Best TV Shows to Stream in October 2025: Top Picks for Every Genre

As a TV reviewer, I’ve seen some truly amazing shows lately that have really redefined what television can be. And honestly, I’m a huge fan of the binge-watching trend – there’s nothing quite like settling in for the weekend and discovering a fantastic series you can really sink your teeth into. But, I’ll admit, there’s still a special thrill to the old-fashioned weekly release, that anticipation building for the next episode. It’s a nice balance, really.

October is bringing a lot of exciting shows to streaming platforms! You’ll find both brand new series and the latest seasons of your favorites. With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a great time for spooky shows – and there are even some options that aren’t too frightening for those who don’t typically enjoy horror.

Fantasy

The Witcher

While Henry Cavill was a fantastic choice for the show, the franchise can still succeed with a new actor. The Witcher is known for its exciting action, and Liam Hemsworth has proven he can deliver in action roles, having filmed impressive sequences in movies like The Hunger Games and The Expendables 2.

Season 4 of The Witcher arrives on the 30th, marking Chris Hemsworth’s debut as Geralt of Rivia. The show will continue the story with Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri still separated due to the war. Though details are scarce, fans can expect the same dark atmosphere and thrilling monster fights as the previous three seasons.

Horror

Welcome To Derry

Bill Skarsgård, who famously played the frightening Pennywise in the recent It reboot, is returning for Welcome to Derry. This new horror TV series acts as a prequel to It, taking place in the 1960s and focusing on an attack by white supremacists on the Black Spot nightclub – an event fueled by Pennywise’s influence.

This series isn’t a straight retelling of Stephen King’s story. It builds upon the established lore of a classic horror creature. If you’re looking for a great show to watch this Halloween, Welcome to Derry is an excellent pick, and it’s coming out on the 26th – just in time for Halloween night!

Western

Billy The Kid

Many of today’s top Western TV shows draw inspiration from real people, like the series Billy the Kid, which tells the story of the famous teenage outlaw. The show is beautifully filmed with a dark, realistic style and features exciting action, including stunts and gunfights. It’s been well-received by audiences, earning an 86% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Instead of releasing all episodes at once like many streaming shows on platforms like Netflix, Billy the Kid is releasing its third season one episode each week. The current season follows Billy after his jailbreak and is leading up to the story of his famous death. If you haven’t watched the first two seasons yet, you still have time to catch up before the final episode airs in late November.

Drama

Boots

Netflix’s Boots is a funny and moving series about a teenager who’s gay and trying to keep it a secret while going through Marine boot camp. Critics and audiences alike love the show – it has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – and features a mix of well-known and rising stars. Boots offers a unique and rarely seen perspective on LGBTQ+ experiences.

Despite facing criticism from the Pentagon regarding its LGBTQ+ representation, the coming-of-age drama Boots has become a streaming success. What makes Boots stand out is its surprising and unpredictable storyline. With eight episodes averaging 45 minutes each, the entire first season can easily be watched in a single day, and the ending leaves the door open for a potential second season.

Romance

Nobody Wants This

Erin Simkin / ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

I’ve been really enjoying Nobody Wants This, a rom-com starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody! They just released season 2 this October, and the first season was a big hit – it even got nominated for three Emmys! It’s not perfect, especially when it comes to showing a diverse range of people, but overall it’s a fun, easy watch – perfect for a cozy weekend at home. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something lighthearted to binge!

Okay, so I just finished watching Nobody Wants This, and if you were a fan of The Good Place, you’ll probably dig it. It’s got a few of the same actors, but it feels a lot more…real. It really gets into some big stuff – relationships, faith, and what happens when people from totally different backgrounds fall for each other. The main story follows a sex podcaster and a rabbi who end up falling in love, and it’s surprisingly thoughtful and funny.

Crime

NCIS

CBS/MovieStillsDB

NCIS is a long-running and popular TV show, and for many years, it was the most-watched police drama on television. The recent season started with a two-part premiere, signaling an effort to keep the show’s stories and style engaging. Although NCIS follows a familiar pattern, it’s still very enjoyable to watch all at once.

Over its 23 seasons, NCIS has seen a lot of changes in its cast and storylines. While the current team might not be the best the show has ever had, it consistently delivers a solid product. Police procedurals sometimes become predictable, but NCIS seems to be evolving, which could be a positive step for the series.

Thriller

Slow Horses

Image via Apple TV+

Okay, so I’m totally hooked on the fifth season of Slow Horses – seriously, Gary Oldman is fantastic in it! The show follows these MI5 agents who’ve basically been banished to this dead-end office, Slough House, and given the most mind-numbingly dull work imaginable. But then they get a shot at actually doing something meaningful – a chance to prove they’re not washed up and to uncover some serious corruption within the government. It’s a really clever thriller, and new episodes are dropping weekly, so I’m glued to the screen!

Despite their varied skills and often difficult relationships, the agents in Slow Horses deliver outstanding performances, and the show features genuinely surprising plot twists. This underrated thriller boasts a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been renewed for at least two more seasons.

Sci-Fi

Alice In Borderland

Following its hugely popular first two seasons, the third season of Alice in Borderland has sparked debate among viewers. The season 2 finale strongly suggested the show would continue, and season 3 explores the emotional toll on survivors with some compelling new faces. If you enjoyed Squid Game, you’ll likely appreciate this more science fiction-focused take on a similar premise.

The series Alice in Borderland centers around a young man suddenly finding himself in a strange, alternate Tokyo. To survive, he’s forced to compete in dangerous and challenging games. Unlike shows like Squid Game and Battle Royale, which have a more realistic feel, Alice in Borderland is much larger in scope, making it a more thrilling and ambitious story.

Comedy

South Park

The popular and often controversial animated show South Park recently returned with a new season that tackled some of today’s most challenging political issues. While the premiere was a huge success, fans were surprised when season 27 ended after only five episodes, quickly followed by the start of season 28. This abrupt ending has left some viewers concerned.

What sets South Park apart from other comedies is its clever way of tackling tough issues – it gets right to the heart of things while still being completely wild and unexpected. Surprisingly, very few episodes have ever been banned, despite the show’s often crude humor. Beneath the outrageous jokes lies a remarkably intelligent comedy, making South Park the best comedy available to stream right now.

Historical

House Of Guinness

Ben Blackall/Netflix

Even though the final episode of the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders follow-up aired last month, it remains the top historical series to watch this October. House of Guinness, with its eight episodes, is ideal for a day-long binge, and it comes from the same writer as Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight.

While not always perfectly true to history, House of Guinness is an engaging and thrilling drama. It follows what happens after Sir Benjamin Guinness passes away, and explores the captivating story of the Guinness brewery. The series, set in 1800s New York and Dublin, is visually similar to the show Peaky Blinders.

Read More

2025-10-25 21:33