The Top TV Series of 2025 to Stream Over Summer

In Partnership With TCL

As we enter the last quarter of 2025, it’s easy to feel behind on your television. Whether it’s the hyped Netflix drama you missed the boat on, or the Emmy-nominated series that’s been “on your list” to watch all year, now’s the time to catch up on the series that have defined 2025.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’ve curated a list of the top TV shows of the year. Featuring a range of genres and streaming services, catching up on just one of these series will have you feeling less lost at the work Christmas party in a few weeks.

In fact, the Christmas and summer season can be the perfect time to catch up on the culture you missed throughout the year. Investing in a home cinema can also level up your viewing experience over the holiday period.

The TCL C8K QD-Mini LED TV* takes at-home viewing to another level. With over 3,800+ dimming zones (the more dimming zones, the better the picture), 288Hz variable refresh rate (at 2k for gaming) for a smooth viewing experience, and next-generation QD-Mini LED technology, you’ll get incredible contrast, deep blacks and ultra-bright highlights—perfect for visually rich dramas, period pieces and dark thrillers.

Combined with Dolby Atmos IQ and integrated Bang & Olufsen audio, the C8K makes every show feel cinematic. Its border-free design, Google TV interface, and ultra-fast navigation means your TV show takes up the full real estate of the screen and every app and streaming platform is ready to go without delay.

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Ahead of your impending summer binge, here are the best TV shows of 2025.

“Dept. Q”

“Dept. Q,” is Netflix’s crime thriller of the year. Based on the book series by Jussi Alder-Olsen and adapted to the screen by Scott Frank, creator of “The Queen’s Gambit,” this mystery series follows Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck. Portrayed by Matthew Goode, the detective is recovering from a traumatic shooting when he’s assigned to a new cold-case unit in Edinburgh. The twisting neo-noir is a gripping psychological thriller that forces its characters to confront both their past and their pain.

Watch “Dept. Q” on Netflix.

“Adolescence”

“Adolescence” is one of 2025’s most memorable (and relevant) TV series. In the first episode, 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) is accused of murdering a girl in his class. In just four episodes, the Netflix show explores the impacts of red-pill propaganda on the minds of young boys and men.

Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham (who also stars as Jamie’s father), the following episodes explore the aftermath of the arrest and its effects on the community. Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham and director Philip Barantini all won Emmys for their outstanding work in the limited series. “Adolescence” is a poignant and haunting examination of the impact of the manosphere on impressionable minds and society as a whole.

Watch “Adolescence” on Netflix.

“Dying for Sex”

Named as one of Variety’s Critics’ Picks for 2025, “Dying for Sex” is an American comedy-drama mini-series exploring two taboo subjects.

The show is loosely based on the life of podcaster Molly Kochan. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015, Molly separated from her husband and began a journey of new sexual experiences. This was the subject of her 2020 podcast of the same name that has now been adapted into the acclaimed FX series.

Starring Michelle Williams as Molly and Jenny Slate as Molly’s best friend Nicki, the comedy is an exploration of life, death, intimacy, and friendship. The series received nine nominations at the Emmys, including one for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series as well as acting nominations for Michelle, Jenny, and the hunky neighbour character played by Rob Delaney. You wouldn’t think a series about terminal cancer could be funny, but “Dying for Sex” gets right to the heart of human intimacy.

Watch “Dying For Sex” on Disney+.

“The Paper”

Sometimes, over the Christmas period, you need a light, easy-to-watch series. This is where “The Paper” comes in. A follow-up to the critically acclaimed “The Office,” “The Paper” is a mockumentary that chronicles a Midwest team tasked with saving a dying newspaper in the digital age.

New Editor-in-Chief Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson, is an optimistic leader trying to revitalise the Toledo Truth Teller. With depressingly accurate commentary on the demise of legacy journalism and a cast of mischief-making misfits (including “The White Lotus’” Sabrina Impacciatore), “The Paper” is a quick-witted comedy that holds a candle to its mockumentary predecessor.

Watch “The Paper” on Binge.

“House of Guinness”

Everyone loves a succession story. It’s 1868, and Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, the brewer and wealthiest man in Ireland, has died. Now, Guinness’ four children are left to deal with the fallout of the inherited empire. Each of them is living with secrets of their own, and the ensuing drama, ambition, and sibling rivalry is tantalising.

Starring Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, James Norton, Niamh McCormack and more, “The House of Guinness” is a gritty look at 19th century, Industrial Revolution Ireland. Created by “Peaky Blinders’” Steven Knight and with a modern soundtrack of Irish artists including Fontaines D.C., Kneecap and Cardinals, it’s one of Netflix’s standout series of 2025.

Watch “The House of Guinness” on Netflix.

“The Last Anniversary”

Adapted from Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, “The Last Anniversary” is a Binge original series that showcases Australia’s producing chops. The six-part dramedy series follows Sophie Honeywell, played by Teresa Palmer. Sophie inherits a house on an island from her ex-boyfriend’s great-aunt, only to find herself tangled in the secrets of three generations of women.

Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films produced the series, so you can expect the addictive mystery found in other Liane Moriarty adaptations such as “Nine Perfect Strangers,” “Big Little Lies” and “Apples Never Fall.”

Watch “The Last Anniversary” on Binge.

The Summer Watch Set-Up

Whether you’re into crime thrillers, heartfelt comedy, historical drama or local adaptations, there’s no shortage of standout TV to binge this season. With more downtime (and streaming) over the summer season, upgrading your screen can turn your summer viewing into a home cinema experience. The TCL C8K delivers ultra-bright imagery, borderless design, Dolby Atmos-ready sound and seamless streaming through Google TV, meaning every show can be watched the way it was designed to.

*Product functionalities and specifications may vary between screen size. For more complete specifications refer to TCL.