With fantasy football season finished and baseball still months away, it’s time for some good-old fashioned year-end lists. I watch a lot of TV and movies while working from home, and I’m also a fan of ranking things. The following television shows were my favorite from 2025.
Season one of “The Rehearsal” was fine, but season two became arguably the most important show on television. “Nathan For You” was a classic, (The Claw of Shame!) while “The Curse” was one of my favorite shows in 2023. But Fielder did his best work yet here, taking his usual deadpan humor to tackle an incredibly serious issue; what is the root cause behind plane crashes? Or put differently, is there a way to avoid aviation disasters?
There’s a standout episode connecting cloned pets, Evanescence and Sully Sullenberger in which Fielder makes a better biopic than Clint Eastwood. And without spoiling, just when you think Fielder (who also discovers he’s autistic while filming) can’t top himself, he does just that in the jaw-dropping finale.
“The Rehearsal” must be seen to be believed. It’s undoubtedly not for everyone, but the show has actually led to real changes in how the FAA treats pilots’ mental health. “The Rehearsal” was my favorite TV show of the year by a mile.
"Adolescence" isn’t an easy watch, but it’s incredibly well made and acted. All four episodes are filmed using one continuous shot, but this is no gimmick; the method adds depth to the story. Technically impressive and emotionally deep, “Adolescence” swerves where you don’t expect it.
3. “Task”
The miniseries’ tagline: an FBI agent heads a Task Force to put an end to a string of violent robberies led by an unsuspecting family man. Themes include forgiveness, fatherhood and an updated version of “Heat.” It’s smart and entertaining, led by Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey. Highly recommend.
4. “Pluribus”
“Breaking Bad” is one of the best TV shows of all time, and somehow the prequel “Better Call Saul” was even better. Vince Gilligan’s long-awaited follow up “Pluribus” is not on their level, but it’s a similar vibe with an incredibly intriguing premise/story. While critics have praised the show, Rotten Tomatoes’ 67% audience score highlights a common and silly complaint – the pacing is too slow. Gilligan has stated he writes assuming his audience is smart, so The Deep Shot readers will surely be into it.
It’s nearly impossible to describe the bizarre “The Chair Company,” which mixes conspiracy with absurd comedy. Or maybe it’s a horror show about the workplace. Tim Robinson isn’t for everyone, but he also might be the funniest man alive (“Friendship” was great too). Cringe is a familiar theme, but you’ll absolutely want to know what happens next. Oh, and you’ve been warned about the ending to episode five.
6. “The Pitt”
“The Pitt” is a fantastically well-done updated version of “ER” while using the tension of real time. The makers went into painstaking detail to make sure the medical technicalities were realistic, and they also deal with some heavy issues.
“The Lowdown” was inspired by a real citizen journalist and plays out like an eight-episode Coen brothers movie. I’ve been a big fan of Keith David ever since his memorable role in “Requiem for a Dream,” and Peter Dinklage makes a strong cameo in one standout episode.
Mike White continues to deliver, even if it’s familiar territory. Walton Goggins shines as usual, while the passive-aggressive relationship between Carrie Coon and friends is a highlight. “The White Lotus” remains funny and entertaining while continuing to explore the relationship between wealth, spirituality and happiness.
“Severance” is an excellent television show that had a frustrating season two that introduced more questions than it had answers.
10. “Paradise”
"Paradise" is best watched entering not knowing what it’s about. It’s an imperfect show, but the premise is as intriguing as it gets. The penultimate episode was arguably the best of any TV show in 2025.
11. “Dept. Q”
“Dept. Q" might be the most underrated show of the year.
This psychological thriller falls more under “entertaining” than good, but few shows were a better binge in 2025.
13. “MobLand”
“Two mob families clash in a war that threatens to topple empires and lives.” Need I say more? This is more popcorn fun than Emmy worthy, but there’s also potential for a deeper show in future seasons. Tom Hardy was made for this role, while a villainous Pierce Brosnan thrives. Plus, I’m a sucker for an awesome intro.
A fascinating telling of James Garfield and the man who assassinated him. This is the way to learn history.
15. “All Her Fault”
Pure popcorn but well worth binging.
16. “The Girlfriend”
Watch this and “All Her Fault” and thank me later.
My favorite animated show of the year, although “Long Story Short” was very good as well.
18. “I Love LA”
Here begins a tier of five comedies in which I could’ve ranked in any order.
Making Frank “The Golden Bachelor” was genius. It’s wild this show remains consistently great through 17 seasons.
Its final season was probably my favorite. Goggins would’ve appeared on three shows on this list had “Fallout” been released sooner.
21. “The Studio”
Bryan Cranston going full “Weekend at Bernies” was a highlight, as was “The Oner” episode that mocked continuous takes while doing just that.
22. “Bad Thoughts”
Dark, disturbing and wrong. Seriously, not recommended for most viewers.
Rebounded with one of its better seasons in years.
A must-watch true-crime doc.
25. “Black Rabbit”
We’ll end with the entertaining “Black Rabbit,” although a few in the honorable mention section could’ve landed here just as easily.
Honorable Mention: "Dexter: Resurrection," "American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson," "Long Story Short," "Chad Powers," "Dying For Sex," "Alien: Earth," "Tires" S2, "Squid Game" S3, "A Man on the Inside" S2
