10 TV shows of 2025 that disappointed me the most
10. The Wheel of Time (Season 3)
Despite high production values, the third season faced a polarized reception. While some critics called it the "best yet" for its exploration of Aiel culture, a vocal segment of the fanbase felt the adaptation strayed too far from Robert Jordan’s books. By "reinventing the wheel," as producers put it, the show lost the "core fantasy appeal" for purists who felt the condensed plotlines sacrificed the depth of the original lore.
9. Ironheart (Marvel)
Riri Williams’ solo debut arrived amidst a storm of "superhero fatigue." While the series was praised by some for its lead performance, it was heavily "review-bombed" upon release, leading to a distorted public perception. Beyond the controversy, critics noted a "formulaic story" and weak writing that felt like a "standard Disney+ filler," making it a lackluster entry in the broader MCU slate.
8. And Just Like That... (Season 3)
The TSATC sequel continued to be a lightning rod for criticism. While Season 3 lulled into a state of "easy comfort" for some, others slammed it for having "no idea what to do with these characters." Critics felt the storylines—ranging from a $7,000 dining table to mundane dog dramas—lacked the sharp, relatable stakes of the original 90s series.
7. Squid Game (Season 3)
Following the global phenomenon of Season 1, the finale of the series left many viewers cold. Critics described the ending as a "What the actual" moment that "beggars belief." While the emotional sacrifice of Gi-hun provided a thematic close, the inclusion of "VIP commentary" and a pivot toward traditional action-thriller tropes led many to feel the show had lost its original, razor-sharp social satire.
6. Clean Slate
Created by Laverne Cox and George Wallace, this Amazon comedy had the heavy weight of being a "Norman Lear product" in a modern era. Unfortunately, critics found it to be a "mixed bag." The gentle, Hallmark-style humor was described as "toothless" and "saccharine," failing to provide the "Archie Bunker-style" bite that the premise of a trans woman returning to her conservative Alabama roots promised.
5. The Residence
Netflix’s White House murder mystery was noted as a "significant bomb" by several outlets. Despite a stellar cast including Giancarlo Esposito and Uzo Aduba, the execution was described as a "chore to watch." Glacial pacing and an over-reliance on red herrings turned what should have been a tight political thriller into an eight-episode slog that "didn't deliver on its intrigue."
4. Suits LA
The Los Angeles-based spinoff struggled to escape the shadow of the original "Blue Skies" drama. Critics gave it a paltry 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, with fans on social media comparing it to a "TikTok parody of the original." The lack of character development and a "rushed production" feel made it difficult for viewers to connect with Stephen Amell's new firm.
3. Nobody Wants This (Season 2)
While the first season was a breakout rom-com hit for Netflix, the second outing felt like "narrative stasis" to many. Reviewers noted that the format was "growing a little tired" and that the show chose to play it safe rather than develop the characters further. What was once "airy and popcorn-like" began to feel "fundamentally slight" and uninspired.
2. The Bear (Season 4)
In a rare turn for the critical darling, Season 4 saw the show’s lowest Rotten Tomatoes score to date. While many still found it "highly watchable," others felt the "wheel-spinning" and "stagnation" that began in Season 3 reached a breaking point. The intense focus on soul-searching vignettes over narrative progression led some to feel the kitchen drama was "losing steam."
1. Étoile
From the creators of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this ballet drama landed on multiple "biggest bombs" lists. Critics described it as a "jarring, cringe-inducing mess" that was "tonally all over the place." Despite the pedigree of Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show’s "bolt-on whimsy" and unlikable protagonists prevented it from finding its feet with a mainstream audience.
