The 2025 must-watch Hollywood series list is out, and it’s stacked. From Stranger Things’ final season to a fresh wave of intriguing new dramas, this year has something for every cinephile. International hits like Missing You and Severance return, while acclaimed miniseries like The Last of Us gear up for more. Additionally, Netflix’s gothic hit Wednesday returns with season 2, co-directed by Tim Burton. Together, these shows promise suspense, emotion, and binge-worthy quality.
The 2025 lineup also features spin-offs and original stories. There’s IT – Welcome to Derry, a prequel to the beloved horror franchise. Meanwhile, You wraps up its chilling narrative in season 5. Consequently, this curated list combines nostalgia with cutting-edge storytelling. Moreover, the series come from top creators and directors, including Harlan Coben (Missing You) and Ben Stiller (Severance).
Read on to explore cast details, release dates, and why each show ranks among the 2025 must-watch Hollywood series—twice mentioned to reinforce focus. You’ll find helpful outbound links to official trailers or creator interviews in each section.
Missing You – January 1
Cast: Rosalind Eleazar, Jessica Plummer, Richard Armitage
Director: Nimer Rashed
Platform: Netflix
Based on the Harlan Coben novel, Missing You introduces a gripping mystery. A detective discovers her long-lost fiancé on a dating app—a man who vanished a decade ago. What unfolds is a chase through secrets and lies. This psychological drama blends emotional storytelling with crime-thriller intensity.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: For fans of slow-burn thrillers and emotionally driven mysteries.
🟢 Key selling point: Adapted from the acclaimed author Harlan Coben, known for gripping narratives like The Stranger and Safe.
Severance Season 2 – January 17
Cast: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower
Director: Ben Stiller, Aoife McArdle
Platform: Apple TV+
Severance redefines dystopian corporate satire. The story revolves around employees at Lumon Industries who separate work and personal memories through a surgical procedure. Season 2 deepens this disturbing universe, asking if work-life balance is really worth the price.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: A cerebral thriller with sci-fi elements and layered world-building.
🟢 Noteworthy mention: Won Best Drama Series at the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards.
The White Lotus Season 3 – February 16
Cast: Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Lalisa Manobal
Platform: HBO Max
Setting: Thailand
The darkly comedic anthology returns with new characters and social satire, now set in Southeast Asia. As always, it explores themes of privilege, class, and betrayal among the rich vacationers of the White Lotus resort.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: Adds new cultural layers with its Thai setting.
🟢 Series growth: Emmy-winning seasons have cemented it as a cultural phenomenon.
Wednesday Season 2
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers
Directors: Tim Burton, Paco Cabezas, Angela Robinson
Platform: Netflix
Wednesday returns with Ortega reprising her iconic role. The second season will expand Nevermore Academy’s twisted world and delve into Wednesday’s mysterious family legacy.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: Combines gothic horror, teen drama, and dark humor seamlessly.
🟢 Fan buzz: Ortega’s performance led to viral TikTok moments and renewed interest in the Addams Family.
The Last of Us Season 2
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
Platform: HBO Max
Based on the video game, this post-apocalyptic drama explores love and survival amidst a fungal infection pandemic. Season 2 takes inspiration from The Last of Us Part II, continuing Ellie and Joel’s brutal journey.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: Widely considered the most successful video game adaptation.
🟢 Fan expectations: Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger that rocked audiences.
IT: Welcome to Derry
Cast: Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk
Platform: Max
A chilling prequel to Stephen King’s IT, this series unveils the origin of Pennywise the Clown. Set in the 1960s, it explores how fear festers in Derry and how an ancient evil begins its reign.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: Expands one of the most terrifying horror universes.
🟢 Stephen King fans rejoice: Offers lore and backstory missing from the films.
You Season 5
Cast: Penn Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie
Platform: Netflix
Joe Goldberg’s final act unfolds in Season 5. Will he finally be caught—or will his obsession with love evolve into something even darker? The series will conclude his chilling psychological saga.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: Final chapter of a beloved psychological thriller.
🟢 What’s new: Introduction of Joe’s extended family changes the dynamics completely.
Stranger Things Season 5
Cast: Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour
Platform: Netflix
The final battle for Hawkins is here. Eleven and her friends must stop the Upside Down once and for all. Expect emotional farewells, 1980s nostalgia, and a showdown that defines the series’ legacy.
🟢 Why it’s a must-watch: One of the most iconic streaming series of all time.
🟢 Big finale energy: Season 5 promises closure—and maybe heartbreak.
