The Best TV Shows of 2025 (So Far)

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TV excellence transcends and goes beyond specific genres. This holds true for the medium as a whole, as well as at Vulture where we proudly acknowledge greatness in various forms – from heavyweight dramas to lighthearted reality shows, quirky animations, and everything in between. Even the seemingly outdated genre of medical procedurals demonstrated its potential in 2025. The exceptional series that have emerged this year are unique in their structure, mood, and allure, collectively demonstrating the richness and diversity of top-tier television.

All titles are listed by season premiere date, with the most recent releases up top.

Common Side Effects (Adult Swim, Max)

In this animated series on Adult Swim titled “Untitled Joe Bennett and Steve Hely Project,” a compassionate and valiant naturalist stumbles upon an extraordinary mushroom capable of curing any affliction, including death under certain conditions. This discovery thrusts him into the thick of a conspiracy encompassing the U.S. government and a large pharmaceutical corporation, both working to thwart his attempts to mass-produce the mushroom in order to rid the world of sickness. Mike Judge and Greg Daniels serve as executive producers, with Judge delivering another charmingly dimwitted performance as a pharmaceutical CEO. The series is a clever, enjoyable, and moving production that strikes a chord between nostalgic Gen-X vibes and a contemporary satire of our flawed society. Notably, the show’s psychedelic scenes are filled with peculiar miniature humanoids resembling twisted, American versions of Hayao Miyazaki’s quirky creatures. —Nicholas Quah

Severance, season two (Apple TV+)

The initial season of Severance concluded with a suspenseful cliffhanger that momentarily cut off the oxygen supply to many viewers’ minds. What made it even more cruel was that the show took a break for three years following this. The long-awaited second season of this intricate and bizarre office drama, which premiered on Apple TV+, naturally had high expectations. These ten fresh episodes not only meet but often surpass these expectations.

Dan Erickson, the series creator, along with director Ben Stiller who oversees half of the season’s episodes, and their team have produced a captivating, intricately detailed journey that delves deeper into the eerie, controlling atmosphere at Lumon, a mysterious biotech company whose employees lead separate lives in work and personal spheres. The cast, including Mark S. (played brilliantly by Adam Scott), Helly R. (Britt Lower), Irving B. (John Turturro) and Dylan G. (Zach Cherry), are exploring the true nature of this bizarrely authoritative corporate entity. The quality of this show, from its unique set design to its skillfully framed cinematography, is exceptional in every aspect. While it can be categorized as a drama, it also possesses a witty, dark humor that seems particularly fitting for our times. If you didn’t chuckle during the office memorial service where employees were asked to remember a deceased colleague for nine seconds, I apologize, but perhaps you might not fit in at Lumon. – Jen Chaney

➼ Read Kathryn VanArendonk’s review of Severance and Erin Qualey’s recaps of the season.

American Primeval (Netflix)

In a different phrasing, Roxana Hadadi’s review states: Peter Berg and Mark L. Smith’s portrayal of the American West in American Primeval isn’t flawless. It seems to draw heavily from The Revenant, and Betty Gilpin could have been given a more substantial role. However, the show is unapologetically committed to its message that American history has been problematic. Our popular culture often romanticizes pioneers and settlers, making American Primeval‘s exploration of Mormon history and rejection of violence as a means for gaining power feel refreshingly balanced. Taylor Kitsch delivers one of his best performances, Shea Whigham enjoys a competitive confrontation with Kim Coates, and the series takes the time to portray the Shoshone with nuance and context. The stunning shots of the vast American landscape are pleasing, but American Primeval never fails to remind us that these lands carry the weight of bloodshed.

➼ Read Roxana Hadadi’s full review of American Primeval and Keith Phipps’s recaps of the series.

The Pitt (Max)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must confess that “The Pitt” left me utterly captivated due to its remarkable resemblance to an era of television that streaming platforms have struggled to emulate. This series boasts a lengthy season, distinctively crafted episodes, and a no-frills, uncomplicated narrative – qualities that alone make it noteworthy. However, “The Pitt” surpasses these basics with its exceptional execution.

What truly sets this show apart is the real-time narrative structure and minimal use of melodramatic music scores. This approach accentuates two aspects: the raw intensity of the medical emergencies portrayed, and the exceptional acting, particularly by Noah Wyle, Katherine LaNasa, and Taylor Dearden. In my opinion, “The Pitt” would have been a standout at any point in television history, but after years of streaming-induced excess, it feels almost miraculous.

➼ Read Kathryn VanArendonk’s full review of The Pitt and Maggie Fremont’s recaps of the series.

The Traitors, season three (Peacock)

R.H.’s take on the show The Traitors is that it’s an outstanding contender for the year’s best, thanks to Lala’s captivating outfits and the ongoing drama as a social experiment. Alan Cumming and his fashionable companion also add to the show’s charm. However, what sets The Traitors apart is its exploration of reality TV stars, their self-perception, and the networks that made them famous. This season, there’s an extra layer of tension due to the celebs’ connections from other shows, which adds a new dimension to the conflicts between groups. Essentially, it’s interesting to observe how we perceive these stars, form alliances, and the tribal nature of reality TV competitions. Plus, this season has been filled with drama, from Traitors who spend more time backstabbing each other to Tom Sandoval surprisingly winning hearts through his transformation into a slippery banana peel. —R.H.

➼ Read Tom Smyth’s recaps of the season.

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2025-03-03 17:54