Key Takeaways
- The medical procedural drama "The Pitt" won the top prize at the Emmys in 2025, with Noah Wyle winning the best actor in a drama Emmy for his portrayal of Dr. Robby.
- Other notable shows that captured the cultural zeitgeist in 2025 included "The White Lotus", "Severance", "The Last of Us", and "Andor".
- "The Summer I Turned Pretty" was a highly talked-about series, with a dramatic third season that spanned from the U.S.’s East Coast to Paris and a feature film in the works to conclude the romantic saga.
- The fifth and final season of "Stranger Things" broke Netflix’s streaming records, accumulating 59.6 million views in its first five days and becoming the best-ever premiere week viewing numbers for an English-language series on the platform.
Introduction to the Year in Television
The year 2025 was a remarkable one for television, with a wide range of shows and limited series that captivated audiences and defined the cultural zeitgeist. From medical dramas to science fiction epics, there was something for everyone on the small screen. The Emmys, one of the most prestigious awards in the television industry, recognized the best of the best, with "The Pitt" taking home the top prize. Led by Noah Wyle, who won the best actor in a drama Emmy for his portrayal of Dr. Robby, the show’s first season followed the challenges faced by healthcare workers on the front lines over the course of a single, 15-hour shift at the hospital.
Prestige Shows that Captured the Cultural Zeitgeist
Many prestige shows captured the cultural zeitgeist in 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating new seasons and episodes. The White Lotus, a critically acclaimed series that explores the lives of the wealthy and privileged, returned for its third season, taking viewers on a journey to Thailand. Meanwhile, the mystery at Lumon Industries continued to unfold as Severance season 2 rolled out, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic drama based on the popular video game, mourned the loss of a fan-favorite character during its sophomore season, while Star Wars fans returned to a galaxy far, far away to bid farewell to Andor as it debuted its second and final season.
Teen Romance and Science Fiction
The Summer I Turned Pretty, a teen romance series based on the bestselling novels by Jenny Han, was a highly talked-about show in 2025. The dramatic third season spanned from the U.S.’s East Coast to Paris, keeping fans invested in the love triangle between Belly and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. While the series ended with Belly finally picking which brother she wanted to be with, the story isn’t quite over, as a feature film that will conclude the romantic saga has been greenlit by Prime Video. On the other hand, science fiction fans were treated to the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, which broke Netflix’s streaming records, accumulating 59.6 million views in its first five days and becoming the best-ever premiere week viewing numbers for an English-language series on the platform.
Awards and Recognition
The Emmys were a major highlight of the year, with "The Pitt" taking home the top prize and Noah Wyle winning the best actor in a drama Emmy for his portrayal of Dr. Robby. Other big winners at the ceremony included Seth Rogen’s new comedy series "The Studio", as well as the Netflix limited series "Adolescence". These awards recognize the hard work and dedication that goes into creating high-quality television shows, and they provide a benchmark for excellence in the industry.
Conclusion and Looking to the Future
In conclusion, 2025 was a remarkable year for television, with a wide range of shows and limited series that captivated audiences and defined the cultural zeitgeist. From medical dramas to science fiction epics, there was something for everyone on the small screen. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see what new shows and series emerge, and how they will capture the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. With the rise of streaming platforms and the increasing popularity of television, it’s clear that the small screen will continue to be a major player in the world of entertainment.