Get ready to set your DVRs and grab those snacks, because the wait is almost over! As we bid adieu to another fantastic year of television, our minds are already racing with the excitement of what’s to come in the world of small-screen entertainment. And trust us, 2025 is shaping up to be a real treat for TV enthusiasts!
Variety’s got the scoop on the most anticipated new and returning shows hitting our screens next year, and we’re here to give you the lowdown. From buzzy newcomers like “The Dark Side of the Ring” and “Rings of Power” to beloved returns like “Stranger Things” and “The Crown”, this comprehensive list has got you covered.
From drama to comedy, sci-fi to romance, and everything in between, we’re counting down the 41 most anticipated TV shows of 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular genre or just looking for something new and exciting to sink your teeth into,
TV’s Biggest Hits: Returning Favorites and Epic Finales
2025 promises to be a landmark year for television, with a wave of highly anticipated returning shows and final seasons set to captivate audiences worldwide. Morningpicker has compiled a list of the most noteworthy series set to grace our screens, analyzing the potential impact and excitement surrounding these television titans.
Netflix Reignites the Fire
Netflix continues to hold a dominant position in the streaming landscape, and 2025 sees the platform unleash a potent mix of returning favorites and explosive finales.
- “Stranger Things” Returns for its Final Season: The highly-acclaimed sci-fi horror series will conclude its epic journey in 2025, with the fifth and final season expected to premiere in the fourth quarter. The show’s dedicated fanbase eagerly awaits closure to the Hawkins saga, and the potential for groundbreaking twists and emotional payoffs is palpable.
- The End of an Era: Final Seasons of “You” and “Squid Game”: Two of Netflix’s most gripping series, “You” and “Squid Game,” will reach their respective conclusions. The chilling psychological thriller “You” will delve deeper into Joe Goldberg’s twisted psyche, while “Squid Game” is poised to deliver a shocking and unforgettable final act, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
- New Blood: “The Four Seasons” and “Sirens”: Netflix is banking on nostalgia and star power with these high-profile remakes and limited series. “The Four Seasons,” starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell in a remake of the 1981 Alan Alda film, promises a blend of humor and drama. “Sirens,” a star-studded limited series led by Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock, is expected to be a captivating exploration of dark secrets and complex relationships.
- Epic Comebacks: “The Last of Us”, “Peacemaker”, and “The Rehearsal”: Fans of these critically acclaimed series can rejoice! HBO Max is set to deliver highly anticipated second seasons of “The Last of Us,” “Peacemaker,” and “The Rehearsal,” promising even more captivating storytelling and unforgettable performances.
- The Golden Age of HBO: Fresh Seasons of “And Just Like That”, “The Gilded Age”, and “Hacks”: HBO’s reputation for producing quality programming remains unchallenged. The network will continue to enthrall audiences with fresh seasons of beloved series like “And Just Like That,” “The Gilded Age,” and “Hacks,” showcasing its commitment to compelling narratives and nuanced character development.
- Premiering Powerhouses: “Task”, “Duster”, and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”: HBO Max is also strategically expanding its original content with a slate of intriguing new series. “Task,” from the mastermind behind “Mare of Easttown,” promises a gripping psychological thriller. “Duster,” a sci-fi mystery from J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, is generating buzz for its unique premise. And for fans of “Game of Thrones,” the prequel series “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is set to delve further into the rich and complex history of Westeros.
HBO Max: A Universe of Thrills and Laughs
HBO Max continues to solidify its position as a powerhouse in premium television, with a 2025 lineup brimming with exciting returns and original offerings.
Hulu: Unveiling New Stories and Endings
Hulu continues to be a formidable player in the streaming wars, with 2025 bringing a mix of emotional finales and intriguing new series.
The Handmaid’s Tale: Bidding Farewell
The critically acclaimed dystopian drama “The Handmaid’s Tale” will conclude its journey in 2025 with its sixth and final season. The series finale promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to June and Serena Joy’s intertwined fates.
- June and Serena Joy: The final season will likely explore the ramifications of June and Serena Joy’s alliance and their attempts to dismantle Gilead from within. This complex relationship has been a central theme throughout the series, and its resolution will be a defining moment for both characters.
- Themes of Resistance and Hope: As “The Handmaid’s Tale” reaches its conclusion, the series will undoubtedly address the overarching themes of resistance, hope, and the fight for freedom. The final season will likely offer a powerful reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
- “Good American Family”: This limited series, loosely based on the true story of Natalia Grace, promises to be a gripping exploration of family secrets, manipulation, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. With Ellen Pompeo at the helm, the series is sure to generate significant buzz.
