From gripping dramas to international sensations, 2025 has delivered some of the most talked-about entertainment shows yet. Here’s a curated look at the series and programs that are making waves around the world right now.
1. The Last of Us – Season 2 (HBO/Max)
Following a critically acclaimed first season, The Last of Us returns with a darker, emotionally intense narrative that explores grief, vengeance, and human resilience. Praised for its cinematic storytelling and powerful performances by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, this season continues to dominate conversations.
2. Squid Game – Season 3 (Netflix)
The global phenomenon Squid Game returns for its final season in June 2025. The survival-series continuation of conspiracy and social commentary remains one of Netflix’s most-streamed and hottest shows.
3. Adolescence (Netflix)
Breaking records with its unique one-take format, this British psychological drama dives into the disturbing aftermath of a school stabbing. It’s become a conversation starter for its raw, immersive storytelling and social relevance.
4. Paradise (Hulu/Disney+)
This new thriller has captivated viewers since its debut, earning 7 million global views in its first week. By early 2025, it ranked among the most-streamed shows through a combination of binge-worthy narrative and strong online buzz.
5. Severance – Season 2 (Apple TV+)
After a long wait, the surreal workplace thriller returned stronger than ever. This season expands its mysterious universe, blending dark humor, psychological drama, and intricate character depths—cementing its cult following.
6. The Pitt (Paramount+)
A chilling mystery featuring supernatural happenings in a small town, The Pitt has been praised for its layered storytelling and emotional realism—melding horror with human drama.
7. International Hits You Can’t Miss
Non-English series are dominating global screens in 2025:
- Squid Game S3 continues its cultural reign
- Adolescence (UK) sparks dialogue on youth trauma and media realism
- Medusa (Colombia) captivates with crime, corruption, and cinematic flair
- Cassandra (Germany) offers a retro-futuristic sci-fi mystery that’s fueling fan theories
- Lupin (France) & Money Heist (Spain) continue to influence pop culture and dominate viewership
- Olympo (Spain) strikes a chord as a coming-of-age sports drama with global viewership and cultural reach
Why These Shows Matter
- Cross-platform dominance: Shows like The Last of Us, Squid Game, and Severance continue to generate massive buzz across social and streaming platforms.
- Original storytelling: Series like Adolescence and Severance push creative boundaries with format and narrative.
- Global storytelling: International hits prove that compelling content transcends language—resonating with audiences worldwide.
Trend Recap
| Show / Series | Why It’s Trending |
|---|---|
| The Last of Us S2 | Emotional depth, major fanbase & cinematic impact |
| Squid Game S3 | Record-breaking global franchise finale |
| Adolescence | Bold format and conversation-starting themes |
| Paradise | Streaming charts, buzz-worthy premiere |
| Severance S2 | Surreal, brilliant continuation of a beloved series |
| The Pitt | Supernatural small-town mystery with strong character work |
| International Series | Diverse storytelling, growing global fandoms |
