Sixtysomething Podcast - My Favorite Shows of 2025 So Far

Sixtysomething Podcast - My Favorite Shows of 2025 - So Far_S2_Ep26

[00:00:00] Hello again, my 60 something friends. It's me, grace, and I'm so glad you're here.

Tonight this episode, it's a little different than usual. I'll tell you why. I'm gonna shake things up a bit, uh, more over here on my side of the microphone. But prepare yourselves. I'm going rogue. No script, no bullet points. No color coded notes, just me, you, my laptop, and nine months of television that's been keeping me and my husband, Aaron, usually company through 2025.

Here's our journey Tonight. We're taking a walkthrough of everything that premiered from January through September. [00:01:00] It will be a quick review of various shows and I will indicate, watched it, didn't watch it. I'll tell you what caught my attention and what earned my ongoing interest. Sometimes with these shows, one episode is more than enough, right?

And I'll be giving you my honest verdict. No diplomatic maybes. No, it depends Just. My clear thumbs up or thumbs down because I am a pretty decisive person right now at this age anyway, and I'm sure of my opinion. But a disclaimer, I am fully prepared for you to disagree with me because everyone has a different take and I love that after that.

In this episode, we'll dive into Emmy season, the snubs that made me mad. The winds that [00:02:00] felt just right and the ones that felt wrong will wrap up with something I'm genuinely excited to share. My top shows those where I found. Myself cheering and shouting. Bravo at my television.

The precious few that made 2025 a great year in entertainment. Now you know where we're going, and if you're joining us for the first time, welcome to this little corner of the internet. Before we start our TV show, you're in review. Let me paint you a picture of how television happens in our house.

Our TV time, it's simple. Daytime television doesn't exist for us unless there's breaking news that demands attention. But evenings, well, the magic starts when. My [00:03:00] husband walks in from work and then we have an early dinner and he takes Dorothy for a walk and then we claim our spots, his on the leather couch, mine on the flowery chase lounge, and then our evening of watching what we affectionately call our shows begins.

My grandma used to call it her stories. I've been a high-end true crime follower for decades. I've talked about it, and I've even started a podcast on the subject, which I talked about on a 60 something episode a while back. In recent years, Aaron has joined me in my mild obsession for exceptional true crime storytelling.

Not the sensational stuff, but the kind that treats real stories with respect [00:04:00] and there's some journalistic professionalism involved. Our weekly anchor shows are 48 hours mystery and Dateline and 2020. Plus those limited series that handle difficult cases with genuine care. But here's what keeps us subscribing to almost every streaming service.

We're both completely enraptured by extraordinary performances. When an actor disappears so completely into a role that you forget you're watching tv or the plot has you thinking about it long after. The show is over magnificent storytelling. We live for that. Those moments, you know, when you find yourself leaning forward, completely transported,

[00:05:00] Grab your favorite beverage, get cozy. This might be one of our longer conversations,

Okay, here we go. Now I'm gonna go through a list of TV shows that has aired from January to September of 2025. There are 50 shows on this list. I'll go fast, but I may skip through a few of them. Alright, number one. The pit that's on HBO Max, you've probably heard of it. It's a high intensity medical drama at a Pittsburgh trauma center.

It stars Noah Wiley and Erin and I watched an episode finally the other night, and it ended. We looked at each other and I said, hard. No, and he agreed. I'm sure it's a fine show, [00:06:00] but I don't wanna put myself in a crowded waiting room at. Hospital or an urgent care, whatever this place is. I think it's a hospital.

I don't wanna do that, and I don't wanna see all those injuries. I am a GRS Anatomy fan, but I just think it's a little more nuanced and you don't really feel like you're inside a nightmare. So

kudos to the pit, but it's not for me. Number two is only murders in the building. This is season five of that show. It's a cozy who done it with upper West Side, New York City Flare. Steve Martin's in it. Martin Schwartz in it. Selena Gomez. She's in it. She's so cute. We watched three or four seasons of this show and it's, the seasons are just too similar.[00:07:00]

We got bored, so we don't watch it anymore. But I do think it's a good show and. You should check it out if you haven't yet. Next is Slow Horses. That show is in season five. It's on Apple TV plus razor sharp British spy caper about M fifteens. Misfit, agents, Gary Oldman is in it, and Kristen Scott Thomas's in it.

