The year 2025 has proven to be a powerhouse for digital entertainment, with several original series capturing global attention and breaking records. From long-awaited final seasons to fresh, award-winning narratives, streaming platforms delivered content that became instant fan favourites. Here is a curated list of the seven best OTT shows that defined the viewing landscape in 2025.
Global Phenomena and Final Chapters
The fifth and final season of 'Stranger Things' was arguably the most anticipated release of the year. Its impact was immediate and monumental. When the first volume dropped on November 26, 2025, the surge in viewership was so immense that it reportedly caused the Netflix platform to crash temporarily. The season is credited with shattering multiple streaming records, solidifying its place as a cultural milestone. All seasons are available for streaming on Netflix.
Similarly, the fifth and final season of 'You' concluded the twisted journey of Joe Goldberg in April 2025. Penn Badgley's return as the serial killer trying to start anew in New York City, only to be derailed by a mysterious woman named Bronte, kept audiences hooked. The show remained one of the most discussed and watched series throughout the year, available for binge-watching on Netflix.
Award-Winning New Entries and Critically Acclaimed Returns
The psychological thriller 'Adolescence' emerged as a major talking point in 2025, culminating in a spectacular win of 8 Emmy awards. The show, which follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller accused of murder, also saw its young star, Owen Cooper, win a supporting role Emmy, making him one of the youngest recipients ever. You can stream this gripping series on Netflix.
After a three-year wait, 'Severance' returned for its second season to massive critical acclaim. The show, exploring the dark concept of separating work and personal memories, achieved an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans can catch the mind-bending drama on Apple TV+.
Medical drama 'The Pitt' also scored big with critics and awards juries. Focusing on the high-pressure environment of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center's ER, it matched 'Severance' with a 95% Tomatometer score. At the Primetime Emmy Awards, it won top honours including Outstanding Drama Series, and awards for Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa. This hit is available on JioHotstar.
Unmissable Genre-Defining Hits
'Squid Game' season 3 continued its global domination upon release. Creator Hwang Dong Hyuk's sharp satire on capitalism and the extreme lengths people go for wealth resonated worldwide, making it a definitive show of the year. All seasons are streaming on Netflix.
The list also includes other viral sensations that rose to the top of charts and conversations, demonstrating the diverse and rich content offered by OTT platforms in 2025. From thrillers and dramas to sci-fi and social commentary, the year offered something for every viewer, solidifying the dominance of streaming services in the entertainment industry.
