2025 Television: Conspiracy, Romance, and Mature Storytelling Trends - Episode Hero Image

2025 Television: Conspiracy, Romance, and Mature Storytelling Trends

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TL;DR

  • Conspiracy-themed shows like "Severance" and "Common Side Effects" dominated 2025 TV, reflecting societal anxieties and providing dramatic engines for exploring hidden truths and external threats.
  • The romantic comedy genre saw a resurgence with shows like "Too Much" and "Nobody Wants This," attempting to navigate modern relationships by focusing on internal character baggage rather than external obstacles.
  • "Dying for Sex" demonstrated that humor can effectively serve serious themes, using comedy to explore profound topics of sex and death with frankness and catharsis.
  • "The Hunting Wives" exemplified a trend of entertaining, fun-focused television, prioritizing enjoyment and escapism through rich characters with secrets, even if the show's quality was debatable.
  • "Andor" offered a rare instance of mature, adult storytelling within franchise IP, focusing on rebellion, autocracy, and sacrifice, providing a grown-up narrative often missing in franchise content.
  • "Long Story Short" utilized specificity in its portrayal of a Jewish family's history to create a universally resonant and deeply funny exploration of relationships, aging, and inherited neuroses.
  • "Pluribus" presented a compelling philosophical debate on collectivism versus individualism through a sci-fi premise, questioning the nature of happiness and free will in a transformed humanity.

Deep Dive

The year 2025 in television offered a "mild improvement" over the previous year, providing critics and audiences with a more balanced distribution of quality and enjoyable viewing experiences rather than an overwhelming surge of groundbreaking content. This assessment signifies a return to a more typical television landscape, where finding standout shows required discernment rather than sheer struggle.

Several distinct trends emerged in 2025's television offerings. A significant thematic undercurrent was the prevalence of conspiracy-driven narratives, evident in shows like "Severance," "Common Side Effects," and "The Lowdown." These series often featured lone protagonists unraveling complex secrets, tapping into a broader cultural fascination with hidden truths and machinations. "Severance" itself, despite a three-year gap between seasons, maintained significant audience excitement, though one critic noted a preference for character-driven drama over the unfolding mystery. "Common Side Effects," an animated series, explored a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company attempting to suppress a natural cure, blending realism with a hallucinatory tone and offering commentary on societal ills.

Another notable trend was the re-examination and complication of the romantic comedy genre. Shows like Lena Dunham's "Too Much" and the second season of "Nobody Wants This" attempted to navigate the challenges of crafting modern romantic narratives. "Too Much" focused on an American woman's romantic disillusionment in England, while "Nobody Wants This" explored the complexities of a relationship between a rabbi and a non-Jewish podcaster, highlighting faith and cultural differences as central themes.

Beyond these thematic trends, several shows were lauded for their specific merits. "Dying for Sex," a limited series, was praised for its frank and humorous exploration of sex and the end-of-life journey, demonstrating that humor can effectively serve profound and serious ideas. "The Hunting Wives" was identified as a fun, albeit not necessarily "good," show that prioritized entertainment through its depiction of wealthy suburban women, secrets, and gunplay, representing a trend of indulging in the pleasures of "rich people with secrets" narratives. The critically acclaimed "Andor" was highlighted as a rare example of sophisticated, adult-oriented IP storytelling, offering a grounded and tragic perspective on rebellion and sacrifice within the Star Wars universe. "The Lowdown," a political, journalistic, and noir-infused series, was celebrated for its textured portrayal of Tulsa and its compelling, albeit "shaggy," narrative centered on a "truth historian." Finally, "Long Story Short," an animated family dramedy, was recognized for its specificity, Jewish cultural detail, and poignant exploration of intergenerational relationships, offering a moving and often absurdly funny depiction of family dynamics.

Action Items

  • Audit 3-5 discussed shows for conspiracy themes to identify common narrative structures and potential biases.
  • Create a runbook template for analyzing TV show trends, defining 5 required sections (e.g., genre, themes, critical reception, audience impact, cultural relevance).
  • Track 5-10 shows that complicate romantic comedy tropes to understand evolving narrative approaches and audience engagement.
  • Measure the prevalence of "mystery box" storytelling across 3-5 shows to assess its effectiveness and potential for narrative fatigue.
  • Analyze 3-5 shows that blend humor and serious themes to identify effective techniques for tackling complex subjects.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"I would say last year not to crap on 2024 too much but um was was one of the few years where you know i just i basically had 10 and and i was good and one of them was the olympics uh you know this year i think we were i'm not going to say that it was just a blow the doors off year for television but it was a much more normal distribution of going down to the wire and cutting things off the list so uh that was that's that's a positive note for me"

James Poniewozik indicates that 2025 was a more typical year for television compared to 2024, which he found had fewer standout shows. He suggests that the increased number of quality shows in 2025 allowed for a more competitive selection process for his "best of" list, which he views as a positive development for television.

