Best TV Series of 2025

'Tis the season to wrap up the year in TV. You know - the most wonderful time of the year. 

It's the holidays - time to walk down the steps and discover presents everywhere to open. Different shapes, colors and sizes as far as the eye can see. Which gets opened first? Do you quickly move on to the next one, or actually enjoy the gift? Wait...why are so many of these the same thing with different wrapping paper? I love the quantity, but where's the quality? Don't waste my time, Santa!

Don't worry, I'm not going all Grinch here. It's true there were tons of programs that were simply alternate versions of other successful shows. But if you dig deep enough, you'll find plenty of compelling programs worth your couch time. 

I've put together my Top Ten for 2025, but first some disclaimers...

ACCLAIMED SHOWS I HAVEN'T GOTTEN TO YET

The Chair Company, The Rehearsal, The Lowdown, Alien: Earth, Death By Lightning

SHOWS I WATCHED BECAUSE MY WIFE WANTED ME TO

The Beast In Me, The Girlfriend, Nobody Wants This, multiple Netflix/Hulu docudramas where someone died and an obvious suspect was eventually found guilty or there was no conclusion

EVERYBODY LOVED THESE SHOWS BUT I DIDN'T 

The White Lotus, Long Story Short, Dying For Sex, North of North

We've almost reached this year's Top Ten, but I wanted to single out a few programs I found highly entertaining. 

2025 HONORABLE MENTIONS

Dexter: Resurrection (PARAMOUNT+)

I know. Yet another take on Miami's favorite serial killer. The last two series were terrible. This one is not. Trust me. Enjoy the ride with the dark passenger in New York City. 

Paradise (HULU)

Sterling K. Brown pulls off a ludicrous premise with help from Juliette Nicholson and James Marsden. Season 1 is highly entertaining. Season 2...we shall see. 

Landman (PARAMOUNT+)

This would be in my Top 10, but the late November release screws up the timing. Billy Bob is at his best with Taylor Sheridan's writing leading the way. There's a little bit of everything in this Texas oil drama. 

Your Friends And Neighbors (APPLE TV)

If I had a Top 11 (or if Pluribus doesn't deliver), this Jon Hamm neighborhood crime drama would make the list. Hamm is great, and his journey from losing his job to robbing his Westchester neighbors takes some twists and turns you don't see coming. 

TOP TEN

10. The Bear (FX)

Everyone loves to crap on this drama/awards show comedy, but when it works there's nothing better to watch. Jeremy Allen White continues to mesmerize leading the best acting ensemble on the small screen. Toning down the Fak family is a step in the right direction. Did the show get a little full of itself? Sure. Is it getting back to what made the first two seasons so special? I think so. 

9. Pluribus (APPLE TV)

This hasn't concluded and I'm giving Vince Gilligan the benefit of the doubt. After Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul (plus The X Files), Vince has earned it. The Twilight Zone premise needs to pay off, or Rhea Seehorn's excellent performance will go to waste. 

8. Hacks (HBO MAX)

Jean Smart continues to wow while getting her shot as a late night talk show host. This was the year of Juliette Nicholson, and I'll leave it at that. Probably the worst season of the show thus far, but still a comedy worth watching. 

7. The Diplomat (NETFLIX)

Full disclosure - I bailed after the pilot, but returned this year for my love of Keri Russell. I'm so glad I did. When it sticks to the politics and behind the scenes government drama, it's top notch. The romance needs to be dialed back a bit. But seeing C.J. and Josh back in the White House (with a promotion) brought heightened drama to the UK. 

6. Task (HBO MAX)

Mark Ruffalo deserves the love, but why is everyone sleeping on Tom Pelphrey? He steals the show in this DelCo drama from the creator of Mare of Eastown. Poignant storytelling and fine acting on display. 

5. The Studio (APPLE TV)

I fully expected a Sal Saperstein shoutout at The Emmys as Seth Rogen gathered multiple statuettes. Hollywood proved that they were in on the joke. There are a couple of clunkers, but overall this ten-episode first season does a great job satirizing the industry. Special shout out to Zoe Kravitz who leads the charge in goofing on yourself. 

