The Best TV Shows of 2025 (So Far)
From fresh new comedies to tried-and-true favorites, these series had us hooked in the first half of the year.
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The first half of the year came and went faster than Mr. Milchick could sprint down the halls of Lumon. What do you mean we’re already days away from the official start of summer? Weren’t we just living vicariously through the White Lotus cast’s vacations in Thailand? And fussing about air travel with Nathan Fielder? And scheming in the Scottish Highlands with Alan Cumming?
Now that we’re mid-way through 2025—with Emmys voting in full swing—there’s no better time to reflect on what this year has brought us in television. While reliable favorites like Hacks and The Handmaid’s Tale continued to deliver, a new wave of heavy-hitters arrived in the form of The Pitt, Your Friends & Neighbors, and many more. Veteran showrunners like Mara Brock Akil (Forever) and Dan Fogelman (Paradise) proved they still have surprises up their sleeves, and a bonafide internet star, Benito Skinner, proved he has the chops for TV with Overcompensating. Whether they were about running from zombies or running a film studio, this year’s slate of shows had us glued to our couches.
With the Emmy Awards looming on the horizon, the question is: Who will dominate after the reign of Shōgun and Baby Reindeer? The list below might offer some hints. Keep scrolling to find the best shows of 2025 so far, according to the ELLE team. We’ll keep updating the list as the year goes on.
With contributions from Lauren Puckett-Pope, Samuel Maude, Madison Feller, Claire Stern Milch, Carine Lavache, and Juliana Ukiomogbe.
Andor
“If there is one show from 2025 that I wish everyone reading this list would watch, it would be Andor. Rarely has decades-old IP felt this fresh, this exciting, this carefully and beautifully realized. It’s tough to make any prequel series work, let alone a prequel series set in the Star Wars universe, where the Skywalker saga seems to loom over every character like a giant, heavy-breathing Darth Vader helmet. But, rather than loom, Tony Gilroy’s Andor dives deep, digging into the often ugly details of the Rebellion that would one day culminate in Luke Skywalker’s decisive victory at the Battle of Yavin. Diego Luna is an absolute wonder as Cassian Andor, the thief-turned-spy-turned-soldier who learns, as Stellan Skarsgard’s rebel leader Luthen puts it, that the revolution will cost him ‘everything.’ The struggle to make that sacrifice ‘worth it’ is at the heart of each fantastic character arc in Andor season 2, which, despite covering years of story, never feels rushed or repetitive. Unflinchingly political in an otherwise milquetoast era of TV, Andor is a gift. I can't wait to watch it again.”—Lauren Puckett-Pope, staff culture writer
Severance Season 2
“The second season of Severance will go down as one of the best seasons of a drama, ever. With perhaps one of the most complex storylines in television history, Adam Scott leads an incredibly capable and convincing cast through the webs of Lumon, their mysterious employer. It’s a joy to watch, and in the final episode of the season, the story came together in perfect harmony (not Cobel). Trust us: Innies and Outies alike will love this Apple TV+ series.”—Samuel Maude, content strategy manager
The Studio
“I’m grateful every single day to be alive at the same time as Seth Rogen—and The Studio on Apple TV+ is exactly why. In his latest project, the comedian skewers and celebrates Hollywood in equal measure, following the fictional head of Continental Studios as he wrestles with the eternal tug-of-war between art and commerce. Loosely inspired by real-life execs, it’s sharp, chaotic, and painfully funny. Our March cover star Zoë Kravitz drops in for a cameo that’s so good it might just deserve its own Golden Globe. And yes—thank you, Sal Saperstein, wherever you are.”—Claire Stern Milch, digital director
The Last of Us Season 2
"Despite failing to reach the heights of its first season, The Last of Us season 2 nevertheless manages to lure fans back into the post-apocalyptic war zones wrought by the Cordyceps fungus, in which Bella Ramsey’s Ellie seeks revenge for a brutal and shocking loss. The performances from Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, and Kaitlyn Dever make this otherwise uneven season a captivating watch, particularly as their characters confront the traumas they’ve not only faced—but have now inflicted. I have big expectations for season 3—but TLOU remains one of HBO’s most exciting franchises.”—LPP
The Pitt
