As 2025 wraps up, we are taking a look back at the shows that left an impression. From the hundreds of series that graced the small screen via network TV or streaming, there was an abundance of shows that captured the collective’s attention and some that flew under the radar.
There are so many to name but what we landed on are the shows that left us satisfied or have us locked in as the year comes to a close. Ranging from comedies to dramas to animated epics, there’s a little bit of everything on our list and a few honourable mentions for those that didn’t quite make the cut.
Check out our top picks for the 10 best TV shows of 2025 below!
Abbott Elementary
The teachers of Abbott Elementary are back for a fifth season, and it’s just as funny as ever. While viewers know the show consistently delivers laughs, it’s also lovely to watch the growth and journeys the characters have gone through each season. Of course, there are also the staples of the various holiday episodes (especially the Halloween ones) that we all look forward to each season. In January of this year, it was announced that Abbott Elementary would be renewed for its current season. So, here’s hoping that in January 2026, we get the renewal wish we’re hoping for and Season 6 will be a go-ahead!
Murderbot
Right off the bat, the Murderbot trailer caught my attention. The sci-fi comedy follows a self-hacking security construct who becomes highly disturbed by human emotion, but his new clients may crack their hardened, nonexistent hearts. Despite not being familiar with Martha Wells’ book series, The Murderbot Diaries, the ethos of Wells’ writing and the clarity of her vision were immediately evident in the trailer and, subsequently, in the TV show. The series, led by Alexander Skarsgård, is funny, heartfelt, action-packed and somewhat whimsical. The ensemble cast is superb, perhaps one of the finest ensemble casts this year, as every member shines. Apple TV+ has renewed the series for season 2, so as the wait begins, I will be diving into the critically acclaimed book series. Maybe even revisit season 1 one more time…or maybe 100 more times.
Blood of Zeus
After two thrilling seasons, Blood of Zeus returned for its third and final season this year. Although the Netflix series didn’t have many seasons, it still left its mark on all those who watched it. From the minds of Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, Blood of Zeus was an action fantasy focused on the world of Greek mythology. Following Heron on a quest to save Earth and Olympus. Of course, viewers will meet a plethora of characters along the way, including gods and goddesses, such as Zeus, Hera, Hades, Ares, Demeter, Athena, and many more. So, if you’re a lover of mythology and you’re looking for multiple seasons to watch, be sure to put Blood of Zeus on your radar.
North of North
Several years ago, a film called The Grizzlies premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film followed the true story of a group of kids from Nunavut who found community and hope through lacrosse. Among the fresh-faced actors was Anna Lambe, someone I pegged as someone who would become notable in the entertainment industry. After steady work, she is now leading her own series at CBC, North of North. The heartwarming and funny story of a determined Inuk woman won the hearts of so many, earning enthusiastic renewals from APTN, CBC, and Netflix, which houses the show for international audiences.
Adolescence
If you’re looking for a psychological crime drama, then Adolescence might be the show for you. The four-episode season follows the tale of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy who’s taken into custody on suspicion of killing his classmate, Katie Leonard. As the story unfolds and more is revealed in each episode, the cast gives a masterclass in their performances. Created and written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham (who also stars in the series as Eddie Miller), Adolescence is compelling from start to finish. The series was nominated for an astounding 15 Emmys at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in September. Streaming on Netflix, it’s definitely one you’ll want to add to your watchlists if you haven’t seen it already.
Wild Cards
One thing the CBC is gonna do is drop banger after banger. Wild Cards is no exception. A con artist and an impassioned detective are unexpectedly paired, and the clash of their personalities and pasts makes for a fun and successful partnership. Max and Ellis are a pair that is not too unfamiliar. Still, the natural chemistry between the actors, the entertaining writing, and Vanessa Morgan’s massively charismatic performance make them stand out from the other, will-they-won’t-they dynamics. Season 3 comes to CBC Gem in January, with the first two seasons available for a necessary rewatch. For those who love love love the show like us, we can breathe easy because season 4 is guaranteed!
Deli Boys
Deli Boys is one of the funniest new shows to be released recently. The witty writing makes its blend of comedy and crime work exceptionally well. While there is a lot of chaos and ridiculousness, the tale manages to stay grounded due to the fantastic performances and the well-written family dynamic at the heart of the story. Here’s hoping for much more comedy and chaos in a much-needed season two! Check out our full review here.
Spartacus: House of Ashur
STARZ is the primary home for audacious adaptations of historical events and people—their period dramas and historical fiction range from sweet and endearing to crude and ultra-violent, like Spartacus. Spartacus is not for the faint of heart. While the story of the famous enslaved gladiator bringing revolution to Rome is an inspired tale, Steven DeKnight’s version ups the ante with political intrigue, fierce gladiator battles, elaborate flowery language and lots of visual candy. After 13 years, one of the central antagonists and polarizing leads is getting his chance to lead his own narrative. Ashur (Nick Tarabay), the sneaky Syrian, is back from the dead in Spartacus: House of Ashur. Not only is this exciting for OG fans, but this time we get an exciting new face gracing the arena, and her name is Achilla. The series is engaging, surprising, and Tenika Davis is a damn star.
Andor
This year, the critically acclaimed Star Wars series Andor was back on Disney+ for its second and final season. It’s not very often we see a sci-fi show like Andor that feels so real and relatable. The series is grounded and timely, with compelling character work throughout. At this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards, Andor received a whopping 22 nominations, taking home five wins on the evening the award show aired. If you only watch one Star Wars-based television series, make sure it is the Tony Gilroy-created Andor.
Nine Puzzles
Crime thrillers are a dime a dozen, so a show must have that special something to get you hooked. Nine Puzzles was a random watch for me, despite it getting good reviews and strong buzz; the series flew under the radar for far too long. Guys, this show has it all. An enthralling mystery, a grumpy, edgy detective and a peculiar criminal profiler who is tied to the mystery. There comes a point where the mystery becomes less of a focus, and our leads and their evolution enthrall the audience. The show has the creepy atmosphere and the compelling writing to sustain interest, but it’s the cast that really completely captures your attention.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
The Pitt
There’s nothing better than an engrossing medical drama, and that’s just what viewers get with The Pitt. The series takes place during the emergency department’s 15-hour work shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre. The hospital emergency department is severely understaffed and underfunded, and doctors and nurses have to navigate this while an influx of patients arrives during the shift. Created by R. Scott Gemmill, The Pitt has already received critical praise and various accolades in its first season, including winning five Emmys at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards back in September. If you haven’t watched the first season, now’s the time to binge it before the second season premieres on January 8, 2026.
Heated Rivalry
Who would have thought Canada would have the entire romance audience in a chokehold with a series about two bro-ish hockey players falling in love after starting a situationship. Heated Rivalry, a Crave original series from Jacob Tierney, based on the Game Changers novel series by Rachel Reid, is not shy at all; it’s blatant and bold, but most importantly, oh so entertaining. The characters are clearly drawn, the cast is fantastic, and the entire production is vibrant, fast-paced and surprisingly artistic. Episode after episode has ignited passionate conversation, introduced audiences to some great music, and, most importantly, given romance/romantic-comedy books another win.
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