Celebrity scandals, court battles and ratings gold: the TV shows that ruled 2025

Several TV shows dominated the headlines in 2025, each for unique and often surprising reasons. Here is a list of the ones that left audiences stunned, whether in disbelief or pure awe.

All’s Fair

With Kim Kardashian at the helm of this star-studded legal drama, it attracted eyeballs around the globe. Although critics panned “All’s Fair”, the show’s ratings defied their opinion and went through the roof. Not only did it see Disney+ smiling all the way to the bank, but it was greenlit for a second instalment. 

Of course, creator Ryan Murphy probably had a few “take that” moments to naysayers. 

After all, he bagged a crème de la crème cast of Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Teyana Taylor, Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close.

Given Kardashian’s passion to follow in her late lawyer dad’s footsteps, this role was a dream come true for her. 

Cast as Allura Grant (Kardashian), it centres on her and Liberty Ronson (Watts) deciding to quit their misogynistic-run law firm with the blessing of their mentor Dina Standish (Close).

They partner with investigator extraordinaire Emerald Greene (Nash-Betts), but there’s one drawback - by not approaching Carrington Lane (Paulson) to join them, they have created a sworn enemy.

The series dovetails their personal challenges with professional obligations as a law firm dedicated to representing women in divorce proceedings. 

While it serves high fashion in spades, the plot is wafer-thin. However, it matters not as fans are lapping up the soap-esque drama it's serving. 

Honestly, all the backlash was like water off a duck’s back for Kardashian as well. She refused to be baited into a response.

With Love, Meghan

When it comes to Meghan Markle, there is no fence-sitting. 

As one of the most Googled royal figures, the former “Suits” actress sparked interest with her new lifestyle show. 

Of course, you are either going to love her or loathe her.

Her one-pot spaghetti dish received online flak from purists. But her followers defended her. 

There was also a fair amount of criticism around her out-of-touch and elitist approach to crafts and cooking hacks. The show was accused of peddling the tradwife trope. 

While some streamers took a liking to the show, others did not. And that’s okay. It’s not for everyone. 

I was indifferent to the show, though, as it does feel like a massive PR stunt to ingratiate her by showing a more nurturing side - after all, she’s proved her chops as an actress.

What I gleaned from the episodes I’ve watched is that she’s a serial preserver, and she’s passionate about organic food and growing it.

Markle is all about personalised touches and little notes, which, I have to say, she does so well. Her calligraphy is next-level for sure. 

Again, she may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Markle does have some skills when it comes to being the hostess with the mostest. Let’s give her her flowers on that!

Beauty and the Bester

Talk about history repeating itself. When Netflix announced the documentary dropping on its platform, Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana filed a last-minute court interdict to stop it from airing. 

Despite the considerable uproar at the time, it ultimately didn't happen.

I took umbrage with “Beauty and the Bester” not because of the production value or compelling content, which it has, but for the misleading nature of the title, trailer and docuseries as a whole.

Honestly, I started watching this docuseries with an open mind, driven by a simple question: what compels a brilliant, accomplished businesswoman - a doctor, no less - to jeopardise everything she's built?

Was it love, greed, or simply indefensible naivete? The documentary seemed to offer the answers.

That Magudumana stood by Bester, as evidenced by their trying to halt the documentary from airing, speaks volumes about the bond they share. 

If anything, this documentary, piggybacking on the public’s sentiments and interest, is more of a recount of events and a red flag on a toxic relationship. 

This offering captured headlines and trended across social media platforms, though critics with discerning tastes ultimately slammed it for failing to deliver on its promises.

Scandal!

Soapie addicts were in their feels when e.tv announced that “Scandal!” would be ending in June 2026. 

The show first started airing on Monday, January 10, 2005, and it became a staple among Mzansi for its gripping story arcs built around a fictitious newspaper, “The Voice”.

Two decades later, it’s the curtain call for the show. 

However, the creatives are taking extra measures to ensure it ends with a bang. 

As such, Jo-Anne Reyneke, Camilla Waldman and Sonia Mbele have been added to the cast, bringing a new layer of drama and star power to its final season.

According to head writer and creative producer Grace Mahlaba, the fresh storyline provides "Scandal!" with a chance to delve into more intricate and profound themes that reflect the reality of its audience.

Uyajola 9/9

This show, which is South Africa’s response to “Cheaters”, has courted controversy since it started airing on Moja Love (DStv channel 157) in 2019.

For those unfamiliar with the premise of the reality show, it exposes cheating partners on camera. There is a semblance of intervention as well; however, it is not on the level of its American counterpart. 

Aside from the vexing nature of the show itself, it is rapper Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye who caused a stir when it was confirmed that he was returning as the host. 

He was facing a R12 million lawsuit from a woman who claimed her privacy was invaded by him through the show, yet this had no effect.

Jub Jub continues to enjoy the support of some fans, even as ethical questions are raised by others regarding the show's methods and the potential consequences for the participants.

Aka Charlie Sheen

In turning 60 this year, Hollywood’s notorious bad boy, Charlie Sheen, dropped his two-part tell-all Netflix documentary, which coincided with his autobiography, “The Book of Sheen: A Memoir”.

His debauched lifestyle, failed marriages and string of rehab stints have been tabloid fodder throughout his career. 

That said,  it wasn’t as if director Andrew Renzi was opening Pandora’s box. It’s a celebrity feature, straight from the horse’s mouth.

Sheen addressed rumours and scandals that dogged him throughout his career. 

Although his veteran actor father, Martin Sheen, actor and film-maker brother Emilio Estevez and partying partner in crime Nicholas Cage declined to be part of the documentary, his best friend Tony Todd, childhood friend Sean Penn and older brother Ramón Luis Estévez agreed to be interviewed.

As a father of five, grandfather of three, Sheen, who is eight years sober, is a shadow of the trainwreck he used to be with his manic episodes, testosterone-charged debauchery with binges that lasted for days.

The documentary garnered significant critical attention, largely due to the impactful revelations it contained.