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In 2025, it’s been impossible to miss the biggest TV shows of the year, as the internet is abuzz with news of projects like The Last of Us, The Pitt, Severance, The White Lotus, and more. However, what about the great new shows that have been overlooked this year? Some of 2025’s most exciting new TV shows have flown under the radar and been overshadowed by the massive, high-budget projects that have had a hold on the cultural conversation for a long time. Fortunately, it’s not too late to fall in love with these underrated titles.
Some of the best TV shows of 2024 have come back in 2025, while other long-awaited series have finally released their next season this year, causing quite a stir. The era of modern television has changed the way we consume media, and this is reflected in the types of series that rise to the mainstream. In some ways, watching TV is worse today than it was 20 years ago. However, these new projects provide a glimmer of hope and prove that a huge amount of resources isn’t required to put out a poignant and engaging piece of television.
10
Happy Face (2025–)
This true crime drama keeps getting better
The true crime genre is one of the most popular niches of television today, as audiences can’t get enough of these grotesque stories that reflect our fears as a society. However, Happy Face takes an interesting look at the juxtaposition between the exploitation of these stories and how telling them affects the people who were actually involved. Starring Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa, the daughter of the notorious Happy Face serial killer, Happy Face isn’t afraid to get dark.
Dennis Quaid plays Keith, the titular killer, and his chilling performance juxtaposes the emotional ups and downs that Melissa experiences throughout the story.
Dennis Quaid plays Keith, the titular killer, and his chilling performance juxtaposes the emotional ups and downs that Melissa experiences throughout the story. Though Happy Face gets off to a slow start, the story quickly picks up as the narrative continues, creating a vast conspiracy. Every Happy Face episode has elevated the quality and excitement of the show, building anticipation for the explosive end of the season. As the season comes to a close, Happy Face grapples with its place on TV with nuance.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Happy Face (2025–) |
57% |
36% |
9
The Åre Murders (2025–)
A Swedish murder-mystery that doesn’t pull any punches
- Release Date
-
February 6, 2025
- Network
-
Netflix
- Directors
-
Alain Darborg
- Writers
-
Karin Gidfors
The Swedish Netflix original series, The Åre Murders, uses its isolated and breathtaking location to elevate the drama and intrigue of the story. Carla Sehn leads the cast as the Detective, Hanna, who arrives in the city of Åre and becomes embroiled in the investigation of a case that grows more concerning with each passing day. Incorporating classic elements of the detective story as well as parts of the noir genre, The Åre Murders pays tribute to its influences without becoming boring or predictable.
It’s likely that The Åre Murders have been largely overlooked outside of Sweden since the original shows from the country haven’t been as widely discussed on the international stage. However, The Åre Murders is the perfect story to change this, as it has mass appeal, and the drama and stakes easily translate, no matter where audiences are watching from. The steady pace of The Åre Murders sucks you into the cold and desolate atmosphere of the setting while mounting pressure on Hanna to uncover the key to the case.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Åre Murders (2025–) |
86% |
74% |
8
The Residence (2025)
A quirky crime series with a heart of gold
It’s easy to fall in love with Uzo Aduba throughout The Residence, as the hilarious actress is impossible to look away from in the comedy-crime series. Her character, Cordelia Cupp, is a classically off-beat consulting detective who uses her quirks and unique way of looking at the world to uncover the truth of every crime she investigates. However, what sets The Residence apart from all other contemporary series is the enormous supporting cast that makes the story feel so expansive.
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The central crime takes place during a high-profile White House dinner, so Cordelia must grapple with the testimonies of over one hundred people in attendance while she looks into the nooks and crannies of the iconic Presidential home. There are many new shows that fall into the crime genre, but The Residence doesn’t take itself too seriously and encourages the audience to have fun with the story instead of getting lost in despair. Taking comfort in The Residence is a great way to spend a few hours.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Residence (2025) |
85% |
76% |
7
Prime Target (2025–)
This thriller series explores deep conspiracies without losing momentum
Leo Woodall, who rose to prominence through his work on TV shows like The White Lotus and One Day, anchors the cast of Apple TV+’s Prime Target. His character, Edward Brooks, is a brilliant math student at Cambridge who becomes involved in an international chase after discovering the answer to a code-breaking formula. Working alongside the NSA agent Taylah Sanders (Quintessa Swindell), Edward attempts to keep the formula out of the hands of the very man who’s been trying to kill him.
Of all the contemporary streaming services, Apple TV+ might be one of the most underrated, as it’s consistently put out some of the most ground-breaking original content in recent years. Though the streamer is best known for its sci-fi content, Prime Target demonstrates that the thriller genre is at home on the service. Prime Target is one of the best TV shows on Apple TV+ right now and shouldn’t be overshadowed by the popularity of other projects like Severance or The Studio.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Prime Target (2025–) |
45% |
57% |
6
Grosse Pointe Garden Society (2025–)
The suburbs get a dark and dangerous twist in this dramedy series
Suburbia is a setting that lends itself to satire and intrigue, as the idyllic look and feel of the big houses and manicured gardens sparks the imagination of viewers and filmmakers alike. When we see the suburbs, it’s impossible not to imagine that there might be a dark, hidden underbelly that the perfection is masking, and this is exactly what Grosse Pointe Garden Society explores. Following the exploits of the members of the titular garden club, the TV show enjoys poking fun at the tropes and archetypes of the characters and genre.
Though the members of the club are bonded by their involvement in the central murder, they all have different motivations and are dissatisfied with the way their lives are going, dreaming of more.
