When it comes to finding the best shows to watch, the endless options can feel overwhelming. From mind-bending sci-fi to heart-wrenching dramas, today’s TV world is richer and more diverse than ever before. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick watch or an epic series, we’ve curated a detailed list of the best shows of all time that you simply can’t miss.
25 Best Shows of 2025 You Shouldn’t Miss
Looking for a starting point among the top 20 series of all time? Whether you’re a fan of intense drama, epic fantasy, or thrilling mysteries, there are always a few best series of all time that stand out as the must-watch gems. Before we dive into the specifics, let’s look at some of the best shows on various platforms.
1. Breaking Bad
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 62
- Main Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris
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Plot:
Walter White, a brilliant but underpaid chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. To secure his family’s future, he partners with former student Jesse Pinkman to manufacture and sell methamphetamine. As Walter descends deeper into the criminal world, he transforms into the ruthless figure known as “Heisenberg,” leading to tragic consequences for everyone involved.
2. Stranger Things
- Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Drama
- Seasons: 5 (Final season coming soon)
- Episodes: 34 (so far)
- Main Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, Winona Ryder
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Plot:
In the quiet town of Hawkins, Indiana, a young boy vanishes, uncovering a series of supernatural mysteries and secret experiments. As his friends search for him, they meet Eleven, a girl with psychokinetic abilities, and together they face a terrifying threat from an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.
3. The Crown
- Genre: Biography, Drama, History
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 60
- Main Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith, Helena Bonham Carter
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Plot:
A stunning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, The Crown captures the personal and political challenges faced by the British royal family across decades. The show dives deep into the complex relationships, historic events, and evolving political landscapes that shaped the monarchy.
4. The Witcher
- Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Seasons: 3 (Season 4 upcoming)
- Episodes: 24
- Main Cast: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan
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Plot:
Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter for hire, struggles to find his place in a morally ambiguous world where humans are often more wicked than beasts. His destiny becomes intertwined with powerful sorceress Yennefer and a young princess, Ciri, whose magic could alter the future of the world.
5. Better Call Saul
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 63
- Main Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks
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Plot:
Set before the events of Breaking Bad, this series follows Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman. Facing internal conflicts, personal betrayals, and dangerous criminal elements, Jimmy’s journey to becoming the “criminal lawyer” is as riveting as it is tragic.
6. The Last of Us
- Genre: Drama, Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic
- Seasons: 1 (Season 2 in production)
- Episodes: 9
- Main Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
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Plot:
Twenty years after a fungal outbreak collapses civilization, hardened survivor Joel is tasked with smuggling Ellie, a 14-year-old girl immune to the infection, across the devastated United States. Their journey is filled with heartbreak, danger, and a bond that could change the fate of humanity.
7. Bridgerton
- Genre: Romance, Drama, Period Drama
- Seasons: 3 (Ongoing)
- Episodes: 24 (so far)
- Main Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey
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Plot:
Set in the glittering world of Regency-era London, Bridgerton follows the wealthy Bridgerton family as they navigate love, scandal, and high society’s pressures, all while the mysterious Lady Whistledown chronicles their every move through her scandalous gossip sheets.
8. Squid Game
- Genre: Drama, Thriller, Survival
- Seasons: 1 (Season 2 in production)
- Episodes: 9
- Main Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon
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Plot:
Hundreds of desperate individuals accept an invitation to participate in deadly children’s games, competing for a massive cash prize. As the brutal games unfold, players must choose between loyalty and survival, uncovering the darkest sides of human nature.
9. Mindhunter
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
- Seasons: 2 (Hiatus)
- Episodes: 19
- Main Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
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Plot:
Set in the late 1970s, two FBI agents expand criminal science by interviewing serial killers to understand how they think. Their revolutionary work lays the foundation for modern criminal profiling, but not without taking a personal toll on their lives and sanity.
10. The Queen’s Gambit
- Genre: Drama
- Seasons: Limited Series
- Episodes: 7
- Main Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Marielle Heller
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Plot:
Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy in the 1950s, battles her way to the top of the chess world while struggling with addiction and loneliness. Her brilliance at the board opens doors, but her personal demons threaten to destroy everything she’s built.
11. Dark
- Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
- Seasons: 3
- Episodes: 26
- Main Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Andreas Pietschmann
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Plot:
Set in the fictional German town of Winden, Dark begins with the disappearance of two young children, which sets off a chain reaction exposing the town’s deepest secrets. As families grapple with loss, betrayal, and existential dread, the story evolves into a complex, non-linear narrative involving time travel across multiple timelines. The show weaves together themes of fate, free will, and the interconnectedness of generations, creating a mind-bending mystery that spans centuries.
12. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 41
- Main Cast: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Pedro Alonso
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Plot:
The Professor, a brilliant strategist, recruits eight people with specific skills to execute an ambitious plan: infiltrate the Royal Mint of Spain and print billions of euros. Over the course of several days, the robbers must deal with hostages, the police, and internal conflicts. Money Heist blends high-stakes action, emotional storytelling, and complex characters, with each heist member revealing vulnerabilities and personal stories that drive the tension even higher.
