TV Corner Notes: My Top 10 List of 2025 and More

 

Power plays, final rankings, and the shows that truly defined the year, this week’s TV Corner Notes takes a friendly look at where television has landed as 2025 approaches its final stretch.

In this week’s edition of TV Corner Notes, the stakes are high both on screen and off. Landman delivers another emotionally charged hour, yet as Tommy’s professional future might be hanging in the balance, I also look back at the shows that truly shaped 2025 with my Top 10 list of the year. From prestige dramas and breakout comedies to genre standouts and surprise favorites, this week’s Notes are all about reflection, reckoning, and what made this year in television worth talking about.

Landman – “Dark Night of the Soul”

As M-Tex’s offshore deal reaches a breaking point, Tommy brings T.L. to a high-stakes meeting with Cami and Gallino, only to find the power dynamic has shifted. Gallino counters Tommy’s proposal, and Cami sides with him, raising fundamental questions about Tommy’s future at the company.

The episode’s emotional core centers on T.L., who opens up about his grief over his late wife’s loss of their baby, deepening his bond with Tommy in one of the series’ strongest scenes. Meanwhile, Cooper inches closer to proposing to Ariana, winning over her grandmother with heartfelt honesty, while Angela quietly offers her own engagement ring to help him begin his future debt-free.

Elsewhere, Rebecca gains a clearer understanding of the drilling situation, and her chemistry with Charlie improves. At the same time, Gallino delivers a chilling warning: if this deal goes bad, Tommy could be out.

“Dark Night of the Soul” balances corporate intrigue with raw family drama, anchored by standout work from Billy Bob Thornton and Sam Elliott. Rating: 8.5/10.

Read the full review.

My Top 10 Shows of 2025

What an exciting year for television! We got to see the incredible return of legendary creators, the expansion of beloved horror franchises, and new stories that kept us hooked. Here are my top picks for the very best shows.

1. The Pitt (Max)

Noah Wyle made a memorable return to the hospital hallways in a medical drama that felt really urgent and fresh. It beautifully captured the lively energy of a working-class hospital, showing grit and heart that truly set it apart from other procedural shows.

2. Code of Silence (BritBox) 

Rose Ayling-Ellis truly shines in this intense thriller! I enjoyed how the story highlights lip-reading as a clever detective tool, even though she's not a detective herself. It made the story feel unique and really captivating. I'm eagerly looking forward to the second season! 

3. Pluribus (Apple TV+)

The most anticipated show of the year truly lived up to its hype. The reunion of Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn brought us a captivating sci-fi drama that felt both wonderfully real and wonderfully fantastical. It’s the perfect example of "prestige TV."

4. The Lowdown (FX/Hulu): 

A stunning "Tulsa noir" piece by Sterlin Harjo that truly captures the essence of the city. Ethan Hawke’s portrayal as a citizen journalist was wonderfully expressive, perfectly blending heartfelt melancholy with a touch of clever wit.

5. Casualty (BBC/BritBox) 

What a fantastic year for the world’s longest-running medical drama that's entering its 40th season! The "Breaking Point" storyline really stood out as one of the most intense, realistic, and heartfelt stories on television in 2025, leaving a lasting impression on many viewers.

6. Black Doves (Netflix) 

Keira Knightley's performance in this spy thriller is genuinely captivating and full of style. The incredible chemistry between Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire, combined with the exciting espionage plot, creates an engaging and delightful way to enjoy your weekend.

7. St. Denis Medical (NBC) 

This mockumentary-style hospital comedy truly captured everyone's hearts as the breakout sitcom of the year. It’s wonderfully hilarious and feels very relatable, striking a warm and perfect balance between comedy and the everyday chaos of medical life.

8. Long Bright River (Peacock) 

Amanda Seyfried gave a fantastic performance in this gripping and emotional crime/family drama. It provides a touching look into family, addiction, and the unwavering quest for justice in Philadelphia.

9. The Paper (Peacock) 

Set in the same world as "The Office," this delightful spin-off about a hardworking newspaper team gives you a warm and funny look into the modern media life of the newspaper. It brings back that charming, awkward humor we’ve all loved so much. 