"um you know i don't need to tell our listeners probably all the reasons that conspiracy theories have had great influence in the larger world conspiracy theories and actual conspiracies um conspiracy is a great engine for drama there's somebody doing something something is a miss but a lot of the best shows that i watched this year uh and the more interesting ones in some way or another involved often alone or close to lone protagonist trying to unravel something that went way way beyond them and you know this was in animation it was in science fiction it was in mystery there's a there was a lot of it in the water"

James Poniewozik observes that conspiracy themes were prevalent in many of the most interesting and well-crafted shows of 2025. He notes that these narratives, often featuring a solitary protagonist uncovering a vast mystery, appeared across various genres, including animation, science fiction, and mystery, suggesting it was a significant trend in the year's television landscape.

"i i will say like i i am i find family is not super jewish in the way that the family in this is but that's not necessarily the appeal of it to me the appeal is that i am really drawn to specificity particularly in in comedies like this because i think that helps you develop a viewpoint it helps you know the characters it helps you create a world you know i i watch tv i experience art in general to take me into somebody else's experience and it's sort of similar to me to the way that i loved reservation dogs the great comedy that was set on an oklahoma indian reservation a couple of years ago"

James Poniewozik explains that his appreciation for the animated show "Long Story Short" stems from its specificity, even if he doesn't share the same cultural background as the depicted family. He argues that this detailed approach helps in developing a unique viewpoint, creating believable characters, and building an immersive world, which is how he prefers to experience art and television.

"i i would say this is a sexy sexy show with so much sex and the sex does not feel gratuitous because the sex is text like it is about sex it is about their desire for each other it is about how they have sex how they want each other how they don't want each other and like sasu fee like it's it's it's it's or as we do say diane like it's enough it's enough it's enough to tell a hot steamy story about sex"

Alexis Soloski argues that the show "Heated Rivalry" effectively uses sex not as gratuitous content but as a narrative device that advances the story. She explains that the explicit scenes are integral to the plot, directly conveying the characters' desires, relationships, and emotional states, thereby contributing meaningfully to the overall storytelling.

"when i tell you to move you move it was the pinnacle of something that has dominated the culture for i don't know two plus decades at this point which is ip storytelling which is franchise storytelling and as someone who grew up a star wars fan sorry this is extremely nerdy i was obsessed with it when i was a teenager and i thought that when i got older star wars would age with me would grow up with me and it never did and i felt like this was an actual moment when for one brief shining moment star wars was a grown up thing it was a grown up story"

James Poniewozik suggests that the series "Andor" represents a high point in IP-driven storytelling, a trend he finds pervasive in contemporary culture. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, he felt that "Andor" was a rare instance where the franchise matured alongside its audience, offering a sophisticated, adult narrative that addressed complex themes beyond typical franchise fare.

"the sort of through line is carol dealing with this new world carol trying to figure out if there is a way to reverse this virus and restore humanity to what it was before you know we could continue this after you've had a good night's sleep who is we we is us just us part of the thing that i think is interesting is that it's a little bit playing around with the idea of is what we've witnessed an apocalypse there is suddenly no war on earth there's no conflict there's you know a lot of things that we say we aspire to in humanity have been achieved by our brains being taken over and underneath this highly entertaining very funny extremely well acted i mean it's it's often like rhea seehorn sort of giving a a solo performance is a very interesting idea about collectivism versus individualism about what happiness means about whether it is better to be blissful and have no free will or to be discontented but an intact individual"

James Poniewozik highlights that "Pluribus" explores profound philosophical questions about collectivism versus individualism and the nature of happiness. He notes that the series presents a world where humanity has achieved peace and unity through a virus that creates a collective mind, prompting viewers to consider whether this enforced bliss is preferable to individual discontent and free will, as exemplified by the protagonist's struggle.

Resources

External Resources

Videos & Documentaries

  • The Cult Behind The Killer: The Andrea Yates Story - Mentioned as a documentary event airing on ID Network.

Articles & Papers

  • "The Best TV of 2025" (The New York Times) - Mentioned as a topic of discussion for the year's television highlights.

