Summer 2025 TV Preview: Time Magazine’s 35 Most Anticipated Series Revealed

New York, NY – As the calendar turns towards warmer months, anticipation is building for the wave of new and returning television series poised to dominate screens. On May 20, 2025, Time Magazine published its highly anticipated list of the 35 Most Anticipated TV Shows of Summer 2025, offering viewers a comprehensive look at the programming slate expected to capture attention over the coming season.

The list compiled by Time spans a wide array of genres, featuring the return of popular critical darlings and fan favorites alongside ambitious new ventures from established and emerging creators. This blend promises a diverse summer viewing experience catering to varied tastes, from gripping dramas and intricate mysteries to sharp comedies and expansive franchise expansions.

Returning Favorites and Established Hits

Among the shows making a return are several series that have previously garnered significant buzz and viewership. Viewers can look forward to the latest installments of The Bear, the acclaimed dramedy set in a Chicago kitchen; And Just Like That, the Sex and the City continuation exploring the lives of its core characters in a new phase; and Wednesday, the popular Addams Family spin-off centered on Wednesday Addams at Nevermore Academy. The inclusion of these proven entities on the list underscores their continued cultural relevance and the high expectations surrounding their new seasons.

Expanding Universes: New Franchise Entries

The summer slate also includes significant additions to established fictional universes. Notably, Time highlights Alien: Earth, a series promising to delve deeper into the terrifying world first brought to life by Ridley Scott, and Ironheart, the latest extension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), focusing on the brilliant young inventor Riri Williams. These series represent major plays by studios to leverage existing fan bases while introducing new stories and characters, indicating a continued emphasis on franchise content in the streaming landscape.

A Dose of Comedy: From Fairways to Relationships

Comedy is well-represented in Time’s selection with several new series debuting. Actor Owen Wilson stars in Stick, described as a golf vehicle, suggesting a blend of sports and humor. Lena Dunham, known for Girls, brings Too Much, a romcom series starring Meg Stalter, likely offering a contemporary take on relationships and dating. Another anticipated comedy is Leanne, a multicam sitcom developed by comedian Leanne Morgan alongside sitcom veteran Chuck Lorre for Netflix. This series centers on a woman starting over after her husband of 33 years leaves her, exploring themes of reinvention and finding joy in unexpected circumstances through a classic sitcom format.

Delving into Darkness: Crime and Mystery

For those drawn to darker narratives, the list features compelling crime dramas. These include The Better Sister and Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey. The latter, a dramatization airing on Paramount+ this summer, is singled out for its focus on the infamous 1996 murder in Colorado. The series stars Melissa McCarthy as Patsy Ramsey and Clive Owen as John Ramsey, examining their relationship and the intense investigation that followed their daughter JonBenet’s death. This production signals a continued interest in high-profile true crime stories presented through a dramatic lens.

Diverse Narratives and Limited Series

Beyond these categories, Time’s list features other intriguing projects. From Molly Smith Metzler, creator of the acclaimed series Maid, comes Sirens, a darkly comedic limited series for Netflix, premiering May 22. The show stars Julianne Moore as a cult leader and Milly Alcock as her assistant, with Meghann Fahy playing the assistant’s concerned sister. This series promises a unique blend of dark humor and exploration of complex interpersonal dynamics within an unusual setting.

Additionally, Dept. Q, a nine-part psychological crime drama based on popular Danish novels, is noted. Penned by Scott Frank, known for The Queen’s Gambit, the series is set in Edinburgh and stars Matthew Goode. It is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 29, adding another layer of international mystery to the summer offerings.

Finally, the list includes the much-anticipated conclusion to a critically lauded series: the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. The dystopian drama has been a significant cultural touchstone since its debut, and its impending finale is expected to be a major television event.

With 35 titles highlighted by Time Magazine, Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a robust period for television enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of stories across genres and platforms. Viewers will have no shortage of options as they navigate the warmer months from the comfort of their screens.