2025: Year In Review

My last blog of 2025 and of course, it was going to be a look back at some of the shows I've watched.

Doctor Who (BBC1): Ncuti Gatwa's time as the Fifteenth Doctor might have been abrupt but at least he got to met the Rani and regenerate into Billie Piper.

The War Between The Land And The Sea (BBC1): Our first spin-off in the Whoinverse had Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw embark on an interspecies romance in the midst of a global conflict.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story (Netflix): 2025 hasn't been Ryan Murphy's year but his continued foray into true crime still gets an audience and a hell of a performance from Charlie Hunnam to boot.

Peacemaker (HBO Max): Season 2 might not have stuck the landing with it's ending but for the most part, I do think it was actually a good follow up from it's first season.

Pluribus (Apple TV): A late entry for me but this sci-fi hive mind show with a lesbian protagonist absolutely warranted the hype it received.

The Last Of Us (HBO): Season 2 only went and killed Joel off and a good portion of it's audience. It still managed to produce some good moments in spite of that.

Adolescence (Netflix): The most talked about miniseries this year tackling the issue of knife crime and a star making performance from Owen Cooper.

Big Boys (Channel 4): Series 3 marked a poignant final outing for Jack Rooke's vastly underrated show. It ended on a lovely note.

Only Murders In The Building (Hulu/Disney+): Season 5 might have been weaker compared to past glories but there was some fun to be had and moving to London next season opens up some great casting possibilities.

The Traitors - UK/Irish/Celebrity Versions (BBC1/RTE1): The biggest reality show on television and one that continued to expand with even the Irish being able to hold up its own. 

The Bear (FX/Disney+): Season 4 might have shown signs that this show can't go on forever but it still gave us that wedding episode with Brie Larson.

It - Welcome To Derry (HBO): Talk about a redemption arc for Andy Muschietti. This eight part prequel series for Pennywise might have been one of the best horror shows of the year.

Heated Rivalry (Crave/HBO Max): Who would've thought this adaptation of two rival hockey players falling in love would've gripped everyone in the last month? I didn't see it coming.

Harley Quinn (HBO Max): Season 5 saw a relocation to Metropolis, Brainiac at his most sympathetic, Harley and Ivy nearly at odds and sibling rivalry with Lex and Lena.

Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+): While this sequel series didn't quite hit the heights of its Netflix predecessor, it was a nice reminder of how brilliant Charlie Cox is in the title role.

Towards Zero (BBC1/BritBox): Unfairly hated by some, I actually found this three episode adaptation fairly enjoyable. Oliver Jackson-Cohen's hairy chest alone was a highlight.

Yellowjackets (Showtime/Paramount+): The third season killed off both Lottie and Van, made Shauna even more psychotic and revealed Melissa to be alive. Misty and Taissa almost seemed normal by comparison.

Dexter: Resurrection (Showtime/Paramount+): While the really prequel got renewed and then cancelled, this sequel produced some of the best since the original show's fourth season in 2009. What a glorious comeback for the character and Michael C. Hall.

The Sandman (Netflix): Season 2 brought one version of Dream to an end while issuing in the arrival of another. It was truly a family affair for this show's last outing.

The Death Of Bunny Munro (Sky TV): Matt Smith proving yet again that he's an incredible actor with this brilliant adaptation of Nick Cave's book of the same name.

And Just Like That (HBO Max): Several characters were lost, Carrie dumped Aidan and the show just ended. 

All's Fair (Hulu/Disney+): Sarah Paulson's venomous Carrington Lane was everything good about this messy show.

EastEnders (BBC1): The 40th anniversary was undoubtedly a highlight in a divisive run.

Toxic Town (Netflix): That other Jack Thorne miniseries that might have gone under the radar. Give it a go if you haven't already.

The White Lotus (HBO): While not as strong as the first two seasons, the move to Thailand still managed to be as chaotic and bloody as ever.

Prime Target (Apple TV): Leo Woodall as a cute and gay maths expert could've worked in a much better paced and sexier show than this one.

Mid Century Modern (Hulu/Disney+): A gay version of The Golden Girls was never going to work but this show at least tried.

House Of Guinness (Netflix): Steven Knight's on one of Ireland's most famous of families was certainly something to behold.

SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC1): Watched both seasons and loved Jack O'Connell's performance as Paddy Maybe.

Big Brother UK (ITV2): The 25th anniversary gave us a deserving winner among some horrible and mediocre housemates.

Boots (Netflix): This eight part military themed show with a gay protagonist and a lot of hunky guys fell victim to cancellation. It deserved better.

Overcompensating (Amazon Prime): Benito Skinner served some 2010s nostalgia with this mostly fun comedy series.

Stranger Things (Netflix): Season 5 has been rocky but here's hoping tonight's episode will end it on a high note.

Juice (BBC3): Mawann Rizwan's zany show came back for a second series with Russell Tovey as the more straight laced boyfriend again. Some sexy stuff in it.

Wednesday (Netflix): Wasting Lady Gaga to one side, I did like this second season. The new characters mostly worked as well. 

Poker Face (Peacock): Season 2 might have been it's last but it certainly upped the guest stars and their rapport with Natasha Lyonne.

That's it for 2025. Yes, there's some shows like Severance and The Pitt that I missed out on but in general, I did watch a lot and even caught up with some older shows as well. Here's to 2026 and the TV moments it'll bring.