What to watch in 2025

As we kick into another new year, we make friends with new avenues, challenges, and obviously, television. Here is a quick, diverse and exciting list of six television shows, be it new seasons or new shows, that I am the most excited for in 2025. 

Severance, season two (Apple TV+) 

Severance is a show I will never stop recommending to people. Created by Dan Erickson, the show stars Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) as Mark, an employee for Lumen Pharmaceuticals. A captivating psychological thriller, with a disturbing premise, Severance marries dystopia with hope, as we follow a group of brainwashed corporate employees in their journey to find the truth behind the company they work for.

Having seen the first season when it was released in 2022, I am thrilled at the thought of the second season releasing on 17 January 2025 on Apple TV+. There has, understandably, been a considerable delay because of the writer’s strikes in Hollywood. As the previous season ended with a massive cliff-hanger, I’m hoping to see it resolved and hopefully witness a season two that meets the high standards set by the previous instalment.

Adults (FX) 

While scouring new shows to check out, I stumbled across the soon to be released Adults, which is set to be an ensemble comedy about a dysfunctional group of housemates navigating adulthood in New York City. While this sounds awfully reminiscent of sitcoms like Friends and How I Met Your Mother, FX does have a good repertoire of comedy, including It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Atlanta.  

I’m hoping to catch a witty, slice-of-life show this new year. After all, with so many thrillers and dramas about, a bit of comedy can go a long way.  

Stranger Things, season five (Netflix)

I first saw Stranger Things in 2016, although I confess, I may have been too young to understand most of it. Still, it is one of the few shows I can confidently say I have grown up with. Nine years later, the final season of Stranger Things is imminent, three years after season four aired. While part of me is afraid that the new season will not live up to the excitement, I am hopeful that this final instalment is able to untangle the knots set up by the previous season.  

Often looked to as one of Netflix’s most lauded and ambitious projects, Stranger Things explores the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s. A town riddled by monsters and alternate realities, Stranger Things is known for its signature retro-style (be it the fashion, music or the dialogue) and its charming ensemble cast, consisting of Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Caleb McLaughlin, Joe Keery, Winona Ryder and David Harbour, among others.  

Taskmaster, season 19 (Channel 4) 

Taskmaster is a comedy game-show, created by Alex Horne and hosted by Greg Davies, which features a cast of five contestants (usually comedians and hosts) competing to complete a set of bizarre tasks. It can be anything from making a song to creating the largest circle.  

While I do not watch a lot of game shows, there is a certain charm that keeps me watching Taskmaster. It includes hilarious loopholes, comedic motifs and a surprising amount of self-awareness from all contestants that makes the show all the more laughter-inducing. Each season features a brand-new cast, adding to the fun! The release date is elusive, but it’s supposed to release early this year. 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians, season two (Disney+)

Percy Jackson is undoubtedly a major part of people’s childhood across the globe. It was exciting when the series was announced, and would be overseen by the original author, Rick Riordan. The first season was released across late 2023 and early 2024 and covered the first book, The Lightening Thief. 

To tell the truth, the first season did feel somewhat inconsistent. While the first two to three episodes showed a lot of charm and promise, the pacing felt haphazard towards the end of the season and there were too many plot lines left to resolve. That being said, the cast, featuring Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, backed up by Leah Savah Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri showed great camaraderie and chemistry. 

Imperfect first seasons are common, as it can take a while for a television show to find its tone and direction. Hopefully, the new season, releasing some time in 2025, meets and exceeds expectations, as reviews and opinions must have played a part in cementing a more consistent and enjoyable season 2.  

The Bear, season 4 (FX) 

A culinary comedy-drama, The Bear features Jeremy Allen White (Shameless, The Iron Claw) as he tries to revive his late-brother’s struggling restaurant. A much-raved about show, The Bear is equal parts stressful and hilarious. Highlighting several themes such as familial tensions, childhood trauma, stress and competition, The Bear is rich and brimming with character-driven plots. A vibrant and versatile show, I would definitely recommend giving The Bear a try.  

While I personally enjoyed season three, it was met with a mixed audience response because it ended on a rather tense and passive note. However, I have high expectations for season four (which was filmed at the same time and is set to be released somewhere around summer of this year).