'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!
