TVLine has released its annual list of the 20 best TV shows of 2025 up to November, highlighting standout series across genres from prestige dramas to reality hits. The roundup, part of the site's Year in Review, praises innovative storytelling, strong performances, and technical achievements in shows like Adolescence and Alien: Earth. Staff writers emphasize subjective picks while warning of potential spoilers.
Overview
Published on November 6, 2025, TVLine's list celebrates the past 10 months of television, featuring a mix of mind-bending dramas, raucous realities, and broadcast gems. The staff notes their extensive viewing to curate entries worthy of attention, acknowledging the list's subjectivity and inviting reader feedback in comments.
Key Highlights
The top shows include:
- Adolescence (Netflix): A UK crime drama with single-take episodes, earning Emmys for Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, and Stephen Graham.
- Alien: Earth (FX): Noah Hawley's sci-fi prequel delivers thrills and humanity, starring Sydney Chandler.
- Andor (Disney+): Season 2's final chapter offers deep rebellion storytelling with Genevieve O'Reilly and Stellan Skarsgård.
- The Bear (FX): Season 4 rebounds with emotional depth and momentum.
- Black Mirror (Netflix): Season 7's strongest yet, featuring episodes like "Eulogy" with Paul Giamatti.
Other notables: The Gilded Age (HBO) raises stakes; Hacks (HBO Max) achieves Deborah Vance's dream; Love on the Spectrum (Netflix) warms hearts in Season 3; Nobody Wants This (Netflix) deepens romance; Outlander: Blood of My Blood (Starz) explores origins; Overcompensating (Prime Video) mixes comedy and vulnerability; Peacemaker (HBO Max) rocks with twists; The Rehearsal (HBO) balances absurdity and tension; The Pitt (HBO Max) wins Emmy for drama; The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Bravo) earns John Oliver's praise as "prestige television"; Severance (Apple TV) ends on a cliffhanger; The Studio (Apple TV) breaks Emmy records; Task (HBO) thrills with Mark Ruffalo; The White Lotus (HBO) satirizes wealth; Will Trent (ABC) grows its ensemble.
The list avoids major spoilers but advises caution for unwatched series, focusing on why each exemplifies 2025's best.