AFI Awards TV Top 10: Celebrating First-Time Honorees in Streaming and Drama
The American Film Institute (AFI) has released its annual list of the Top 10 outstanding television programs for 2025, showcasing a lineup distinct from previous years. Notably, none of last year’s selections made the cut this time, and all programs are recognized for the first time.
This year’s list predominantly features dramas, with nine out of ten titles being either freshman or sophomore series. AFI highlights these shows as culturally and artistically significant achievements within the realm of visual storytelling for the year.
Leading the list are Netflix and Apple TV, each contributing three titles. Netflix’s selections include the Emmy-acclaimed limited series Adolescence, the third season of The Diplomat, and new drama Death by Lightning. Apple TV’s offerings feature Season 2 of Severance, the debut drama Pluribus, and the rookie comedy The Studio.
Other honorees include HBO Max’s The Pitt, which earned the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in its debut season; the recently concluded second season of Disney+’s Andor; FX/Hulu’s new drama The Lowdown; and HBO’s inaugural drama Task.
The 2025 list is heavily influenced by streaming platforms, with only HBO’s Task and FX’s The Lowdown being included, both of which are accessible on streaming services. The absence of broadcast network titles is notable, particularly following ABC’s Abbott Elementary recognition last year.
Additionally, AFI unveiled its Top 10 Motion Pictures of the Year on Thursday. The honorees will be celebrated at the annual AFI Awards luncheon on Friday, January 9, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
The Top 10 TV shows of 2025 according to AFI are as follows:
Adolescence (Netflix, limited series)
Andor (Disney+, final Season 2)
Death by Lightning (Netflix, Season 1)
The Diplomat (Netflix, Season 3)
The Lowdown (FX/Hulu, Season 1)
The Pitt (HBO Max, Season 1)
Pluribus (Apple TV, Season 1)
Severance (Apple TV, Season 2)
The Studio (Apple TV, Season 1)
Task (HBO, Season 1)
Andor (Disney+, final Season 2)
Death by Lightning (Netflix, Season 1)
The Diplomat (Netflix, Season 3)
The Lowdown (FX/Hulu, Season 1)
The Pitt (HBO Max, Season 1)
Pluribus (Apple TV, Season 1)
Severance (Apple TV, Season 2)
The Studio (Apple TV, Season 1)
Task (HBO, Season 1)