They're fabulous actors. We've tried to watch it a few times, but it hasn't taken at least not yet. Next is Black Rabbit that's on Netflix. It's a dark New York City. Crime Limited series about family loyalty and consequences starring Jason Bateman and Jude Law. [00:08:00] We are watching this now. It's not my favorite cones show 'cause there's quite a bit of violence and it's dark.

But those are two great actors and it's quality I would reluctantly recommend that if you aren't put off by violence. Number five is the Morning Show. It's in season four and on Apple tv. Backstage Power Plays, I guess at a network Morning show starring Jennifer Aniston reese Witherspoon and Billy Crudup, among others who are wonderful in the show now.

Aaron's not even watching it this time, and I.

Like the show. I like the actors, the story sometimes, you know, limps [00:09:00] along, but it's beautifully shot and I would recommend it. Number six is the traitors, which is in season three on Peacock. It says that it's a social strategy reality game of deceit in a Scottish castle. It's hosted by Alan Cumming. I don't watch reality tv, so I've never seen it.

Next is Jen V, which is in season two on Prime video. College Chaos Superpowered set in the Boys Universe. I don't know the people who are in it and I've never watched it and I probably never will. Next is the paper, which is on Peacock. It's a mockumentary newsroom comedy allah, the office, sort of a spinoff of that. Yeah. It hasn't gotten good reviews and I'm not [00:10:00] interested anyway. Number nine on this list is task. It's in season one. Just the first few episodes have aired. It's on HBO Max. It's a high stakes crime thriller, complex characters. There's a special FBI team and there's a very charismatic bad guy.

Anyway, great acting dark though, and also kind of violent. I'm watching it. I'm only two episodes in, so I can't really recommend one way or the other, but these are great actors. Did I say who was in it? I didn't, mark Ruffalo was in it and I think his name is Tom. Ey. Wait a minute, I gotta look it up.

Task,

yes, [00:11:00] Tom. Ey.

So I think you should watch it. Number 10 is the Girlfriend. It's in season one. On Prime video it says it's a psychological thriller about a mom who suspects her new son's love is not a good gal. And we watched a couple of episodes. Robin Wright is in it, not for me. 11 platonic season two Apple TV plus best friends but messy adult comedy starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogan.

Haven't watched it. But I might, I kind of like Seth Rogan. Next is Foundation Season three, apple TV plus. It's based on Isaac Ovs Saga and it's starring Lee Pace and Jared [00:12:00] Harris. And it's a sci-fi tale. I've read some great things about Lee Pace's performance, and if you saw the show Halt and Catch Fire, he was in that and he was fabulous.

And by the way, that's a fabulous series, so check that out. But it's, it's old, it came out in like 2014, I think the first season was, uh, released. Number 13 is the peacemaker, which is in season two on HBO Max, I guess it's profane, heartfelt DC anti-hero romp. It stars John Sena or Sena. I don't. Know how to pronounce his name because I don't watch that show, but I might, my son is encouraging me [00:13:00] enthusiastically to do that.

Next is Alien Earth, which is in season one. It's on Disney plus. It's a continuation of the Alien story from the movies and yeah, it's got that alien monster in it. I'm not watching that. We did watch one episode though because it got such grave reviews, but yeah. Uhuh. And we agreed. Number 15 is the studio. It's in season one. It's on Apple tv. Plus it's a Hollywood satire about a chaotic studio boss and his colleagues.