10. Outrageous (BritBox) 

This captivating look into the lives of the Mitford sisters is packed with drama, beautiful visuals, and the clever, sharp wit that's so typical of the best British dramas. It's a genuinely fascinating and sometimes scandalous story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Honorable Mentions: 

The Assassin (AMC+): Keeley Hawes delivered an awe-inspiring performance as a poised yet deadly lead. The yacht fight scenes and the intricate "expanding web of secrets" made this thriller truly memorable. The engaging dynamic between Julie and her son, Edward, who are secretly working on the same case while grappling with a past filled with assassins, kept the suspense high and captivating.

DMV (CBS): This funny freshman workplace comedy truly captures the vibrant spirit of East Hollywood. Whether you're on an exciting 12-hour road trip or hanging out with Kevin, an AI friend, it's always a joy to watch.

The Rainmaker (USA Network): This is an excellent new take on a legal drama that really captures the signature tension you find in John Grisham’s stories. It has a fresh, modern vibe on the small screen that reminds us of what Suits brought to the network as well. 

Irish Blood (Acorn TV): A captivating mystery with a warm, immersive atmosphere, highlighting deep family secrets set against the stunning Irish landscape, all brought to life by a fantastic performance from Alicia Silverstone. 

The Institute (MGM+): This is a captivating and faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s work that truly drew us in from the very beginning. Thanks to its talented young cast, it kept us on the edge of our seats, eagerly waiting to see what would happen next.

Welcome to Derry (HBO): Returning to the starting point of the nightmare was truly a brilliant idea. This prequel beautifully deepened the story of IT, introducing even more chilling elements and showing us that Pennywise’s influence over Derry is even more frightening than we had thought. 

A Man on the Inside S2 (Netflix): Ted Danson’s "cozy mystery" truly shines this year, showing everyone that wholesome, character-driven comedy is still going strong and bringing joy to audiences.

From the bustling oil fields of Landman to the welcoming halls of St. Denis Medical, 2025 has beautifully reminded us that stories full of character remain some of the most loved. Whether you're in the mood to get spooked, moved deeply, or just enjoy a good laugh, this year truly offers something special for everyone.

Which of these shows delivered the best season finale? And are there any shows on your list that you feel deserve more recognition and award buzz than they’re currently getting?

What to Watch This Week

With finales and specials lined up, this week offers plenty of great options for your holiday viewing, making your season even more special. 

Monday, Dec. 22

8/7c Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion, Pt. 2 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

8/7c Holiday Baking Championship Season 12 finale (Food Network)

9/8c Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

Elway (Netflix documentary): Told in his own words, the definitive story of Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway goes deep on his NFL dreams, heartbreaks, and Super Bowl redemption.

Tuesday, Dec. 23

King of Collectibles: The Golden Touch Season 3 (Netflix, six-episode binge)

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour-The End of an Era docuseries finale (Disney+, two episodes)

8/7c Kennedy Center Honors (CBS, next day on Paramount+)

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Pluribus Season 1 finale (Apple TV)

8/7c It's a Wonderful Life (NBC)

11:30/10:30c Christmas Eve Mass (NBC): Viewers will be able to watch Pope Leo-led mass from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. 

Goodbye June (Netflix movie): Kate Winslet directs and joins Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, and Andrea Riseborough in a tender tale of a family's farewell to their mother. 

Thursday, Dec. 25

Adventure Time: Fiona & Cake Season 2 finale (HBO Max)

The Kardashians Season 7 finale (Hulu)

Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale Season 2 (AMC+)

8/7c Call the Midwife Holiday Special (PBS)

8/7c Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 (Netflix, three-episode binge)

8:15/7:15c Thursday Night Football Season 19 finale (Prime Video)

Friday, Dec. 26

Heated Rivalry Season 1 finale (HBO Max)

9:30/8:30c Junk or Jackpot? (HGTV): Bobby Berk meets passionate people who are in desperate need of a life-changing renovation and will soon discover the hidden monetary value of their massive and unusual collections. 

Bugonia (Peacock)

The Life of Chuck (Hulu)

Saturday, Dec. 27

The Copenhagen Test (Peacock, eight-episode binge): This espionage thriller series follows a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst (Simu Lou) who realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears; Melissa Barrera co-stars.

As the holiday viewing season kicks into final gear, it’s wonderful to see that 2025 brought us television that was not only highly entertaining but also deeply character-driven and emotionally touching. Whether you’re catching up on finales, revisiting beloved favorites, or discussing which shows deserved more awards recognition, there’s so much to enjoy. I genuinely look forward to hearing your thoughts. What were your favorite highlights this year, and which finales really made an impression? 

Until next week, happy watching!

Adam