As the festive season reaches its peak and the days blur into one, finding quality television can be a welcome escape. While 2025 saw its fair share of viral streaming hits, a number of outstanding series from major platforms like HBO, Netflix, BBC, and Apple TV didn't get the audience they deserved.
The Hidden Gems You Missed
Beyond the social media frenzy surrounding shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty, a collection of dramas and comedies offered exceptional storytelling without the fanfare. Here are seven criminally overlooked shows from 2025 that are essential viewing.
1. The Chair Company (HBO/Now)
For fans of absurdist comedy, Tim Robinson's latest venture is a must-watch. The 44-year-old US comedian, renowned for I Think You Should Leave, co-wrote and stars in this eight-part HBO series. He plays Ron Trosper, an Ohio property developer sent into a conspiratorial spiral after a humiliating incident involving a chair at a work meeting. Robinson's genius lies in transforming mundane scenarios into hilariously bizarre episodes, proving why many consider him the funniest comedian working today.
2. What It Feels Like For A Girl (BBC iPlayer)
This fearless eight-part BBC adaptation of Paris Lees's memoir launched to critical acclaim but failed to find a wide audience. Set in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire in the early 2000s, it's a raw Y2K coming-of-age story following 15-year-old Byron. Desperate to escape his working-class town, Byron finds community with a group of queer and trans friends. Created by Lees herself, the series is a vital, witty, and unflinching look at transgender life in Britain.
3. The Rehearsal (HBO/Now)
Nathan Fielder returns with a second season of his uniquely awkward comedy. The premise sees Fielder helping people prepare for life's difficult moments by constructing hyper-realistic rehearsals with actors and sets. The new series sees him attempting to fix plane disasters through meticulous planning. A masterclass in blurring fiction and reality, this HBO show is for those who find renewed life in cringe-worthy, ingenious humour.
4. The Eternaut (Netflix)
Filling the post-apocalyptic void left by The Last of Us, this Netflix adaptation of the classic Argentinian sci-fi comic is a thrilling masterpiece. It depicts a devastating toxic snowfall that kills millions in Buenos Aires. Survivor Juan Salvo and his group must then resist an invisible alien threat. With six episodes of dark, gritty sci-fi horror, it deserved far more attention alongside hits like Fallout.
5. Forever (Netflix)
Based on Judy Blume's 1975 novel, this eight-part Netflix series is a warm yet profound teenage love story that was overshadowed by other hits. It follows Black teens Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.) as they navigate their identities and first love. Praised for its 'fluffy' romance, it also delivers a deeper narrative about the challenges facing Black teenagers today.
6. The Lowdown (FX/Disney Plus)
Perhaps the most overlooked show on this list is Ethan Hawke's gritty FX series, streaming on Disney Plus in the UK. Hawke stars as Lee Raybon, a self-proclaimed Tulsa 'truthstorian' whose obsession with uncovering corruption plunges him into a dangerous world. This southern American noir thriller blends real comedy with tense drama, making its lack of buzz all the more puzzling.
7. Dope Thief (Apple TV+)
Lost among Apple TV+'s other heavy hitters, this hilarious police thriller is a hidden treasure. It follows two Philadelphia friends (Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura) who pose as DEA agents to rob drug dealers, only to steal from a cartel under actual surveillance. The eight-part series is a perfect mix of humour, heartbreak, and action, bolstered by magnificent lead performances.
Your Festive Binge-Watch Sorted
This diverse selection proves that 2025's television landscape was richer than the algorithms often suggested. From laugh-out-loud comedies to essential dramatic narratives, these seven series offer perfect escapism for the Christmas break and beyond. Each is available to stream now on its respective UK platform.
