We are halfway through 2025 and despite a few letdowns, like Season 2 of The Last of Us ā€“ and who knows what the final season of Squid Game has in store for us on June 27 ā€“ there have been a number of great shows that have generated a lot of buzz.
From heartfelt family dramas and tales of growing up to a dystopian workplace sci-fi thriller, here are five top shows that have gained global popularity and received critical acclaim across different platforms this year.
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix)
Following the stories of various generations of characters from South Koreaā€™s Jeju Island, this moving drama weaves together coming-of-age experiences and lifeā€™s challenges, all grounded in the island and South Koreaā€™s unique culture and setting.
But at its heart, itā€™s a universal story about how, despite our individual struggles, the timeless values of familial love and joy transcend hardship.
Starring some of the biggest stars in South Korea, including IU and Park Bo-gum, the series has a 100 per cent criticsā€™ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 98 per cent audience rating.
2. The White Lotus: Season 3 (HBO Max)
Mike Whiteā€™s The White Lotus series is loved for its satirical take on privilege, desire and human behaviour, all set against the backdrop of luxury resorts around the world.