Now that we're mere weeks into the new year, it feels only right to turn our attention to the best TV shows set to return to our screens in the new year. It's a competitive field, but we'll name our picks anyway. And while no show has managed to shake the cultural quake left by Succession’s finale, 2025 promises to deliver plenty of contenders.
From the apocalyptic tension of The Last of Us Season 2 to the eerie thrills of Stranger Things' final chapter, the lineup is already giving us reason to be grateful. Whether you're in for dystopian nightmares (The Handmaid’s Tale), supernatural sleuthing (Wednesday), or corporate-world thrillers (Severance), next year’s TV slate is looking bright. By what measure are we ranking them? Critics? Ratings? Wrong. Pure anticipation, baby!
Below, the best TV shows returning in 2025.
1. Severance
Where to stream: Apple TV+
When to stream: The first two episodes will premiere on Friday 17 January 2025, followed by weekly episodes, culminating in a finale on 21 March 2025.
Severance, the Emmy-winning psychological thriller from Apple TV+, is set to return in 2025 after production delays. Starring Adam Scott, Patricia Clarkson, and Britt Lower, the highly anticipated second season promises deeper dives into Lumon Industries’ secrets and the unsettling consequences of severing work-life balance.
2. The Last Of Us
Where to stream: Binge
When to stream: Set to premiere in April 2025.
The Last of Us Season 2 returns to HBO in 2025, continuing Ellie and Joel's harrowing journey through a post-apocalyptic world. With Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal reprising their roles, the new season will adapt the events of the acclaimed Part II game, promising deeper emotional stakes and shocking twists.
3. Wednesday
Where to stream: Binge
When to stream: Set to premiere in April 2025.
Wednesday Season 2 returns to Netflix in 2025, with Jenna Ortega reprising her role as the sharp-witted goth detective and Lady Gaga rumored to make an electrifying guest appearance. Promising darker mysteries, supernatural twists, and Tim Burton’s signature style, this season is set to elevate the intrigue at Nevermore Academy.
4. The White Lotus
Where to stream: Binge
When to stream: Set to premiere on 16 February 2025.
The White Lotus' third season is set to return to HBO in 2025, taking its darkly comedic lens to a new exotic locale in Thailand. With creator Mike White promising more satire of the ultra-wealthy and star-studded cast that includes Parker Posey and Blackpink's Lisa, the season is poised to unravel fresh scandals amid lush, tropical backdrops.
5. Yellowjackets
Where to stream: Paramount+
When to stream: Set to premiere on 14 February 2025.
Yellowjackets returns in 2025 for its third season, promising more chilling twists as the survivors' harrowing past collides with their equally dark present. With Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, and Juliette Lewis back, the new season will unravel deeper secrets about their time in the wilderness, while fan theories about the cult and the mysterious symbol are sure to ignite once again.
6. Stranger Things (Season 5)
Where to stream: Netflix
When to stream: Set to premiere in 2025.
Stranger Things fifth and final season picks up a year after Hawkins was shattered by Vecna’s Curse, revealing that every past villain was tied together. As the Duffer Brothers' record-breaking saga nears its end, the star-studded cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, and David Harbour, returns for one final battle.
7. The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 6)
Where to stream: Stan
When to stream: Set to premiere in late 2025.
The Handmaid's Tale returns to Hulu in spring 2025 for its sixth and final season, with Elisabeth Moss reprising her role as June Osborne and directing four episodes, including the series finale. Joining the cast is Josh Charles in an undisclosed role, adding to the anticipation of how the dystopian saga will conclude.
8. The Bear (Season 4)
Where to stream: Disney+
When to stream: Though an official release date is still to come, the fourth season should arrive sometime in 2025.
The highly anticipated fourth season of FX's The Bear is set to wrap production early this year, after sweeping the Emmys clean with their second season. While tensions remain at an all-time high between the budding restauranteurs (and with plenty of screaming matches to boot), we can't help but need to know what happens next to Carmy, Syd and the rest of this caravanserai cooks.