It was co-created by Seth Rogan. He's in it and, uh, it's funny. Uh, but it's not that funny. There are some guest stars [00:14:00] and it's kind of fun to see them pop up. Catherine Hahn is in it and she plays a very wild and crazy gal, and I'm getting a kick out of her, or I got, we've already watched the whole series, but yeah, it was much acclaimed at the Emmys and I'll get to that. Next is chief of War on Apple tv. Plus it's an epic Hawaiian history. And it stars Jason Momoa, who I love. I have not watched this. I don't know if I will watch this. Jason was also in C on Apple TV plus a series that I did not watch, but I might circle back for this one.

Next is and or which is in season two. This is on Disney Plus Rebel Espionage Masterclass and Slow Burn Tension. It's a [00:15:00] continuation of the Star Wars saga and I haven't seen it. 19 is the Bear Season three. It's on Hulu, Michelin level stress, family, and found family kitchen drama. It stars Jeremy Ellen, white and Jamie Lee Curtis is also in this. I love this show

I find it. Absolutely compelling. So yes, chef. I think you should watch this entire series. Next is Abbott Elementary. It's very popular. It's already in season four. Can you believe that? It's on Hulu I guess it's another Mockumentary, about under-resourced Philadelphia teachers.

I don't really watch sitcom type shows, so [00:16:00] I haven't seen it. Wednesday is next. We're in season two of Wednesday. It's on Netflix. It's a gothic young adult mystery with, some deadpan bite. It stars Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta Jones, and it's cute.

I haven't got past the third episode of season one, but I really would like to watch it. So we'll see what happens next is the white lotus, which is in season three on HBO Max. You know it's a vacation with a bunch of vipers, a new locale every time, new sins and naughtiness. The creator is. Mike White and there is a rotating a list cast.

We watched the first season of this show. Yeah, I don't like it. It's [00:17:00] mean-spirited and I hate the vibe, so I refuse to watch it anymore. Next is Paradise, which that's one of the shows on my list. Now, only season one has aired. Season two's coming. It's on Hulu.

It's described as Survival meets political thriller. In a Fractured America, it stars Sterling K Brown. Wonderful. Julianne Nicholson and James Marsden. I like this show even though there's some things that you know, seem a little fishy, if you will. Some of these shows they jump the shark a little bit, meaning it's too unbelievable, but great cast, great acting, interesting story.

Let's see what they come up with [00:18:00] in season two. Next is duster. It's in season one on HBO Max. It's a 1970s Southwestern crime ride from JJ Abrams, and it stars Josh Holloway. I haven't seen it Josh was, you may recall in lost and. He's wonderful, but I haven't watched it yet. I suspect I may at some point.

Next. Conan O'Brien Musk, go season two on HBO Max. It's a travel comedy as Conan just drops in on fans worldwide. I watched a couple of episodes with my son who is a fan. Uh, yeah. I think Conan seems like a very nice guy, but I don't really enjoy watching him in his shenanigans, so I don't watch [00:19:00] this show.

Next is the Righteous Gemstones, which is in season four. I think that's its last season on HBO Max Mega Church Grifters doing what they do best it starts Danny McBride. John Goodman is in it too, but this Danny McBride guy, he's been in a lot of shows and they're all hilariously funny. Now, full disclosure, it's a crude kind of show,

and there's, swearing and nasty talking, and I'm a little ashamed to admit to you that I watch it and I love it, but I do. I do. Okay. Next is the diplomat, which is in season three on Netflix. Uh, it stars Carrie Russell and she's a diplomat. Obviously [00:20:00] I watch season one. I haven't gotten around to watching more.

This is sort of a, I'd say a B minus C plus show, but it was pleasant to watch and I probably will watch that at some time. We're nearing the end of this. My friends, I didn't do all 50. There's a show called Ballard, which is in season one that I've read about it. It's on Netflix. It's a character driven cop show with an obsessive detective at the center.

Oh, that's a completely new concept, right? Then there's a show called The Lowdown, which is on Hulu or FX journalism thriller following a reporter, un spooling corruption. And it stars Ethan Hawk [00:21:00] and you know, he's a pretty fine actor, so I might check that out.

