In the latest installment of our Top TV Shows of 2025 series—building on earlier critic roundups—TheWrap released its staff picks on December 23, spotlighting standout series across streaming and networks. Despite fewer episodes industry-wide, the list celebrates innovative storytelling in limited series and dramas tackling themes like online dangers, corporate greed, and redemption.
TheWrap's roundup reflects TV's resilience, with Netflix leading via 'Adolescence'—a critical favorite for its one-take style exploring youth and online violence (Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham)—alongside new highlights like 'All Her Fault' (Sarah Snook, Dakota Fanning on marital tensions and kidnapping) and 'The Beast in Me' (Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys in neighborly murder suspense).
FX's 'Alien: Earth' (Noah Hawley) blended xenomorph horror with synthetic and corporate critiques. Disney+ fare included 'Andor' Season 2's Star Wars rebellion finale and Pixar's 'Win or Lose,' a perspective-shifting softball dramedy. HBO offered 'The Chair Company' (Tim Robinson comedy) and 'The Gilded Age' Season 3's Gilded Age soaper with record views.
Broadcast hits: ABC's 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 34 (9M+ finale viewers) and CBS's 'Matlock' Season 2 (Kathy Bates in legal intrigue). Apple TV+ shone with 'The Studio' (Seth Rogen's 13-Emmy satire) and Vince Gilligan's 'Pluribus' (Rhea Seehorn in alien dramedy). Other Emmy-winners like HBO Max's 'The Pitt' (Noah Wyle ER real-time) and Prime Video's 'Invincible' Season 3 joined finales for 'Stranger Things' and 'The Handmaid's Tale,' plus renewals for 'Slow Horses' and 'Hacks'.
TheWrap echoes prior acclaim for shared standouts while underscoring 2025's diverse, bold TV amid shifting habits.
