Exploring 2025's Diverse TV Landscape: From Thrilling Fiction to Quirky Documentaries

This year proved to be exceptional for television, blending well-loved classics with exciting newcomers across genres. The landscape was dominated largely by streaming services, with Netflix and Apple TV leading with seven and five selections respectively. Our genre-spanning list includes the likes of period dramas ('The Gilded Age', 'Outrageous'), superhero tales ('Daredevil: Born Again'), intricate mysteries ('Ludwig', 'Poker Face', 'Dept. Q'), political thrillers ('The Diplomats', 'Slow Horses'), science fiction ('Andor', 'Severance', 'Alien: Earth'), somber fantasy ('The Sandman'), and even an unusual nature documentary ('Underdogs').

In keeping with tradition, this list is unranked, except for our choice for the year's best at the conclusion. Whether you're a fan of intense drama or lighthearted fun, there's a surprise waiting for you to discover. Don't forget to share your favorite shows from 2025 in the comments section.

Underdogs (National Geographic/Disney+)

Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker

While many of us are familiar with the format of nature documentaries featuring majestic animals narrated in a refined British accent, 'Underdogs' takes a refreshingly different path. With Ryan Reynolds providing hilariously irreverent narration, this five-episode series shines a light on the less glamorous creatures of the natural world—those with questionable hygiene and peculiar courting behaviors. Rated PG-13 for its occasional suggestive humor and explicit nature interactions, it offers a comedic twist on the subject.

Each episode experiments with a different genre. "Superheroes" showcases the hidden powers of creatures like the honey badger and the invisible glass frog, complemented by comic book graphics. "Sexy Beasts" examines unusual mating behaviors via a romantic advice column format, while "Terrible Parents" uses a parenting guide outline to spotlight nature's least exemplary practices. "Total Grossout" is self-explanatory, and "The Unusual Suspects" crafts a heist narrative around a macaque forming a crew of deceptive experts. Adding to the fun, Green Day contributes a custom theme song for the opening credits.