Long-running Larry David program Curb Your Enthusiasm, vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows, and the most unexpected spin-off hit ever, Young Sheldon, were among the many TV shows that intentionally ended their runs in 2024. Some, like The Acolyte (a Star Wars series), Kaos (a Greek god epic on Netflix), and Our Flag Means Death (a fan favorite) by Taika Waititi, were completely unprepared for the unexpected turns of events.
Even so, new browser windows open when some TV doors close, and next year appears to be jam-packed with big-budget hits like a new Game of Thrones prequel and an impressive slate of Apple TV+ originals. Fans can also look forward to returning favorites like The White Lotus, The Bear, and The Traitors.
The Variety and Innovation of 2025’s Television Premieres: A Genre Breakdown
Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (Peacock)
Jan. 2
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A Pan Am flight was bombed over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing 270 people, only days before Christmas 1988, making it the bloodiest terror act in UK history. Jim Swire, played by Colin Firth in Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, was the father of a victim of the explosion and the designated representative for the families of those who perished on board. He thinks the government is trying to hide the truth about the plane crash, but looking back 36 years makes it evident that nothing was ever properly explained.
American Primeval (Netflix)
Jan. 9
That is the gist of Netflix’s new grim drama, if the name doesn’t give it away. In American Primeval, we see the dangerous and violent beginnings of the American West as different religions and cultures clashed for control. In Peter Berg’s series, Taylor Kitsch plays a wounded man who must navigate the landscape on his own, while Betty Gilpin, in her usual superb form, plays a mother who must find a route across the nation. They dream of independence, but on the frontier, that may be all they can hope for.
The Pitt (Max)
Jan. 9
What about Noah Wyle in the emergency room? What about 2025? You’d be surprised at how probable it is. As the head nurse at a Pittsburgh hospital, Wyle makes a triumphant return to the brightly lit halls of medicine in The Pitt. More intense than ER, each episode covers an hour of Wyle’s fifteen-hour shift and attempts to depict the unforgiving circumstances faced by contemporary American healthcare personnel, such as overcrowded waiting rooms and a lack of nurses.
Prime Target (Apple TV+)
Jan. 22
Thank goodness Leo Woodall’s follow-up series promises to be more exciting than heartbreaking after One Day’s emotional roller coaster. In Prime Target, Woodall plays the role of math prodigy Edward Brooks, who is about to make a groundbreaking discovery but has a sneaking suspicion that someone is trying to derail him. He and Quintessa Swindell, the FBI agent sent to spy on him, will endeavor to decipher the conspiracy that lies at the core of their respective vocations.
Watson (CBS)
Jan. 26
The three things that most people love watching on television are medical dramas, police procedurals, and new takes on old intellectual property. A new series starring Watson, the doctor who assists Sherlock Holmes, has arrived. The show describes itself as a hybrid of a medical mystery and a detective drama. After Lucy Liu reprises her role as John Watson in Elementary, Morris Chestnut steps into the role. Following Holmes’s demise, Watson establishes his own clinic specializing in unique medical cases.
Paradise (Hulu)
Jan. 28
The series, created by Dan Fogleman of This Is Us, will star Sterling K. Brown and revolve around the assassination of the president (James Marsden, who is always entertaining to watch) of the United States. The head of security, played by Brown, was the last person to see him alive after receiving a classified, maybe life-changing, secret. Enter the tense mystery, espionage, and Brown at his brilliant best, convincing us to root for or against his character.
SNL 50th Anniversary Special (NBC)
Feb. 16
There have been many returning cast members and legacy hosts during Saturday Night Live’s birthday party this season. A three-hour live special honoring the half-century run of the sketch program will be held in honor of Lorne Michaels‘ comedic creation. There has been little official announcement regarding who will host the show or whether any of the legendary cast members will be returning for a nostalgic celebration. We can almost guarantee a medley of famous faces and numerous musical performances based on the show’s 40th anniversary special from a decade ago.
