Sam Huang’s Top 7 TV Shows of 2025
2025 was a great year for TV lovers — particularly for people like me who love comedy shows.
From returning sitcoms like Abbott Elementary to emerging gems with the potential for longevity like Murderbot, this year has been an incredible time for those looking for a laugh.
If you’re not a comedy lover, a top-of-the-crop drama gets a shoutout too. Hopefully, you walk away from this list with at least one new show to put on your watchlist!
In no particular order, here are my top 7 TV shows of 2025:
1. Murderbot
Apple TV’s Murderbot is both a heartwarming and hilarious watch. While it might seem like another show about robots and space on the surface, the characters on the show are easy to fall in love with, and the storyline quickly begins to unravel more about the show’s universe.
From messy polycule drama to deeply emotional stories of addiction recovery, this sci-fi comedy has a little bit of everything. Also, the cliffhanger at the end of Season 1 is guaranteed to cause a downpour of tears; luckily, the show has already been renewed for Season 2!
2. The Rehearsal
The Rehearsal proves that only Nathan Fielder can reimagine a historical event in the context of Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life.” This HBO show also turns out to provide unexpectedly touching commentary on neurodivergence, a topic that’s seldom covered earnestly on television.
Just like Season 1, the newest season ingeniously toes the line between reality and fiction. It leaves viewers questioning whether we should laugh at the detailed scenarios Fielder designs or sympathize with his desire for human connection.
3. St. Denis Medical
Other than Scrubs, a medical comedy hasn’t quite broken through until St. Denis Medical. This NBC sitcom has quickly established itself as a show to keep an eye out for, especially with such a solid ensemble cast.
As Season 2 continues airing in early next year, the comedy is sure to keep delivering great stories inside and outside the high-stress workplace. While it might be fun to laugh at the characters, St. Denis Medical also reminds viewers that the respect healthcare workers deserve is no laughing matter.
4. Pluribus
The Last of Us may have gotten its flowers for its take on the apocalypse genre, but Pluribus takes a different approach. Viewers may not have lived through exactly what protagonist Carol is going through, but everyone can relate to how the show frames loneliness.
As Season 1 approaches its end, the show has already gathered a passionate fanbase dedicated to discovering the darker side of this happy world. Luckily, creator Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad fame has already stated that Season 2 is imminent for the show, which means that there’s more of the mystery of the show to unravel.
5. Overcompensating
Overcompensating takes a deep dive into a fictionalized retelling of Benito Skinner’s queer becoming. In a time when LGBTQ+ stories are far and few in between on television, it’s refreshing to see a brutally honest exploration of coming out in college.
Additionally, the friendship between Benny and Carmen is so wholesome, as Overcompensating really emphasizes how deeply they care for each other. Particularly for young adults who may be on their own journeys of self-discovery, this show is a wonderful watch about being unapologetically messy.
6. Hacks
The latest season of Hacks delves deep into the world of Late Night Television while exploring the careers of writer Ava Daniels and comedian Deborah Vance. It doesn’t shy away from pointing out the brutal reality that women in the entertainment industry frequently face.
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbender’s performances are deserving of the countless Emmys they’ve won for portraying the highs and lows of Ava and Deborah’s complex relationship. Unfortunately, this incredible show is confirmed to end with its next season, so it’s important to tap in before its finale!
7. Abbott Elementary
QUINTA BRUNSON
Abbott Elementary has been one of the few sitcoms to survive for several seasons in recent years. It truly feels like a love letter to the genre and delivers consistent laughs through unexpected storylines like love confessions at an aquarium.
Like sitcoms like Parks and Recreation, which have become comfort watches for many years after their runs, Abbott Elementary has already secured its iconic legacy. Especially since new episodes air on Wednesdays, it’s the perfect mid-week pick-me-up guaranteed to bring a little more joy to viewers’ lives.
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What were your favorite TV shows of 2025? Let us know in the comments!
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Sam Huang
Sam Huang is a college student and writer. They are passionate about TV comedies and writing works that explore intersectionality. Their work has been published in the Healthline Zine, Filmcred, and Mediaversity.