The Ultimate 10 Must-Watch TV Shows Right Now: What To Stream Before 2026
Are you suffering from content exhaustion? With the year winding down, the sheer volume of new releases across every major streaming service—Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, and HBO/Max—can be overwhelming. The good news is that December 2025 has delivered some of the most critically acclaimed and buzzed-about series of the year, alongside highly anticipated finales and brand-new prestige dramas. This curated list cuts through the noise to bring you the absolute must-watch television, ensuring your binge-watching marathon is focused on quality and cultural impact.
As of today, December 23, 2025, the streaming landscape is dominated by gritty crime thrillers, blockbuster fantasy prequels, and the return of beloved spy dramas. Whether you are looking for a dark, character-driven limited series or a sprawling epic, these are the shows that everyone will be talking about as we head into the new year. From the incredible single-shot cinematography of *Adolescence* to the political machinations in *Slow Horses*, your queue is about to get a serious upgrade.
The New Wave: Critically Acclaimed Series Dominating December 2025
The end of the year often brings a final push of prestige television, and 2025 is no exception. These new and returning series are generating the most conversation and are essential viewing for anyone who wants to stay current with the latest in peak TV.
1. Adolescence (Netflix)
*Adolescence* has quickly cemented its place as the definitive crime drama of the year, earning Metacritic’s official #1 spot for a new TV show in 2025. This four-part limited series is a masterclass in tension and raw emotion, centered on the Miller family whose world is shattered following a horrifying discovery. The show’s unique, "unflinching" continuous-shot filming technique elevates the drama, creating an intense, claustrophobic viewing experience that is impossible to look away from.
The Cast and Entities: The series is anchored by a powerhouse performance from veteran actor Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller, the family patriarch struggling to hold everything together. He is joined by Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, the son at the heart of the crisis, and Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, who leads the investigation. The show’s success is a major win for Netflix in the prestige drama category, solidifying its commitment to gritty, character-driven storytelling.
2. Landman (Paramount+)
From the mind of Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the *Yellowstone* universe, comes *Landman*, a sprawling modern-day Western drama set in the volatile oil fields of West Texas. The series is based on the 2019 *Texas Monthly* podcast *Boomtown* and explores the ruthless pursuit of fortune in the high-stakes world of oil rigs. It’s a compelling tale of greed, power, and the American dream gone sour, perfectly capturing the Western Drama genre that Sheridan has mastered.
The Cast and Entities: The ensemble cast is packed with A-list talent. Billy Bob Thornton stars as Tommy Norris, a crisis manager for an oil company, navigating the cutthroat industry. He is joined by Demi Moore as Cami Miller and Jon Hamm as Monty Miller, adding significant star power to the Paramount+ hit. The show's focus on the West Texas energy sector offers a fresh, industrial take on the traditional cowboy narrative, appealing to fans of both *Yellowstone* and political thrillers.
3. Slow Horses: Season 5 (Apple TV+)
The return of *Slow Horses* for its fifth season has been hailed as one of the best renewals of the year, with many critics arguing it is arguably the best show of 2025. This British spy thriller continues to follow the misfits of Slough House, a dumping ground for MI5 agents who have messed up. The series, based on the *Slough House* novel series by Mick Herron, masterfully blends dark comedy with genuine espionage tension.
The Cast and Entities: The core cast remains spectacular. Gary Oldman is back as the brilliant, slovenly, and perpetually cynical Jackson Lamb, the leader of the "slow horses." Jack Lowden returns as the ambitious but disgraced River Cartwright, alongside the formidable Kristin Scott Thomas as the ruthless Diana Taverner. This season, premiering in late September 2025, continues to refine the British Spy Thriller genre, making it a must-watch on Apple TV+ for fans of complex, character-driven narratives.
Highly Anticipated: The Blockbusters of Late 2025 and 2026
Looking ahead, the streaming wars are heating up with massive productions and long-awaited sequels. These titles represent the future of television, promising spectacle and intense fan engagement.
