From dominating social media memes to fuelling heated national debates, the television landscape of 2025 delivered an unforgettable roster of must-watch series. Audiences were captivated by dystopian office dramas, luxurious yet deadly getaways, and the final chapter of a supernatural phenomenon, making it a landmark year for the small screen.
Dystopian Thrills and Tropical Chills
The year kicked off with intense suspense as Apple TV+'s "Severance" returned for its second series. The show, directed by Ben Stiller, continued the story of Mark (Adam Scott) and his colleagues, whose memories are surgically divided between work and home. Picking up from the first series' cliffhanger, the new episodes unraveled deeper conspiracies within the Lumon corporation, including the shocking revelation about Mark's wife, Gemma. The critically acclaimed drama's success was cemented with 27 Emmy nominations, winning eight awards.
Viewers then traded sterile offices for a tropical paradise with the third series of Mike White's "The White Lotus." Set in a lavish Thai wellness resort, the new instalment explored themes of spirituality and materialism through a fresh ensemble of guests and staff, including stars like Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Isaacs. As expected, the tranquil facade quickly crumbled into chaos, earning the series six Golden Globe nods and 23 Emmy nominations.
Sparkling National Debates and Teenage Dreams
Netflix's powerful four-part British drama "Adolescence" became a cultural touchstone. Co-created by Stephen Graham, who also starred, the series focused on 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) arrested for a schoolmate's murder. The show delved into the dangerous world of incel culture and online misogyny, sparking a vital nationwide conversation about online safety. Its impact was so significant that the creators were invited to discuss the issue in Parliament. The series, filmed in unique continuous shots, earned numerous Emmy nominations, with Cooper becoming the youngest-ever male winner in his category.
In contrast, summer was dominated by sun-drenched nostalgia with the final season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty." The adaptation of Jenny Han's YA novels, following Belly Conklin's (Lola Tung) coming-of-age and her love triangle with the Fisher brothers, became a sensation. Fueled by a Taylor Swift-heavy soundtrack, it sparked endless social media debates between 'Team Conrad' and 'Team Jeremiah.' The concluding series attracted 25 million viewers in its first week and topped charts in over 120 countries, with a feature film sequel already announced.
Deceptive Games and Supernatural Endings
The BBC scored a major ratings hit with "The Celebrity Traitors," the first celebrity edition of the hit reality show. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and filmed in the Scottish Highlands, the series featured stars like Stephen Fry and Tom Daley in a high-stakes game of deception. In a thrilling climax, comedian Alan Carr emerged victorious as a traitor, helping the finale attract a peak audience of 12 million viewers. The franchise has previously won Baftas for Best Reality Programme and for Winkleman's performance.
The year's television calendar builds towards a monumental conclusion with the final series of Netflix's "Stranger Things." The fifth and last season, split into three volumes, sees Hawkins under military quarantine as the hunt for Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) intensifies. Following the release of the first volume in November and the second on Boxing Day, the epic finale is set to air on New Year's Day, bringing the beloved 1980s-set saga to a close for fans worldwide.
