Best TV Series to Watch in 2025: Your Ultimate Binge-Watching Guide

Let's be real: we're living in the golden age of television.

Between Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Prime Video, and about seventeen other streaming services trying to take our money, there's more quality TV out there than any human could possibly watch in a lifetime.

But here's the problem: too much choice is paralyzing. You spend 45 minutes scrolling through options, can't decide what to watch, and end up rewatching The Office for the 47th time. (No judgment, I've done it too.)

So I'm here to save your evenings with the absolute must-watch series of 2025—the shows everyone's talking about, the hidden gems you need to discover, and yes, the one finale we've all been waiting for since 2016.

Grab your snacks. Cancel your plans. Let's dive in.

The One We've ALL Been Waiting For

Stranger Things (Season 5) - Netflix

Release: 2025 (Finally!)

Okay, can we talk about how it's been YEARS since Season 4?

I was a different person when Volume 2 dropped in 2022. The world was different. And now, finally, FINALLY, we're getting the final season of Stranger Things.

What we know so far:

• It's the last season (cue ugly crying)
• It's going to be shorter than Season 4 but still "supersized"
• Max's fate will be revealed (please be okay, please be okay)
• Vecna isn't done with Hawkins
• There will be time jumps
• The Duffer Brothers promise it'll be "worth the wait"

Why you need to watch:

Look, if you've been with this show since 2016, you KNOW you're watching Season 5. You've invested too much emotional energy into these kids to bail now.

But even if you're late to the party, Stranger Things is one of those rare shows that perfectly blends horror, nostalgia, friendship, and genuinely good storytelling.

Season 4 was darker, scarier, and more ambitious than anything they'd done before. Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" became a global phenomenon again. Eddie Munson broke our hearts. That finale was INTENSE.

Season 5 has to wrap up:

• Eleven vs. Vecna (round whatever we're on)
• Will's connection to the Upside Down
• Hopper and Joyce FINALLY getting their happy ending (they deserve it)
• The fate of Hawkins
• Whether we'll ever emotionally recover from this show

Hot take: Part of me doesn't want it to end, but honestly? Better to go out on top than drag it out for 12 mediocre seasons. The Duffer Brothers know what they're doing.

The Prestige Dramas You'll Pretend to Understand at Parties

The Last of Us (Season 2) - HBO

Release: 2025

Season 1 destroyed us all. If you didn't cry during Episode 3 ("Long, Long Time"), you might be a robot.

Season 2 adapts the controversial Part II of the game, and oh boy, fans have OPINIONS. Without spoiling anything: it's darker, more complex, and will probably break the internet multiple times.

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are back, and if Season 1 taught us anything, it's that HBO isn't messing around with this adaptation.

Watch if: You like post-apocalyptic stories with actual depth, incredible performances, and aren't afraid to ugly cry in public.

The White Lotus (Season 3) - HBO

Release: Early 2025

Mike White's social satire moves to Thailand, and honestly, I cannot WAIT to see which rich people destroy their lives this time.

Season 1 was great. Season 2 was somehow even better. Season 3 has Walton Goggins, and that alone is enough reason to watch.

Watch if: You enjoy watching wealthy people implode while on vacation, stunning cinematography, and theme songs that will live in your head rent-free for months.

The Comfort Watches (AKA Shows to Binge When Life is Too Much)

Abbott Elementary (Season 4) - ABC/Hulu

Already airing, but you need to catch up

This show is pure joy. It's The Office meets Parks and Rec but set in an underfunded Philadelphia public school.

Quinta Brunson created something special here: a workplace comedy that's genuinely funny, heartwarming, and doesn't rely on cringe humor or making fun of its characters.

Watch if: You need something wholesome that still makes you laugh out loud.

Ted Lasso (Possible Season 4?) - Apple TV+

Status: Uncertain but hopeful

Season 3 was supposed to be the end. But rumors keep swirling about a Season 4, and honestly, I'm not ready to say goodbye to Richmond AFC.

