Should You Watch.TV

The warming glow of the 65″ was in full effect in 2025 and amid the hundreds of hours spent in front of it, this is what stuck out most to me and why.

In no particular order, here’s my top ten favorite TV shows I watched in 2025 with some honorable mentions as well.

Task | HBO

I said in no particular order, but I’ll put my top show of the year in pole position. I loved this so much and couldn’t wait to watch it every week. The spiritual successor to another fave of mine — Mare of Easttown — everyone just brought it week-after-week.

This was first screen focus, no phones or laptops open. Having said that, I’m skeptical of season two being as good as one, but given the creative staff led by Brad Ingelsby, I have to be all in. Otherwise, what are we even doing here?

Severance s2 | Apple TV

In the tradition of other mystery box shows, I fully enjoyed the second season of Severance even if it came what felt like 32 years after the debut season. This is also a great argument for anti-binge drops of shows as that week-to-week chatter was a big part of the fun. In an era where so many shows feel like they need theories and full-throated episode podcast breakdowns, Severance earns every word.

Paradise | Hulu

Speaking of mystery box/theory shows, this one completely snuck up on me where I only started watching it after two or three friends recommended it and demanded I watch it. Never one to disappoint my public, I’m glad they did and I’m very excited for the second go-round to start in January.

Black Rabbit | Netflix

I was a big fan of Ozark and the similar dark tone of the show in addition to Jason Bateman and Jude Law immediately drew me in. I initially didn’t love the finale, but after a rewatch, I came around. The times during the show when my hands were nearly sweating with stress (seriously!) more than made up for any sag or finale thoughts.

The Chair Company | HBO

Let’s take a break from the dark stuff and get into the completely absurd world of Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave, Detroiters). There’s no way to describe this show without ruining it, but I also don’t think you can describe a show like this.

Put it this way: If you’re a fan of Robinson’s style of humor, this is for you. If you don’t know what that is, give it one episode and then bail if it’s not. I’ll watch the rest of them for you.

Pluribus | Apple TV

This is from Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad. When you create a show that iconic and then follow it up with the equally great Better Caul Saul, the follow up outside a shared universe isn’t just hard but god damn near impossible.

But he did it, creating a pilot that was among the best I can ever remember seeing. If you’re into sci-fi, this is well worth the watch. If not, watch the pilot anyway.

The Beast in Me | Netflix

We have definitely been on a run of thrillers like this and I suspect that based on them dominating streaming charts (at least for a few weeks anyway), that trend isn’t stopping anytime soon…unless they become so watered down that they don’t chart.

In any case, this features two of my favorite TV actors in Matthew Rhys and Claire Danes playing very distinct characters to the extreme. Well worth the watch.

The Diplomat s3 | Netflix

I didn’t like the first season that much, but s2 and then s3 got increasingly better. If you’re into political shows, this is worth getting deep into it. Keri Russell is pretty great here (speaking of Matthew Rhys) and the supporting cast, while fairly light on actors I’m familiar with, really brings it.

Adolescence | Netflix

There’s not much more I can say about this out of nowhere powerhouse other than it’s gripping and done in a single shot format and is a really compelling, emotional story. It’s also short (four eps!), binge-able, and will leave you thinking (which is good, right?). I did have to turn on subtitles as the accents were a little thick in spots. Don’t judge me.

The Rehearsal s2 |HBO

Similar to The Chair Company above, you’re either into Nathan Fielder comedy or you’re not. This show will make you laugh, cringe, laugh again, and leave your mouth agape if you fully commit. It’s absolutely incredible and unlike anything I have ever seen. There is no one like Fielder and likely will never be again. Incredible season.

Honorable mention: 

• Peacemaker s2 | HBO
• The Studio | Apple TV: Quick, consistently entertaining with a frantic pace. I didn’t like the inclusion of a real-life podcaster/journalist, but that’s a nit pick.
• The White Lotus s3 | HBO
• Dexter: Resurrection | Paramount/+Showtime
• Mayor of Kingstown s4 | Paramount+
• American Primeval | Netflix
• Slow Horses s5 | Apple TV
• Death By Lightning | Netflix

Some of the other stuff I watched and actually kept notes for:

• The Last of Us s2 (HBO Max) B+. Like s1, the finale felt flat at the end. This is never a boring show, but s2 had more “look at the phone” moments than s1. The action scenes were incredible.
• Reacher s3 (Prime) B: Awful Maine accents aside, this is like a network show but with more killing.
• Dope Thief s1 (Apple) B-: It started out hot, lagged in the middle, and had a decent, yet rushed/weird, finale. There was an actor change after filming began that I assume caused some issues.
• Daredevil Born Again s1 (Disney): B+. Bad CGI aside, this got better as the nine episodes went along. Very much looking forward to s2.
• Pee-wee as Himself (HBO Max): B Two-part doc, it definitely goes all in on his life and he participated in most of it for better or worse. If you’re into his story, this is for you.
• Squid Game s3 (Netflix): This was perhaps the worst show I watched all year. The first season felt fresh and different. This felt like they ran out of ideas and decided to double down with HORRIFIC English dubbing.