Riz Ahmed’s maverick Prime series oscillates from boldness to hilarity — sometimes in the same instance — throughout all six of its under-25-minute episodes. It’s that potent balance that makes it one of the smartest and best streaming shows you’ll watch this year.

Remarkable for its even-handed but “let’s-ask-the-tough questions” approach, “Wanted” unfolds like an unbelievable, pulpy financial thriller filled with decadent lifestyles, global corporate in-fighting, daring escape plans, shady financial moves and intriguing characters. .... Brilliant docuseries.

“Shōgun” is a stirring and meaty historical series that matches its spectacle and scale with its emotion and intelligence as it ponders deep philosophical discussions about life, sacrifice, valor and death. It’s epic, in the very best way.

“The Sympathizer” walks a tightrope but is fearless about tackling uncomfortable subject matter. It’s smart and mesmerizing.

This season takes risks galore and comes up a winner every time.

The creepy production values are top-notch and the scares are not only frightening but disturbing. .... One of the best series Netflix has ever produced.

The first episode alone is a grabber, defying our every expectation. Can’t say how. Throughout, the storytelling and world-building maintain the highest standards. And that final episode promises there’s even more yet to come. If you love “Dune,” this is a gimme.

A return to form for “True Detective” in a season that’s as bold and original as the first one with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey.

It’s one of the most effective and affecting series I’ve experienced in some time, and is a creative triumph for all involved.

It is Hawley’s astute attention to detail and desire to construct an intricate story that distinguish and make “Alien: Earth” a big step up in quality for the “Alien” series overall. It’s certainly one of the best series I’ve seen this year, and better than the majority of studio blockbusters this summer in theaters.

I gobbled down six of the eight episodes available for review, and will say – without even the slightest reservations – that “Lotus” regulars should check in for this third season. You won’t be disappointed. Just be prepared to get your jaw dropped and your raised eyebrows torched right off.

An example of multifaceted worldbuilding that stresses the importance of complex character arcs and terrific writing. It’s layered with intrigue and full of intricate rebellious acts and is relevant to today’s turmoil and troubling times.

“Half Man,” as you probably can guess, is a bit of an endurance test. But it has a storytelling mightiness and an acting fury you can’t deny or ignore. It wrings you out, and leaves you in awe of all involved.

Series TV doesn’t get much better than this.

True to the show’s high standards, each episode contains some of the sharpest writing and the best acting (Edebiri’s panic attack almost gave me one) in a regular series.

“Beef Season 2” will invariably be compared to Season 1, and while it’s not quite there it’s in the same neighborhood.

Apple TV+’s ingenious mind-blower of a series returns and it’s just as brilliant as in its first season.

“Daredevil: Born Again” is easily one of the best series the Disney+ has offered and is also one of the best shows of 2025. It journeys into dark spaces with its contemporary power struggle and grazes, but doesn’t surrender to, the morally blurry lines set forth in “The Joker” and “The Batman.

Everything about “Bargain” is skillfully unhinged, with developments unfolding like new video game levels. Director/writer Jeon Woo-Sung’s expansion on a short film delivers on numerous counts, packing in more nonstop action and plot surprises than anything I’ve seen this year.

Explosive series, which successfully juggles numerous storylines and fills in the juicy and meaty details while constantly entertaining us.

If Netflix’s “Tiger King” made your jaw drop, get ready for it to fall to the ground while watching Lance Oppenheim’s wild three-part HBO series. It addictively covers the house-of-cards succession plans being hashed out for the Texas Renaissance Festival. Oppenheim melds documentary vérité for a fascinating depiction of 86-year-old King George’s (George Coulam) pursuit to pick a “suitable” successor.

Dee Rees directs the first episode of this thoughtful series that says so much more than you’d expect. In pivotal roles as resort workers, Jayden Elijah and Josh Bonzie deliver the best performances — two you won’t forget.

You’ll get sucked in from the start, and will continually waffle over Rusty’s innocence and the list of potential suspects. “Presumed Innocent” makes a strong case that Kelley needs to stick to making legal thrillers. It’s what he excels at.

You’ll gobble down all six episodes and crave even more.

Nesbø realizes the importance of showing all the shading of a character he obviously feels strongly for, and that comes through in the poignant scenes between Harry and his lover’s (Pia Tjelta) son Oleg (Maxime Baune Bochud) who feels a strong connection to Harry. It is those decisions that elevate this series above traditional mystery fare and makes us hope that this team will reunite to adapt more of Nesbø’s addictive novels.

“Win or Lose” notches another Pixar win and proves yet again how the studio remains an animated champ.

Undeniably a great detective series and is just as sharp and engrossing as “Slow Horses.

From its novel storytelling to its engaged cast, including Helen Hunt as Miles’ mom, this is fearless and above all relevant entertainment. My only complaint? I wish there were more than eight episodes.