The 34 best shows of 2025: TechRadar’s top TV picks on Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more - The Pulse 24 | Official Website

December 27, 2025
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It’s been another packed year of terrific TV shows. Indeed, the world’s best streaming services have given us plenty of must-see series to watch over the past 12 months – and we thought we’d tell you what our favorite ones were.

To book a spot on this list, shows had to meet one or more of these criteria: be one of the most-watched series of 2025, hold a critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes (RT) above 90%, and/or just be one that our experts thoroughly enjoyed in spite of their viewing figures and critical reception.

Two final bits of housekeeping: one, you’ll find our choices categorized by the streamer they released on. And, two, we couldn’t write about every program we enjoyed this year, so you’ll find a ‘best of the rest’ selection at the end of each section. If your favorite show of 2025 might be highlighted there instead. So, without further ado, here are TechRadar’s 34 top TV picks for the year that was. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

Foundation is the best show you’re not watching. After finding its feet in its debut season, the epic sci-fi series has really hit its stride since, and Foundation season 3 is – as I said in my Foundation season 3 review – its best installment yet. Cerebral, funny, tragic, action-packed, dramatic, and full of compelling duplicitous characters, it’s another jewel in Apple’s sci-fi crown. I promise you won’t regret watching it – and, once you’re caught up, read my Foundation season 3 ending explainer and Foundation season 4 guide for more on its most recent chapter and where things could go next.

Murderbot season 1

Alexander Skarsg&aring;rd wears a robot suit in Murderbot series — (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Lucy Buglass

Need a good sci-fi comedy in your life? Look no further than Murderbot. Alexander Skarsgård plays a rogue security robot that secretly gains free will and he wants nothing more than to binge soap operas instead of helping to protect humans. Honestly, who could blame him for that? There’s a lot of great sci-fi on Apple TV, but don’t let Murderbot fall under the radar, especially since it’s been renewed for season 2.

Pluribus is another must-see show on Apple’s streaming platform that’s not only one of the most-watched Originals on said service, but will make you whip out the red string theory tape that you’ll have squirrelled away since Severance‘s second season ended. Time to catch up before one of the best Apple TV shows’ sophomore season arrives.

Severance, the return of Apple’s seminal sci-fi hit was worth the wait. Yes, there were times when its pacing irked me and, sure, there were moments where, like many fans, I thought “can we have some answers now, please?”. Nonetheless, the workplace mystery series’ not only gripped us all, but kept us entertained – and theorizing! – in the early weeks of the year when there was little else to keep us occupied. If you somehow haven’t seen it yet, check out my Severance season 2 review. And, if you’re all caught up, read my Severance season 2 ending explained piece and Severance season 3 guide to see where things could go next.

Slow Horses‘ fifth season came together seamlessly. This was the final installment before Will Smith passed the showrunner mantle to Gaby Chiappe and Ben Vanstone, marking the end of an era for the series.

The Studio is an on-the-nose critique of Hollywood filmmaking, delivering a hilarious takedown of the industry and becoming one of 2025’s biggest hits. It’s even funnier considering the number of high-profile cameos, like everyone in Hollywood was in on the joke, yet the show still went on to win the most Emmy awards by a comedy series in a single year. So, who really had the last laugh? Stream it now before season 2 is released.

Honorable mentions: Berlin ER, Chief of War, Platonic season 2

Andor season 2. The best Star Wars TV show to debut on Disney+, Andor’s first installment wowed me in mid- to late 2022, and its second and final season was even better than that. If Lucasfilm and Disney used its blueprint as a basis for every new Star Wars movie and TV series to come, nobody would have a bad word to say about that iconic galaxy far, far away ever again. A masterpiece in every sense of the word. Not convinced? Read my Andor season 2 review for more.

Marvel TV show, which was a by-product of its creative overhaul in October 2023, some may query why Daredevil: Born Again season 1 is on this list. The short answer is: despite its narrative and tonal inconsistencies, I really enjoyed Daredevil’s first standalone foray in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s as gritty, violent, melodramatic, and absorbing as its Netflix forebear and, considering what we could’ve had if it hadn’t directly followed on from Daredevil, that’s worth celebrating. While you’re here, find out what we know so far about Daredevil: Born Again season 2 and remind yourself what happened last time out in my Born Again season 1 ending explainer.