Even if it doesn't come back, if you haven't watched Ted Lasso yet, what are you even doing? It's the TV equivalent of a warm hug.

Watch if: You believe in the power of kindness, love soccer (sorry, football), or need to restore your faith in humanity.

The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Epics

House of the Dragon (Season 3) - HBO

Release: 2025

The Game of Thrones prequel that actually delivered. Season 2 ended with dragons dancing and civil war in full swing. Season 3 promises more fire, more blood, and definitely more dragons.

Watch if: You miss Game of Thrones (the good seasons) and aren't traumatized by how it ended.

The Mandalorian (Season 4) - Disney+

Release: 2025

Grogu. That's it. That's the pitch.

Okay fine, there's also excellent storytelling, stunning visuals, and Pedro Pascal being a space dad. But mostly: Grogu.

Watch if: You like Star Wars, adorable alien babies, or redemption arcs.

The Rings of Power (Season 3) - Prime Video

Release: Late 2025/Early 2026

Look, Season 1 was divisive. Season 2 was better. Season 3 will probably continue improving as they figure out what works.

If you're a Tolkien purist, you might struggle. If you can enjoy it as expensive fantasy TV, it's worth watching.

Watch if: You miss having a big-budget fantasy epic to discuss/argue about online.

The Shows Everyone's Sleeping On (But Shouldn't Be)

Severance (Season 2) - Apple TV+

Release: January 2025

Season 1 was one of the best shows of 2022, and almost nobody watched it. It's a dystopian workplace thriller about people who surgically separate their work and personal memories.

It sounds weird. It IS weird. It's also brilliant, mind-bending, and deeply unsettling.

The Season 1 finale left us with the BIGGEST cliffhanger, and we've been waiting three years for answers.

Watch if: You like Black Mirror, psychological thrillers, and questioning the nature of consciousness.

Succession (Just kidding, it's over, and I'm still not okay)

Yeah, Succession ended in 2023, but I'm still processing. If you haven't watched it, make 2025 the year you finally understand what everyone was yelling about.

The Wildcards (New Shows to Watch Out For)

Daredevil: Born Again - Disney+

Release: 2025

Marvel is bringing back Charlie Cox's Daredevil, and if they don't mess it up, this could be special. The Netflix series was phenomenal, and early word is that Born Again won't shy away from the darker tone.

Watch if: You miss when Marvel shows were actually good (sorry, Secret Invasion).

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms - HBO

Release: Late 2025

Another Game of Thrones spinoff, this time based on the Dunk and Egg novellas. Smaller scale than House of the Dragon, but that might be exactly what we need.

Watch if: You want GoT without the massive stakes and dragon budgets.

How to Actually Pick What to Watch

Here's my decision tree for you:

Want to cry? → The Last of Us Season 2

Want to laugh? → Abbott Elementary

Want to feel things and also see Demogorgons? → Stranger Things Season 5

Want to feel smart at dinner parties? → The White Lotus Season 3

Want dragons and political intrigue? → House of the Dragon Season 3

Want to question your entire existence? → Severance Season 2

Want something cozy? → Ted Lasso (rewatch if needed)

Want to feel like a kid again? → The Mandalorian Season 4

The Streaming Service Breakdown (AKA Where Your Money Is Going)

Netflix: Stranger Things S5, various reality shows you'll pretend not to watch

HBO/Max: White Lotus S3, House of the Dragon S3, Last of Us S2 (basically, all the prestige TV)

Disney+: Mandalorian S4, Daredevil: Born Again, Star Wars shows you'll watch out of obligation

Apple TV+: Severance S2, Silo S2, possibly more Ted Lasso

Prime Video: Rings of Power S3, The Boys S5, stuff you forget exists until someone mentions it

Paramount+: Yellowstone universe shows your parents won't shut up about

The Shows You'll Start and Never Finish

Let's be honest. You'll start at least five shows in 2025 that you'll never finish because:

• You got distracted by TikTok
• You started another show
• It got too intense and you needed a palate cleanser
• You forgot which episode you were on

It's okay. We all have that "Continue Watching" list of shame.

