Alicia Gilstorf’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2025

The suckability of life is inevitable, but so is the evolution of good TV — and oh boy, there were a lot of good shows to watch in 2025!

This list highlights projects that champion humility and humanity, whether through the beauty of large ensemble casts or unlikely found families. The best premises are the ones that make you laugh with your whole heart one moment, and burst into tears the next.

These TV shows embrace the messy, beautiful irony of life while still allowing us to escape into the comfort of another world.

In no particular order, here are ten TV shows that captivated me in 2025:

1. Ghosts (CBS)

Ghosts has it all: A pantless finance bro learning to be a father from beyond the grave, a Viking that watches Paw Patrol, and a Victorian perv with a kink for secret sex pacts.

This eclectic sitcom hasn’t aged a day in its five-year reign, choosing to embrace a weird and wacky existence that amplifies the humanity at the center of its timeless premise.

The comedy’s powerhouse ensemble keeps its foot on the gas and sharp rebuttals at the ready as each season delves into the divides that unexpectedly unite us.

It makes for a rapid-fire feast of banter and heartbreak that will haunt you long after the joke has landed.

2. The Traitors (Peacock)

The Traitors, with all its worldly iterations, has murdered and backstabbed its way into our hearts.

Whether spearheaded by Alan Cumming — the Scotsman with a penance for “muurrrder” — or Claudia Winkleman with her British rockstar nobility, the reality show drips with an insatiable audacity. With delightful hosts and a hunger for betrayal, The Traitors has discovered the recipe for a killer reality competition.

The cutthroat premise has brought TV’s great strategists to their knees with its twist on the social-based game, and it continues to find ways to outsmart the most capable celebrity and civilian players alike.

3. Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Five seasons in, Abbott Elementary continues to get straight As thanks to its steadfast writing and dependable crew of educators.

While this hit comedy has kept its sights set on the average day-to-day challenges that face underfunded schools, creator Quinta Brunson continues to evolve the concept so the lessons always feel fresh.

This adventurous new season has introduced several excursions outside of the school walls, from a trip to the Phillies ballpark to game night at Gregory’s apartment.

It has pleasantly pushed the teachers out of their comfort zone by introducing new teaching assignments that keep these classroom dynamics feeling fresh and fun.

4. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Unlikely pairings are Only Murders in the Building‘s bread and butter, whether it’s pairing Disney Channel royalty Selena Gomez with comedy legends Martin Short and Steve Martin or marrying sitcom satire with a murder mystery.

This motley crew of podcasters does right by The Arconia thanks to a reflective season that confronts the past mishandlings of Mabel’s love interests and pushes Charles to overcome his mommy issues.

With a killer new casino set, three crazy billionaires, and a renewed purpose to avenge one of the building’s most beloved occupants, the zany comedy gets back to doing what it does best.

5. Overcompensating (Prime Video)

Overcompensating is a beautiful mess of raunchy, borderline misogynistic humour and camp.

With tight bods and even tighter storytelling, these horny college students captivate us with their inability to make major life decisions as they try and fail to navigate newfound independence.

From the moment this show arrives on campus, Benny and Carmen’s dueling, often complex narratives charm us as the two friends become desperate to fit in.

The first season builds a strong foundation of storylines as it ambushes us with a wave of obnoxious personalities that click together effortlessly.

6. The Pitt (HBO Max)

The Pitt is the true definition of a water cooler show, rescuing us from boredom with a ticking-time bomb premise and breathtaking acting that demands our attention.

It doesn’t matter if you swore off ever watching medical dramas. The Pitt takes no prisoners as it steamrolls over what we considered to be good TV this past year with storylines that cut deep.

For those not familiar with ER, Noah Wyle reminds us of his game by leading this 24-hour race against the clock with a commanding performance you can’t look away from.

7. Stick (Apple TV+)

As the great Coach Lasso once said, it smells like potential, and golf-centric comedy Stick certainly has potential.

Owen Wilson’s misfit road trip follows in Ted Lasso’s footsteps by swinging for the stars, before landing on a laid-back approach to grief and healing.

The concept wows not with its manly bravado and slow-motion golf swings (although those are cool). The winning strides showcase how a passion shared among others can chip away at the most stubborn of grief-inflicted wounds.

8. School Spirits (Paramount+)

Some would say teenage coming-of-age shows are dead; School Spirits argues they’re just undead.

This gritty high-school drama expertly keeps the signature Teen Wolf blend of teenage angst and supernatural shenanigans alive. The ensemble of characters spans decades of turmoil and crushes, while centering the story on Peyton List’s Maddie Nears.

Season 2 enriches the heart-pounding stakes of Maddie’s quest to return to the land of the living while weaponizing our desire to stay with the beloved ghosts of Split River High for as long as possible.

9. The Paper (Peacock)

Potentially the worst thing you can be in an age of reboots is a The Office spinoff.

Yet The Paper proves there’s always room for more sitcoms as it pays homage to the original series while forging its own likable legacy as a truthteller in a “fake news” world.

From Oscar Nuñez proving he’s the key to the spinoff’s success rather than a relic of the original to Sabrina Impacciatore’s unstable Esmeralda Grand, the cast of reporter rookies has a lot to do with its early success.

The series carves out a unique niche for itself in the paper industry while evolving Michael Scott’s signature cringe comedy for modern-day viewers.

10. St. Denis Medical (NBC)

Like an infection, this sitcom needs time to grow on you, but once you fall for St. Denis Medical, there’s no cure.

Considering NBC killed its thriving comedy slate mid-pandemic, it is joyous to see this charming ensemble-led show fight with a vengeance for its fallen brethren.

The upbeat mockumentary takes shots at the medical drama format while drumming up awareness for the abuse healthcare workers endure.

It strikes a balance between endearing and enduring as the lovable staff are pushed to their limits by each other.

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What TV shows make your list this year? Let us know in the comments below! 

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