Best TV Shows of 2025 So Far: From Severance to Matlock

While streaming services have already offered several excellent new TV shows this year, network television has also given viewers plenty to talk about. From returning favorites like Severance to buzzworthy newcomers like The Pitt and Adults, there’s been no shortage of good TV, and we’re only halfway through the year.

So what TV shows do you need to add to your must-watch list? We have some suggestions.

Some of the best shows of the year so far are long-running dramas, while others are newer shows you might not have heard of but definitely need to know about. How many have you watched?

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Here’s a look at some of the best TV shows of 2025 so far:

1. 9-1-1

9-1-1 Season 8 was definitely a rocky one for the longtime fans of this hit ABC drama. However, overall, the season brought us that much closer to the characters we’ve loved all this time.

It was devastating to see Bobby Nash die (a move that no one is happy with), but it did usher in a new dynamic in the 118 family. Hopefully, Season 9 will capitalize on that and bring the series into a fresh new era.

You can catch up on 9-1-1 on Hulu.

2. Adolescence

The Netflix limited series Adolescence is not just a technical marvel (each of its four episodes is filmed as a single hour-long take), but a gutsy, harrowing, and incredibly timely story of a thirteen-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. Adolescence wrestles with everything from toxic masculinity and male rage to cyberbullying and social media culture.

Led by an astounding debut from young actor Owen Cooper as Jamie, the series is bursting with incredible performances, including Stephen Graham as a father trying to make sense of the monster he raised and Erin Doherty’s turn as a court-appointed psychologist charged with evaluating Jamie’s mental state.

A cautionary tale, a cry for help, and a horror story all rolled into one unforgettable package, it’ll stay with you long after the final credits roll.

Adolescence is currently streaming on Netflix.

3. Adults

Adults fills the void of ensemble comedies about twenty-something-year-old friends with laugh-out-loud bits and delightfully sincere turns performed by a cast with real chemistry and comedic timing. For that alone, it deserves a spot on this list.

Samir, Billie, Paul Baker, Issa, and Anton instantly feel like a tight-knit friend group that will help each other through the… unfortunate… side effects of finding and losing jobs and navigating the healthcare system, the delicate situation of inviting a wanted criminal into their home, and last-minute marriages to keep the group together.

These housemates quickly start to feel like close friends who make Adults’ eight-episode debut season feel particularly criminally short. So, here’s to a hopeful second – and longer – season!

Adults is currently streaming on Hulu.

4. Andor

Andor concluded its two-season run this year. With only 24 episodes, the show told one of the deepest and most epic tales in the Star Wars universe yet.

Before it premiered back in 2022, some wrote off Andor as doomed, as we knew its lead character, Cassian (Diego Luna), would die thanks to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Lest we forget that Star Wars doesn’t have the best track record with prequels!

But Andor Season 1 proved that wrong, and Season 2 lived up to the highest expectations. The season continued to be uncommonly incisive and politically daring for genre TV, let alone Star Wars. The season’s 12-episode, four-arc structure is the perfect design for streaming.

Andor isn’t one drawn-out 12-hour movie; it’s four mini-movies that feed into each other. Whatever pace you watch it, it’s bound to have you hooked not long after.

Andor is streaming on Disney+.

5. Chicago Med

In its 10th season, the NBC drama Chicago Med has demonstrated that the show continues to grow, along with its characters.

The show has portrayed important storylines that not only allow fans to continue to fall in love with their favorite characters but also highlight issues that matter within the healthcare industry. As part of a large franchise like One Chicago, Chicago Med has found its footing, proving why it has been around for over a decade and could stand on its own if necessary.

You can catch up on Chicago Med on Peacock.

6. Chicago P.D.

Chicago P.D.‘s success relies on the fact that they give each character an episode that focuses solely on them. By doing this, the NBC drama has given everyone the chance to grow and show the audience why they are an irreplaceable part of the unit.

The feeling of found family and the protection they offer each other is one of the main reasons why fans continue to tune in. While the storylines are also important, the characters are what make this show what it is.

You can catch up on Chicago P.D. on Peacock.

7. Common Side Effects

Common Side Effects is one of, if not the best, animated shows on Adult Swim to come out this year. Not only does it give us a more nuanced look into conspiracies, environmentalism, and truth, but it also feels very genuine.

