In 2025, television experienced a thrilling revival that had fans overwhelmed with excitement. This was the year when TV became more than just entertainment; it transformed into a cultural phenomenon that sparked passionate debates and online communities.

Each episode brought fresh twists, unforgettable characters, and compelling stories that kept audiences glued to their screens. From gut-wrenching dramas to feel-good comedies, these shows not only entertained, but also inspired and resonated on a deeply personal level. Get ready to explore ten extraordinary series that took the world by storm and defined a moment in television history in 2025. 

Dancing With The Stars (ABC)

The latest season of Dancing with The Stars (Season 34), which aired from September 16 to late November, breathed new life into network TV, making it feel fresh and exciting again! This season had everyone tuning in every Tuesday night. What made it stand out? Well, they brought in a mix of stars from different backgrounds. Fans loved seeing Rovert Irwin step into the spotlight, winning the mirror ball just like his sister. Plus, there were familiar faces from reality TV, like Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, that got everyone talking. We can’t forget Olympian Jordan Chiles, who wowed us with her jaw-dropping moves, while TikTok star Alix Earle surprised us all with her captivating routines. Not only did the steamy off-screen romances and drama draw us in, but how the show connected with fans – allowing us to vote in real-time and interact with the stars online. It looks like we might be in for more exciting network TV moments in 2026. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video)

The final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty really became a pop-culture sensation in 2025, didn't it? Every Wednesday, fans couldn’t wait to see who Belly would end up with – Conrad or Jeremiah. Wednesdays became a fun weekly event that felt like a giant viewing party. It was amazing to see two fandoms come together: those who loved the TV show and the readers of the books. Jenny Han really brought everyone together with her storytelling. We watched Belly and her friends grow up on screen, and we were all invested in how her life would unfold. Even amidst all the drama and chaos, there were some real life lessons that made us think and connect with the characters even more. It’s no wonder it became such a huge hit!

The White Lotus Season 3 (HBO MAX)

The White Lotus Season 3 quickly became a fan favorite in 2025, and it's easy to see why! Writer Mike White really knows how to keep us on our toes, making us wait for this season but delivering a storyline that was worth it. The way he weaves together different narratives and keeps us guessing about each character's motivations is impressive. Sure, the chaos, love triangles, and surprising twists can be a lot to take in, but that's all part of what makes the show so captivating and keeps fans coming back for more. Plus, the concept of a luxury vacation at a high-end resort with intriguing hotel guests sparks that curiosity in all of us. Brands really jumped on the premiere, staying in sync with each episode, making it clear that everyone was eager to be part of the buzz surrounding The White Lotus. 

Adolescence (Netflix)

This British crime drama chronicles the journey of a family whose world is turned upside down when their 13-year-old son, Jamie, is arrested for murdering a girl from school. Everything about this show is worth watching. The plot is unbelievably grueling to watch as parents face their worst nightmare, and it explores the mental health crisis of teens today. However, it’s not the plot that made this show stand out as one of our favorites of the year; it is the best-in-class camera work, where all 4 episodes were filmed in one single, continuous, uncut take, creating a chilling, immersive, real-time experience for viewers at home. With that said, the performance is next level. Owen Cooper, who played Jaime, and Stephen Graham, who played Jaime’s dad Eddie, gave absolutely incredible performances, making it hard to believe they were shot only once. Both deserving of their Emmy wins this year. 

The Pitt (HBO MAX)

Season 1 of The Pitt stunned viewers with its raw and authentic look at what it’s like in an emergency room. The season follows an emergency room staff throughout their 13-hour shift, each episode representing (1) hour of the shift. From hard-to-process illnesses and health emergencies, to the personal lives of each of the doctor’s, The Pitt had us on the edge of our seat all season long. The Pitt took home (2) Primetime Emmy Awards, one for Outstanding Drama and the other for Noah Wyle for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama. The Pitt returns January 11. 

All Her Fault (Peacok)

All Her Fault is one of Peacock’s first forays into original dramas, and if this is any indication of what may come, we are SO here for it. The drama follows the Irvine family when they learn their son Milo goes missing following his first playdate with a boy from his new school. The show starts as an investigative procedural as the Chicago police department takes on the case, however, it evolves into a family drama with twists and turns we really didn’t see coming. The show stars Sarah Snook from Succession, and in a way, this story feels like a continuation from her role as Shiv. Other familiar faces include Dakota Fanning, Michael Peña, and Abby Elliott. 

The Studio (Apple TV)

Another Season 1 breakout was The Studio on Apple TV. With a star-studded cast including Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Bryan Cranston, Zoe Kravitz, Dave Franco, Ice Cube, and more, The Studio brings comedic relief to the cut-throat life of a Hollywood executive. The show touches on the real-life challenges of bringing art and business together in Hollywood, making it hilariously relatable to anyone working in the entertainment industry in today’s landscape. The show has been renewed and brought home (2) Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Seth Rogen. 

The Traitors Season 3 (Peacock)

Season 3 of The Traitors was a breakout season for the series. Bringing together reality TV stars across franchises. Most notably, Boston Rob from Survivor, Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules, Bob The Drag Queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Dolores Catania from The Real Housewvies of New Jersey. The season also brought to light new breakout stars like Dylan Efron (Zac Efron’s brother) who went on to be a finalist on the latest season of Dancing With The Stars and Gabby Windey from The Bachelorette who has catapulted her career since appearing on The Traitors. This season was also the first time in US franchise history that a Faithful won the game. The Traitors Season 4 premieres January 8th.  

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 (HULU)

2025 was definitely the year that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars truly took off! Fans became deeply invested in their lives and the journey to stardom, watching how everything has changed since Season 1. By now, we were all familiar with their relationships, the drama among the ladies, and their husbands, creating a genuine connection with the cast. The fascinating aspects of Mormon culture drew audiences in, but it’s really their ability to blend the show with their online presence that kept us hooked. These women made us feel like we were watching our online friends on screen, transforming an interesting storytelling approach into something special that resonated with viewers. It’s clear that this unique mix has made The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives a standout show this year! 

The End of an Era (Disney+)

A year after Taylor Swift completed her iconic, record-breaking tour, The Eras Tour, Disney+ released a (6) episode docuseries that documented Taylor and her team’s last day on the tour. The docuseries digs into the tour’s complex logistics, Taylor’s personal discipline when it comes to fitness and rehearsal, getting to know her dancers and backup singers better, the impact the tour had on her family, and, of course, her love life. This was a rare glimpse into Taylor’s life that Swifties haven’t seen since Netflix’s Miss Americana documentary, which was released in 2020. However, The End of an Era was deeper than Miss. Americana, it included more raw moments with Taylor Swift and her mom, Andrea Swift, making fans feel closer to Taylor than ever. The documentary ended with a subtle promise that Taylor is nowhere near done making music.