13. Ozark
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Seasons: 4
- Episodes: 44
- Main Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner
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Plot:
Marty Byrde, a seemingly ordinary financial advisor, is forced to relocate his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering operation for a drug cartel goes south. In this new, rural environment, Marty dives deeper into criminal enterprises, involving local gangs, politicians, and dangerous cartels. Meanwhile, his family slowly gets pulled into the dark world he tried to shield them from. Ozark masterfully explores moral ambiguity, loyalty, and survival under constant threat.
14. Peaky Blinders
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 36
- Main Cast: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory
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Plot:
Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby family, ambitious gangsters rising to power in post-World War I Birmingham, England. Led by the cunning and ruthless Tommy Shelby, they build a criminal empire while facing enemies from law enforcement, rival gangs, and political factions. The series blends stylish cinematography, gripping action, and psychological depth, portraying the consequences of war, trauma, and ambition in a rapidly changing society.
15. The Mandalorian
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
- Seasons: 3 (More seasons planned)
- Episodes: 24
- Main Cast: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito
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Plot:
Set in the Star Wars universe after the fall of the Empire, The Mandalorian follows Din Djarin, a bounty hunter navigating a galaxy descending into chaos. His life changes when he chooses to protect Grogu (popularly known as Baby Yoda), defying his guild’s orders. As they travel across different worlds, facing imperial remnants, bounty hunters, and new threats, the series explores loyalty, honor, and the meaning of family, blending action-packed adventures with heartfelt moments.
16. Succession
- Genre: Drama, Satire
- Seasons: 4
- Episodes: 39
- Main Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook
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Plot:
Succession delves into the lives of the Roy family, owners of a massive media conglomerate, as they battle for control of the company amid the declining health of their patriarch, Logan Roy. Each family member, driven by ambition and personal insecurity, schemes to outmaneuver the others. The series offers a brutally satirical look at wealth, power, and corporate politics, revealing how fragile loyalty and family bonds become when billions are at stake.
17. The Boys
- Genre: Superhero, Action, Dark Comedy
- Seasons: 4 (ongoing)
- Episodes: 32 (so far)
- Main Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr
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Plot:
In a world where superheroes are marketed and monetized by a powerful corporation, The Boys tells the story of a ragtag group determined to expose the dark truth behind the public image of these so-called heroes. Led by the ruthless Billy Butcher, they face off against “The Seven,” a corrupt and deadly team of superhumans. The series is a violent, irreverent satire on celebrity culture, politics, and unchecked power.
18. Chernobyl
- Genre: Historical Drama, Thriller
- Seasons: Limited Series
- Episodes: 5
- Main Cast: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson
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Plot:
Chernobyl recounts the horrifying story of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Soviet Ukraine. Following key figures like nuclear physicist Valery Legasov, the series portrays the harrowing decisions and sacrifices made to contain the fallout. It paints a chilling picture of government secrecy, human error, and heroism, offering a gripping, emotional narrative that honors the victims and highlights the catastrophic cost of misinformation.
19. Euphoria
- Genre: Teen Drama
- Seasons: 2 (Season 3 upcoming)
- Episodes: 18 (so far)
- Main Cast: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi
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Plot:
Following the life of Rue Bennett, a teenager struggling with drug addiction, Euphoria captures the intense highs and devastating lows of adolescence. The show portrays themes like identity, mental health, trauma, love, and friendship with unflinching honesty and bold visual storytelling. With each character carrying their own burdens, Euphoria offers a haunting yet mesmerizing look at the complexities of growing up today.
20. The Office (U.S.)
- Genre: Comedy, Mockumentary
- Seasons: 9
- Episodes: 201
- Main Cast: Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson
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Plot:
Set at the Scranton branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, The Office uses a documentary-style format to follow the everyday antics, romances, and absurdities of office life. From Michael Scott’s misguided leadership to Jim and Pam’s slow-burning romance, the show captures hilarious and touching moments, painting an authentic portrait of modern work life. It’s known for its lovable characters, sharp wit, and emotional resonance.
21. Better Call Saul
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 63
- Main Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Giancarlo Esposito
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Plot:
Better Call Saul is a brilliant prequel to Breaking Bad, chronicling the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer hustling to make a name for himself, into Saul Goodman, the morally flexible lawyer we know. As Jimmy grapples with ambition, family expectations, and moral compromises, the series digs deeply into his relationship with his brother Chuck and his love interest Kim Wexler. With meticulous storytelling, Better Call Saul explores how good intentions and small failures can spiral into irreversible consequences.
22. The Witcher
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
- Seasons: 3 (Season 4 upcoming)
- Episodes: 24 (so far)
- Main Cast: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Joey Batey
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Plot:
Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter navigating a brutal, morally complex world where humans often prove more dangerous than the beasts he slays. His fate intertwines with the powerful sorceress Yennefer and the young princess Ciri, setting off an epic saga of destiny, betrayal, and survival. Packed with rich world-building, political intrigue, and action, the series offers a darkly enchanting look into a universe where good and evil are rarely clear.