However, there is a deeper meaning in every episode of Grosse Pointe Garden Society, as the series isn’t afraid to take certain parts of the story more seriously. Though the members of the club are bonded by their involvement in the central murder, they all have different motivations and are dissatisfied with the way their lives are going, dreaming of more. The series cast includes recognizable faces like Melissa Fumero and AnnaSophia Robb. However, it’s the chemistry of the core group that carries Grosse Pointe Garden Society.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Grosse Pointe Garden Society (2025–) |
70% |
88% |
5
Clean Slate (2025)
Coming home is more comforting than ever in Laverne Cox’s recent show
Laverne Cox leads the cast of Clean Slate, a modern spin on the classic sitcom that immediately stands out as a comfort watch. Her character, Desiree, returns home to Alabama after years away, reconnecting with her father and navigating how to find community and acceptance in her more conservative town. While the premise of Clean Slate could’ve easily been made into a more serious and upsetting project, Clean Slate chooses to find joy in every moment, allowing the characters to learn and grow together.
It’s disappointing that Clean Slate was canceled before season 2, as the story had a clear future, and the charming energy of the cast made it an instant classic. Despite this, it’s still worth watching season 1 and witnessing such great LGBTQ+ representation within a genre that’s traditionally struggled to include queer characters and treat them with respect. With time, it’s likely that Clean Slate will be remembered as well ahead of its time and a cult classic.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Clean Slate (2025) |
89% |
82% |
4
Toxic Town (2025)
The true story of an unbelievable scandal finally gets its due in Toxic Town
Toxic Town
7/10
- Release Date
-
2025 – 2025-00-00
- Network
-
Netflix
Critics agree that the Netflix original limited series Toxic Town does an incredible job of bringing to life the true story of the Corby toxic waste case. Fans of Doctor Who will recognize the lead actress of Toxic Town, Jodie Whittaker, who plays Susan McIntyre, one of the mothers whose child experienced medical issues because of the improper cleanup of toxic waste. Other familiar faces are featured in the series, like Aimee Lou Wood and Claudia Jessie, who tackle emotionally taxing performances that will hit home for audiences.
Though Toxic Town has performed decently well, it’s surprising that it hasn’t made as many waves and hasn’t yet been cited as one of the best shows of the year on a larger scale.
Though only four episodes long, Toxic Town delves into the personal details and upheaval of the people involved in the case, drawing comparisons to works like Erin Brockovich. However, Toxic Town distinguishes itself because of its focus on the people affected by the waste, centering their stories and experiences above all. Though Toxic Town has performed decently well, it’s surprising that it hasn’t made as many waves and hasn’t yet been cited as one of the best shows of the year on a larger scale.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Toxic Town (2025) |
100% |
82% |
3
Deli Boys (2025–)
Blending comedy and crime, Deli Boys is a thrilling new sitcom
Hulu’s new comedy series, Deli Boys, is a hilarious exploration of the intersection between privilege and crime, as the lead characters are suddenly embroiled in their father’s criminal empire after his death. Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh star as Mir and Raj, the brothers who have to step up and learn about the organized crime underworld, which they couldn’t be less ready for. However, Deli Boys does an amazing job of mining this for comedy and connecting with audiences.
Deli Boys has the potential to be a crossover hit for fans of both the comedy and crime genres and is the kind of series that will likely gain traction in the coming years when additional seasons are released. Projects like Deli Boys are a great example of where the sitcom genre should be heading, as the series takes the formula of the classic comedy and elevates it with outrageous and thrilling situations. Poorna Jagannathan also shows off her comedic chops as Lucky, the brothers’ reluctant guide in their new world.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Deli Boys (2025–) |
96% |
86% |
2
Mid-Century Modern (2025–)
It’s never been so fun to spend time with these iconic actors as in Mid-Century Modern
Ever since Mid-Century Modern premiered, the series has been compared to a modern, queer Golden Girls, and it’s easy to see why. Iconic LGBTQ+ actors like Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham are featured in the Palm Springs-set sitcom. Tackling aging within the queer community, loss, and themes of chosen family, Mid-Century Modern is a poignant and funny series that might only be ten episodes long but leaves an impact on the viewer of a much longer show.
Related
5 Best Shows Like Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern is the new sitcom from Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. The show’s fans should check out similar works by these and other creators.
Though the sitcom has always been a more traditional genre of television, Mid-Century Modern is one of the many new shows that buck tradition and bring LGBTQ+ stories to the forefront of TV. It helps that the incredible ensemble cast is hilarious in every episode while also being equally unafraid to be vulnerable onscreen. Bomer’s success in Mid-Century Modern makes me excited for the White Collar reboot TV show, as fans of both series will discover the other.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Mid-Century Modern (2025–) |
1
Paradise (2025–)
Sterling K. Brown is reason enough to tune into Paradise
Sterling K. Brown is a gripping dramatic actor, and he proves this once again in Paradise, the political crime thriller that more people should be talking about. His character, Xavier Collins, is a Secret Service agent under investigation for the murder of the President (James Marsden). If this wasn’t shocking enough, Paradise is set in an alternate universe where the population is living in an enormous underground bunker in the wake of the apocalypse.
The crime, apocalyptic, and thriller elements all come together to make Paradise one of the most compulsively watchable series of the year. Since Paradise season 2 has been confirmed, fans who have already been sucked into the intricate world of the story can expect an exciting continuation of Xavier’s story. Even when we’re not sure if we can believe everything Xavier says, it’s hard not to root for him as he navigates the backstabbing political world of this fictional future.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Paradise (2025–) |
84% |
82% |
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