4. Adolescence (NETFLIX)

Pulling off the "oner" challenge made it one of the best shows of the year, but it's the acting that takes this drama from across the pond to a new level. Stephen Graham leads the charge in handling an issue that hits way too close to home these days. The first episode is the best as you forget about the camera shot and get sucked into the story.

3. Severance (APPLE TV)

Somehow this futuristic workplace where innies battle outies is getting overlooked. This is one hell of a show. Adam Scott and Britt Lower head up the excellent acting ensemble. The writing had a couple of hiccups, but Lumon Industries maintains its mystery as this multifaceted love story plays out. 

2. Andor (DISNEY+)

I know what you're thinking. Yet another Star Wars adventure to milk the interest of everyone who fell in love with the 1977 classic. The prequels and sequels always come up short. Well, that's what I was thinking, and boy was I wrong. This saga features the best television writing of the year. Politics, adventure, romance, passion - this Star Wars story has it all. 

1. The Pitt (HBO MAX)

It's not ER. It's not Grey's Anatomy. It's not House. It's not even close. Grounded in realism, The Pitt works on all levels - acting, storytelling, direction, you name it. From Hour 1 you'll be hooked as Dr. Robby completes his shift at a Pittsburgh hospital. Don't read anything about it - just binge and get ready for season 2 in January. 

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So what did I miss? I'm always looking for more must-see TV!

Happy holidays to you and your families, and here's to a great 2026!

Emmy Time

The Emmy Awards air Sunday night at 8pm on CBS and Paramount+. Good luck, Nate. 

The Emmys traditionally celebrate television excellence with one of the most boring shows to watch. Putting it up against the #1 show (Sunday Night Football) illustrates what the industry thinks of The Emmys. 

The key to watching (dare I say enjoying) this program is analyzing how it really works. There are those who SHOULD win, and those who WILL win. Rarely are these two the same. 

Keep in mind that the following shows have won as many Emmys as I have: Better Call Saul. The Wire. Oz. Parks and Recreation. BoJack Horseman. Chappelle's Show. Good Times. The Bob Newhart Show. Yup - zero. 

So if you choose to watch this year's telecast, don't be upset when your favorite show fails to leave with the big statuette that Saturday Night Live somehow keeps bringing home.

That doesn't stop the gambler in me from trying to figure out who the winners will be. So here goes...

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Deserves to win: Andor
Will win: The Pitt

Severance is a close second, but The Pitt has the appeal and the goods to take home the Emmy this year. Don't sleep on Andor - you don't have to be a Star Wars geek to appreciate how good of a show it is. 

BEST COMEDY SERIES
Deserves to win: Shrinking
Will win: The Studio

The Bear isn't a comedy and will be punished by voters. Shrinking came into its own this season and the Academy has a love affair with Hacks (congrats to Julianne Nicholson for her well deserved Guest Actress Emmy). But here's an industry self-congratulatory caveat - a win for The Studio proves voters are in on the joke - or at least they think that they are. Irresistible. 

BEST LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Adolescence
Will win: Adolescence

Apologies to The Penguin, but the first episode of Adolescence was a highlight of the year that shouldn't be missed. Powerful storytelling in 4 eps with one steady camera shot. 

BEST TALK SERIES
Deserves to win: The Daily Show
Will win: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

TDS may pull off the victory, but Jon Stewart will probably throw to Colbert anyway. This is one acceptance speech worth paying attention to. 

BEST SCRIPTED VARIETY SERIES
Deserves to win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Will win: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Even going head to head with Saturday Night Live cannot stop John Oliver at the Emmys. Yet another acceptance speech I look forward to hearing.

BEST ACTOR: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Adam Scott, Severance
Will win: Noah Wyle, The Pitt

I hope I'm wrong here. Adam Scott gave a fantastic performance this season, and a win would provide even more The Studio irony. But I don't think Hollywood can resist Dr. Carter, sorry, Dr. Robby who was excellent as well. All five nominees are top notch.

