Betting on Netflix’s Biggest Show of 2025

Although it’s only March, the entertainment landscape is abuzz with speculation about which streaming giant will dominate the year. Netflix, a perennial powerhouse, has a stacked lineup of returning favorites and intriguing new series. While 2024 saw the release of popular shows like Bridgerton and Emily in Paris, as well as Squid Game season 2 in late December, 2025 promises even more high-profile releases. The lingering effects of the 2023 strikes have pushed some of the most anticipated shows into this year, creating a perfect storm of content. Let’s delve into the contenders for Netflix’s biggest show of 2025, examining their potential and what makes them so eagerly awaited.

Familiar Faces, New Stories

Several shows are returning with new seasons, building on established fan bases and proven success. These series have a built-in advantage, carrying the momentum of previous seasons.

• The Night Agent Season 2:This political thriller, starring Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, has already made its mark in 2025, premiering on January 23rd. It’s already been renewed for a third season. The show’s blend of action, danger, and political conspiracy has clearly resonated with viewers.
• Nobody Wants This Season 2:This romantic comedy, featuring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, charmed audiences in 2024. The story of an unlikely couple, an agnostic podcaster and a traditional rabbi, navigating their cultural differences, struck a chord. Season 2 is expected in the fall of 2025.
• Squid Game Season 3:The global phenomenon that is Squid Game is set to return for a third and final season in 2025. Season 2, which premiered on December 26, 2024, continued the show’s intense narrative. The back-to-back filming of seasons 2 and 3 suggests a relatively quick turnaround for the final installment.
• Ginny & Georgia Season 3:This mother-daughter dramedy has garnered a devoted following. After a two-year wait between seasons 1 and 2, fans were initially hoping for a quicker release of season 3. Delays pushed the release to 2025, with production having begun in April 2024.
• One Piece Season 2:The live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series was a hit in 2023. Season 2, which began production in July 2024, is expected in early 2025, although a late 2025 release seems more probable.
• Sweet Magnolias Season 4:This heartwarming series, based on the books by Sherryl Woods, continues to be a fan favorite. Season 4, which wrapped filming in May 2024, will explore the ongoing relationships and challenges of the main characters.
• XO, Kitty Season 2:This spin-off of the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before film series, focusing on Lara Jean’s younger sister Kitty, was a teen hit in 2023. The second season premiered on January 16, 2025, after production wrapped in June 2024.
• My Life with the Walter Boys Season 2:This teen drama, based on Ali Novak’s book, follows a young woman navigating grief and a love triangle. Renewed shortly after its premiere, season 2 began production in August 2024 and is slated for a 2025 release.
• Wednesday Season 2:Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams in this darkly comedic series was a massive success. Season 2, which began filming in May 2024, is expected to lean further into the horror elements, with a mid-2025 release being likely.
• Stranger Things Season 5:The final season of this iconic sci-fi horror series is arguably the most anticipated Netflix release of 2025. After significant delays, filming began in January 2024, promising a conclusion to the epic saga. A late 2025 release is most probable, given the extensive post-production required.
• You Season 5:The psychological thriller starring Penn Badgley as the obsessive Joe Goldberg will conclude with its fifth season. Originally slated for 2024, strike-related delays pushed the release to 2025.
• The Recruit Season 2:This spy thriller, starring Noah Centineo, joins The Lincoln Lawyer and The Night Agent in Netflix’s successful action-thriller lineup. Season 2 premiered on January 30, 2025, continuing Owen Hendricks’ chaotic journey.

New Contenders

While returning shows have a head start, new series can quickly capture the public’s imagination. Netflix has a few promising newcomers in 2025.

• Zero Day:This political thriller limited series, starring Robert De Niro as a former US president investigating a cyberattack, premiered on February 20th. The star-studded cast, including Angela Bassett, Connie Britton, and Jesse Plemons, adds to its appeal.
• American Primeval:This Western limited series, which debuted on January 9th, explores a dangerous period in American history, focusing on the battle for survival and land control in 1857. The ensemble cast includes Taylor Kitsch, Jai Courtney, and Betty Gilpin.

Predicting the Biggest Hit

Predicting the absolute biggest hit is always a challenge, as audience reception can be unpredictable. However, a few shows stand out as strong contenders:

• Stranger Things Season 5:The final season of this cultural phenomenon has the highest expectations. Its established fanbase, global reach, and the promise of a conclusive ending make it a likely frontrunner.
• Wednesday Season 2:Building on the success of its first season, and with Jenna Ortega’s star power, Wednesday has the potential to reach even greater heights.
• Squid Game Season 3:While the second season has only recently been released, the quick turnaround for the third and final season could keep the momentum going, making it a major contender.
• You Season 5:As a popular series, the final season will likely be watched by many.

The Dark Horses

While the established series and big-name projects garner the most attention, there’s always the potential for a surprise hit. Nobody Wants This proved that in 2024, and My Life With the Walter Boys could continue its strong showing.

Netflix’s 2025 lineup is a testament to the streaming service’s commitment to diverse and high-quality content. Whether it’s the epic conclusion of Stranger Things, the continued thrills of The Night Agent, or the potential breakout success of a new series, viewers have a lot to look forward to. The competition for the title of “biggest show” will be fierce, but one thing is certain: 2025 will be a year of compelling television on Netflix.