The longest day of the year has come and gone and summer is finally upon us. It is hard to believe but we are already halfway through 2025 and Christmas will be here before you know it.
As we approach the second part of the year, it might be the perfect time to take stock and reflect on the TV shows that have come and gone already. From streaming smash hits to some underseen gems, there are plenty you could still add to your watchlist.
We’ve pulled together this list based on the overall ‘Tomatometre’ score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes - as well as my personal recommendations at the end, as a TV reporter and writer.
Where possible we will try to include where it is possible to watch the shows as well in the UK.
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17. Get Millie Black - 100% Certified Fresh
Man Booker prize winning author Marlon James has turned his attention to the small screen - creating and writing this crime series. Get Millie Black premiered on HBO in America last year but arrived on Channel 4 in March 2025. It follows a former Scotland Yard detective who returns to Jamaica to work on missing persons cases. Get Millie Black is available to stream on Channel 4 and has a 100% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 21 reviews. | Channel 4 Photo: Channel 4
18. Matlock - 100% Certified Fresh
A bit of a cheat, Matlock started in late 2024 and continued through to 2025. You can watch it via Sky Witness/ Now TV in the UK - and CBS in America. It follows brilliant septuagenarian Madeline "Matty" Matlock who decides to return to the workforce - she is played by Kathy Bates. A second season is on the way but the first has a 100% certified fresh rating based on 36 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. | CBS Photo: CBS
19. Adolescence - our pick
A list of best shows in 2025 would be remiss without a mention for Netflix’s Adolescence. A monumental work of filmmaking and storytelling. I’ve watched it through twice and it is even more devastating the second time around. The four part series is available to watch on Netflix. | Netflix Photo: Netflix
20. Race Across the World series 5 - our pick
This is like comfort TV for me, but Race Across the World served up another wonderful series. I’m sure everyone who watched fell in love with the teams - from Brian and Melvyn’s wonderful relationship as brothers, to Caroline and Tom’s bonding. It is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. | BBC Photo: BBC