People

  • Gilbert Cruz - Host of "The Sunday Special" podcast.
  • James Poniewozik - Chief Television Critic at The New York Times.
  • Alexis Soloski - Culture Reporter at The New York Times.
  • Lena Dunham - Creator of the romantic comedy "Too Much."
  • Megan Stalter - Star of "Too Much" and known for comedy videos.
  • Adam Brody - Actor, plays a rabbi in "Nobody Wants This."
  • Kristen Bell - Actress, plays a non-Jewish podcaster girlfriend in "Nobody Wants This."
  • Seth Rogen - Actor, appears in "Nobody Wants This" and "Platonic."
  • Michelle Williams - Actress, stars in "Dying For Sex."
  • Jenny Slate - Actress, appears in "Dying For Sex."
  • Brittany Snow - Actress, stars in "The Hunting Wives."
  • Melanie Lynskey - Actress, appears in "The Hunting Wives."
  • Hugh Grant - Actor, mentioned in relation to Nicole Kidman's outerwear in a show.
  • Nicole Kidman - Actress, mentioned for her elegant outerwear in television shows.
  • Ryan Murphy - Television producer, associated with the show "Dr. Odyssey."
  • Joshua Jackson - Actor, plays a doctor on a cruise ship in "Dr. Odyssey."
  • Kate Berlant - Actress, appears in "Dr. Odyssey."
  • Amy Sedaris - Actress, appears in "Dr. Odyssey."
  • Margaret Cho - Actress, appears in "Dr. Odyssey."
  • Margo Martindale - Actress, appears in "Dr. Odyssey."
  • Sterling Harjo - Creator of "The Lowdown."
  • Ethan Hawke - Actor, stars as Lee Raybon in "The Lowdown."
  • Kyle MacLachlan - Actor, plays a political family scion in "The Lowdown."
  • Kal Penn - Actor, plays a character running for governor in "The Lowdown."
  • Killer Mike - Hip hop artist and actor, plays an editor in "The Lowdown."
  • Pete Davidson - Comedian and actor, appears in an episode of "The Lowdown."
  • Rose Byrne - Actress, stars in "Platonic."
  • Rhea Seehorn - Actress, stars as Carol Sturka in "Pluribus."
  • Bella Bartok - Composer, mentioned in relation to Cassian Andor's native language.
  • Bela Lugosi - Actor, mentioned in relation to Cassian Andor's native language.
  • George Clooney - Actor, associated with the film "Michael Clayton."
  • Diego Luna - Actor, plays Cassian Andor and appeared in "Y Tu Mamá También," "Frida," and "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights."
  • Alec Guinness - Actor, nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope."
  • Tina Antolini - Producer of "The Sunday Special."
  • Alex Barron - Contributor and quizmaster for "The Sunday Special."
  • Kate Lareste - Editor for "The Sunday Special."
  • Dalia Haddad - Production assistance for "The Sunday Special."

Organizations & Institutions

  • ID Network - Television channel where "The Cult Behind The Killer: The Andrea Yates Story" airs.
  • Adult Swim - Network where "Common Side Effects" aired.
  • Netflix - Streaming service where "Too Much," "Nobody Wants This," and "The Hunting Wives" were available.
  • HBO - Television network where "Heated Rivalry" aired.
  • Disney Plus - Streaming service where "Andor" is available.
  • Apple TV+ - Streaming service where "Platonic" is available.
  • The New York Times - Publication associated with the podcast hosts and critics.
  • Lumin Industries - Fictional organization central to the plot of "Severance."
  • Big Pharma - Mentioned in relation to the pharmaceutical companies' potential threat from "Common Side Effects."
  • The OC - Television show where Adam Brody was previously known for his role.
  • Hacks - Television show where Megan Stalter is known for her role.
  • True Detective - Television show where Melanie Lynskey appeared.
  • Billions - Television show where Melanie Lynskey was previously featured.
  • The Gilded Age - Television show mentioned for its use of coats.
  • The White Lotus - Television show mentioned for its setting and characters.
  • Star Wars - Franchise discussed in relation to "Andor."
  • The Mandalorian - Star Wars television series.
  • New York Times Games - Associated with games like Wordle and Connections.

Websites & Online Resources

  • Wirecutter - Product recommendation service from The New York Times.
  • NYTimes.com/holidayguide - URL for Wirecutter's gift guides.

