Cancel your plans, grab your snacks – these TV shows made the line “just one more episode” my favourite fib of 2025. And what an exceptional year of television it was – Apple TV has unsurpisingly been on fire, yet again, continuing to push the bar for TV, with quality reigning far superior over quantity. BBC have also produced dramas nothing short of quality and charm this year.

So, following intense deliberation, here are the shows that ruled my screen this year.

10. Slow Horses, Season 5 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? The show follows a group of disgraced spies trying to prove their worth while dealing with high-stakes investigations. This season is adapted from the fifth novel in the series by Mick Herron, titled London Rules.

Why you should watch it: The show continues to balance its sharp humour and messy teamwork with real spy-thriller stakes, so you get character moments and major conspiracies.

9. Code of Silence, Season 1 (ITV)

What’s it about? A deaf catering worker uses her lip-reading skills to help police investigate a dangerous gang, but she soon becomes personally entangled with one of the suspects.

Why you should watch it: The story is bursting with tension and intrigue. It’s important television – and it’s truly amazing that we’re seeing more deaf actors finally landing lead roles. Rose Ayling-Ellis and Kieron Moore deliver powerful, nuanced portrayals.

8. The Crow Girl, Season 1 (Paramount +)

What’s it about? A detective investigates a series of murders of young men in Bristol and enlists the help of a psychotherapist, which leads them to uncover a dark conspiracy.

Why you should watch it: It’s not your usual crime drama. If you’re on the search for something different, this is your show. It’s dark, unpredictable and quite moreish, with the wonderful Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly as leads. It’s one of those gems that doesn’t get enough love, but once you start watching, you’ll see why it deserves more attention. Bring on Season 2.

7. Sugar, Season 1 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? A private detective investigates the disappearance of a Hollywood producer’s granddaughter.

Why you should watch it: This is exactly the type of show you’d expect from Apple TV; it challenges you and it’s packing a truly original concept. The visual style is impeccable and nods to the noir roots, while maintaining a current aesthetic that suits the show’s tone. Colin’s character, John Sugar, like his suit – fits him like a glove. There’s much more to John Sugar than meets the eye.

6. The Beast in Me, Season 1 (Netflix)

What’s it about? Aggie Wiggs, a grief-stricken author, becomes fascinated by her new neighbour, the ruthless real estate mogul Nile Jarvis, who is suspected of murdering his wife.

Why you should watch it: Matthew Rhys steals the show; what an actor. The performances are sharp, and the slow-burn mystery unfolds with satisfying intensity.

5. Such Brave Girls, Season 2 (BBC)

What’s it about? A dysfunctional, debt-ridden family of three women who are obsessed with finding validation and financial stability through highly questionable choices.

Why you should watch it: Now this is an underrated British gem. Kat Sadler is one to watch. And frankly, she’s a breath of fresh air in the comedy space. The show is ‘far from ‘polished’, it’s very real and dark…but deliciously so. It’s an absolute riot, buckle up.

4. Down Cemetery Road, Season 1 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? A woman enlists a private investigator to find a missing girl after a house explosion in her neighborhood, which leads them into a complex government conspiracy.

Why you should watch it: If you love the writing of Slow Horses, this is a must. They share the same humour, dry wit and heart. Wilson and Thompson are a power duo not to be messed with.

3. Severance, Season 2 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? Employees who undergo a surgical procedure called ‘Severance’ to separate their work memories from their personal lives.

Why you should watch it: Severance is mysterious and important. If you’re one of the few that hasn’t set eyes on this masterpiece yet, then it’s time you took a break and began this feast right away. What makes Severance so captivating is its eerie precision in portraying the dehumanisation of work – immersing us in the existential horror of it with its masterful storytelling. Every single detail is so well crafted – from the cold colour palette creating its chilling environment, down to its minimalist screenplay, with raw, gripping character development, and it’s unnerving silence. It’s one of Apple TV’s finest and you’ll want more.

2. Riot Women, Season 1 (BBC)

What’s it about? Five menopausal women form a punk rock band to enter a local talent contest. Written by the wonderful Sally Wainwright, the show explores how the band becomes a catalyst for change, helping them confront the challenges they face.

Why you should watch it: Sally Wainwright has once again whipped up a masterpiece, except this time, it’s both heartbreaking and hilarious. I began this show expecting a ‘light’ watch, but it’s quite the opposite; rich in substance and heavy character development – it’s pretty darn powerful.

1. Pluribus, Season 1 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? In a world overtaken by a mysterious wave of forced happiness, Carol Sturka, one of the few immune, must uncover what’s really going on, and save humanity from its own bliss.

Why you should watch it: Pluribus doesn’t feel like any other show; its atmosphere is distinctive. It’s deeply thoughtful and pushes conventional boundaries. It’s a slow burn, and rightly so – without it, it wouldn’t feel just so real and believable if it were rushed. It’s a series that rewards attention and invites discussion – so it’s ideal if you’re someone who wants a challenge, rather than just spoon-fed entertainment. You’ll find yourself quite curious about what happens next.