Sunday Special: The Best TV of 2025 - The Daily Recap

Podcast: The Daily

Published: 2025-12-21

Duration: 1 hr 1 min

Guests: James Poniewozik, Alexis Soloski

Summary

The episode reviews the best and most notable TV shows of 2025, highlighting trends in conspiracy-themed narratives, the resurgence of romantic comedies, and unique storytelling techniques.

What Happened

James Poniewozik observed a significant trend towards conspiracy-themed shows in 2025, citing 'Severance', which he compared to 'Lost', as a prime example. He praised its second season for maintaining its compelling narrative and placed it on his top 10 list. Alexis Soloski, however, expressed skepticism about the longevity of 'Severance's' mystery box element, suggesting it becomes less compelling over time.

Another notable trend highlighted was the revival of romantic comedies, with shows like 'Too Much' starring Megan Stalter and 'Nobody Wants This', depicting the relationship between a rabbi and his non-Jewish girlfriend. These shows attempted to inject new life into a genre that had been on the decline.

The episode also spotlighted 'Common Side Effects', an animated series about a miraculous mushroom threatening big pharma, showcasing a blend of humor and social commentary. 'Dying for Sex', a series about a woman with terminal cancer exploring her sexuality, was noted for its mature and non-gratuitous portrayal of sex.

James Poniewozik's favorite show of the year was 'Long Story Short', an animated family dramedy praised for its narrative depth. Meanwhile, Alexis Soloski discussed 'The Hunting Wives', a show about cultural adaptation in East Texas, and 'Heated Rivalry', which centers on the attraction between rival hockey players.

Gilbert Cruz highlighted 'Andor', a Star Wars prequel series, as a standout for its mature themes of rebellion and autocracy. 'The Lowdown', featuring Ethan Hawke, was described as a political noir with a historical twist, exploring the dynamics of a political family.

'Platonic', starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, and 'Pleuribus', with its unique premise of an alien virus uniting humanity, were also discussed. 'Adolescence', notable for its single-take episodes, delved into the pressures of social media on youth, while 'The Pit' was likened to 'ER' for its fast-paced storytelling.

Key Insights