The dialogue feels rich, and the performances on Common Side Effects feel realistic and natural. The animation itself will also leave you feeling strangely amazed in some hilarious ways.

Common Side Effects airs on Adult Swim and is available to stream on MAX.

8. Dexter: Original Sin

One of the hardest things to do in terms of TV is to take an original property, create a prequel, and manage to keep the same vibe and charm as the original. Luckily, Patrick Gibson as Young Dexter Morgan stole the audience’s hearts from the word go on Dexter: Original Sin.

Taking a trip into the mind of Dexter as he starts his lifetime career as a justice-seeking serial killer, this prequel stands up against Michael C. Hall’s iconic portrayal and makes this prequel worthy of its Season 2 renewal.

Dexter: Original Sin is currently streaming on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.

Stream all things Dexter® on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. Get started!

9. Elsbeth

Starring Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni, Elsbeth has the perfect balance of comedy and drama. The beloved character from The Good Wife is even more complex and enjoyable to watch as she helps solve murder cases while navigating significant changes in her personal life.

Preston’s performance in the role is consistently stellar, and she’s surrounded by an incredible cast that elevates it even more. Plus, the latest season included plenty of fun guest stars. The CBS drama is a must-watch for network television.

You can catch up on Elsbeth on Paramount+.

Stream all episodes of your favorite CBS Originals now on Paramount+. Get started!

10. Found

A different kind of procedural drama, Found told important stories as Mosely and Associates worked each week to search for missing people who were otherwise overlooked. Meanwhile, the overarching story of Gaby Moseley’s relationship with her former kidnapper continued with some shocking twists and turns in Season 2.

Powerful storytelling and plenty of suspense kept viewers on the edge of their seats all season. Unfortunately, Found has been canceled, and it ended on a cliffhanger that leaves plenty of questions unanswered.

You can catch up on Found Season 2, now streaming on Peacock.

11. Ghosts

Ghosts, the eternally funny CBS flagship comedy, has earned its place as one of the decade’s best sitcoms.

It is effortlessly weird and wacky, exploring humanity through a gaggle of selfish and sexually deviant spirits. Season 4 elevates the haunted bed and breakfast to new heights, with a power couple hellbent on causing havoc and a restaurant that is just as susceptible to curses as the rest of the property. It’s never a dull moment for Sam, Jay, or the viewers of this spooky comedy.

You can catch up on Ghosts on Paramount+.

12. Hacks

At a time when there’s been so much discussion about what makes a comedy show part of the genre, Hacks continues to prove why it belongs in this category and why fans have loved it for four seasons.

Deborah Vance has opened the floor for older women to shine and expanded representation to a group of women who were usually pushed to the side. The dynamic between Deborah and Ava is what makes this show so special and what will give its fifth season success as well.

All seasons of Hacks are currently streaming on MAX.

13. Matlock

Kathy Bates and Skye P. Marshall gave a stellar performance during the freshman season of what is bound to be a long-running network show.

As an elderly professional, Matty Matlock takes the world by storm when she joins Jacobson-Moore in the hopes of getting justice for her daughter. The bond formed between Bates and Marshall has a chemistry that all TV shows should strive for. There’s certainly plenty to look forward to from Matlock Season 2 when it premieres this Fall.

You can catch up on Matlock on Paramount+.

14. Murderbot

The Apple TV+ series Murderbot, adapted from Martha Wells’ best-selling book series, grapples with a relevant topic in this modern age: Can we trust artificial intelligence?

Brimming with biting wit and an understated performance from Alexander Skarsgård (an underrated comedic talent in his own right), Murderbot presents a well-paced, entertaining thrill ride packed into 20-some-minute episodes.

It’s also surprisingly easy to root for the titular character thanks to Skarsgård’s portrayal. Who knew the most relatable character on TV in 2025 would be a robot that would rather binge-watch space operas than interact with humans?

Murderbot is streaming on Apple TV+.

15. Overcompensating

From messy gays to complicated love triangles, Overcompensating has it all. This unexpected hit on Prime Video follows best friends Carmen and Benny as they navigate the epic highs and lows of freshman year in college.

While it’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, it also has plenty of heart, dealing with the brutal honesty of coming to terms with who you are.

Overcompensating is currently streaming on Prime Video.

