Netflix and Apple TV Dominate 2025 TV Landscape

The year 2025 proved to be a strong one for television, with streaming platforms taking center stage. Netflix and Apple TV emerged as the dominant forces, securing seven and five selections respectively on the year's favorite shows list.

The variety of genres represented was extensive, ranging from period dramas like The Gilded Age and Outrageous to superhero content with Daredevil: Born Again. Mystery enthusiasts found multiple options including Ludwig, Poker Face, and Dept. Q, while political thriller fans enjoyed The Diplomats and Slow Horses.

Science fiction offerings were particularly robust with Andor, Severance, and Alien: Earth, complemented by broody fantasy from The Sandman and an unconventional nature documentary titled Underdogs. The list remains unranked to highlight the diversity of options available to viewers, though a single 'year's best' selection was designated.

Streaming platforms reigned supreme in 2025, with Netflix and Apple TV dominating the landscape of favorite shows. These two platforms alone accounted for twelve selections on the comprehensive list, demonstrating their continued investment in original content.

Netflix secured seven spots on the list, showcasing its ability to produce content across multiple genres. The platform's diverse portfolio included everything from fantasy to political thrillers, maintaining its position as a major player in the streaming wars.

Apple TV followed closely with five selections, proving its growing influence in the entertainment industry. The platform's curated approach to content development has resulted in several critically acclaimed series that resonated with audiences throughout the year.

The dominance of these two platforms reflects broader industry trends where traditional network television continues to lose ground to streaming services. Viewers increasingly turn to on-demand platforms for their entertainment needs, driving investment in high-quality original programming.

The 2025 television landscape offered remarkable variety across genres, ensuring options for every type of viewer. Period dramas made a strong showing with The Gilded Age and Outrageous capturing the interest of historical fiction enthusiasts.

Superhero content remained popular with Daredevil: Born Again joining the list, continuing the genre's strong presence in modern television. Mystery fans were particularly well-served with three distinct offerings:

• Ludwig - offering a unique take on the mystery genre
• Poker Face - combining crime-solving with innovative storytelling
• Dept. Q - delivering complex investigative narratives

Political thriller aficionados found two compelling options in The Diplomats and Slow Horses, both delivering the intricate plotting and high-stakes drama the genre demands. Science fiction enthusiasts enjoyed three major releases: Andor, Severance, and Alien: Earth, each exploring different facets of speculative fiction.

Rounding out the genres were The Sandman, offering broody fantasy elements, and Underdogs, an unconventional nature documentary that pushed the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking.

While most of the list remained unranked to showcase the breadth of quality programming available in 2025, one show was designated as the 'year's best' selection. This special recognition highlights a series that stood out even among the impressive lineup of favorites.

The unranked format of the list allows viewers to explore options based on their personal preferences rather than a predetermined hierarchy. This approach acknowledges that different genres and styles appeal to different audiences, making the list more useful for discovery.

The designation of a single 'year's best' provides a focal point while maintaining the list's democratic nature. This balance allows the comprehensive collection to serve both as a discovery tool and a recognition of exceptional achievement in television for the year.

The 2025 television landscape demonstrates the continued evolution of how audiences consume entertainment. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV leading the charge, the industry has shifted toward on-demand, genre-diverse content that caters to specific audience interests.

The variety of shows listed—from period dramas to science fiction, from political thrillers to unconventional documentaries—reflects a maturing medium that isn't afraid to experiment with format and genre. This creative freedom, enabled by the streaming model, allows for the development of shows that might not have found a home on traditional network television.

As viewers look to build their watchlists, the comprehensive nature of this year's selections provides ample opportunity to explore new storytelling approaches and discover hidden gems across platforms. The dominance of Netflix and Apple TV suggests this trend will continue, with streaming services remaining the primary drivers of television innovation and quality programming.