Top TV Picks of 2025 Revealed: From Andor to Arctic Dramas

The Hollywood Reporter’s critics have unveiled their best TV shows of 2025. Daniel Fienberg and Angie Han compiled separate top-ten lists highlighting the year’s standout series. The rankings were published in December 2025. They cover a wide range of streaming services and networks.This annual list arrives during a notable production slowdown across the industry. It serves as a guide to the highest-quality content in a challenging year for television.

Andor and Mussolini Lead a Year of Urgent Storytelling

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the top spots were claimed by shows with powerful political resonance. Daniel Fienberg named “Mussolini: Son of the Century” from Mubi as his number one. He called it an audacious warning about the mechanics of encroaching fascism.Angie Han selected the second season of Disney+’s “Andor” for her top honor. She praised its searing examination of fascism and the cost of fighting it. Both critics highlighted how these series reflected contemporary global anxieties with startling clarity.Other critical favorites included innovative dramas and heartfelt comedies. Shows like Netflix‘s one-shot drama “Adolescence” and Apple TV+’s sci-fi series “Pluribus,” starring Rhea Seehorn, earned high praise. The medical drama “The Pitt” on HBO Max was celebrated for its thrilling real-time urgency and deep humanity.

Finding Brilliance Amid an Industry Slowdown

The critics acknowledged a sparse release calendar in 2025. Angie Han noted the year felt defined more by anxiety and uncertainty than optimism. Production delays from previous industry strikes continued to impact the volume of new content.Despite this, the lists showcased a remarkable diversity of genre and tone. Animated series like Netflix‘s “Long Story Short” and Adult Swim’s “Common Side Effects” were hailed for their originality. The Inuk-led comedy “North of North” on Netflix was highlighted as a uniquely heartwarming standout.The selections prove that creative excellence persisted. Even with fewer new shows, creators delivered series that were ambitious, comforting, and sharply relevant. The year’s best TV offered both escapism and urgent commentary.

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The best TV shows of 2025 demonstrate that compelling storytelling thrives even in uncertain times, with critics championing series that challenge, comfort, and captivate audiences across genres.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What was the number one show for 2025?

Daniel Fienberg selected “Mussolini: Son of the Century” as his top pick. Angie Han chose the final season of “Andor” as her best show of the year.

Q2: Which new show was a surprise standout?

Netflix’s “North of North,” a comedy set in the Canadian Arctic, was a critical darling. Both reviewers praised its warmth, unique setting, and breakout star Anna Lambe.

Q3: Were there any common shows on both lists?

Yes, several series appeared on both critics’ lists. These included “Andor,” “Long Story Short,” “Pluribus,” and “Adolescence,” indicating a strong consensus on their quality.

Q4: What was a notable trend in 2025 TV?

Critics noted a significant industry slowdown affecting output. However, the year was still defined by politically urgent storytelling and innovative genre work.