Renowned entertainment magazine Empire has officially released its list of the best TV series of 2025. Following its annual roundup of top movies, Empire now highlights 20 standout shows that defined television over the past year.
And according to the magazine, the last 12 months were packed with excitement, from the return of fan-favorite series to bold new releases and unforgettable finales.
Simply put, 2025 was a fantastic year for TV lovers.
Andor Takes the Top Spot and Surprises Many Viewers
The biggest surprise comes at number one. Andor was named the best TV series of 2025 by Empire. While the show has consistently received strong praise from critics and audiences, it rarely tops rankings like this, making its victory even more notable.
Empire’s editorial team believes the recognition is long overdue. According to them, Andor delivers far more than great storytelling. The series is praised for reshaping how audiences view the Star Wars universe, offering powerful moments, emotional depth, and a more grounded narrative than previous entries in the franchise.
Andor serves as a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The plot follows Cassian Andor’s life five years before the film’s events, during the early formation of the Rebel Alliance and the rise of resistance against the Galactic Empire. Blending science fiction, political espionage, and intense drama, the series stands out as one of the most mature Star Wars stories to date.
Strong Competition in Second and Third Place
Taking second place is Adolescence, a gripping drama about a high school student accused of murder. What sets the series apart is its unique filming technique, shot in a continuous single take. Originally planned as a limited series, its success has opened the door for future seasons in an anthology format.
In third place is Alien: Earth, a science fiction series that earned special praise for its fifth episode. Empire notes that the episode perfectly captures the atmosphere and visual style of Ridley Scott’s original Alien film, serving as a powerful reminder of why the franchise became iconic in the first place.
Popular Hits Make the Top 10 but Not Always the Top Spot
Several well-known titles also appear in the top ten. These include The Studio, season two of Severance, Pluribus, season three of The White Lotus, and the highly debated continuation of The Last of Us.
Interestingly, two global hits landed outside the top ten. The final season of Squid Game ranked at number 13, while Stranger Things finished at number 15. This suggests Empire’s rankings focus more on storytelling quality and execution rather than pure popularity.
Full List of the 20 Best TV Series of 2025 According to Empire
Here is the complete ranking from lowest to highest:
Ranks 20 to 11
20 Foundation season three
19 A Thousand Blows
18 The Bear season four
17 Film Club
16 The Narrow Road to the Deep North
15 Stranger Things season five
14 The Chair Company
13 Squid Game season three
12 Dying for Sex
11 Task
Ranks 10 to 1
10 What It Feels Like for a Girl
9 The Last of Us season two
8 The White Lotus season three
7 Pluribus
6 Severance season two
5 Mr. Scorsese
4 The Studio
3 Alien: Earth
2 Adolescence
1 Andor
Every Viewer Has Their Own Favorite
Of course, no ranking is absolute. Every viewer has different tastes, whether it’s drama, sci-fi, action, or psychological thrillers. Still, Empire’s list offers a solid reference for anyone looking for high-quality shows to add to their watchlist.
So, which TV series stood out the most for you in 2025? Do you agree that Andor deserves the top spot, or does another show take the crown in your opinion?