As 2025 draws to a close, streaming fans are reflecting on a stellar year of television. From long-awaited returns to brand-new obsessions, the past twelve months have delivered an impressive array of drama, comedy, and mystery. With the festive period offering the perfect chance to catch up, here is a definitive look at the ten best streaming shows released this year.
Thrillers and Mysteries Dominate the Charts
This year proved that audiences have an insatiable appetite for suspense. Leading the charge was Netflix's Dept. Q, a dark and gripping cold-case drama starring Matthew Goode as a troubled detective. Its nine-part first season was a standout, blending a quirky cast with a deeply compelling plot, and a second season is already confirmed.
Not to be outdone, Apple TV's Slow Horses returned for its fifth season, continuing the adventures of Jackson Lamb's disgraced MI5 agents. The series, based on Mick Herron's novels, masterfully mixed espionage tension with biting British humour, securing its place as a fan favourite with more seasons in production.
For a more unconventional mystery, Netflix's Untamed saw Eric Bana investigate a chilling crime in Yosemite National Park. Created by Mark L. Smith and his daughter Elle, the show's success has already prompted plans for a follow-up featuring Bana's character, Kyle Turner.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reach New Heights
Science fiction had a remarkable year, with several series pushing creative boundaries. The most anticipated return was undoubtedly Severance season 2 on Apple TV. After a nearly three-year wait, fans finally learned the fate of Mark S. and Helly R. in a season that delivered the same cerebral intrigue and ended with yet another tantalising cliffhanger.
Disney+ also scored a major hit with Alien: Earth, Noah Hawley's terrifying prequel to the classic film series. Set two years before the original movie, the eight-part series expanded the franchise's bleak universe with signature style and gruesome horror, earning a swift renewal.
Meanwhile, Andor season 2 on Disney+ was hailed as some of the best Star Wars content in years. Diego Luna's portrayal of the rebel spy Cassian Andor deepened the political intrigue of the fight against the Galactic Empire, with critics agreeing the second outing surpassed its acclaimed predecessor.
Comedy and Unmissable Drama
Laughter and high-stakes drama were equally well-served. Apple TV's The Studio, a no-holds-barred Hollywood satire from Seth Rogen, emerged as one of the funniest shows of the year. Featuring an all-star cast including Kathryn Hahn and Bryan Cranston, it offered a hilariously chaotic look behind the scenes of filmmaking.
In the realm of addictive drama, Prime Video's The Girlfriend became the year's best guilty pleasure. Starring Olivia Cooke and Robin Wright, this six-part psychological thriller about a suspicious new girlfriend and a vengeful mother was packed with luxurious settings and ludicrous twists.
Netflix also delivered the deliciously creepy Wayward, created by and starring Mae Martin. This mystery series, featuring Toni Collette as the head of a sinister school, took shocking mystical turns and concluded on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, though a second season remains unconfirmed.
The Crown Jewel of 2025
Topping our list is Apple TV's Pluribus, a unique and captivating sci-fi drama from Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad. Starring Rhea Seehorn, the series masterfully blended existential dread, deep character studies, and physical comedy. While its slow pace divided some, its ambition and execution made it the most compelling and talked-about streaming show of 2025. Fans will now have to patiently await news of a second season.
As we look ahead to 2026, with the final episode of Stranger Things arriving on New Year's Day and new seasons like A Thousand Blows on the horizon, the legacy of 2025's exceptional lineup ensures there is plenty to keep viewers entertained through the winter nights.