“I’ve seen the fancams. I’ve seen the memes. I’ve seen the Dr. Robby thirst traps. I must admit, I have been Pitt-pilled. I’ve never been one for medical dramas, but the structure and cast of this new HBO Max series are kind of hard to resist. Set in the emergency wing of a Pittsburgh hospital, The Pitt follows a ragtag team of staff and patients through a single 15-hour shift, with each episode covering one hour. It’s funny and fast-paced while embracing realism and timely real-world issues (you’ve probably seen responses to the episode involving a mass shooting). It explores workplace dynamics, from the competitive office nemeses, to the nepo baby, to the nervous newbie, to the gossiping Filipinas. ER alum Noah Wyle is the anchor of it all as Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch, a reliable, charismatic leader who’s fighting his own personal battles beneath the scruffy surface. After its frenzy-inducing premiere, fans can rest easy knowing HBO Max has already prescribed a second season.”—Erica Gonzales, deputy editor, culture
Overcompensating
“Benito Skinner has a hit on his hands. Overcompensating, the show he created and stars in, is hilarious. With guest appearances from Charli xcx, Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, and more, it’s a feast for those obsessed with pop culture. Skinner plays Benny, a closeted jock and college freshman who overcompensates for his sexuality. During his time at school, where everything feels so monumental and big, Benny makes friends and creates enemies along the way, all to a soundtrack by Miss Charli xcx herself.”—SM
The Rehearsal Season 2
“Oh, to spend a day inside Nathan Fielder’s mind. The brilliantly offbeat comedian once again proves he’s in a league of his own with season 2 of The Rehearsal, this time zeroing in on the subtle power dynamics between pilots and co-pilots. It’s surreal, unsettling, and—of course—highly watchable. My only questions: What exactly does Paramount+ have to say for itself? And just how big is HBO’s budget these days?”—CSM
Paradise
“Hulu’s Paradise is easily one of my favorite shows of the year. (I also feel morally obligated to watch anything with Sterling K. Brown, so there’s that.) Starring Brown and James Marsden, the political thriller takes place in the aftermath of an environmental disaster that forces people to move to an underground bunker to survive. But while the manufactured world is intended to be a safe space, we learn that it’s anything but. When the president (Marsden) is murdered there, his head Secret Service agent, Xavier (Brown), sets out to find his killer.”—Juliana Ukiomogbe, contributor
Adolescence
“As The Studio pointed out, some filmmakers shoot ‘oners’ just to show off, but in the British limited series Adolescence, in which each episode is shot in one take, the filming style is an intentional, immersive creative choice. As the story follows a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, who is accused of murdering a girl in his class, it dissects how toxic masculinity affects young people, their families, and their wider communities. Critics have been saying this could be 2025’s Baby Reindeer, and we’re about to find out if they’re right.”—EG
Forever
“From the genius mind that brought us Girlfriends, The Game, and Being Mary Jane, Forever is my latest TV obsession. Created by Mara Brock Akil, the Judy Blume adaptation is a coming-of-age story about childhood best friends Keisha and Justin and the budding romance that unravels when they reconnect during their senior year of high school. It’s so sweet and charming, and I can’t wait for the second season.”—JU
Your Friends & Neighbors
“I’ve been hoping for a Jon Hamm leading role since Mad Men, and Your Friends & Neighbors more than delivers. The actor is perfectly cast as a smug, washed-up ex-financier with nothing to prove and even less to lose. It’s the kind of part he was born to play. I need nine more episodes at minimum.”—CSM
Hacks Season 4
“Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) finally has the late night show of her dreams, and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) has girlbossed her way into the role of head writer—of course they’re going to butt heads. In the newest season of the Emmy-winning hit, jokes fly in each episode like crumpled up pieces of paper tossed across the writers’ room. The standout, however, is none other than Meg Stalter, whose performance as Kayla will have you belly laughing all season.”—SM
Étoile
“Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino, the prolific duo behind Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, returned this spring with their newest TV show, Étoile, which takes a deep dive into the demanding, stunning world of dance. Real fans will know that this is the pair’s second ballet-focused series (pour one out for Bunheads), but this time they have the same charm with a much bigger budget. It’s too bad Amazon canceled this series despite giving it a two-season order.”—Madison Feller, digital deputy editor
The Traitors Season 3
“Knives Out meets Survivor in The Traitors, and the third season of the Alan Cumming-led series did not disappoint. When iconic reality television stars unite to play a giant game of mafia, the drama, of course, is sublime. Bob the Drag Queen, Gabby Windey, Dylan Efron, and Danielle Reyes made this season unforgettable, and we’ll be waiting patiently for the next adventure to the Scottish Highlands.”—SM
Apple Cider Vinegar
“Featuring another standout performance from Kaitlyn Dever, Apple Cider Vinegar is, in many ways, your typical scammer saga: A young Australian woman lies about herself online in order to build her wellness empire. But Belle Gibson’s story is anything but typical. Faking multiple cancer diagnoses to stir up sympathy and clout amongst her followers—many of them seeking guidance and hope as they face their own diagnoses—Belle becomes a leader in the alternative medicine space. But her personal life and mental state start to crack as her fabrications unspool. Based on a true story, this is an entertaining—if also nauseating—true-crime dramatization.”—LPP
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6
“It took a few years for The Handmaid’s Tale to return for its sixth and final season, but it was well worth the wait. From an explosive betrayal and the return of a beloved character to a nail-biting Mayday rebellion, viewers are pulled back into a Gilead filled with shocking surprises. Plus, there’s no way I was going to miss an opportunity to watch actors Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, and the rest of the cast excel at what they do best.”—Carine Lavache, senior content strategist
Sirens
“Julianne Moore playing a kooky socialite? Say no more! Sirens is the newest offering from Netflix that investigates themes of privilege, class, and the power of Lilly Pulitzer. Told in a tight five episodes, Meghann Fahy and Milly Alcock star as sisters Devon and Simone, respectively. After Simone flees their hometown to work as a live-in assistant for Michaela (Moore), Devon spends a weekend at Michaela’s infamous beach house to try and persuade Simone to return home. But, of course, things don’t go down so easily.”—JU
The Four Seasons
“Colman Domingo’s wardrobe is the real star of The Four Seasons, but the storyline’s pretty good, too. Based on the 1981 film of the same name, the series follows three close-knit couples whose friendship is put to the test when one of the couples gets a divorce. The show also stars Tina Fey (who serves as creator and executive producer), Steve Carell, Will Forte, Marco Calvani, Kerri Kenney-Silver, and Erika Henningsen.”—JU
The White Lotus Season 3
“How does a television sensation survive its first season without Jennifer Coolidge? With a trio of blondes, brotherly incest, a K-pop star, and Parker Fucking Posey. Mike White’s third go at The White Lotus captivated viewers around the globe this spring, this time taking us to Thailand to focus on spirituality and identity. While the series took a minute to pick up, those last few episodes had us reeling, and the performances made it worth the watch. (Aimee Lou Wood always deserved to be a star!) I found Carrie Coon’s monologue about friendship to be the most memorable. Time will tell if this tsewnawmeee will make waves at the Emmys.”—EG
Black Mirror Season 7
“What a time to be Black Mirror, the dystopian science-fiction Netflix series devoted to exploring the darkest, most unsettling ends of our technological pursuits. Charlie Brooker’s beloved anthology series’ latest season is among Black Mirror's best, in part thanks to recommitted vision. (As our freelance reviewer put it, season 7 is “a sharp return to what Black Mirror does best: nightmarish philosophizing about the ever-accelerating tech threshold and our paltry human efforts to keep pace." With excellent showings from actors including Paul Giamatti, Emma Corrin, Rashida Jones and more, each of season 7’s standalone installments fleshes out an eerie, enthralling sci-fi world—only to startle us with its similarities to our own. If you're keen for substantive, thought-provoking thrills, move Black Mirror to the top of your watchlist.”—LPP
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