4. Black Rabbit (Netflix)
The collaboration between Jude Law and Jason Bateman in the new crime thriller miniseries *Black Rabbit* is one of the year’s most exciting developments. The series, created by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, centers on two estranged brothers, Jake and Vince, who become entangled in a world of crime and family secrets behind the scenes of a popular New York City restaurant and VIP lounge.
The show's premise—the charismatic owner of the "hottest spot in New York" and his brother's unexpected return—sets the stage for a high-stakes, twist-filled drama. Fans of Netflix's darker offerings and intense Crime Thrillers will find *Black Rabbit* to be an addictive binge, exploring themes of loyalty, deceit, and the price of success.
5. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO/Max)
For fans of the *Game of Thrones* universe, this is the next major event. *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* is a prequel series based on the beloved *Tales of Dunk and Egg* novellas by George R.R. Martin. Set a century before the events of *Game of Thrones* and decades after *House of the Dragon*, the show follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk), a young, naïve, but courageous knight, and his diminutive squire, Egg, who is secretly a Targaryen prince.
This Fantasy Prequel promises a return to the more intimate, road-trip style of storytelling within the sprawling world of Westeros. The series is being developed by Ira Parker and George R.R. Martin, ensuring its fidelity to the source material. While a 2026 release is likely, the anticipation for this series on HBO/Max is already through the roof, bridging the gap between the two major Westeros narratives.
Trending Now: Quick-Hit Binge Recommendations
If you're looking for something to watch immediately, these are the shows currently trending worldwide and making headlines this month.
6. Emily in Paris (Netflix)
The latest season of the romantic comedy *Emily in Paris* is topping the global charts on Netflix this December. The series continues to follow Emily Cooper's professional and romantic misadventures in the City of Lights, offering a lighthearted, fashionable, and highly bingeable escape from reality. It remains a global phenomenon and a top-tier example of a successful Rom-Com series.
7. Fallout: Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video)
Following the massive success of its debut, the second season of the post-apocalyptic drama *Fallout* is one of the most anticipated returns. Based on the iconic video game series, the show blends dark humor, retro-futurism, and intense action, expanding the lore of the Wasteland. Its return solidifies Amazon Prime Video's position in the blockbuster Sci-Fi adaptation genre.
8. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 (Disney+)
The success of the first season has paved the way for the return of Rick Riordan's beloved characters. *Percy Jackson and the Olympians* Season 2 continues the journey of the modern demigods, bringing Greek mythology to life for a new generation. This show is a crucial pillar of Disney+'s family-friendly fantasy offerings.
9. Man Vs Baby (Netflix)
This new comedy series has unexpectedly climbed the global Netflix charts in December 2025. *Man Vs Baby* offers a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of new parenthood, resonating with a wide audience looking for a lighter, more relatable watch. Its viral success highlights the power of simple, high-concept comedy in the streaming era.
10. The Eternaut (Netflix)
Based on the classic Argentine science fiction comic book, *The Eternaut* is an ambitious new Sci-Fi series that has captured international attention. The story of a group of survivors navigating a world devastated by a deadly extraterrestrial attack offers a compelling narrative for fans of global, high-stakes science fiction. This adaptation is a key example of Netflix’s investment in international IP.
Maximizing Your Streaming Queue: The Topical Authority of 2025
The television landscape in 2025 has been defined by a move toward high-quality, high-budget limited series and the strategic expansion of existing cinematic universes. The success of shows like *Adolescence* (a Limited Series) and the anticipation for *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* (a Fantasy Prequel) demonstrate a clear trend: viewers are seeking deep, self-contained narratives or vast, interconnected worlds.
The continued dominance of creators like Taylor Sheridan with *Landman* proves that the Western genre, when given a modern, gritty twist, remains a powerful force in streaming. Meanwhile, the consistent quality of shows like *Slow Horses* on Apple TV+ highlights the platform's strength in producing sophisticated, adult-oriented spy thrillers. To truly maximize your streaming time, focus on these critically-backed and culturally relevant titles that are setting the standard for television excellence as we transition from 2025 to 2026.
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