The TV landscape in 2025 had a wide variety of new shows, returning favorites, and nostalgic spin-offs. Narrowing down the best of the best from this year is no easy feat. In fact, my own personal favorites had to be weighed carefully to keep the list within 10 shows. There was just so much meaningful TV to come across our screens this year. From old favorites like Ghosts and 9-1-1 to new stories such as The Pitt and Chief of War, TV this year showed us just why we tune in week after week. The level of storytelling and cinematography for so many shows left us breathless and anxious for more.
When it comes to must-watch television, ABC continues to dominate 2025 with a lineup packed with emotion, intensity, creativity, and some of the most unforgettable characters we’ve seen in years. Whether you’re into deep-dive dramas, laugh-until-you-cry comedies, or groundbreaking reality series, ABC has delivered a set of shows that’s turning viewers into superfans.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down ABC’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2025, why fans love them, and what makes them stand out in a year filled with fierce competition. Grab your popcorn—this list is binge-worthy.
Why ABC Shows Are Leading the 2025 TV Race
ABC has a long history of creating shows that stick—not just with ratings but with cultural impact. In 2025, the network doubled down on high-emotion storytelling, character depth, and fresh formats that viewers crave in the streaming era.
So what makes this year special?
Think bold plotlines, new faces stealing the spotlight, and familiar favorites reinventing themselves.
The Complete Breakdown of ABC’s Top 10 TV Shows in 2025
Below, we explore each show—what it’s about, the fan hype, and what makes it one of ABC’s best of the year.
1. “The Golden Hour” – ABC’s New Medical Drama Phenomenon
A Gritty, High-Tension Medical Saga
“The Golden Hour” has become ABC’s breakout drama of 2025. Set in a chaotic trauma center, the series follows a team of elite emergency physicians battling impossible choices.
Why Fans Love It
-
Emotionally charged cases
-
Complex character arcs
-
Realistic medical portrayals
This one keeps viewers on the edge—every episode feels like a race against time.
2. “Laugh Track Live” – The Comedy Everyone Needed
A Hybrid Sketch + Improv Show
“Laugh Track Live” mixes scripted comedy with raw improv moments that feel chaotic in the best way. The unexpected celebrity guests? Pure gold.
What Makes It Special
It’s that perfect stress-reliever TV we all crave—light, unpredictable, and endlessly shareable online.
3. “Shattered Vows” – The Drama That Broke the Internet
A Marriage, Secrets, and an Explosive Twist
This domestic thriller turned viewers into detectives overnight. Every episode ends with a cliffhanger worthy of group chats across the country.
Viewer Obsession
People love dissecting theories, and “Shattered Vows” feeds that obsession with every twist.
4. “Frontline Justice” – A Bold Legal Drama
Justice Gets Personal
Following a fearless civil rights attorney, this series blends courtroom battles with personal sacrifice.
A Show with Purpose
It hits hard with relevant issues—something ABC has mastered over the years.
5. “The Talent Trial” – Reality TV with Real Stakes
A New Era of Talent Competition
Think “American Idol” meets courtroom drama. Contestants not only perform—they defend their creative choices.
Why It’s Viral
Social media LOVES debates, and this show is full of moments that spark them.
6. “Beyond the Badge” – A Character-Driven Crime Series
More Than Just Another Police Drama
This show dives deep into the personal lives of detectives, blending workplace tension with emotional storytelling.
A Gritty but Human Take
Viewers praise its realism and its ability to make even side characters unforgettable.
7. “Starbound Academy” – The Sci-Fi Surprise Hit
Young Recruits, Big Missions
A futuristic space-training academy becomes the center of intergalactic conflict.
Why It Stands Out
ABC rarely does sci-fi at this scale, and fans are loving the cinematic universe-building.
8. “Heart & Harvest” – A Feel-Good Family Drama
Small Town Life, Big Emotions
Set on a family-run farm, the show explores love, loss, and generational conflict.
The Comfort Show of the Year
It’s warm, nostalgic, and perfect for viewers who want to unwind without the chaos.
9. “Undercover Classroom” – A Hilariously Unexpected Premise
A Former Spy Turned Substitute Teacher
This comedy-action hybrid is as fun as it sounds. Think spy gadgets meeting PTA drama.
Audience Response
People love how refreshingly silly and smart this show is.
10. “The Last Broadcast” – A Psychological Mystery Series
Secrets Behind the Microphone
A radio host receives mysterious calls that unravel a dark conspiracy.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
The storytelling? Sharp. The suspense? Top-tier. The atmosphere? Absolutely chilling.
Emerging Trends from ABC’s 2025 Lineup
More Character-Driven Stories
ABC is doubling down on emotional realism—something audiences clearly crave.
Bold Genre Mixing
From comedy-improv hybrids to sci-fi dramas, ABC is experimenting in ways that pay off.
Social Media-Ready Moments
Every show has scenes that instantly trend on TikTok and X.
What These Shows Tell Us About Where TV Is Headed
ABC’s 2025 lineup reflects a growing trend: viewers want depth, authenticity, and bold creativity. The network isn’t afraid to push boundaries—and that’s exactly why these shows resonate.
TV is transforming, but ABC is evolving right with it.
Final Thoughts
ABC’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2025 offer something for every mood—intense drama, heartfelt stories, laugh-out-loud chaos, and boundary-pushing concepts. If 2025 is any indication, ABC is shaping the future of broadcast and streaming entertainment.
Whether you’re looking for your next binge or just want to stay ahead of the TV conversation, this list is your ultimate guide.
