The 10 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2025: What You Need to Watch

_{[Cover Picture by Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix]}

2025's Must-Watch TV Shows: The Series Everyone Will Be Talking About

If you thought 2024 delivered some heavy hitters, 2025 is looking even bigger for TV. With massive finales, ambitious prequels, and long-awaited returns, this year is shaping up to be a game-changer for streaming. Some of the biggest shows of the past decade (Stranger Things, The White Lotus, The Last of Us) are making major comebacks, while franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Game of Thrones are expanding their universes.

It’s also a year of bold reinventions. Daredevil: Born Again is attempting a rare soft reboot within the MCU, Severance is taking its mind-bending storytelling to new heights, and Welcome to Derry is turning IT’s mythology into a full-fledged series. Meanwhile, the demand for video game adaptations and adult animation is skyrocketing, proving that genre storytelling is more dominant than ever.

Which shows will dominate the conversation in 2025? And which ones might not live up to the hype? Let’s break down the 10 most anticipated TV shows of the year.

1. Stranger Things (Season 5) – The Final Chapter

After nearly a decade of Demogorgons, government conspiracies, and ‘80s nostalgia, Stranger Things is finally wrapping up. The pressure is on to deliver a finale that justifies its massive cultural impact.

Season 5 will follow the Hawkins crew as they face their biggest battle yet against Vecna and the Upside Down, with Eleven, Mike, Will, and the gang coming full circle. New additions like Linda Hamilton (from Terminator) add to the hype, but the real question is: can the show stick the landing? After Game of Thrones’ divisive ending, Netflix can’t afford to fumble this one.

Either way, expect record-breaking viewership and a social media explosion when Stranger Things signs off for good.

2. The Last of Us (Season 2) – A New Chapter in Brutality

HBO’s The Last of Us was a rare video game adaptation done right, delivering both massive ratings and critical acclaim. Season 2 jumps ahead five years, bringing Ellie (Bella Ramsey) into a darker, more personal conflict that will test every relationship she has.

With Pedro Pascal returning as Joel and major new cast members like Caitlyn Dever and Jeffrey Wright, this season is expected to explore one of the most shocking, divisive moments in video game history. If it’s anything like the game, the second season will be brutal, emotional, and impossible to ignore.

Given the show’s ability to dominate pop culture, The Last of Us is set to be one of 2025’s most talked-about TV events.

3. Wednesday (Season 2) – The Creepy, Kooky Comeback

Wednesday was one of Netflix’s biggest hits ever, and Jenna Ortega’s gothic, deadpan take on the Addams Family’s most rebellious member made her a household name.

For Season 2, expect a bigger mystery, more supernatural chaos, and a ton of new cast members—including rumors of Lady Gaga joining the show. The biggest question is how the show will evolve now that Ortega has taken on more creative control. Will it lean even further into horror? Double down on the quirky humor?

Either way, Wednesday is poised to continue its reign as one of Netflix’s most successful originals.

4. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – More Thrones, More Drama

After House of the Dragon proved there’s still plenty of fire left in the Game of Thrones franchise, HBO is expanding the world with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Based on George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, this show shifts focus from massive wars to the more personal adventures of a knight and his squire.

Set 100 years before Game of Thrones, this series will likely bring a fresh perspective, new characters, and a more intimate story, proving that Westeros doesn’t need dragons to be compelling.

If it delivers on strong writing and political intrigue, this could be another hit that keeps the Game of Thrones universe alive for years to come.

5. Daredevil: Born Again – A Reboot, But Not Really

Daredevil is finally back, but it’s not exactly the same show fans loved on Netflix. Born Again is a soft reboot, meaning it keeps Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin, but reworks their stories for the Disney+ era.

The show is expected to be darker and more mature than most MCU projects, but Marvel’s track record with Disney+ shows has been inconsistent at best. The good news? Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is returning, proving that Born Again isn’t shying away from the grittier elements that made the Netflix series work.

Fans are excited, but the pressure is on. If Born Again fails, it could be a huge setback for Marvel’s TV future.

6. Andor (Season 2) – Star Wars' Darkest Show Returns

In a franchise filled with Jedi and space battles, Andor took a different approach—mature storytelling, political tension, and slow-burn character arcs. That paid off, making it one of the most critically acclaimed Star Wars projects ever.

Season 2 is the final chapter, leading directly into Rogue One, which means we already know Cassian Andor’s fate. The real intrigue comes from how he gets there—and what he’s willing to sacrifice along the way.

If Andor delivers, it could solidify itself as one of the best sci-fi shows of the decade.

7. Welcome to Derry – Pennywise Returns

Horror prequels are always risky, but Welcome to Derry has a huge advantage—Bill Skarsgård is expected to return as Pennywise.

Set in the 1960s, the show explores how Derry’s curse began, diving into the town’s history and Pennywise’s origins. If done right, this could be one of the scariest horror series in years, proving that Stephen King’s world has plenty more nightmares to offer.

8. Severance (Season 2) – More Mind-Bending Mystery

Few shows have rewired audiences’ brains like Severance. Season 1 left viewers with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, and now, Season 2 promises to ramp up the psychological chaos even further.

With Adam Scott returning and Ben Stiller still directing, expect more unsettling workplace horror, deeper conspiracies, and revelations that will mess with your head.

If it sticks the landing, Severance could become one of the defining sci-fi thrillers of the decade.

9. Invincible (Season 3) – The Craziest Animated Show on TV

Invincible took superhero storytelling to insane new levels, and with Season 3, things are about to get even bloodier, darker, and more shocking.

The show’s success proves that animation isn’t just for kids, and if it keeps pushing boundaries, Invincible could continue to dominate the adult animation space.

10. The White Lotus (Season 3) – New Location, New Drama

The White Lotus has become an unexpected cultural phenomenon, blending satire, mystery, and luxurious locations. Season 3 moves to Thailand, and with Mike White promising it’ll be "longer, bigger, and crazier", expectations are high.

The cast includes Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, and Blackpink’s Lisa, making this one of the most stacked ensembles of the year.

The Future of TV in 2025

Television in 2025 isn’t just about binge-worthy entertainment—it’s a battleground for streaming dominance. With Stranger Things coming to an end and The Last of Us pushing the boundaries of adaptation, this year is set to be a turning point for major franchises.

Netflix, HBO, Disney+, and Prime Video are doubling down on established IP, but the real test is whether audiences will stick with returning favorites or embrace fresh concepts. Severance is diving deeper into mind-bending sci-fi, The White Lotus is expanding its luxurious chaos, and Daredevil: Born Again is trying to recapture the magic of its original series.

The biggest question? What comes next after these massive shows conclude? Streaming services will need to keep evolving, blending high-budget spectacle with strong storytelling to stay relevant. Whether you’re here for the supernatural mysteries, fantasy epics, or psychological thrillers, one thing’s clear—2025 is going to be a wild ride for TV.

Stay tuned for all things television at Woke Waves Magazine—because the best stories aren’t just on the big screen anymore.

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