Zero Day (Netflix)
Feb. 20
Considering how many of his A-list counterparts have made the transition to prestige TV in recent years, Robert De Niro’s decision to wait until his upcoming political drama Zero Day on Netflix is all the more remarkable. The series follows Robert De Niro’s beloved character, a former US president, as he heads the investigation into a devastating cyberattack. Jesse Plemons, Dan Stevens, Lizzy Caplan, and Angela Bassett will also be joining him.
The White Lotus Season 3 (HBO)
Feb. 16
After the groundbreaking conclusion of season two in late 2022, fans of Mike White’s resort-based murder mystery are eagerly awaiting the third instalment in 2025. After starting in Hawaii and continuing in Italy, the action now moves to the White Lotus location in Thailand. Among the formidable (if not murderous) ensemble that White has assembled are Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Walton Goggins, and Lisa of the Korean pop group Blackpink.
Sites to View the Premieres on Streaming Platforms
Just like the content they provide, the streaming platform landscape is diverse:
Netflix: Offering groundbreaking interactive entertainment across a variety of genres, Netflix is a formidable force.
HBO Max: For dark dramas and special screenings of Warner Bros. films, HBO Max is the place to be.
Amazon Prime Video: Epic series and a wide variety of foreign films are Amazon Prime Video’s strong suits.
Disney+: The vast collection of Disney classics and new Star Wars and Marvel content on Disney+ ensures that it continues to be popular among families.
Apple TV+: Apple TV+ is known for its high-quality, critically acclaimed, star-studded productions.
Hulu: By combining original series, classic films, and next-day TV show premieres, Hulu diversifies its content offering.
Important Elements of Popular Streaming Services
Every platform has cleverly positioned itself to meet the preferences of its target audience:
Netflix: With algorithms that analyze your viewing habits, Netflix provides what is arguably the most intuitive intrface.
HBO Max: Viewers who enjoy films and television shows will enjoy HBO Max’s programming because of the high production value and intricate storylines it offers.
Amazon Prime Video: With benefits like free two-day shipping and music streaming, among others, Amazon Prime Video is a versatile and cost-effective choice.
Disney+: With its limitless entertainment options, Disney+ wins over families and aficionados of its renowned universes.
Apple TV+: By specializing in fewer, higher-quality productions, Apple TV+ has established a place for itself.
Hulu: With Hulu’s flexible subscription options, you can choose between several plans, some of which include advertising and others that do not.
Premieres Exclusively on Platform
With breathtaking imagery and human drama, “Chronicles of Mars” delves into the red planet on Netflix, offering a voyage across space and the spirit.
With a darker and more personal perspective than ever before, HBO Max: “Gotham Revisited” explores the minds of its protagonists and antagonists.
The magical universe of “Kingdoms of Fire” on Amazon Prime Video is incredibly detailed, and the expansive landscapes and spectacular fights are the cherry on top.
A new, kid-friendly series called “Pixar’s Playground” is coming to Disney+. In it, animated Pixar characters engage in live-action adventures that mix realism with animation.
Premiere on Apple TV+: “The Innovator,” a biographical drama starring Oscar winners and helmed by Hollywood’s A-listers chronicling the life and times of a tech tycoon.
Streaming on Hulu: “The Final Stand,” a surreal comedic take on the end-of-the-world scenario that manages to make light of such weighty themes.
Options for Subscriptions and Viewing
Various needs and budgets can be met by taking advantage of the various subscription plans offered by each streaming provider. Viewers can choose the best plan for their viewing habits by comparing the cost, perks, and greatest bargains in this section.
Worldwide Reach and Easy Access
This section discusses the platforms’ geographical availability, drawing attention to the problems and potential solutions faced by foreign viewers, such as the need for virtual private networks (VPNs) NordVPN and regional streaming rights.
Trend Forecasting: How Will 2025 Be Different?
The year 2025 is going to change the way we watch television forever, with innovations like virtual reality integrations and shows that react to our choices in real-time. This examination explores the ways in which new storytelling styles and technological developments are influencing television in the future.
In summary
In 2025, many much-anticipated TV shows will debut, making it a watershed year for the industry. These shows aim to do more than just amuse; they also intend to shake up the storytelling industry.
Additional Materials and Readings
This section offers reading recommendations and tools to help viewers stay updated about the newest developments in television, whether it’s trending topics or forthcoming premieres.
