Summer is officially in sight, and with it comes an exciting lineup of new and returning TV shows that promise to keep viewers entertained through the warmer months. From highly anticipated new adaptations of bestselling novels to thrilling continuations of beloved series, 2025’s television calendar offers a rich variety of options. Whether you’re a fan of drama, mystery, or reality TV, this guide highlights the must-watch premieres and season returns from May through August and beyond. Prepare your watchlist as we explore what’s coming to screens near you.
May premieres: A month full of anticipation and fresh starts
As May kicks off, fans can dive straight into a variety of fresh content across streaming platforms and cable channels. Netflix launches The Four Seasons on May 1, an enticing new series to set the tone for the month. Not far behind, Max introduces Adult Best Friends on May 2, promising laughs and heartfelt moments.
One of the month’s most buzzworthy returns is The Walking Dead: Dead City, premiering on AMC and AMC+ on May 4. This spinoff continues the post-apocalyptic saga that has captivated audiences for years. Meanwhile, May 8 marks a trio of premieres: Criminal Minds: Evolution (Paramount+), the intriguing new book adaptation Forever (Netflix), and Poker Face starring Natasha Lyonne (Peacock), whose quirky mystery format has earned rave reviews.
May is also notable for the return of Nicole Kidman in Nine Perfect Strangers, premiering May 21 on Hulu, as well as a variety of series exploring diverse genres—from the documentary-style Welcome to Wrexham (FX) to the animated Love, Death + Robots (Netflix). The month rounds out with new series like The Better Sister on Prime Video and Adults on FX, ensuring viewers have plenty of fresh content to binge.
June Highlights: Novels, Suspense, and Final Seasons
June builds on May’s momentum with several standout premieres. Stick, a new Apple TV+ series, debuts on June 4, followed by the return of popular reality content like Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour (E!/Peacock) on June 5. The highly anticipated adaptation of E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel, We Were Liars, arrives on June 18 via Prime Video, offering viewers a gripping mystery that promises to be a summer must-watch.
For fans of suspense and drama, June 25 brings Countdown on Prime Video, featuring Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles in a chilling thriller, alongside the return of The Bear on FX on Hulu. One of the biggest events of the month is the final season of Netflix’s groundbreaking Squid Game, premiering on June 27. The series captivated global audiences with its intense storytelling and social commentary, and its conclusion is highly anticipated.
June also sees the return of HBO’s The Gilded Age on June 22, a lavish period drama that has earned critical acclaim. On the documentary and factual side, Nautilus launches on AMC on June 29, promising intriguing insights for curious minds.
Summer Watchlist: July and August bring variety and long-awaited returns
July continues to deliver exciting content for every taste. On July 3, The Sandman: Volume 1 premieres on Netflix, bringing Neil Gaiman’s beloved graphic novel to life with a visually stunning adaptation. Comedy fans can look forward to South Park and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia returning on July 9 and new series like Too Much arriving on Netflix on July 10. The month also features Dexter: Resurrection on Paramount+ with Showtime, reviving the dark, gripping story of the infamous serial killer, alongside Apple TV+’s sci-fi epic Foundation.
Later in July, The Sandman: Volume 2 continues the saga, while Peacock’s Twisted Metal offers action-packed thrills on July 31. This variety ensures a mix of genres, from fantasy to comedy to drama, catering to broad audience interests.
August maintains the momentum with highly anticipated premieres such as Outlander: Blood of My Blood on Starz (August 8), expanding the beloved historical saga. The month also welcomes Alien: Earth on FX on Hulu (August 12), blending documentary-style storytelling with sci-fi elements. Fans of superhero fare will appreciate the return of Peacemaker on Max (August 21), while Netflix offers Long Story Short on August 22, rounding out a diverse summer slate.
Earlier 2025 Highlights: Noteworthy premieres from January and February
While the focus is on the warmer months ahead, 2025 started strong with several notable series. January brought Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (Peacock) and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC), alongside the supernatural drama Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches on AMC. The month also included beloved series like The Rookie and Will Trent on ABC returning with new seasons.
February was marked by high-profile events and series such as the Grammy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, as well as premieres like Love You to Death (Apple TV+) and the continuation of The Kardashians (Hulu). Netflix continued to impress with new shows such as Apple Cider Vinegar and the popular The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep. These early premieres set a strong foundation for the diverse and engaging content that would follow throughout the year, confirming 2025 as a banner year for television.
Your must-watch shows this season
With this wealth of content, 2025 promises to be an exceptional year for TV enthusiasts. Whether you prefer binge-watching adaptations of your favorite books, following thrilling new mysteries, or revisiting familiar characters in their final seasons, there is something for everyone.
Our picks for the season include The Walking Dead: Dead City for fans of post-apocalyptic drama, We Were Liars for those who enjoy psychological suspense, and The Sandman for fantasy lovers. Don’t miss the finale of Squid Game, which will no doubt be a cultural event.
Stay tuned as we continue to update this guide throughout the year, bringing you the latest premiere dates and insider tips to help you curate your ultimate watchlist. So grab your popcorn, set your reminders, and get ready to dive into the best television has to offer in 2025.
