Television in 2025 proved to be a powerful force, generating viral memes and fuelling nationwide debates. Audiences were captivated by a diverse array of programming, from high-stakes reality deception in the Scottish Highlands to the supernatural horrors of Hawkins, Indiana. The year offered something for everyone, with several series achieving critical acclaim and record-breaking viewership.
Dystopian Thrills and Sun-Drenched Chaos
The year began with the highly anticipated return of Apple TV's Severance. The second series of this dystopian thriller, directed by Ben Stiller, continued the story of Mark (Adam Scott) and his Lumon Industries colleagues. Picking up from the first season's cliffhanger, the plot delved deeper into the conspiracy surrounding the company, revealing that Mark's wife Gemma was alive. The show's excellence was recognised with 27 Emmy nominations, resulting in eight wins.
Shortly after, the mood shifted from clinical offices to tropical luxury with The White Lotus season three. Creator Mike White transported a new ensemble, including stars like Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Isaacs, to a Thai wellness resort. This instalment explored themes of spirituality and materialism, with the serene setting soon descending into the franchise's signature blend of dysfunction and death. The series earned six Golden Globe nominations and a staggering 23 Emmy nods.
British Drama and Coming-of-Age Phenomena
A significant British contribution came from Netflix's hard-hitting drama Adolescence. Co-created by Stephen Graham, who also starred, the four-part series followed 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) after his arrest for a classmate's murder. The programme ignited a national conversation about incel culture and online safety, leading its creators to discuss the subject in Parliament. Its technical achievement—each episode filmed in one continuous shot—also drew headlines. Cooper made history as the youngest-ever male Emmy winner for his performance.
In contrast, the summer was dominated by heartfelt nostalgia with the final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Based on Jenny Han's book trilogy, the series finale captivated viewers in their 20s and 30s, chronicling Belly Conklin's (Lola Tung) journey through love, loss, and her choice between the Fisher brothers. Driven by a Taylor Swift-heavy soundtrack, the show split the internet into 'Team Conrad' and 'Team Jeremiah'. Its final series was a global hit, becoming number one on Netflix in over 120 countries and attracting 25 million views in its first week.
Reality Betrayal and a Supernatural Farewell
The BBC scored a major ratings victory with The Celebrity Traitors. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the celebrity edition featured contestants like Tom Daley, Alan Carr, and Paloma Faith. The tense finale saw comedian Alan Carr triumph as a Traitor, deceiving fellow players to claim the prize for charity. The launch drew 6 million viewers, with the finale peaking at an impressive 12 million, cementing the show's status as a national obsession.
The television year concluded with the beginning of the end for one of Netflix's biggest hits. Stranger Things launched its fifth and final season, split into three volumes. The Duffer Brothers' epic sci-fi saga saw Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the residents of Hawkins facing a town under military quarantine following Vecna's attacks. The first volume landed in November, with the second released on Boxing Day and the grand finale scheduled for New Year's Day, bringing an era to a close for stars like Winona Ryder and David Harbour.
From sparking parliamentary discussions to uniting viewers in nostalgic fervour, 2025's television landscape was both varied and impactful. These shows not only provided top-tier entertainment but also reflected and influenced the cultural conversations of the year.
