2025 delivered a phenomenal year for television, a landscape brimming with both triumphant returns and captivating new arrivals. Beloved series likeStranger Thingsfinally unveiled its fifth season, while Apple TV+ offered the sharp wit ofPlatonic. Simultaneously, fresh narratives like Seth Rogen’sThe Studioand theBoschspin-off,Ballard, burst onto the scene, ensuring a constant stream of compelling content across all major streaming platforms.
But which shows truly rose above the rest? Rotten Tomatoes, the trusted aggregator of reviews, has revealed the highest-rated series of the year – each boasting a perfect 100% critics score and earning enthusiastic praise from audiences. This list isn’t just filled with mainstream hits; it’s a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Topping the list is a deeply personal and moving documentary:Pee-Wee As Himself. This film offers an unprecedented look into the life of Paul Reubens, the creative force behind the iconic Pee-wee Herman. Reubens, who sadly passed away in 2023, bravely shares his story, including his experiences as a gay man, through over 40 hours of intimate interviews. Critics universally lauded the documentary as “wonderful,” “marvellous,” and profoundly “bittersweet.”
Close behind,The Chair Companycaptivated viewers with its unique brand of cringe comedy. Co-created by and starring Tim Robinson, known forI Think You Should Leave, the series follows Ron Trosper as he unravels a conspiracy following an embarrassing incident. Critics praised Robinson’s performance, calling it a “compelling” and “expansive” vision of comedic storytelling.
Delving into the complexities of war and its lasting impact,The Narrow Road to the Deep Northadapted Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel. The series follows Australian doctor Dorrigo Evans, haunted by a past affair, as he confronts his experiences as a prisoner of war building the Burma railway. Reviewers highlighted the show’s realism and compassionate portrayal of psychological trauma.
Netflix surprised audiences withLong Story Short, a comedy that flew under the radar despite its perfect score. Created by the team behindBoJack Horseman, the series explores a Jewish family’s reflections on their religious upbringing. Critics hailed it as “funny and clever,” with the potential for a long and successful run.
Disney+ successfully reimagined a beloved book series withPercy Jackson and the Olympians. The adaptation tells the story of a young demigod coming to terms with his powers and a stolen lightning bolt. The second season was praised for its darker tone and expanded world, building upon the foundation of Rick Riordan’s original novels.
Fans of historical drama were enthralled by the second season ofWolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Based on Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed trilogy, the series continues the story of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. Despite the author’s untimely death, the creative team persevered, creating a fitting tribute to Mantel’s work and a “masterpiece” of television.
Apple TV+’sPlatonic, starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, offered a relatable and humorous exploration of rekindled friendship. The series follows two former college best friends navigating midlife and the complexities of their evolving connection. It cleverly subverts romantic comedy tropes, focusing instead on the nuances of platonic love.
Channel 4’s animated series,Common Side Effects, tackled weighty themes with a fantastical twist. The 10-episode show follows two friends who uncover a plot surrounding a rare fungus with the potential to cure all diseases. Critics praised its ability to blend fantastical elements with real-world frustrations.
ITV’s crime drama,Code of Silence, made waves with its compelling storyline and powerful performances, particularly from Rose Ayling-Ellis, the 2021Strictly Come Dancingwinner. The series follows a deaf caterer who assists police by lipreading conversations with dangerous criminals, offering a unique and inclusive perspective.
Finally,Ballard, the spin-off to the popularBoschseries, quickly climbed the charts on Amazon Prime Video. Starring Maggie Q as Renée Ballard, the show follows a detective navigating departmental politics and uncovering a decades-old conspiracy. Reviewers praised its intelligent writing, pacing, and engaging storyline, comparing it favorably to other critically acclaimed crime dramas.