Honorable mentions: Star Wars: Tales From the Underworld, Win or Lose, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man season 1

The Gilded Age season 4 has been greenlit after that shocking season 3 cliffhanger. Bertha’s (Carrie Coon) journey has been particularly delicious this season, effectively achieving her dreams by losing everything she loves in the process. Without a husband (potentially) and Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) is up the duff, I’ve got no idea how Bertha is going to re-find the reins of the social elite now she’s metaphorically dropped them. Of course, determined people always find a way, which is pertinent for an excellent period drama like this that excels with each passing season.

The Last of Us’ second season wasn’t. Indeed, whether it was anger over that moment (if you know, you know) from viewers who haven’t played The Last of Us Part II, audience indifference to splitting up the aforementioned game’s story into two seasons (NB: The Last of Us season 3 is in development), or other factors, the HBO TV Original’s latest installment wasn’t as well-received as its forebear. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it and credit where credit’s due: it’s as authentic an adaptation as you’ll likely see. Not perfect, sure, but a season I was thoroughly entertained by.

The Pitt season 1 debuted almost a year ago, it’s incredible how much of a cultural impact the show has had. Its approach to a season devoted to a single ER shift is nothing short of mind-blowing, potentially forever changing the medical drama genre. In fact, it’s probably the reason why Kate Walsh is returning to Grey’s Anatomy season 22… ABC now has fierce competition that just wasn’t there before. It’s an exceptional ensemble cast, but Noah Wyle’s vulnerable breakdown as Doctor Robby is the performance of the season. Watch the multi-award nominated debut season before The Pitt season 2 arrives in early January.

Honorable mentions: Duster, Heated Rivalry season 1, IT: Welcome to Derry, The Righteous Gemstones season 4, Task season 1, The Chair Company season 1, The White Lotus season 3

Steven Knight has a way of bringing the past to life, and that’s what makes this show so compelling. It tells stories that sound almost too wild to be true – a Jamaican immigrating to London to become a lion tamer, a 40-strong all-female crime syndicate that famously robbed West End department stores, and the Goodson’s underground boxing ring. These worlds did exist in Victorian times, even if they didn’t intersect as A Thousand Blows shows, but that’s where the storytelling really shines. With practical sets, period costumes and meticulous attention to historical detail, the series makes the era feel immersive and vividly real, drawing viewers into these remarkable tales.

Alien: Earth was a divisive first foray into the television medium for the iconic sci-fi horror franchise. Yes, it reviewed well and it drew in millions of viewers on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (internationally). However, some were left underwhelmed and/or irritated by its uneven editing, and baffling storylines and character decisions. Personally, I found its campy appeal charming and its unique narration to be an entertaining throwback to genre fare of yesteryear. Sometimes, you can’t beat a show that’s equal parts daft and thought-provoking – and, hey, if you’ve got a terrifying and hyper-intelligent yet strangely cute eyeball monster at your disposal, you can’t go wrong. See where things could go next via my Alien: Earth season 2 guide.

The Bear being on this list. But, let’s be clear: its 84% RT critical rating means the culinary drama’s latest installment is still very, very good. Many other shows would kill for a score like that. So, while The Bear season 4 is a victim of its highly-rated and multi-award-winning predecessors, it serves up another unmissable slice of Chicago-set, restaurant-based action and familial melodrama. An underrated season of television that deserves more respect, especially after its recent 2026 Golden Globe nominations.

High Potential season 2

Cleaner turned crime-solving genius Morgan (Katlin Olson) holds up a crime scene photo in crime dramedy series High Potential — (Image credit: ABC)

Lucy Buglass

I first watched High Potential for Kaitlin Olson, having loved her in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I wasn’t expecting to binge it so quickly, and it’s become one of my favorite shows ever. In season 2, Olson’s character Morgan is back and bigger than ever as she’s gone from a cleaner with a high IQ to officially working with the LAPD. It’s become a weekly ritual for my partner and I to try and solve cases before Morgan does, and I’m also obsessed with her wardrobe and nail art, which changes regularly. Seriously, who does them? Because I need to go there ASAP.