BEST ACTRESS: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Brett Lower, Severance
Will win: Kathy Bates, Matlock

Echoing my previous Severance sentiment, Brett Lower was must-see TV this season. The Academy won't be able to resist Kathy Bates doing her thing yet again.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus
Will win: Tramell Trillman, Severance

In this battle of only White Lotus and Severance actors (which is B.S.), Sam Rockwell stole the season showing up in Thailand. Tramell will bring one home for Lumon.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: DRAMA
Deserves to win: Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Will win: Parker Posey, The White Lotus

Four actresses from White Lotus? Really? Patricia Arquette could surprise here, but Parker Posey's drawl will carry the night. Katherine LaNasa had the hardest role to play in this bunch and is the heart and soul of The Pitt. 

BEST ACTOR: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
Will win: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

The Bear is not a comedy, and I'm worried about my picks because the Academy might globally punish the show. Jeremy Allen White is Best Actor regardless of category. 

BEST ACTRESS: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Jean Smart, Hacks
Will win: Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

The Bear still isn't a comedy. Ayo is excellent, but Jean Smart deserves a lifetime achievement for what she does on Hacks. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere/Ike Barinholtz, The Studio
Will win: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear

The Bear is...well, you know. I've got Harrison Ford finishing fourth which is saying something. Jeff Hiller deserves more than a nomination. If Ike wins, it will be the most surreal acceptance speech ever made. Thank you, Sal Saperstein!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: COMEDY
Deserves to win: Kathryn Hahn, The Studio
Will win: Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

A Hannah win will be a make-good Emmy for Jean Smart's loss. Kathryn Hahn will remind studio marketing execs way too much of themselves to vote for her. 

BEST ACTOR: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Will win: Colin Farrell, The Penguin

Stephen Graham is excellent in Adolescence and Cooper Koch makes one hell of a Menendez, but this will be Colin's year. 

BEST ACTRESS: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Cristin Miloti, The Penguin
Will win: Michelle Williams, Dying For Sex

Cate Blanchett gets beat by another award-winning actress. Cristin Miloti gets robbed as she and her character deserve a better fate. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story 
Will win: Owen Cooper, Adolescence

A first-time appearance by a kid in a supporting actor category? Easy win, even over the great Javier.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES
Deserves to win: Jenny Slate, Dying For Sex
Will win: Chloe Sevigny, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story 

Do you really think both Javier or Chloe aren't going home with a statuette? Jenny remains underrated, but her hands will be undeservedly empty tonight. 

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I'll be watching the Falcons and the Vikings. Let me know how this goes. 

2025 TV - So Far, So Eh....

The weather is warming up, and so are the quality TV options. Yes, there's still a ton of crap to sift through, but if you look carefully, there are some gems worth your time.

Here are a few to get you started if you haven't already seen them:

The Pitt (MAX)

My favorite series of the year to date. No, it's not ER. It's set in an ER, and a lot of those involved worked on ER, but it's not ER. It's better than ER. Great storytelling, acting, and directing. Bonus points for it taking place in Pittsburgh and yinz references. Points off for no one having a 'Burgh accent. Go in cold and just binge the heck out of it. You'll be glad. 

Adolescence (NETFLIX)

The first episode is excellent. The next three are very good. A powerful story from across the pond with plenty of drama and oners. The one consistent camera shot technique works very well as the scenery keeps changing. The oner in the police station - not so much. Oners can feel gimmicky if not deployed correctly, but Adolescence mostly succeeds at using the camera well. Compelling stuff with Stephen Graham leading the way. 

Your Friends and Neighbors (APPLE TV+)

How about that Jon Hamm? Coming off an excellent turn in Landman (another must-see), he nails it as a Westchester master of the universe who loses everything and resorts to robbing his neighbors for cash. The story is so much more than that thanks to creator Jonathan Tropper (Banshee, Warrior) who is a master at mixing in the sex, violence and humor. Hamm leads a fine acting crew. This was shot in my brother's neighborhood and held my attention in spite of my constant driveway spotting. Looking forward to season two.

