Matt Roush chooses the 10 best TV series of 2025 with The Pitt at the top

Critic Matt Roush, from TV Guide, released his list of the best TV series shown in 2025 at the end of December.

The selection reflects a year marked by strong returns, bold new bets and relevant documentaries. Roush highlighted that the volume of content was high, but few titles remained in memory after the end of the seasons.

The medical drama that dominated the year

The Pitt, shown on HBO Max, won first place. The series starring Noah Wyle, known as ER, follows the head of an emergency ward in a hospital in Pittsburgh. Roush described it as an instant classic, with excellent acting and impeccable production that takes the medical genre to a new level. The plot explores intense shifts in real time, focusing on the pressure on healthcare professionals. The second season premieres on January 8, 2026.

Hollywood’s sharp satire

Secondly, The Studio, on Apple TV, received praise for Seth Rogen’s clever satire of modern corporate cinema. Roush highlighted Hollywood’s hilarious and masterful approach to portraying the challenges of balancing art and business in studios.

Epic sci-fi horror

Alien: Earth, in FX, occupies third position. The reimagining of the science fiction horror franchise impressed with its epic scale and frightening elements, intelligently expanding the Alien universe.

Impactful miniseries about youth

Adolescence, by Netflix, came fourth. The four-episode miniseries addresses the consequences of a murder committed by a teenager, with episodes filmed almost in sequence. Roush considered it one of the most impactful works of the year on the platform.

Historical special

NBC’s Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary Especial comes in fifth. The program brought together stars from the past and present to celebrate the milestone of the iconic late-night show.

Surreal science fiction

Severance, on Apple TV, in tenth place, continues to divide opinions due to its complex plot about the separation between professional and personal life. Roush admitted difficulties in understanding everything, but praised the surreal uniqueness of the series.

Essential historical documentary

Revolução Americana, on PBS, with 12 hours of Ken Burns, was seen as a necessary testament to the role of public TV in culture.

Prequel to Star Wars

Andor, in Disney+, won eighth place for realizing the franchise’s potential with exciting storytelling.

Engaging political drama

The Diplomat, at Netflix, in seventh place, was compared to The West Wing for the third season as the most captivating political drama in years.

Timely sci-fi comedy

Pluribus, on Apple TV, with Rhea Seehorn, explores a misanthrope in a joyful world transformed. Roush predicted Emmy for the actress.

The selected productions show a diversity of genres and platforms. Muitas are available on streaming services such as Apple TV+, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and FX.