scripod.com

Sunday Special: The Best TV of 2025

The Daily

2025/12/21
The Daily

The Daily

2025/12/21
As the year draws to a close, television reflects both our anxieties and our desires — from intimate character studies to sprawling genre experiments. This conversation unpacks the shows that defined 2025, exploring how they captured cultural shifts, personal truths, and the evolving landscape of storytelling in an era of endless content.
The discussion highlights key trends in 2025’s TV landscape, including a surge in conspiracy-driven narratives and emotionally grounded romantic dramas. 'Severance' returns with mixed reactions, while 'Common Side Effects' earns praise for its surreal critique of corporate healthcare. Romantic comedies like 'Nobody Wants This' and 'Too Much' reframe love through identity and emotional complexity, and limited series such as 'Dying for Sex' bring depth to stories of mortality and intimacy. Genre fare ranges from the underwhelming 'White Lotus' Season 3 to the inventive 'Dr. Odyssey' and the politically charged 'The Lowdown'. 'Andor' stands out as a mature Star Wars story, while 'Pluribus' explores individualism amid a collective consciousness. The year also sees strong performances in lesser-known gems like 'Adolescence', which tackles teen crime and social media pressure, rounding out a diverse and reflective year in television.
02:47
02:47
Severance returns after three years with divided critical reception.
07:35
07:35
‘Common Side Effects’ blends hallucinatory animation with real-world critiques of pharmaceutical greed.
12:56
12:56
'Dying for Sex' makes Jim's top 10 list for its bold storytelling
16:15
16:15
Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate deliver powerful, authentic performances in 'Dying for Sex'
20:09
20:09
'The White Lotus' Season 3 is the worst season of the series.
31:55
31:55
Andor stands out as a rare IP-based show with original ideas and emotional depth.
41:45
41:45
An alien RNA virus infects most humans, creating a collective mind in 'Pluribus'.
57:34
57:34
James Poniewozik wins the Star Wars quiz and receives the 'Gilbert' trophy.