16. Paradise

From the creator of This Is Us and starring Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden, Paradise starts with a simple premise and turns everything on its head by the end of the first episode.

It’s a dystopian sci-fi series with the kind of powerful emotion and drama you’d expect from Dan Fogelman. It’s beautifully written and stunning to watch, with award-worthy performances from Brown and Marsden, in particular.

Paradise is currently streaming on Hulu.

17. The Pitt

The Pitt is a must-watch TV water cooler event.

The medical drama’s first season weaponizes weekly episode drops and breakneck pacing to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with anticipation.

Noah Wyle slips effortlessly back into the ER setting, commanding this cast of dynamic performers with seasoned professionalism. The show’s non-stop, dialogue-driven action in an underfunded, understaffed emergency room delivers some of the year’s most entertaining and authentic storytelling.

The Pitt is currently streaming on MAX.

18. Severance

Severance returned for its long-awaited second season this year to Apple TV+, with even more complex storytelling and incredible performances than its first.

The captivating, thought-provoking series held nothing back as its characters struggled to discover the secrets of Lumon while their literal selves remained split between their work and their home lives. In the midst of that, the season also expanded on a deeply complex love triangle as well as some surprising twists. 

Severance is currently streaming on Apple TV+.

19. The Studio

The Studio does satire right. Led by Seth Rogen, it’s another Apple TV+ series that highlights how the streaming service gatekeeps way too many excellent TV series.

The series follows Matt Remick (Rogen) as the newly appointed head of a movie studio who struggles to balance corporate demands with creative ambitions. The Studio also happens to have some of the best guest appearances and cameos of any current TV show. 

The Studio is currently streaming on Apple TV+.

20. Will Trent

Will Trent gets an extended season, and it shows. The 18-episode third season allowed the writers and directors to experiment with storytelling in some powerful ways.

This resulted in some bold decisions that paid off, giving the network drama series its best season yet and making viewers that much more excited for what’s to come. 

Catch up on Will Trent on Hulu.

21. XO, Kitty

There’s something about a Jenny Han series that lifts your spirits, makes you laugh, and gives you an excellent love triangle (square?) to obsess over.

The banter and the tension are always top-tier, and Kitty and Minho’s relationship on XO, Kitty Season 2 is a prime example. Despite dating other people, Kitty and Minho’s relationship is at the forefront of this season as they work on their friendship and process their feelings for each other.

The cherry on top of this season is Peter Kavinsky making an appearance. He checks in with Kitty, offers some sage advice, and reminds us all why we fell in love with him.

 XO, Kitty is currently streaming on Netflix.

22. Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets Season 3 continues to show why it’s one of the most fearless shows on television. We knew from the beginning that this girls’ soccer team can’t stay in the Wilderness forever, but season 3 shows how they are, in every sense, not out of the woods yet.

The acting on Yellowjackets continues to be exemplary, on both sides of the timeline. The MVPs this season were no doubt Sophie Nélisse as Shauna, who after a winter’s worth of suffering hardens into a monster (and queen), and Steven Krueger, who plays the increasingly desperate Coach Ben Scott.

Though sometimes leaning too much on black comedy, Yellowjackets Season 3 can still be unsettling when it wants to, from creepy dreams to hunts for survival. While the story unfolds between two timelines, the soundtrack will take you back to 1996 and make you never want to leave.

All episodes of Yellowjackets are now streaming on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. Watch now!

23. Your Friends and Neighbors

Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV+ has a little bit of everything. It has suspense, mystery, comedy, romance, and of course, Jon Hamm. Hamm stars as Andrew “Cooper” Cooper, a wealthy, successful hedge fund manager whose life starts falling apart after one wrong decision.

To get back on track, he does things he never would have imagined, which results in a comedy of errors. It’s a fun, quick watch with well-rounded characters that feels a little bit like Shrinking meets Breaking Bad. 

Your Friends and Neighbors is currently streaming on Apple TV+.

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What are your favorite TV shows of 2025 so far? Let us know in the comments below!

Contributions by: Lacy Baugher, Shelby Elpers, Chris Gallardo, Alicia Gilstorf, Sam Huang, Mads Misasi, Melody McCune,  Devin Meenan, Allison Nichols, Lara Rosales, Ashley Bissette Sumerel, and Jerrica Tisdale.

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