My Controversial Takes

Hot take #1: Stranger Things Season 5 won't live up to the hype, and we'll all pretend it did because we love these characters too much.

Hot take #2: We have too many streaming services. Pick three max and rotate them. Your wallet will thank you.

Hot take #3: The best show of 2025 will be something none of us are talking about right now. There's always a sleeper hit.

Hot take #4: We'll all collectively decide to rewatch an old show instead of starting anything new, and that's valid.

What I'm Personally Most Excited For

Honestly? Stranger Things Season 5.

I know it's the obvious answer. I know everyone's excited. But I've been with these kids since 2016. I've watched them grow up. I've theorized, rewatched, and cried more times than I'll admit.

This is it. The final season. The end of an era.

Will it be perfect? Probably not. Will I ugly cry during the finale? Absolutely. Will I rewatch the entire series afterwards? You know it.

But beyond Stranger Things, I'm genuinely excited for:

• Severance S2: That Season 1 finale broke my brain
• The Last of Us S2: Even knowing the controversial story beats
• White Lotus S3: Mike White can do no wrong
• Whatever random show drops that we're all obsessed with for two weeks

The Real Question: What Are YOU Watching?

Look, this list is just my opinion. Maybe you hate everything I've suggested. Maybe you're only into Korean dramas or anime. Maybe you exclusively watch cooking competition shows.

That's cool! The beauty of 2025 TV is there's literally something for everyone.

The real question isn't "what's the best show" but "what's the best show FOR YOU?"

Some questions to ask yourself:

Do you want to escape reality or confront it? Do you want to laugh, cry, or be scared? Do you want something new or comfort food TV? Are you watching alone or with someone? Do you have time for a 10-season commitment or just a limited series?

Your answers will guide you better than any "best of" list.

The Ultimate 2025 TV Survival Kit

What you'll need:

• At least 3 streaming subscriptions (rotate the others)
• Snacks (popcorn, candy, whatever fuels your binge sessions)
• A good blanket
• Tissues (for Stranger Things, Last of Us, or surprise cry moments)
• Headphones (if you live with other humans)
• The ability to avoid spoilers on social media (good luck)
• A watchlist that's way too long and keeps growing
• Zero shame about watching TV all weekend

Final Thoughts: It's Okay to Take Breaks

Real talk: TV is supposed to be fun.

If you're stressing about keeping up with every show, falling behind on your watchlist, or feeling FOMO about the latest trending series—stop.

Watch what you want. Skip what doesn't interest you. Rewatch your comfort shows for the hundredth time.

The shows will still be there when you're ready. And honestly? The ones worth watching will still be worth watching months or years from now.

Except Stranger Things. Watch that as soon as it drops so you don't get spoiled. The internet has zero chill.

Your Move

Alright, that's my list. Now it's your turn.

What are YOU most excited to watch in 2025? What did I miss? What show do you think will be the surprise hit? What should I be watching that I'm not?

And most importantly: are you emotionally prepared for Stranger Things to end?

Because I'm not. I'm absolutely not.

But we're doing this together.

See you in the Upside Down. 🙃

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Quick Reference: The Must-Watch 2025 List

1. Stranger Things S5 (Netflix)
2. The Last of Us S2 (HBO)
3. The White Lotus S3 (HBO)
4. Severance S2 (Apple TV+)
5. House of the Dragon S3 (HBO)
6. Abbott Elementary S4 (Hulu)
7. The Mandalorian S4 (Disney+)
8. Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+)

Comfort Rewatches When New Stuff Gets Too Heavy:

• The Office (always)
• Parks and Recreation
• Brooklyn Nine-Nine
• Schitt's Creek
• Ted Lasso
• The Good Place

Now stop reading and start watching! Your couch is calling. 📺