Television

Year in Review - 2025

The List

(new to me in 2025)

There’s no better feeling than being surprised

I watched so many great shows in 2025 - it was a strong rebound from what I felt what was an underwhelming 2024. Amidst the notable prestige dramas that had me hooked this year - Severance S2 and Andor S2 at the top of the list, I ended the year reflecting that it was the novelty of the shows I didn’t expect that stuck with me the most.

In the spotlight for me are two comedies - The Studio and The Chair Company, both of which featured a frenetic cast of characters with a bewildered lead trying to make sense of his new situation. Both were incredibly funny. And both were entirely unexpected for very different reasons.

The Studio was a highly effective satire of Hollywood from the mind of Seth Rogen. The Chair Company was a social commentary absurdist mystery from the mind of Tim Robinson. That I came to love both of these shows was a complete surprise to me as I didn’t really have any investment in their creators. I’d of course seen Seth Rogen in previous films, but he’s not someone I’ve tracked closely. Tim Robinson I was openly skeptical of, having not been really grabbed by clips I’d seen from his sketch show I Think You Should Leave. Needless to say neither were on my radar.

I don’t want to take away from my enjoyment of Severance and Andor’s Season 2 follow-ups that totally delivered on their promise. Yet 2025 for me is going to be defined by these two comedies and by the glorious feeling of giving something new a try and being absolutely delighted. On that note…

Fleabag - Yes it’s really that good

If you’re like me and still have yet to watch 2016’s Fleabag, stop what you are doing and immediately start watching. Seriously, read no further, spend no more time reflecting with me on my year in television; do yourself a favor and experience what is one of the best tv shows I’ve ever seen!

Ok you can keep reading for now, but it’s seriously all the more amazing to me given how long this series was hyped for me. I’ve had friends vouching for Fleabag since the beginning, but one reason or another always came up that delayed by foray into the series. At some point you’d figure either the hype was recency bias at the time or maybe some aspects of the show would have faded a decade later.

Absolutely not the case. A light spoiler if you’re not already familiar, but the show is notable for how it breaks the “fourth wall” with the audience. I won’t say anything specific here, but needless to say I was captivated with how creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote this character and show. It’s a short series as well - 2 seasons, 6 episodes each, with an average runtime of 30 minutes or less. But in relatively little screen time it tells such a personal and emotionally impactful story! Better late than never I suppose; I’m very glad to have finally experienced it and will definitely be doing a re-watch in the near future.

And my 2025 Show of the Year is…

The Studio started the year off on such a great footing that I have to give it my nod for favorite show of 2025, though The Chair Company is a close second (perhaps recency bias is holding me back from rating it higher). Both shows are getting a second season, so the ultimate favorite has yet to be crowned.

But let’s let the Studio enjoy it’s moment, and let’s give it up for Sal Sapperstein. The conversation around the The Studio has to start with the cameos - Steve Buscemi, Martin Scorcese, Charlize Theron, Paul Dano, and that’s just in the first episode! It runs the risk of being gimmicky, but it’s also apparent that Rogen recognized the risk and instead put the onus of the show’s movement on himself and his band of followers. For the uninitiated, Rogen plays studio executive Matt Remmick as he takes charge after a promotion. Once film snob under the boot of his superiors, Matt is quickly thrust into the making the big decisions, and being a total hypocrite once money is on the line.

My enjoyment from the The Studio has to do with its frenetic pacing, which became apparent from the first episode. It’s rare that a series first episode so excellently sets the tone for the series but The Studio Episode 1 absolutely nails it in its hilarity, pacing, perfectly placed cameos, and entry into the wild ride that has become Matt Remmick’s life. Across the 10 episodes, I just never got tired of the hijinks - all the hilarious situations Seth Rogen wrote for himself and his cast are so memorable and definitely left me wanting more.

Now everyone knows the drill, though, and season 2 might need to inject a few new surprises to stand out again. The key with the cameos is not just who but what are they doing? Good luck Seth, you’re a tough act to follow.

What I’m Most Excited For in 2026…

Stranger Things: S5
Netflix

Stranger Things Season 4 was appointment television, and I wouldn’t have predicted that. I love all of Stranger Things, but no doubt Seasons 2 & 3 were weaker, choosing to retread too many plot lines rather than introduce original ideas. Season 4 dramatically changed that, and finally started to dig into the deeper lore. If Season 5 can conclude that lore expedition in a compelling way, it will go out with honor.

Wednesday: Season 2
Netflix

It’s a shame that Andor’s writers weren’t given the full complement of seasons they initially envisioned to complete this series to its full potential. That being said, it ups the stakes and my anticipation for this season knowing it will be the last we get of these characters and this arc. Given the overtly political themes and the prospect of another 4 years of Trump politics, this could be especially resonant for our time, providing a relevant boost to a show already stacked with talented actors and brilliant set pieces.

Severance: S2
Apple TV

Severance Season 1 had one of the best finales to a tv show I’ve ever seen, right up there with Lost Season 1. It was all the more insane that my friend and I watching together thought there was another episode left (surely who would be so mad to write a nine episode season?!?!?!). I’ll be rewatching season 1 this month ahead of the release of Season 2. Fingers crossed it can keep up the level of quality and insanity.

If all goes according to plan, prestige dramas could well define the television high points of 2025

The Last of Us: S2
HBO

As an enormous fan of video game studio Naughty Dog and their work on the Last of Us IP, I largely ignored the lead-up to the release of the television adaptation, not wanting to get my hopes up given the high bar that the source material set. It was an extremely pleasant surprise, then, when the show largely delivered on representing the game’s emotional story and complicated characters. Neil Druckman’s involvement no doubt helped steer the ship. The second game pivots the story in a hugely controversial way, and I’m very excited to see how the showrunners handle the new story beats and what message they ultimately decide to leave the series on.

Alien: Earth
FX

I was only recently made aware of this show, but my excitement is predicated on 3 factors:

  1. FX shows have been killing it lately

  2. I love the Alien films and universe

  3. Noah Hawley has earned my deep respect via the Fargo TV reboot

Will those 3 ingredients be enough? I’m certainly intrigued!