Below, in alphabetical order, are the top ten nominees for the best series of 2025;
Adolescence
Good wine needs no bush, and the same goes for series. It's hard to explain why this series was the best of 2025, but that Adolescence was good is undeniable. Everything fit, including the spirit of the times today. The story, shot in one camera take, fits completely into the here and now. The actors are more than excellent, and the direction leaves little to be desired. What could spoil things for Adolescence is the fantastic competition this year.
Read the reviews written about Adolescence.
Dexter: Original Sin
Unfortunately, it remains just one season, but for me and many others, Dexter: Original Sin could have gone on for another season or two. This is the only chance for this Dexter prequel to score high. The beginning of the Dexter saga was not the disappointment expected. Whether it was due to the lead actor Patrick Gibson, who excellently portrayed the young Dexter, or because Michael C. Hall was the voice-over, it doesn't matter. This series deserves a spot in the top 10 and perhaps even in the top 3?
Read the reviews written about Dexter: Original Sin.
Dexter: Resurrection
Two spin-offs of Dexter in the top 10, I have the idea that not many series have achieved that yet. Dexter: Resurrection is the sequel to Dexter: New Blood and takes place in New York. In the Big Apple, Dexter not only searches for his son but also for a serial killer called the Dark Passenger, and there is only one Dark Passenger, and that is Dexter Morgan. Is the excursion to New York enough for a top 3 ranking?
Read the reviews written about Dexter: Resurrection.
IT: Welcome to Derry
After a book and two films, there is now the HBO series IT: Welcome to Derry, a prequel to Stephen King's book IT. Like many others, I was quite skeptical, but the series did not disappoint. The clown, again played by Bill Skarsgard, wreaks havoc in the series, creating some very tense moments and bloody scenes. And just like in the book and films, Pennywise the Clown and the children play a very important role. Was the series necessary? Not really, but it is fun.
Read the reviews written about IT: Welcome to Derry.
The Last of Us
Many saw it coming and are disappointed with the second season of The Last of Us. How can it get better than the first season? It certainly hasn't gotten better, but not much worse either. Although it's a shame that, according to some, Bella Ramsey can't carry the series on her own. In any case, the series received a lot of votes in the poll, so it's in the top 10 of best series, but whether it will end high remains to be seen?
Read the reviews written about The Last of Us.
The Night Agent
In 2023, The Night Agent won three awards, with a first place for best crime series and second place for new and best series. Perhaps the Netflix crime series will now reach the highest podium. Fortunately for Peter Sutherland, who only had to sit by a phone, there will be a third season in 2026, so if it's not this year, he has another chance next year.
Read the reviews written about The Night Agent.
The Pitt
For me, this is truly one of the best series of 2025. Realistic is how you could best describe The Pitt. It feels like you're watching a real emergency room. The drama bursts off the screen just like the blood. Fortunately, there will be a second season of this HBO series, and I personally hope for more. For me, it's totally justified that this series will end very high in the best series of 2025.
Read the reviews written about The Pitt.
Pluribus
Pluribus is Latin for 'out of many' or 'of many' and comes from the stable of Vince Gilligan, known from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The series tells the story of Carol Sturka, who becomes the most important person on earth in one fell swoop, but whether she becomes happy with that is another question. E pluribus unum has been the motto of the United States since 1776, and after the first episode, it is immediately clear why this title was chosen. The question that seems to be central is why it is not okay to be happy together in a collective.
Read the reviews written about Pluribus.
Reacher
Reacher won two awards in 2024, so it's not surprising that this year the crime series is in the top 10 again. Although the competition is really high, Reacher should be able to handle this. The friendly, not-so-social Reacher, with hands like coal shovels, stands up for people who don't have it easy. Enough material for a few more seasons, so if he doesn't make it to the top three this year, maybe next year.
Read the reviews written about Reacher.
Squid Game
Some would argue that Alice in Borderland should be here, and perhaps rightly so - fortunately, you can use your wildcard - but Squid Game was truly more favored this year. The final season was emotional, sadistic, and a beautiful conclusion to the South Korean version of the deadliest children's games ever. Netflix is working on an American version. Whether it will score as high remains to be seen.
Read the reviews written about Squid Game.
Ten series that, in terms of genre and story, are sometimes so far apart that you would almost think they come from different planets. Are you going for heart-pounding drama, spine-chilling horror, or the children's games? This year there is a bit of everything, and at a fairly high level. I'm super curious to see how it will play out this year – and to be honest, I have no idea. Each series in this list has something special that deserves a spot in the top three. So it will be exciting!
These were all ten nominees nominated by you readers, the writers, and myself. If you want to choose another series, use your wildcard. Good luck with voting.??