- “Mid-Century Modern”: Murphy’s latest foray into the world of older LGBTQ+ characters, “Mid-Century Modern,” is set in Palm Springs and explores the lives and relationships of a group of gay men navigating love, loss, and self-discovery during a pivotal period in history. This series has the potential to shed light on the complexities of aging and the enduring power of connection.
- “Chad Powers” and “All’s Fair”: From the football-themed comedy “Chad Powers,” starring Glen Powell, to the legal drama “All’s Fair,” featuring Kim Kardashian, Hulu is showcasing its commitment to diverse storytelling and fresh perspectives.
- The Return of “Nine Perfect Strangers”: The captivating series “Nine Perfect Strangers,” starring Nicole Kidman, will return for a second season, promising more intrigue, drama, and unexpected twists.
Murphy’s Magic Touch
Ryan Murphy, renowned for his captivating and often controversial series, will continue to leave his mark on Hulu with two highly anticipated projects.
Comedy and Drama Converge
Hulu’s 2025 lineup boasts a diverse range of offerings, blending comedy and drama to appeal to a wide audience.
Beyond the Big Players: Genre Explorations and Streaming Wars
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, platforms beyond Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max are making their mark with exciting new series and genre-bending offerings.
Amazon Prime Video: Diversifying its Roster
Amazon Prime Video is expanding its content library with a focus on literary adaptations and revivals, catering to a broad range of audience tastes.
- Literary Adaptations: “The Better Sister”, “We Were Liars”, and “The Girlfriend”: Amazon Prime Video is tapping into the popularity of book-to-screen adaptations with promising new series based on bestsellers. “The Better Sister,” starring Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel, “We Were Liars,” a YA adaptation from Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie, and “The Girlfriend,” starring Robin Wright, who also directs, are all generating anticipation for their unique stories and compelling characters.
- Reboots and Revivals: “Wear Whatever the F You Want” and Gen V: Amazon Prime Video is also capitalizing on nostalgia and familiarity with the return of beloved franchises. “Wear Whatever the F You Want,” a reboot of “What Not to Wear” featuring original hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, and Season 2 of “Gen V,” the popular spinoff of “The Boys,” are sure to attract devoted fanbases.
- Natasha Lyonne’s “Poker Face”: The quirky mystery series “Poker Face,” starring Natasha Lyonne, has already garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. The renewal for a second season is a testament to its success and its potential to become a signature Peacock offering.
- Amanda Seyfried and Sarah Snook: Peacock is leveraging the star power of Amanda Seyfried and Sarah Snook in two highly anticipated thrillers. “Long Bright River,” based on the acclaimed novel by Liz Moore, and “All Her Fault” will showcase the talents of these versatile actresses in gripping narratives.
- The “Office” Legacy: Peacock is further capitalizing on the enduring legacy of “The Office” with a new series set in the beloved universe. Rumored to be titled “The Paper,” the series from co-creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman promises to explore new chapters in the lives of familiar characters and introduce fresh faces to the Scranton branch.
- “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Welcome to Wrexham”: FX’s commitment to both comedy and documentary-style storytelling is evident in the continued success of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Welcome to Wrexham.” Both series offer unique perspectives on humor and the human condition, solidifying their positions as fan favorites.
- “The Bear” Returns for Season 4: The critically acclaimed drama “The Bear” will return for its fourth season, further exploring the lives and struggles of its complex characters in the high-pressure world of Chicago’s culinary scene.
- “Dying for Sex”: FX is set to premiere “Dying for Sex,” starring Michelle Williams, which promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking examination of desire, sexual identity, and the societal pressures that shape our lives.
Peacock: Building Momentum with Star Power
Peacock is making strides in the streaming war with high-profile partnerships and star-studded projects.
FX: Continuing its Reign of Quality
FX remains a bastion of quality television, consistently delivering critically acclaimed series that push boundaries and captivate audiences.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to the curtain-raiser that was 2024, the small screen is gearing up for another exciting year in 2025. With the imminent arrival of 41 new and returning TV shows, fans of all genres are in for a treat. From highly-anticipated reboots to fresh takes on classic tales, and from gritty dramas to side-splitting comedies, the diversity on offer is nothing short of breathtaking.
Throughout this article, we’ve delved into the most promising shows set to captivate audiences in the coming year. From the return of beloved series like “Stranger Things” and “The Crown” to newcomers like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and “Foundation”, the lineup is stacked with potential. We’ve also explored the exciting new faces and characters that will be joining the TV landscape, promising to shake things up and bring a fresh perspective to the table.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that 2025