I almost force myself to make this list so that when people ask me what I liked on TV I can actually try to remember (or have a good reminder). There were lots of good things that didn’t make the cut, and some flaws in those that did. And as always the order could very quickly vary.
- Murderbot (Apple TV+) – I was surprised this didn’t make more lists. A sharp, funny sci-fi series centered on a self-aware security android played by Alexander Skarsgård who would much rather binge its favorite shows than interact with humans, but keeps getting pulled into protecting them anyway. Action, humor, and unexpected heart all land. I’m very much looking forward to the next adventure.
- Slow Horses (Apple TV+) – I kept putting off starting this because there kept being more seasons to watch, but at only 6 episodes each I ended up tearing through this. One of the most consistently satisfying shows on TV. Gary Oldman remains perfectly feral, the ensemble is stacked, and the balance of cynicism, competence, and character-driven plotting continues to work season after season. Smart, tense, and surprisingly funny without tipping into parody.
- The Lowdown (FX / Hulu) – Ethan Hawke and the rest of the supporting cast were all wonderful, and I thought the slightly inept investigation actually held together. A grounded, character-driven series that digs into power, influence, and the personal cost of being close to the center of things, balancing tension with quieter, human moments.
- Dying for Sex (FX / Hulu) – This was honestly a tough one, but they did such a lovely job showing Michelle Williams’ character’s evolution, supported by a strong cast. A deeply intimate and surprisingly funny exploration of illness, sexuality, friendship, and what it means to reclaim agency when time feels uncertain. Raw without being voyeuristic.
- Hacks (Max) – Still firing on all cylinders. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are just so good. I always want them to get along, but there’s something compelling about them on opposing sides. This season doubles down on ambition, resentment, loyalty, and reinvention, anchored by razor-sharp writing and performances that continue to elevate the show beyond a standard comedy.
- Long Story Short (Netflix) – I’m not a big animation person but Raphael Bob-Waksberg has done favorites Bojack and Undone and finds a new lens that works. A clever, emotionally resonant series that uses time jumps and snapshots to tell a larger story about family, relationships, and how small moments echo across years.
- The Pitt (Max) – This show is relentless. I’m actually not sure it’s all that good, but you never get a chance to take a breath, and the cast is completely locked in. A tense, immersive medical drama that leans into realism, moral ambiguity, and pressure-filled decision making, capturing the intensity of systems stretched to their limits.
- Task (Netflix) – Not an easy watch, but the dual protagonists’ stories pulled you in and kept a pit in your stomach. A propulsive crime thriller that keeps raising the stakes, driven by strong performances and a plot that resists easy answers or clean resolutions.
- Pluribus (Apple TV+) – This didn’t work in its entirety for me, but I’m giving bonus points for the innovation and for the fact that Rhea Seehorn can pull off even the things I wasn’t sure I fully bought. An ambitious, idea-forward series that explores big social and technological questions through layered storytelling and sort of an ensemble cast, leaning more thoughtful than flashy.
- The Bear (FX / Hulu) – Not quite up to the first and second seasons for me, but they keep finding ways to bring the tension, pairing season-long arcs with standout episodes and character development. As stressful and electric as ever, the show continues to balance chaos, grief, ambition, and growth without losing the intensity that made it essential.
I’m still working through my HBO backlog. This year I watched a few things that would have likely made their respective lists. The Leftovers which was so weird but good but… and went back and picked up Mare of Eastown after watching Task (same creator) and Betty because who doesn’t love gals who skateboard.
What were your faves?