Haven't seen it yet. Next is The Hunting Wives, which is in season one on Prime Video, Texas Society Secrets and a deadly inner circle. I haven't seen it. It might be good though. It kind of sounds good, doesn't it? Next is the summer I turn pretty, which is in season three on prime video. It's a YA romance triangle and that triangle continues.

This is not a show that I would watch. But I had did see a couple of episodes 'cause my daughter, who's 32, is totally into it and I read it seems like there's an article every day about this show, so I can't recommend it, but maybe you wanna check it out. Now [00:22:00] Silo is a show. It's in season two.

It's on Apple tv plus it's a sci-fi mystery, and it's a little slow going. I watch season one, Rebecca Ferguson is in it and I love her, but. I'm behind because season two was just really slow going, so I didn't, keep up with it. The penguin on HBO Max, it's a Gotham Crime Saga spinoff of Batman. But Batman's not in it, and it stars Colin Ferrell.

And if you've seen him made up as the penguin, you'd never recognize him. I have not watched this show. It's been acclaimed far and wide, and my husband loves it, but I haven't watched it yet. Next is the [00:23:00] Handmaid's Tale final season. I think it was season six. I'll double check. It's on Hulu Dystopia Faces.

Its Reckoning. It stars Elizabeth Moss and I love that show. Sometimes it's also slow going, sometimes there's a little bit of eye rolling over here watching it and it can be repetitive, but. I just really enjoy the show. I really enjoy the story. And, uh, let's see, what else?

Well, last one I'm gonna talk about is mid-Century Modern, which is on Hulu. It's like a sitcom. Kind of a throwback, but it has a very nice cast. Nathan Lane and Matt Bomber, [00:24:00] God, that guy's handsome. And Linda Lavin until her death, which RIP. She was a wonderful actress and very good in this show. I saw a couple of episodes, but again, not my thing.

I'm just gonna throw one out off the top of my head. Leanne, with Leanne Morgan was released on Netflix, at the end of August. It's a sitcom and it's got a laugh track and it's got its faults. But I think she is so funny and so charming and so adorable that I watched the whole show.

I love the whole show and I can't wait for season two. So watch Leanne on Netflix because I think that will make your day. Alright, well, a couple of shows that didn't. Make the list are in my top [00:25:00] seven shows of 2025 so far. So I have seven plus An Honorable mention. First is Mob Land. Which have you heard of that?

It's in season one. It's on Paramount Plus, this show dives into London's underworld following the Harrigan crime family as their empire begins to fracture, rival gangs, circle, betrayal surface, and the family's fixer, Harry Dusa. Is forced to navigate brutal showdowns and moral compromises to keep the empire intact.

It's gritty. It's a bit rough. It's a crime saga with a Shakespearean tone. I'm a sucker for that. Loyalty, power, and corruption all collide in. [00:26:00] Dramatic fashion. Now, Tom Hardy is in this. He plays Harry and he is marvelous. Pierce Bronson is the patriarch Conrad Harrigan horrible person. Fun to watch.

And Helen Marin as the formidable matriarch Mave. She's never been better. She's Lady Macbeth times three. She's amazing. Watch this show for all of the acting that I've mentioned, but don't miss Helen Marin in this part. It's wonderful.

Don't miss this one. It's on Paramount Plus. Number two is The Handmaid's Tale I mentioned. It was season six on Hulu. It's final season. It's the last chapter of Margaret Atwood's dystopian world. And brings June Osborne story [00:27:00] to a conclusion. It may only be a temporary conclusion, but as resistance efforts peak, June is forced to reckon with her identity as both a mother and a revolutionary.

Remember Serena well, Serena is back maneuvering for power. Aunt Lydia faces her own reckonings. And the fate of children still trapped in Gilead Looms large Season Six ties together the emotional and political threads that have made the series so haunting. Some of, the peak dramatic twists and turns of this series have really engaged me.

There's a new spinoff from.

The Handmaid's Tale, [00:28:00] it's called The Testaments. Margaret Atwood wrote a book called The Testaments, and it's going to be about June's daughter. Who she has lost for the time being, and Aunt Lydia will be there. And, supposedly even June will turn up once in a while.