23. Black Mirror
- Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Anthology
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 27
- Main Cast: Varies per episode (notable appearances include Bryce Dallas Howard, Jesse Plemons, Daniel Kaluuya)
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Plot:
Black Mirror is a chilling anthology series that examines modern society’s relationship with technology through dark, often dystopian narratives. Each episode tells a standalone story, exploring scenarios ranging from the terrifying consequences of social media obsession to the ethical quandaries of artificial intelligence. The series serves as a provocative, unsettling mirror reflecting how innovation can enhance — and corrupt — the human experience.
24. The Last of Us
- Genre: Drama, Post-Apocalyptic, Horror
- Seasons: 1 (Season 2 in production)
- Episodes: 9
- Main Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv, Gabriel Luna
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Plot:
Based on the acclaimed video game, The Last of Us follows Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl with a mysterious immunity to a deadly fungal infection that has decimated civilization. As they traverse a ruined America, the two form a bond tested by betrayal, loss, and relentless danger. Rich in emotional depth, The Last of Us offers a raw and heartbreaking exploration of what it means to find hope in a shattered world.
25. Fargo
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Anthology
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 51
- Main Cast: Varies by season (including Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor)
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Plot:
Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ classic film, Fargo presents new crime stories each season set in the American Midwest, all sharing a darkly comedic tone and an exploration of crime, morality, and chaos. Whether it’s a small-town insurance salesman getting in over his head, feuding crime syndicates, or betrayals within a family empire, each tale is laced with absurdity, violence, and a strangely touching human vulnerability. Its storytelling is layered, cinematic, and endlessly compelling.
For those who love top shows in every genre, you can’t go wrong with these excellent choices. Whether you’re searching for the best series to watch or the top web series in the world, this list has you covered with everything from heartwarming comedies to thrilling dramas.
Best Shows to Watch on Different Streaming Platforms
With so many streaming platforms available, it can be tough to decide what to watch. Each one offers unique content, from thrilling dramas to comedies and documentaries. Here’s a list of top shows from various platforms to help you find your next favorite.
Best Shows on HBO Max
HBO Max has become a go-to streaming service for a range of groundbreaking series that tackle everything from drama to dark comedy. Whether you’re in the mood for gripping thrillers, dark comedies, or epic dramas, HBO Max has something for everyone.
- Succession
- Euphoria
- The White Lotus
- Watchmen
- Chernobyl
- Barry
- Mare of Easttown
- Hacks
- His Dark Materials
- The Flight Attendant
Best Shows on Hulu
Hulu has an impressive lineup of original content and classic series, perfect for viewers looking to dive into thrilling mysteries, heartwarming dramas, and edgy comedies. Here’s a selection of top-rated shows that have captured the audience’s attention.
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Only Murders in the Building
- Pen15
- Castle Rock
- Little Fires Everywhere
- Ramy
- The Bear
- Normal People
- Future Man
- Hulu’s The Act
Best Shows on Peacock
Peacock has quickly established itself as a strong contender in the streaming world, offering a variety of iconic shows, from classic sitcoms to new thrilling mysteries. If you’re a fan of high-quality TV, Peacock is worth exploring.
- The Office
- Parks and Recreation
- Saved by the Bell
- The Capture
- Bel-Air
- Dr. Death
- Ted Lasso
- The Amber Ruffin Show
- Yellowstone
- Hart to Heart
Best Shows on Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime has built a reputation for offering an incredible variety of high-quality TV shows, from supernatural thrillers to historical dramas. With shows like The Boys and Jack Ryan, Prime is a must-have for any binge-watcher.
- The Boys
- Jack Ryan
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- Invincible
- The Man in the High Castle
- Hunters
- Good Omens
- The Underground Railroad
- Fleabag
- Tales from the Loop
Best Series to Watch on Netflix
Netflix has redefined the way we consume entertainment, offering a vast library of original shows, documentaries, and movies. From critically acclaimed hits like Stranger Things to cultural phenomena like Squid Game, Netflix continues to set the bar high for series worldwide.
- Stranger Things
- Money Heist
- The Witcher
- Bridgerton
- Narcos
- Ozark
- The Crown
- Breaking Bad
- The Queen’s Gambit
- Squid Game
Whether it’s the top 10 best series of all time or best series to watch on Netflix, there’s something for every viewer.
FAQs
Conclusion: Why These Are Truly the Best Shows
Finding the right series can be a challenge, but sticking to the best shows guarantees a rewarding experience. Whether you want edge-of-your-seat action, intricate political drama, or touching stories of survival, this list offers something for everyone. Directing across multiple platforms, ensuring you’ll never run out of incredible options. Whether you’re into good shows or top shows, there’s no better time to start watching!
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