavated and transported toxic waste through populated areas, resulting in a slew of birth defects in the local community. Toxic Town sheds light on this landmark case, expertly balancing emotional depth with tantalizing courtroom drama and harsh social commentary. The realistic and sympathetic characters are also played by a remarkable cast, which includes the likes of Rory Kinnear, Robert Carlyle, and an absolutely brilliant Jodie Whittaker.

Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura in the same show? Sign us up! A remarkably entertaining series, Dope Thief tells the story of Ray Driscoll and Manny Carvalho, two friends who accidentally rob a narcotics operation surveilled by the DEA. The witty banter between Ray and Manny is exceptional, with Henry and Moura sharing brilliant comedic chemistry. And as good as Moura is, Henry is the standout here, giving a career-defining performance as a man torn between survival and redemption. His ability to silently convey emotion through subtle facial expressions is nothing short of extraordinary. The series also boasts a cinematic quality that is rarely seen on television, with wonderful, gritty cinematography and masterful direction. We suppose bringing in Ridley Scott will do that

Throughout February and March of 2020, Wondery published the podcast Dying for Sex. It depicts the sensual and personal adventures of Molly, a woman who divorced her husband and embarked on numerous sexual liaisons after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The podcast was co-hosted by the real-life Molly but released posthumously, as she died in March of 2019. This FX series adapts the podcast for the screen, depicting both an honest exploration of sexuality and a warm celebration of female friendship, with Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate sharing some electric chemistry. And speaking of Williams, she gives a transformative performance as Molly, capturing the characters vulnerability and resilience in the face of tragedy. Its a complex emotional landscape, and Williams navigates it with grace, humor, and empathy.

If you want an honest yet gut-busting glimpse into modern Hollywood, look no further than The Studio. Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, a movie executive who is forced to navigate things like endless franchise expansion, demanding stars and directors, and diversity casting. Its an enormously funny and refreshingly candid examination of the movie industry, coming from a star and producer who is deeply embedded within it. The cameos are both fun and endless, and the show is a technical masterclass, taking its cues from Birdman and adopting its use of complex long takes and chaotic sound design. Heck, the second episode is a oner about doing a oner! Who does that!?

There are about a gazillion medical shows out there, but none quite like The Pitt. Maxs modern masterpiece has revitalized the medical drama, transforming it from network procedural to prestige TV through the use of innovative storytelling and a critical portrayal of systemic issues in healthcare. The series has been noted for its unflinching realism, depicting hospital staff and emergency medical procedures with unprecedented accuracy. But of course, most of the praise - and rightfully so - has gone to the shows storytelling technique. Each of the fifteen episodes unfolds in real time, immersing viewers in the relentless pace and pressures of emergency medicine and creating an unbearable sense of anxiety.

2025 is the year of two things - long, real time takes and Jack Thorne, who also did the aforementioned Toxic Town. For Adolescence, he and Stephen Graham team up to explore themes of parental responsibility, school harassment, online radicalization, and, well, adolescence. Much has been written of the shows format, with each hour-long episode being filmed in one take. Its truly unbelievable, with the camera work, acting, and staging attracting widespread acclaim. But the technical wizardry never overshadows the story at the shows core, with its themes resonating strongly across different generations. Its one of those universal tales that has something for everyone, whether its the teenagers going through a transitional time in their lives or the parents grappling to control it.

What other shows have you enjoyed this year? Let us know in the comments below!