Other Resources

  • "Severance" - TV show discussed for its conspiracy elements and second season.
  • "Common Side Effects" - Animated series discussed for its conspiracy plot and themes of societal sickness.
  • "Too Much" - Romantic comedy series discussed for its revival of the genre.
  • "Nobody Wants This" - Series discussed for its exploration of faith in relationships.
  • "Dying For Sex" - Limited series discussed for its frank portrayal of sex and dying.
  • "The Hunting Wives" - Series discussed for its fun, albeit dark, portrayal of wealthy suburban women.
  • "The White Lotus" - Television series discussed in the context of rich people with secrets.
  • "Dr. Odyssey" - Television series described as a "Love Boat" with medical procedures.
  • "Long Story Short" - Animated family dramedy discussed as an absolute favorite.
  • "Heated Rivalry" - Series discussed for its steamy portrayal of rival hockey players.
  • "Andor" - Star Wars series praised as a grown-up spy show about rebellion.
  • "The Lowdown" - Political journalistic historical noir series discussed for its caper-like feel and textured portrayal of Tulsa.
  • "I Love LA" - Series discussed as a contender for friendship comedy.
  • "Adolescence" - Netflix mini-series discussed for its themes of online bullying and social media pressures.
  • "Platonic" - Series about old friends reuniting in middle age.
  • "Pluribus" - Series with a wild premise about an alien virus uniting humanity.
  • "The Pitt" - Television show discussed as impeccable television and potentially an ER spin-off.
  • "Reservation Dogs" - Comedy series set on an Oklahoma Indian reservation.
  • "Bojack Horseman" - Animated series, creator is associated with "Long Story Short."
  • "Lost" - Television series mentioned as a precedent for mystery box shows.
  • "The Simpsons" - Animated series, mentioned in relation to a fan theory about DB Cooper.
  • "Mad Men" - Television series, mentioned in relation to a fan theory about DB Cooper.
  • "Sesame Street" - Children's show, mentioned in relation to a fan theory about vampires.
  • "The Office" - Television series, mentioned in relation to a fan theory about the meek HR guy being a serial killer.
  • "The Flintstones" - Animated series, mentioned in relation to a fan theory about "The Jetsons."
  • "The Jetsons" - Animated series, mentioned in relation to a fan theory about "The Flintstones."
  • "The Gilded Age" - Television series, mentioned for its use of theme songs.
  • "What We Do in the Shadows" - Television series, mentioned for its theme song.
  • "The Righteous Gemstones" - Television series, mentioned for its theme song.
  • "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope" - Film, mentioned in relation to Golden Globe nominations.
  • "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" - Film, mentioned as a prequel to "Star Wars: Episode IV."
  • "Michael Clayton" - Film, mentioned in relation to Tony Gilroy's Academy Award nominations.
  • "Y Tu Mamá También" - Film, mentioned in relation to Diego Luna's roles.
  • "Frida" - Film, mentioned in relation to Diego Luna's roles.
  • "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights" - Film, mentioned in relation to Diego Luna's roles.
  • "The Death Star" - Fictional space station from Star Wars.
  • "Kanari" - Andor's native language.
  • "The Love Boat" - Television series, compared to "Dr. Odyssey."
  • "ER" - Television series, discussed in relation to "The Pitt."
  • "Bridesmaids" - Film, mentioned in relation to Rose Byrne's performance.
  • "Damages" - Television series, mentioned in relation to Rose Byrne's early work.
  • "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" - Film, mentioned as being on a watchlist.
  • "Hamnet" - Film, mentioned as a "sick kid movie" that cannot be watched.
  • "This Is Us" - Television series, compared to "Long Story Short."
  • "Reservation Dogs" - Comedy series, mentioned for its specificity.
  • "Normal People" - Television series, compared to "Heated Rivalry" for its sex scenes.
  • "The Perfect Couple" - Series mentioned as being more fun than other similar shows.
  • "The Beast in Me" - Series mentioned as not being a laugh riot.
  • "The Better Sister" - Series mentioned in the context of rich people with secrets.
  • "All Her Fault" - Series mentioned in the context of rich people with secrets.
  • "The Girlfriend" - Series mentioned in the context of rich people with secrets.
  • "Scavengers Reign" - Animated drama series, mentioned as being loved by one of the hosts.
  • "Manischewitz" - Brand, mentioned in relation to the specificity of "Long Story Short."
  • "Gefilte fish" - Food item, used as an analogy for the specificity of "Long Story Short."
  • "Farewell My Concubine" - Film, mentioned in a family game context.
  • "Mrs. Doubtfire" - Film, mentioned in a family game context.
  • "The B Sharps" - Fictional band from "The Simpsons."
  • "DB Cooper" - Hijacker, subject of a fan theory.
  • "The Vampire" -

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