The 14 Best Series of 2025 (according to critics)

The year 2025 delivered productions that explore contemporary themes with depth, creativity, and technical precision. From intense dramas to mature political narratives and stories filled with mystery and emotion, many of this year’s series connected with audiences on multiple levels.

Critics recognized 2025 as one of the strongest television years of the decade. Outlets such as CNN Brasil, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, and Variety highlighted works that combine sharp direction, powerful performances, and compelling writing.

If you are looking for the standout productions of the year, this list gathers the most talked about, praised, and awarded titles. Let’s begin.

Andor: Final Season

The final season of Andor was widely celebrated by critics and appeared on several major lists of the year. CNN Brasil, IndieWire, and critic John Nugent described it as a production that redefines how science fiction can be used as a political narrative.

The series was praised for its dramatic weight, careful character development, and its deeper exploration of the early rebellion. Many critics note that Andor has become one of the most mature and sophisticated productions ever set in the Star Wars universe. Its direction and writing were considered narrative benchmarks in 2025.

Long Story Short

Long Story Short ranked highly in several international lists. Alison Herman placed it second in her annual roundup, and critics from The Guardian and Vox praised its smooth balance of drama and humor.

The story follows a group of characters whose lives intersect through coincidences and unexpected choices, showing how small actions can change entire futures. The writing is light but meaningful, and the performances offer rare authenticity. It is a series that stays with viewers for its sensitivity and its heartfelt look at modern life. It also comes from Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator of BoJack Horseman.

The Pitt

The Pitt appeared on multiple best-of-the-year lists and received strong support from critics such as Caroline Framke and Angelica Jade Bastién. The series gained cultural traction through its effective use of psychological tension and relevant social commentary.

The story follows medical teams facing humanitarian crises and intense ethical dilemmas, bringing viewers closer to the emotional reality of professionals who live at the edge of life and death every day. With its dark tone and sharp storytelling, The Pitt became a major reference for contemporary medical thrillers in 2025. If you want to learn more about The Pitt, just click here.

Dying for Sex

The series received high ratings from national and international critics, including praise from IndieWire and Rolling Stone. Its bold, honest, and emotional approach to sexuality and vulnerability drew attention for its balance between intensity and tenderness.

The story follows a young woman who receives an unexpected diagnosis and begins to rethink her life, desires, and relationships, creating an intimate and provocative journey. Critics especially praised the cast and the sensitive direction, which brings depth and realism to the conflicts presented. Dying for Sex is emotional, sincere, and one of the most talked about productions of the year.

Forever

Forever was repeatedly highlighted by Aramide Tinubu and critics from The Hollywood Reporter, who praised its contemplative tone and mature storytelling. The series explores themes of memory, loss, and reconciliation with delicacy and poetic dialogue.

The story follows Keisha Clark, a determined young athlete aiming for the top of track and field while navigating family expectations, personal ambitions, and a transformative romance that reshapes her future. Critics described the production as emotionally rich, with elegant direction and powerful performances that elevate every scene.

Paradise

Praised by critics such as Dan Fienberg and highlighted by IndieWire, Paradise stood out for its mysterious atmosphere and striking visual design. The series blends psychological drama with elements of fantasy in a cohesive and engaging way.

The plot centers on a small community where strange events begin after a mysterious visitor arrives. Critics praised its engaging pace and the depth revealed layer by layer, with mysteries constantly unfolding. Learn more about Paradise by reading our article.

It: Welcome to Derry

This expansion of Stephen King’s universe became one of the most talked about productions of 2025. Outlets such as Variety, Collider, and Fangoria noted how the series revitalizes psychological horror with striking visuals and strong lore development.

Set before the events of It, the story follows the town of Derry as supernatural phenomena intensify and reveal the origins of old fears and disturbing secrets. The series received praise for its unsettling atmosphere, strong character work, and its ability to expand the world of It while staying true to the spirit of the original material.

Among fans and critics, it became one of the strongest horror titles of the year.

The Righteous Gemstones

The series has run for several seasons and continues to receive strong critical acclaim, with especially positive responses to its most recent chapters. Outlets like IGN and The A.V. Club praise its mix of sharp humor and social commentary, as well as the notable evolution of its writing over time.

The story follows a famous family of televangelists trying to balance their public display of faith with the chaos of their private lives as they face scandals, ambition, and power struggles. Critics note that the newer seasons show greater thematic maturity and bold narrative choices. The satire has gained nuance and solidified The Righteous Gemstones as one of the most consistent comedies of 2025.

Everybody’s In Live with John Mulaney

The show appeared among the top highlights of international critics such as Brian Tallerico and James Poniewozik, who praised its experimental structure and John Mulaney’s creative energy. The format blends interviews, situational humor, and improvisation, all driven by the host’s charisma.

Episodes feature unpredictable setups, special guests, and comedic reflections on pop culture and modern behavior. Critics celebrated Mulaney’s ability to turn simple observations into witty, genuine humor, making it one of the most entertaining shows of the year.

The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age was repeatedly listed among the year’s best productions by critics such as Kathryn VanArendonk and outlets like Vulture and IndieWire. The series impressed with its meticulous production design, detailed costuming, and immersive portrayal of its historical backdrop.

The plot follows influential New York families in the late nineteenth century as they compete for power, influence, and social status while navigating profound cultural changes. Critics highlighted the strong ensemble cast, the precise attention to detail, and the show’s elegant exploration of social tensions. It remains one of 2025’s most refined productions.

Pluribus

Pluribus appeared on annual lists from critics such as Nick Hilton and received nominations at major award shows. The series distinguished itself through thoughtful narrative construction and an original approach to contemporary themes.

The story follows three characters whose lives become intertwined after a mysterious political event triggers unpredictable consequences. Outlets like The Playlist and Screen Rant praised its bold aesthetics, its balance of tension, humor, and social commentary, and its ability to surprise viewers.

Pluribus became one of the most talked-about titles of the year. Check out our analysis!

The Studio

Listed among the year’s top ten series by critics such as Emily St. James, The Studio gained attention for its captivating depiction of artistic creation. The narrative takes viewers behind the scenes of a theater company dealing with egos, ambition, and creative challenges.

The series explores the pressures of the creative process and the emotional conflicts involved in producing meaningful work. Critics praised the refined writing, standout performances, and sharp insights into the role of art in modern life. It is an elegant and deeply human production.

Alien: Earth

Nominated for Critics Choice Awards in drama categories, Alien: Earth earned recognition from critics even though it did not feature prominently on many year-end lists. Outlets such as CinePOP, Empire, and Total Film praised its ambitious scale and bold sci-fi vision.

The series portrays an Earth devastated by mysterious alien fragments that begin to alter ecosystems and the human psyche. As scientists and military forces investigate the phenomenon, unsettling discoveries come to light. Critics pointed to its striking visuals and its willingness to explore existential themes in an unsettling manner.

Severance

Heavily nominated throughout 2025, Severance remained one of the most discussed series among UOL critics and international outlets such as The Verge. The new season expanded the existing mysteries and deepened the show’s enigmatic world.

The story follows employees of a corporation that surgically separates their work and personal memories, creating two distinct versions of each individual. The refined writing and precise direction keep viewers immersed in questions about identity, ethics, and corporate power. It is my favorite in the lineup.

The series of 2025 demonstrates that television continues to evolve and still offers unexpected gems.

If you are looking for productions that combine artistic quality, emotional depth, and meaningful conversation, you will certainly find a story among these titles capable of capturing your full attention.

See you next time!