Key Takeaways
- The year 2025 saw a wide range of popular TV shows across various platforms, including HBO, Apple TV, Netflix, and Disney+.
- Shows like "The Pitt", "Severance", and "The White Lotus" received critical acclaim and gained large followings.
- Reality TV shows like "Love Island USA" and "Dancing With the Stars" also gained significant attention and viewership.
- The final season of "Stranger Things" broke records for Netflix, with over 59 million views in its first five days.
- Other notable shows included "Adolescence", "The Studio", "Andor", and "The Summer I Turned Pretty", which all received awards and nominations.
Introduction to the Golden Age of Television
The Golden Age of Television may be over, but 2025 was still a great year for the small screen. With the rise of streaming platforms, viewers have a vast array of options to choose from, and several shows managed to capture the attention of a large audience. From HBO dramas to network reality shows, there were many notable programs that stood out in 2025.
Medical Drama: The Pitt
One such show was "The Pitt", a medical drama that premiered on HBO Max in January. The show was praised for its realism, thanks to the input of real doctors, nurses, and physician assistants. The series focuses on the medical cases at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, rather than the personal lives of the characters. Despite this, the show still managed to create lovable and well-developed characters, including Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle. The show won five Emmys in September and set a record for the largest post-season viewership growth for any HBO show’s debut season.
Dystopian Thriller: Severance
Another notable show was "Severance", a dystopian thriller that premiered on Apple TV in January. The show follows the story of employees at Lumon Industries who have undergone a procedure that separates their work lives from their personal lives. The show was widely praised for its acting, cinematography, and unique concept. With a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Severance" became the most-watched show in Apple TV history, surpassing "Ted Lasso".
Anthology Series: The White Lotus
The "White Lotus" fandom continued to grow in 2025, with 6.2 million viewers tuning in to the season 3 finale in April. The show brought millions of people together every Sunday night, and the finale sparked a lot of discussion on social media. The show’s creator, Mike White, is known for his ability to craft complex characters and storylines, and the show’s success is a testament to his skill.
British Crime Drama: Adolescence
The British crime drama "Adolescence" won big at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, taking home eight awards, including Outstanding Limited Anthology Series. The show follows the story of a 13-year-old boy who is arrested after the murder of a girl at his school. The show was praised for its haunting subject matter, compelling performances, and unique filming style, with each episode shot in one continuous take.
Satirical Comedy: The Studio
The satirical comedy "The Studio" was the big winner at the 2025 Emmys, taking home 13 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. The show follows the story of Matt Remick, the new head of a film production company, as he navigates the challenges of the industry. The show was praised for its savvy writing and impressive cast, including Seth Rogen, who also co-created the series.
Science Fiction: Andor
The science fiction series "Andor" was widely praised for its timely message, realism, and strong writing. The show follows the story of Cassian Andor, a rebel spy, as he navigates the galaxy. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, "Andor" is considered one of the best "Star Wars" series of all time.
Reality TV: Love Island USA
The reality dating series "Love Island USA" continued to gain popularity in 2025, with season 7 premiering in June. The show provided plenty of viral moments, including Huda Mustafa and Nic Vansteenberghe’s "mamacita" conversation, and Nicolandria’s slow burn. The show’s success can be attributed to its unique format and the cast’s charismatic personalities.
Coming-of-Age Romance: The Summer I Turned Pretty
The coming-of-age romance "The Summer I Turned Pretty" came to an end in September, but not before sparking a lot of debate among fans. The show’s love triangle between Belly Conklin and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, was a major topic of discussion, with fans taking to social media to share their opinions. The show’s finale was widely watched, and a movie is currently in the works.
Reality Competition: Dancing With the Stars
The reality competition series "Dancing With the Stars" continued to thrive in 2025, with its season 34 finale attracting 9.24 million viewers. The show’s success can be attributed to its strong presence on TikTok, as well as the casting of influencers and reality stars. The show’s winner, Robert Irwin, was a popular choice among fans, and his victory was a heartwarming moment for viewers.
Science Fiction: Stranger Things
The final season of "Stranger Things" was one of the most anticipated television releases of 2025. The show’s part 1 premiere broke records for Netflix, with over 59 million views in its first five days. The show’s young cast has grown up before the eyes of fans, and the final season promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series. The season 5 finale will premiere on December 31 and will also be shown in theaters for a limited time.
