Netflix, Crunchyroll, and HBO have been serving up hits this year like it’s a streaming buffet, and we’ve been feasting. The first half of 2025 has delivered everything from highly anticipated finales to fan-favorite sequels. Whether you’re into teen thrillers, luxury resort meltdowns, or overpowered anime heroes, there’s something for everyone.
So let’s break down the five best TV shows of the year so far. No rankings here, as they’re ordered alphabetically:
- Adolescence (Netflix)
This four-episode limited series created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham is nothing short of chilling. Set in an unnamed English city, it follows 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper), who’s accused of killing a classmate. The show dives deep into red-pill culture and the toxic digital spaces that influence young men. - Solo Leveling: Season 2 (Crunchyroll)
The hit anime wrapped its second season with Sung Jinwoo conquering the Ants on Jeju Island. But things got messy fast. Mysterious new villains, secrets about Jinwoo’s dad, and a potential Season 3 showdown were all teased in the finale. The animation stays top-tier and the lore keeps getting deeper. - Squid Game: Season 3 (Netflix)
The June 27 finale ended Netflix’s global phenomenon with blood and betrayal. Gi-hun’s mission to destroy the games from within fails tragically, and new subplots, like an organ-harvesting pink guard and a twisty American recruiter (Cate Blanchett), set up future spin-offs. With critics loving the conclusion of the show, and fans scratching their heads with this finale, it’s not clear if there will be a Season 4, but more might be coming. - The Pitt (NBC)
Who knew old-school medical drama would be this addictive again? “The Pitt” brings back real-time hospital chaos, complete with Noah Wyle’s return as the sensitive Dr. Robby. With strong character arcs and gritty pacing, this show proves the doctor genre still has gas in the tank. - The White Lotus: Season 3 (HBO)
Critics were split on the Thailand season, but audiences stayed hooked. Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood play a doomed couple, while three frenemy women (Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb) carry the emotional weight. As messy as past seasons, this installment reminds fans why The White Lotus is the perfect saga for satire, social commentary and bizarre situations.
