Christopher Gallardo's Top 10 TV Shows of 2025: Lazarus, Adults, Severance, Common Side Effects Christopher Gallardo’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2025

Christopher Gallardo’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2025

Andor, Best of 2025, Critic Picks, Daredevil, Dexter: Resurrection, Gen V, Lists, Severance

This year has brought us some fantastic shows that grabbed our attention and kept us hooked.

Whether those shows were down-to-earth comedies, hard-hitting dramas, or action-packed thrill rides, there were a lot of shows that piqued my interest and a special few that I truly adored.

In no particular order, here are my favorite shows that came out this year:

1. Andor (Disney+)
ANDOR SEASON 2
Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm’s ANDOR Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. ©2025 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Andor Season 2 could not have come at a better time, because of the state of the world and how closely Season 1 stuck with viewers.

Not only do Tony Gilroy and his team intricately build upon the crisis Cassian Andor and his allies face from the Galactic Empire, but also how empathetically it speaks about sacrifice, bureaucracy, and ideology.

Highlights of Season 2 include Syril Karn and Adria Arjona, but everyone gives such incredible performances. It was also amazing to see Ben Mendelsohn don the cape of Orson Krennic in such grand fashion as Season 2 concludes with a way back to Rogue One.

2. The Studio (Apple TV+)
Episode 1. Ike Barinholtz, Seth Rogen and Martin Scorsese in "The Studio," premiering March 26, 2025 on Apple TV+.
The Studio – Courtesy of Apple TV+

If there was ever a show that feels extremely meta about the state of the entertainment industry, it has to be The Studio.

From the incredibly sharp and witty dialogue to the fast-paced, chaotic cinematography, this show genuinely keeps its viewers hooked.

Led by Seth Rogen and an eccentric cast, which includes the likes of Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders, and Ike Barinholtz, The Studio will have you rolling with how quick on its feet it is. Not to mention all the crazy cameos, genre jumps, and iconic jokes this series has to offer.

3. Severance (Apple TV+)
Severance Season 2 Episode 1
Adam Scott and Britt Lower in Severance Season 2 Episode 1. Courtesy of Apple TV+

The return of Severance demonstrates such tenacity as the mystery about innies and outties becomes bigger and more intense.

Season 2 puts the innies into tough situations that truly test their loyalties to a company of unknown proportions and each other.

This season not only gives us a crazier story as Mark’s innie and outtie try to rescue Gemma from Lumon, but also with Helly confronting her cold, calculating outtie, Helena.

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In addition, the world-building feels incredibly unique with these unusual corporate departments as Mark and Gemma attempt to escape this labyrinth.

4. Dexter: Resurrection (Paramount+)
Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 10, "And Justice For All…" - (l-r) Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan and Peter Dinklage as Leon Prater
L-R: Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan and Peter Dinklage as Leon Prater in Dexter: Resurrection, episode 10, season 1, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/Paramount+.

Dexter: Resurrection ensures our murderous vigilante makes an impactful return (in the city that never sleeps, no less!)

Dexter Morgan is one of those iconic TV characters whose next move will always keep you wondering what he’ll do. In this series, his particular motivation to reunite and protect his son, Harrison, makes this particular venture feel more personal.

Plus, with Dexter being surrounded by a high society of killers who try to change his perspective, Dexter: Resurrection is able to test the philosophies of the original show in interesting ways.

5. Common Side Effects (Adult Swim)
Common Side Effects Season 1 - Image 1 / Mike Judge / Martha Kelly
Common Side Effects – Courtesy of Adult Swim

As one of those shows that feels like it came and went, Common Side Effects is probably the most underrated animated show that was released this year.

The peculiar visual style might put some off. Still, this series explores those hard-hitting socio-economic ideas of corporate manipulation, government interference, and alternative living in ways that feel grounded.

The characters, as diverse in roles and personality as they are, feel incredibly realistic. The arcs are strong, and the psychedelic sequences are wild, maintaining this near-perfect balance between action and emotion.

6. Alien: Earth (FX)
Alien: Earth Season 1 - Courtesy of FX / Hulu
Season 1 of Alien: Earth – Courtesy of FX / Hulu

Alien: Earth is a genuinely terrifying watch!

With Alien: Earth, the focus is placed on the innate desire of human evolution and the manipulation that comes with scientific experimentation through Wendy, a child whose mind now inhabits a robotic adult body, to reunite with her brother.

What comes out of Season 1 is a compelling story tied together by that theme of family within this setting of a cyberpunk-like capitalist world that puts Wendy and her allies to the test.

The blend of practical and digital effects in those tension-building moments and attack scenes works excellently. All of this makes for a compelling drama, driven by horrific sequences that would make James Cameron proud.

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7. Adults (FX)
ADULTS Season 1 Episode 1 - Owen Thiele as Anton, Lucy Freyer as Billie, Malik Elassal as Samir, Amita Rao as Issa,. CR: Rafy/FX
“ADULTS” — “Pilot” — Season 1, Episode 1 — Pictured (L-R): Owen Thiele as Anton, Lucy Freyer as Billie, Malik Elassal as Samir, Amita Rao as Issa,. CR: Rafy/FX

It can be rare for a comedy series to hit home as hard as a drama-focused show with how deliciously and realistically it tackles everyday life.

In a time where twenty-something adults can barely get by because of the world, we’re often relying on each other to make the most out of it. In Adults, this is displayed through the challenges that the main cast faces, whether that’s babysitting a messed-up teenager or dealing with stress from an adult job.

The writing is as grounded and relatable as it can be for those going through similar circumstances, and the characters are a fun bunch to watch.

8. Gen V (Prime Video)
Gen V Season 2 — Jaz Sinclair (Marie Moreau). Photo courtesy of Prime Video
Gen V Season 2 — Jaz Sinclair (Marie Moreau). Photo courtesy of Prime Video

The return of Gen V does mean that The Boys is one step closer to finishing its story, but it also means that we get to spend more time with a great group of Supes.

Season 2 does a great job not only increasing the pressures placed on Marie, Emma, and the rest of their friends but also weaving in Andre’s story respectfully. It has the dark humor this franchise is known for, while pushing much more character-driven arcs with Marie and Jordan.

This season also does a good job with Cate’s arc, turning her from an anti-hero into a dedicated member of the “Guardians.”

9. Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+)
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) in Marvel Television’s DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2024 MARVEL.

We have waited so long to watch Daredevil fully integrate himself into the MCU since the original Netflix series ended. With Daredevil: Born Again, it’s been very satisfying to see Matthew Murdock get back to doing what he does best.

The return comes without significant changes to Murdock’s team and tone adjustments, but it does gain a confident footing by its end.

It still has all the bloody action and excitement from the original Daredevil show. Even though it gets as close to its narrative and tonal roots as it can by its conclusion, Daredevil: Born Again is a worthy follow-up.

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10. Lazarus (Adult Swim)
Lazarus - Eleina - Voiced by: Manaka Iwami (Japanese); Annie Wild (English)
Lazarus Season 1 – Courtesy of Adult Swim

As one of the more action-packed, fast-paced shows, Adult Swim’s Lazarus will remind you of Cowboy Bebop thanks to its diverse cast of techie misfits who want their freedom. This series is Doom Patrol meets John Wick.

With that comparison in mind, you will undoubtedly be hooked by all the awesome gunfights and chases that this series has on display. Even though there’s a slow amount of character building, the ways they manage to mess up their missions are unabashedly fun.

For those who love chaotic madness, Lazarus is your cup of tea!

What were your favorite TV shows of 2025? Let us know in the comments!

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Christopher Gallardo is an entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout!

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