20. “The American Revolution”
It should be an event every time that Ken Burns produces a new historical mini-series, but this one feels as timely as anything he’s ever done. As No Kings protests rage across the country, here’s a story of a divisive chapter of American history, presented with a depth that you never learned about in school. Through narration perfectly calibrated by Peter Coyote and footage shot across the country at some of its most historic locations, “The American Revolution,” as cheesy as it sounds, truly does bring history to life. Once again, Burns and his collaborators bring on board some of the most recognizable voices in entertainment, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Josh Brolin, Samuel L. Jackson, and even Paul Giamatti, who once again reads the words of John Adams. – BT
19. “Forever”
Mara Brock Akil’s loose adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Forever” is a gift for one primary reason: It doesn’t talk down to its audience. So many programs aimed at teens and twentysomethings treat them like idiots, transforming their real fears and anxieties into cheap melodrama. Akil and her two wonderfully charismatic stars – Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. – imbue every scene in “Forever” with truth, allowing these two incredibly likable sweethearts to feel three-dimensional. And that’s what made so many viewers care about their characters enough to warrant a second season renewal. Simone and Cooper should be massive stars by the time this one ends if there’s any justice in the TV world. – BT
18. “Pee-Wee As Himself”
When a doc portrait opens with its subject and director already bickering, you know you’re not getting a cozy legacy lap. Matt Wolf’s two-part “Pee-wee As Himself” is a fascinating profile of Paul Reubens that also becomes a battle for narrative control, an on-camera tug-of-war that exposes the scars behind the silliness. Wolf traces the arc from youth and comedy origins to Pee-wee Herman’s ’80s ubiquity, then the derailments: the public indecency charge that derailed his career and the later, false child pornography allegation that left another bruise anyway. The film keeps returning to the identity blur—where Reubens begins, and Pee-wee ends—and why the performer spent years hiding behind the alter ego, then retreating when the world turned. Wolf’s empathy and admiration are evident, but the documentary’s best moments are when Reubens lets his guard down, only to snap it back up, as if oversharing is its own kind of danger. – RP [read our review]
17. “The Last of Us”
Yes, the second season of HBO’s divisive adaptation of the Naughty Dog game “The Last of Us” was a step down, but maybe not for the reason you’re thinking. The “big moment” was handled well, even if it broke your heart—it’s how rushed much of the rest of the season felt from there, especially the weak third episode and hurried finale, that made this year inferior to the first season. And yet there were moments of undeniable artistry, whether it was in the terrifying attack on Jackson in “Through the Valley” or the heartbreaking mastery of “The Price,” which features the best acting work of Pedro Pascal’s career, and might be the best episode in this series from either season. – BT [read our review]
16. “The White Lotus”
Creator Mike White arguably fumbled the ending of his third venture to “The White Lotus,” but there were so many wonderful choices before then that his overly chaotic finale can be forgiven. From Sam Rockwell’s unforgettable monologue to the underrated craft of one of the best-looking shows on TV to pretty much every choice made by Carrie Coon every time she’s on-screen, there were individual joys to be found in many parts of this year’s “The White Lotus.” And it was one of the few 2025 shows that left people talking. Even those who hated it will sign up for the trip to season four. Guaranteed. – BT