It’s honestly surprising that there’s still anyone left living at The Arconia, but who knew there was a secret casino under the building the entire time? It’s where we meet new cast members Renée Zellweger and Dianne Wiest, who somehow elevates what is already an incredibly successful season (particularly the girl’s night out episode, what a treat). We had to lose Lester (Teddy Coluca) in the process, but boy did the clues and laughs come thick and fast. Only Murders in the Building season 5 might be my favorite season of all… well, until they get to London, of course.

Paradise

Lucy Buglass

You’re not ready for Paradise. My biggest advice would be to go into this knowing as little as possible because it has one of the best pilots I’ve ever seen. I’ve been counting down the days to Paradise season 2, which airs early next year, because this is one of the most compelling political dramas of recent times. Indeed, there’s some excellent, deep characters in here, and plenty of mystery to uncover. At face value, it seems to be about the assassination of a US President, but it’s so much more.

Welcome to Wrexham season 4

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney take to the pitch in Welcome to Wrexham — (Image credit: FX/Disney Plus)

Lucy Buglass

I never expected to be so invested in a Welsh football club, yet here we are. Four seasons in and I’m still following Wrexham AFC eagerly as we witness the highs and lows of the club, players, fans and – of course – A-list owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac. Season 4 follows the club’s ambitious push for promotion to the EFL Championship and it’s gripping stuff. Even though you can just search the club to see if they did make it, it’s still fun watching the journey.

Honorable mentions: Dying for Sex

Netflix show becomes part of the global zeitgeist, but Adolescence certainly managed it. A limited series that examined the impact of the manosphere on youth-on-youth crime and wider British society, Adolescence is a hard-hitting psychological drama that prompted a nationwide discussion about misogyny, violence against women and girls, and even made waves in the US from a sociopolitical standpoint. With each episode filmed to capture the feeling of being one continuous take, Adolescence is a claustrophobic, screw-turning masterpiece that’ll make you cry and stick with you long after its final credits have rolled. A program that fully deserves to be the second most-watched TV Original in Netflix history.

Long Story Short

Animated characters sit in a car including a distressed looking father and two children who are crying and arguing — (Image credit: Netflix)

Lucy Buglass

Raphael Bob-Waksberg, you’ve done it again. Admittedly, I was nervous about the BoJack Horseman creator’s next show but, after binge watching it in a single weekend, I soon realized I had nothing to worry about. It’s so easy to get invested in the dysfunctional lives of the Schwooper family and, as ever, you can often find yourself relating to many of the themes that are portrayed, whether it’s religion, health or family life. Season 2 has already been renewed and I’m looking forward to seeing more animated drama unfold.

Squid Game was bittersweet for fans. Saying goodbye to such an iconic series which really put K-Drama on the map was difficult. Its incredibly divisive finale aside, I really enjoyed the direction its final installment went in. Even though I’m going to miss it, I think three seasons told a complete story and I look forward to rewatching it again in the future. Here’s hoping Squid Game season 3 has inspired people to check out even more non-English language shows, both on Netflix and elsewhere.

Stranger Things’ fifth and final season won’t be out in full by the time this article goes live, but there’s no denying it’s been – and will continue to be – the talk of the TV town for the foreseeable future. Of course, Stranger Things season 5’s finale could be a damp squib but, right now, it’s not only been a thrilling final hurrah, but one of the most-streamed and highly-rated series of late 2025. For those reasons alone, it’s earned a spot on this end-of-year round-up.

Toxic Town

A brown-haired girl with green glasses wearing a brown sweater vest over a white t-shirt poses for the camera

Jasmine Valentine

I’m slightly biased here as my friend is the daughter of Judge Akenhead, who presided over the real-life trial (hi Isobel!), but Toxic Town leapt out of the gates in early 2025 with something to say. It doesn’t hurt that British titans Jodie Whittaker and Aimee Lou Wood are the faces leading the charge, but it takes a certain kind of craft to capture the importance of a true story while still making it entertaining. The Corby toxic waste case has likely not stayed in the public consciousness for as long as it should have, so what better way to honor this group of mothers than making them immortal on Netflix?