Reacher (PRIME VIDEO)

Speaking of Banshee, Reacher is a show that knows exactly what it is and how to deliver a compelling story. Is it winning Emmys? Not a chance. But Alan Ritchson is the best version of the Lee Child antihero that ever hit the screen. Nice to see Anthony Michael Hall as the bad guy who realizes how he has neglected his son. There's plenty of flight scenes, dark humor and bad Boston accents to go around. But as the bodies fall, the humor continues as the story moves forward. You know where everything is going to end up, and that's okay. 

Paradise (HULU)

This Sterling K. Brown led adventure feels like Reacher with a bigger budget. James Marsden has become the must-have TV supporting actor. Julianne Nicholson delivers as the go-to baddie she has been since Boardwalk Empire. The plot twists are plentiful in this Truman-like world and the entertaining storyline delivers in its first season. 

The Last Of Us (HBO)

The second episode is catching a lot of flak for, well, I don't want to spoil it. Let's just say someone gets the ol' Ned Stark. I loved it. Bold choices bode well for epic storytelling. This comes right outta the video game which I know nothing about (the last video game I played was NHL '94). We are only a few episodes in and I'm all for having two vengeful young ladies leading the way with that mushroom fungus lurking. 

Severance (APPLE TV+)

I'm late on this review, but the second season absolutely delivered. We are in LOST territory in keeping the main mystery alive while solving lesser mysteries without creating mysteries for the sake of having mystery. Got that? Adam Scott and Britt Lower should win Emmys. Patricia Arquette is fantastically creepy. Although the locations change in season two, the mood never changes. Bonus points for the return of Brienne of Tarth (my second GoT reference) and a goat explanation. Let's not wait as long for season 3.

The Studio (APPLE TV+)

The more inside Hollywood you are, the more you appreciate what Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg created. This 10 episode series is two episodes too long, but anyone I know in the industry confirms there's a lot of non-fiction in this comedic romp. No surprise, the laughs are there. Ike Barinholtz and Kathryn Hahn stand out in this wonderful acting ensemble. The cameos are ridiculous, with Ron Howard leading the way as an obnoxious director. The Oner is a meta look at a one-take shot (see Adolescence),  but in other eps the camera moves get in the way of the storytelling. The Golden Globes episode is the best of the bunch - don't mess with Zoe Kravitz. Her breakdown of an awards show acceptance speech is as real as it gets. 

Hacks (MAX)

At the end of each season, I'm skeptical as to how this show could possibly continue without getting formulaic and boring. Then I remember Jean Smart is the star. Give Jean another Emmy as she kills as Deborah Vance who finally gets her shot as a late-night TV talk show host. The Deborah/Eva relationship goes down its predictable path, and Jimmy and Kayla do their thing navigating the agency world. Julianne Nicholson delivers one of her best performances (what a dance) and Jimmy Kimmel shines in his cameo in the parking lot. Hacks delivers the laughs and tears as it reinvents itself one more time. 

The White Lotus (HBO)

Mike White is a genius. I love the television (and movies) he has created during his illustrious career. I envy the world he has imagined at Four Seasons hotels all over the planet. I respect the pace he sets in his storytelling knowing the big payoff will eventually come. And I really wanted to like the third season of this dark comedy. But I didn't. Carrie Coon and Walton Goggins stood out above all the other actors. Nice to see Sam Rockwell. The was nothing inherently "wrong" with the show, but nothing great about it either. Beautiful locations for sure, but did you really care what happened to any of these characters while waiting for something to kick in? I waited, and ultimately, I didn't. 

Black Mirror (NETFLIX)

What happened to one of my favorite UK imports? The early seasons of Charlie Brooker's creation are top notch TV. Now, I'm honestly not sure what this series has become. We all know the threat technology imposes as it gets further integrated into our lives. The episodes this time around, well, just aren't that compelling. It opens with a great back-from-the-dead premise and fine performances from Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd - but you see exactly where the story is headed. Paul Giamatti is excellent, as always, mourning a former flame in Eulogy, the best ep of the bunch. I'll watch Cristin Milioti in anything, but the return to the USS Callister feels like a bad, bloated Star Trek episode. Don't even bother with the other eps. If only this series could go back in time...

Now I'm off to Andor. Let me know about any good stuff that I've missed.