The most addictive TV shows of 2025 — you’ll want to binge them all

It’s that time of the year when we reflect on the shows that captivated us completely. Of course, each had its own unique appeal. 

And don’t even get me started on the calibre of actors attached to them. A good starting point for describing this is "mind-blowing".

Of course, it’s impossible to list all the shows. But these were the ones that stood out for me.

The Beast in Me (Netflix)

This psychological thriller captured attention with its storyline and the fact that it pitted two top-tier actors, Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, against each other. 

I have followed their careers since their breakthrough roles in “My So-Called Life” and “Brothers & Sisters”, respectively. 

The premise centres on celebrated author Aggie Wiggs (Danes), who has hit a wall in writing her current book, which is two years overdue. The bills are piling up, and she’s an inconsolable mess. 

Having lost her eight-year-old son in a road accident caused by Teddy Fenig (Bubba Weiler), she’s struggling to move forward.

Things get interesting when Nile Jarvis (Rhys) moves next door. The son of the city’s prominent real estate tycoon, he is infamously linked to the alleged murder of his first wife, Madison (Leila George), who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

After a not-so-great introduction, the two end up forming a “friendship” of sorts as Aggie decides to tell his story. But there’s a hidden agenda to her doing so. 

This series, if you haven’t seen it, is truly phenomenal if you enjoy profound offerings.

Bad Influencer (Netflix)

This series had Mzansi addicted from the get-go. 

From the casting to the storyline, it resonated with viewers, especially in this social-media era of influencers, where likes equal clout. 

The soft life has become an aspirational goal. And this series, produced by Gambit Films and developed by Lincoln Green Media, cleverly taps into this content creator world and all it entails with blessers, fake friends and wannabes, while juxtaposing it with the hustle of a single mother.

The drawcard for me was Jo-Anne Reyneke as BK, is a street-smart single mother of an autistic young boy, Leo (Mpilo Shabalala), who, in an attempt to make 200k so that she can send him to a school where his interests will be harnessed and he won’t be bullied, she comes up with a dangerous plan: selling fake designer bags.

Yes, it was hard to ignore the hype around Zozibini Tunzi's performance. 

But Reyneke steals the show in every frame.

Good American Family (Disney+)

This was an unsettling drama to watch due to the subject matter. But it was also so brilliantly executed with Ellen Pompeo in the lead. 

For context, it is a dramatised tale of Natalie Grace, a Ukrainian girl who was adopted by an American family, only to be abandoned two years later.

However, there was nothing ordinary about this story. Suffering from spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, she looked much younger than certain physiological changes that were observed by her adopted mom.

Natalie’s dangerous behaviour threatened to tear the adoptive family apart, and it led to an ugly courtcase, with public opinion divided. 

Unlike previous offerings on Natalie, the writers of this employed a Rashomon-style narrative, intentionally creating a polarised viewer perception of Natalia.

Imogen Faith Reid was exceptional in channelling Natalie. 

Again, not an easy watch, but it’s solid storytelling for sure.

Unseen 2 (Netflix)

I have said this before, and I will say it again: Gail Mabalane is arguably one of the most talented yet overlooked actresses in South Africa, a claim I don’t make lightly.

Her role as Zenzi is, to me, her magnum opus.

In the follow-up season, Zenzi, who is pregnant, is now behind bars. However, as a victim of circumstance, Zenzi is helped by her greatest ally - Detective Lyners (Ilse Klink) - until she is killed. 

After a close call behind bars, Zenzi, while in the hospital, manages to escape. This time, she is unstoppable as she attempts to dismantle the criminal organisation behind a litany of corruption and murders. 

This time, her mission is to dismantle the criminal organisation responsible for a string of corruption and murders, making her unstoppable in her pursuit.

The Girlfriend (Amazon Prime Video)

The cast alone of this psychological thriller, which is based on Michelle Frances' novel of the same name, has made viewers giddy with excitement. 

It centres on Laura (Robin Wright) reacting to her son Daniel’s (Laurie Davidson) new girlfriend, Cherry (Olivia Cooke). 

The premise alone screams drama, power play, manipulation and one-upmanship. 

Social standing plays a key role in the narrative as Laura, a sophisticated gallery owner,  isn’t a fan of Cherry and her middle-class background. 

Things get dark and ugly very fast. Laura’s gut instinct to protect her son kicks in when she senses there is more to Cherry than meets the eye. 

Viewers were captivated by this series, remaining on the edge of their seats for every single episode.

Did I mention Wright was also in the director’s seat?

I think anything with her in it is always a winner; this series proves it.

Untamed (Netflix)

Eric Bana on the small screen. That was incentive enough to binge-watch this six-part series.

Through his role as Kyle Turner, a National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) special agent at Yosemite National Park, he proves why he is revered as one of Hollywood’s finest actors.

Set in Yosemite National Park, it homes in on the investigators looking into a murder, with their work cut out for them as they face political pressure within their ranks.

Viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the show’s characters navigate a delicate balancing act between their personal demons and professional responsibilities.

“Untamed” is a raw and emotional journey through family, love, grief and duty -  all seen through the complicated lens of violence, heartache and regret.

It might sound a bit too deep and perhaps gloomy, but it’s wonderfully executed and written. 

Of course, the bonus is that it has Bana at the helm. 

Honourable mentions: “Black Gold”, “Task”, “Black Rabbit”, “Sirens”, “The Waterfront”, “The Better Sister”, “Dying for Sex” and “Paradise”