Wednesday season 2 was even better than its predecessor, in my opinion, with some legendary new cast members like Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, and Joanna Lumley. We saw even more of the family this season, having primarily focused on Wednesday in season 1, and it seems future episodes will dive deeper into familial life, too. I love everything about this series, so roll on season 3 because my gothic heart desires more.

Honorable mentions: Big Mouth season 8, Boots, Death by Lightning, Dept. Q, The Eternaut, Forever, Last Samurai Standing, Million Dollar Secret, The Night Agent season 2

season 2 might be Taylor Sheridan’s greatest achievement of all-time. I’m possibly biased because Paramount were kind enough to let me interview Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Demi Moore, but its success goes far beyond mere star power. Tommy (Thornton) is nearing a new type of breaking point in season 2, with issues running deeper in his professional and personal lives. Moore has an even bigger role this time around, and M-Tex’s spiral into potential decline is alone enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. My favorite part? Any decision Angela makes.

Paramount+. Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, and Helen Mirren lead the cast of MobLand, which is arguably one of the coolest ensembles ever. And,, with Guy Ritchie serving as executive producer you can be sure it’s in good hands. There’s only one season about the warring crime families right now, but MobLand has been renewed, which isn’t a great surprise considering it’s one of the streamer’s most-watched shows ever. Oh, and Muse fans should jump on this ASAP, as Matt Bellamy is one of the composers. Cool, right?

Honorable mentions: Stans

Peacock stateside) to be included on this list, as it’s hands-down the TV moment of the year. The casting was off-the-scale genius, and the traitors couldn’t have been better chosen (looking at you, Alan Carr). A month later and I’m still regularly quoting lines from the episodes – “maybe someone’s been recruited!” – and I miss strategizing before the next episode with my family. Marvel at the intergenerational water-cooler moment the BBC has fostered, and buckle up for the general public-starring fourth season, which starts in January.

Twisted Metal — (Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment)

Lucy Buglass

Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, and Will Arnett are just some of the great names in Twisted Metal, which has quickly become my favorite Peacock TV Original. If the stellar cast doesn’t sell you, maybe its unique plot, which is inspired by its videogame series namesake, will. It’s set in a dystopian future, where a milkman with amnesia gets the opportunity to live a better life in exchange for transporting a mysterious parcel, and there’s plenty of misadventure in store. Season 2 is just as good as the first, and I highly recommend it.

Honorable mentions: Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Poker Face season 2

Fallout‘s TV adaptation would arrive before the end of 2025. And, as one of this year’s final new show releases, it’s so far proven – at the time of writing, only three episodes have been released – to be a great follow-up to the Fallout TV show‘s debut outing. With a third season of Fallout in early development, there’ll be more Wasteland-based adventures to come, too. For now, though, let’s just enjoy what I consider to be one of the best sophomore seasons of a Prime Video TV Original of recent times.

Gen V’s sophomore season. Indeed, not only did it need to deliver a worthwhile story across its eight episodes, but also honored the late Chance Perdomo and did some of the narrative heavy lifting ahead of The Boys season 5’s arrival in April 2026. Thankfully, it successfully juggled those elements while being as funny, gruesome, action-packed, and melodramatic as its predecessor. It’s unclear if a third season will be necessary after The Boys’ final installment but, if Amazon decides to make it, I wouldn’t be averse to seeing this Prime Video TV Original graduate with full honors. Read my Gen V season 2 review for more.

The Girlfriend, shrewdly telling a cat-and-mouse between a mother, son, and his girlfriend through multiple perspectives. It’s easily the most steamy and scandalous show of 2025 too, but Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke’s performances go above and beyond. As I said at the time, the show makes Oedipus look like Sesame Street. Even though I’ve seen the series multiple times, I still don’t completely know who’s telling the truth, and that’s a rarity. Extra shoutout to Tanya Moodie, who has cornered the market for “drunk and outspoken friend”.

he Legend of Vox Machina, aka the first tabletop campaign played by popular Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) group Critical Role, is an enjoyable adaptation but, at the end of each episode, I never found myself craving its follow-up. That was the case with The Mighty Nein, though. Prime’s adaptation of Critical Role’s second – not to mention much darker and more mature – DnD campaign is one I streamed in its entirety over a single weekend, which is proof enough of how engrossing it was. Now, how long do you think I’ll have to wait for season 2…