That should be coming in the next year or two. Next, you're gonna be surprised by, this is a show called Running Point. It's in season one on Netflix. And I guess Mindy Kaling's creative team put together this sharp sports dramedy. Isla Gordon. Once a family embarrassment unexpectedly becomes president of the Los Angeles Waves basketball franchise.

When Scandal [00:29:00] sidelines her brother, she must prove herself in a male dominated industry, juggling relatives, uh, skeptical players, and her own reputation. It's kind of a workplace comedy. It's a family story and there's quite a bit of basketball. It's funny guys. It's funny, and I don't even like Kate Hudson or I didn't until she absolutely.

Took this part and made the most of it. She shines as Isla, and it's been renewed for a second season, and I highly recommend you check that out right away. Number four is the Bear, which is in season four. It's on FX and Hulu and [00:30:00] Disney Plus. So the acclaimed Chicago Kitchen drama turns up the heat again. Carme Sydney Richie Sugar pushed their new fine dining restaurant through its first real test.

Sustaining success without losing their souls relationships, fracture and then heal. Old traumas resurface and the family style. Chaos of the kitchen is as claustrophobic, beautiful as ever.

There were a few surprise celebrity cameos in the show the stars, Jeremy Allen White, AO et Beery and Ebe Moss backrack, they return.

this is a very worthwhile show. There's a lot going on with these people and these [00:31:00] actors. They personify these people in ways that really come across, and I feel very meaningful. And I, I guess that's what I'm all about. I either wanna laugh or I want it to be meaningful.

And if it's both, then I'm really happy. And that leads me to number five on my list, which is hacks. Hacks is on in season four, on HBO Max, and it's about Debra Vance and Ava Daniels. They're back in the spotlight. Uh, they're a team, a kind of an oddball team, but their dynamic is, it's sharper and funnier than ever.

Season four explores the fallout of success, public scrutiny, and the unique challenges [00:32:00] of staying relevant in comedy. When your biggest critic is often your own collaborator, biting wit emotional depth, this season shows once again why hacks has become one of TV's smartest commentaries on show business and female ambition.

And it's funny, gene Smart is so lovely, funny. And lovely, and I find her elegant and uh, God knows in this ageist world to have someone like her leading up a hit show like this, it just really warms my heart. Hannah Einbinder is her partner and there's a very strong cast that supports them and just. It [00:33:00] makes the show the amazing, amazing program that I can never wait to see.

The next season six is adolescence. It's a limited series. It was on Netflix. I advise caution. This is a British series. Dramatizing the story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering. A classmate, it's told through the eyes of his parents, the local community and psychologists, and it sort of explores how violence, bullying, and online toxicity it seeps into childhood, in this time in which we're living.

Adolescence is as much about fractured families as it is about a crime , [00:34:00] asking us how well we really know our children. Stephen Graham is the boy's father, and Owen Cooper is the teenager and they are both. Magnificent and, we're recognized as such at the Emmy Awards, but more about that a little bit so.

Next, I don't know if you will know this show or not. Nobody wants this season one on Netflix. You're gonna think I don't like anybody, but I don't really like

Kristen Bell that much. I'd like her better now because this charming dramedy. Flips romantic comedy on its side with wit and heart. Joanne, a bold podcaster who speaks frankly about sex and relationships [00:35:00] collides with Noah. A rabbi navigating faith and modern dating, their very unlikely romance blends, humor, tension, and explorations of love, family, and even spirituality.

It's just a real charmer. And Kristen Bell. And Adam Brody, who plays the Rabbi, they really. Make an impression and I say Bravo because it was a pleasure to watch this show and I can't wait for season two. Well, I have an honorable mention. Paradise Season one, which was on Hulu. I already described it to you.

It's all these people. I don't wanna tell you the secrets because [00:36:00] if you haven't seen it yet, I don't wanna ruin it for you. But Paradise has been called one of 2020 five's, most ambitious new dramas, combining action. Philosophy and personal stakes. As I mentioned, Sterling K Brown is in it, and you can't go wrong with Sterling K.

