I’m ready to watch a lot more TV this year, because last year I didn’t make enough time for the small screen.
There are quite a number of returning shows that I’m excited about, but I want to focus on the new and maybe a little on those shows that will be brought back from the dead. These shows are in no particular order, because I have a feeling some of them might not be as great as I hope but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Anyway, here are my 10 most anticipated shows of 2025.
Spider Noir
Spider Noir is a live action Marvel series produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony, with Nicolas Cage starring as an older, world-weary version of the character he previously voiced in Into the Spider Verse. The show is set in a gritty, black and white inspired version of 1930s New York, where this Spider Man works as a private investigator. It’s being developed by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal, with Harry Bradbeer directing multiple episodes. I’m excited because this feels like a bold, stylish swing that finally lets Marvel do something genuinely different on TV.
Wonder Man
Wonder Man is a Marvel Studios Disney Plus series starring Yahya Abdul Mateen II as Simon Williams. The show is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and Stella Meghie, with Ben Kingsley returning as Trevor Slattery and Demetrius Grosse playing Simon’s brother, Eric Williams. The story focuses on Hollywood, fame and identity, blending superhero elements with industry satire. I’m excited because Wonder Man is a strange, underused character, and Marvel leaning into something more character driven feels like the right move.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair
This revival brings back Malcolm in the Middle with Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek all returning to their iconic roles. The limited series is being produced for Disney Plus and follows Malcolm now as an adult, dealing with parenthood while still being very much stuck in the orbit of his chaotic family. Linwood Boomer is involved as creator, keeping the original voice intact. I’m excited because this show was lightning in a bottle, and bringing it back with the same cast feels earned rather than forced.
The Madison
The Madison is a Yellowstone universe spin off created by Taylor Sheridan and produced by Paramount. The series stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Fox and Patrick J. Adams, and follows a family navigating loss and reinvention in the American West. While it’s connected to the Yellowstone world, it’s designed to stand on its own with a more intimate focus. I’m excited because Sheridan’s track record is strong, and Michelle Pfeiffer leading a prestige drama already has my attention.
Lanterns
Lanterns is a DC Studios series for HBO, overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran as part of the new DCU. The show stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, and is described as a grounded, Earth based mystery involving the Green Lantern Corps. It’s being positioned more as a character driven investigation than a space opera. I’m excited because this finally feels like DC taking the Green Lantern mythos seriously.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
This Game of Thrones prequel series is based on George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas and is coming to HBO. It stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg, set roughly a century before Game of Thrones. The story is smaller in scale, focusing on chivalry, friendship and political tension rather than massive wars. I’m excited because the quieter, character focused approach could be exactly what this universe needs.
Die Kantoor
Die Kantoor is the South African adaptation of The Office, produced by Showmax. The series reimagines the mockumentary format within a local corporate environment, using South African humour and workplace culture as its backbone. While the full cast has not been widely revealed yet, the creative team has promised a distinctly local spin rather than a direct copy. I’m excited because when The Office format works, it really works, and seeing it grounded in South African reality feels long overdue.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
This comedy series stars Tracy Morgan as Reggie Dinkins, a disgraced former football player trying to rebuild his life and image. The show is produced by Peacock, with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock involved as executive producers. It blends sports, fame and absurd comedy in a way that plays perfectly to Morgan’s strengths. I’m excited because Tracy Morgan in a character driven comeback story feels like comedy comfort food done right.
Scrubs
A Scrubs revival is in development with Bill Lawrence involved, bringing the medical comedy back for a new generation. Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke are all expected to return in some capacity, blending legacy characters with new interns. The series is being positioned as both a continuation and a soft reset. I’m excited because Scrubs balanced comedy and emotional gut punches better than most shows ever have.
DTF St. Louis
DTF St. Louis is an HBO comedy series created by and starring Jason Sudeikis. The show focuses on complicated adult relationships, modern masculinity and life in the Midwest, with a strong emphasis on character driven humour. While full plot details are still being kept under wraps, the tone is expected to sit somewhere between sharp comedy and grounded drama. I’m excited because Sudeikis has proven with Ted Lasso that he knows how to make heartfelt TV that actually connects.
What are your most anticipated shows of 2026?
