2025 Awards Season Television Watch Guide
Awards season kicked off early January with the Golden Globes hosted by Nikki Glaser. While it stirred up a lot of controversy around wins and snubs, it is clear that there are some front runners in contention for major awards this year. From network workplace comedies to thrilling streaming originals, this year has plenty of great series to binge.
Abbott Elementary
Workplace comedies are not anything new, but Abbott Elementary’s hilarious ensemble cast makes it feel like a completely fresh idea. Focusing on the educators of a public school in Philadelphia brings together people of all backgrounds to sit down and enjoy some laughs while also highlighting the struggles that teachers face on a daily basis. The series takes the good with the bad, but always ends on an optimistic note. You can enjoy this series streaming on Hulu.
Baby Reindeer
Based on the lead’s real life experience, Baby Reindeer follows a man dealing with a female stalker, forcing him to face a long suppressed secret. The series was one of Netflix’s most talked about titles in 2024, proving that anything can be a success if it is executed properly.
The Bear
A workplace drama comedy set in the high pressure kitchen of a Chicago restaurant was not something many people saw coming, but after three seasons it has been decorated with countless awards. Jeremy Allen White has showed his range, Ayo Edebiri flaunts her comedic chops, and the rest of the ensemble creates a lived in world that feels all too real and relatable. The FX series can be found on Hulu.
The Diplomat
Political drama starring Keri Russel, The Diplomat, proved that after only one season that people love to watch fictional global politics. Leaning into a world that is rarely portrayed in media, the ambassador role is fascinating as well as a bit scary given the current political climate. Twists and turns each episode keeps you tuning in, while cliffhangers keep you wanting more. The first two seasons of The Diplomat are streaming on Netflix.
Disclaimer
Based on a book of the same name, Disclaimer went a bit under the radar this year with its Apple TV+ release. The thrilling story and tantalizing score by Finneas make for a bingeable but nail biting experience. Fans of book adaptations, thrillers, and romantic mysteries are sure to praise this as a must watch.
Hacks
Slept on in its early days, this comedy drama has a unique style that gets better every single season. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder make a hilarious and balanced duo that is just so easy and entertaining to watch. Catch all three seasons of Hacks on Max.
Nobody Wants This
A romantic comedy series starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody? Everyone wanted this! An instant Netflix hit that had everyone giggling and kicking their feet has already been greenlit for a second season proving that the romantic comedy genre is alive and thriving.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Based on the true story of the Menendez brothers, Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez bring the duo to life in this dramatic retelling. Giving standout performances, these two men proved to be actors to be taken seriously. Handing the sensitivity of the real life case with care and grace, this series is not perfect, but does offer a variety of opinions and perception surrounding the events that took place. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is streaming on Netflix.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Donald Glover and Maya Erskine star in this spy thriller series, a spin on the movie of the same name. The dynamic duo attempt to make an arranged partnership and marriage work all while being targeted by previous program participants.
Only Murders in the Building
An eccentric group of residents attempt to uncover the details of murders occuring in their building. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez make unique but charming team in this one of a kind and award winning series.
The Penguin
DC Comics fans have long awaited a great villain series and The Penguin gave that and more. Colin Farrel expanded on his Batman villain character in a way that no one saw coming. The notorious gangster matches up against Sofia Falcone who just got released from Arkham. The two go head to head in what is the best superhero villain series yet, which had viewers tuning into Max every Sunday night.
Presumed Innocent
Adapted from the book of the same name, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a conflict of interest in a murder case involving the prosecuting attorneys office. Presumed Innocent is a legal thriller that you cannot take your eyes off of and will have you guessing the entire time. Catch the first season of the Presumed Innocent on Apple TV+.
Ripley
A fresh take on the book and movie The Talented Mr. Ripley, Andrew Scott breathes new life into the sinister character in this fully black and white limited series. As Ripley attempts to bring an acquaintance back to the states from Italy, he becomes enthralled with the laid back and lavish lifestyle, molding to his newfound friends and eventually taking over their lives.
Shogun
Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting against his enemies on the Council of Regents in 1600s Japan. A mysterious boat is found in a nearby fishing village, turning their focus to something bigger. Shogun is one of this year’s most decorated series that was considered extremely risky before production and premieres.
Shrinking
Have you ever wondered what you therapist’s personal life is like? Shrinking divulges in just that, showing the real people behind the selfless helpers of the world. Spoiler alert: they’re just as messy, loving, mistake making, chaotic, and supportive as the rest of us. Jason Siegel and Harrison Ford lead the series with the perfect balance of truth and optimism.
Slow Horses
MI5 agents and their notorious boss Jackson Lamb navigate the world of espionage, secrets, and danger in order to defend England from the evil powers that be. The series is Apple TV+ longest running original and brings fans back season after season.
Squid Game
Netflix underdog Korean thriller, Squid Game, took the internet by storm when it premiered in 2021. The series details a group of willing participants who volunteer to compete in seemingly children’s games for cash prizes, but little do they know, the stakes are deadly. After the success of season one, the second season began production while a reality show version also came to life.
True Detective: Night Country
Following the disappearance of eight men from a high priority research station, detective Liz Danvers sets out to uncover the truth behind the mystery that disrupted the Alaskan town. The six episode season solidified itself as a must watch crime drama.