Brown. Now onto the Emmys, the 77th annual primetime Emmys awards were held Sunday. September 14th. That's just last Sunday to honor the best of television from the past year, apple TV Plus's, severance had the most nominations going into the night. 27. While Apple TV pluses, the studio tied a record for a comedy series with 23 nominations.

I think that's in their first season. [00:37:00] The studio took home honors for best comedy series, best writing for a comedy, and best directing for a comedy. They slayed. The Pit won outstanding drama series and actors, Noah Wiley and catherine Laa each won their first ever Emmys for their role in the show.

Netflix adolescents won big earning six awards, including best limited series. The Handmaid's Tales sixth and final season was largely shut out of the Emmy nominations for the 2025 awards with only one of my favorites. Cherry Jones receiving. A nomination for outstanding guest actress in a drama series. She plays June's mom. In that show, the total shutout surprised a lot [00:38:00] of fans, including this one and industry insiders, especially considering this show's past great success and Elizabeth Moss's previous wins and nominations and.

A lot of the actors skip the ceremony. I mean, this was their last season. It was the last, last hurrah for them.

That's the way the cookie crumbles in Hollywood.

Well, my friends, what a journey we've just had together. We wandered through nine months of television. We talked, thumbs up, thumbs down, and we shook our heads at some Emmy snubs. But also celebrated the wins that felt just right, and I shared my five shows that made 2025 special for me in my entertainment category.

[00:39:00] Most importantly, I just shared honest thoughts about the stories that have been. Keeping Me Company this year. If this episode did its job, you've got at least one title you feel excited to try. No pressure, no fomo. Just a comfortable choice for your comfortable chair. If you're watching with someone you love, I hope you both find that sweet spot where you laugh at the same moment or gasp in a way that.

Becomes a private joke. Or if you're like me and Erin, we'll share a glance. Like, I can't believe this. Oh my gosh, this is crazy. It's, uh, it's, I love it.

And if you're watching solo, don't underestimate the gift of giving yourself a peaceful hour with a story [00:40:00] that meets you where you are, makes you feel good, or stimulates your brain, something you can enjoy 'cause you deserve it. We all do. So in closing, here's my friendly invitation. Pick one, just one show that I've talked about in this episode.

Watch the first 15 minutes. That's my entire assignment for you. If it clicks, wonderful, let it carry you away. If it doesn't, just say, oh, well, and move on. You are in control and you can change your mind. And the channel without apology. The remote is your boundary and your decision maker and your control.

As always, I love hearing your thoughts and I'd love to know what you chose and [00:41:00] how. You liked it, so send me your winner of the week. Tell me what surprised you. Tell me where you tapped out. I read your notes, I save your suggestions, and yes, I've discovered gems because someone nudged me towards something I might've skipped like Sons of Anarchy.

This was several years ago, but when I told my son who was encouraging me to watch that show that I didn't think I'd be into a motorcycle gang show, he told me, mom, it's Hamlet. Oh, enough said I was in and it's one of my favorites. Even though the rollercoaster ride I took through the seasons of that show ended up breaking my heart in tiny little pieces and had me screaming, no, but it was worth it.

[00:42:00] If you have a friend who texts, what should I watch tonight? Send them. This episode so they can skip the scroll and get right to the part where the couch becomes the best seat in the house. If tonight's episode resonated with you, I'd be so grateful. If you take a moment to rate and review the show, wherever you listen to podcasts, those reviews

truly help other listeners find our friendly little corner of the podcast world. And again, tell me about your favorites. I really wanna know what made your 2025 viewing worthwhile. You can message me directly or join the conversation in our 60 something podcast Facebook group, all the details are waiting for you in the show notes, and I promise I read every single message that comes my way.

Until next time, keep watching the good stuff. Keep being kind to yourselves and [00:43:00] remember that the best television is always the kind that makes you feel less alone in the world. I'll see you back here next week with more to talk about. Sweet dreams, my 60 somethings.