The longest day of the year has come and gone and summer is finally upon us. It is hard to believe but we are already halfway through 2025 and Christmas will be here before you know it.
As we approach the second part of the year, it might be the perfect time to take stock and reflect on the TV shows that have come and gone already. From streaming smash hits to some underseen gems, there are plenty you could still add to your watchlist.
We’ve pulled together this list based on the overall ‘Tomatometre’ score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes - as well as my personal recommendations at the end, as a TV reporter and writer.
Where possible we will try to include where it is possible to watch the shows as well in the UK.
Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at www.yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
5. Phineas and Ferb - 100% Fresh
One for the kids - and the young at heart - animated series Phineas and Ferb has returned to Disney for a fifth series after a decade. 10 episodes are currently available on Disney Plus. The show has a 100% rating for its fifth season on Rotten Tomatoes based on eight reviews. | Disney Photo: Disney
6. Families Like Ours - 100% Fresh
This Danish show premiered in its homeland last year - but has now arrived on the BBC via iPlayer in 2025. Directed by Oscar-nominated Thomas Vinterberg, it is a speculative climate change drama about the whole of Denmark being evacuated due to rising water levels. It has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 reviews from critics. All 7 episodes are on BBC iPlayer. | Per Arnesen via BBC Photo: Per Arnesen via BBC
7. Mercy for None - 100% Fresh
A former gangster returns to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death in this Korean crime series on Netflix. The seven-part series released in June and has received acclaim, sitting at 100% fresh based on five reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. All of the episodes are available to watch now. | Netflix Photo: Netflix
8. Fake - 100% Fresh
A show from down under, Fake came out in Australia last year but finally washed up on our shores earlier this year. The eight part series arrived on ITVX and that is where you can watch it. It follows a woman who thinks she has found the perfect match - but discovers he may not be all he appears. It has a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on five reviews from critics. | Lionsgate/ITV Photo: Lionsgate/ITV