This isn’t your typical “must-watch” TV list. We’re already halfway through 2025, and it’s been a wild ride of new seasons and small-screen premieres across all kinds of shows. With so much happening on televisions everywhere, I figured it’d be helpful to cut through the noise and give you my honest take on what wasn’t worth my time.
Now, I’ll admit, I had some hopes that particular series would pick up as they went along, but unfortunately, they didn’t live up to the hype and ended up being pretty disappointing. I know some folks might not love hearing this, or might get a little defensive about their favorites, but hey, I’m all about being honest and transparent. Take it or leave it.
Buckle up and let me introduce what I’m calling my “Series Stinkers of 2025 (So Far),” presented by Zombies In My Blog.
Silo Season 2 (Apple TV): I’d rather be transported to a dystopian world than re-watch this series.
Season 2 of Silo premiered in late 2024, with new episodes running through the end of January 2025. I only caught up this year because I honestly forgot about it. The series is based on Hugh Howey’s post-apocalyptic book series, set in a future where humanity believes the outside world is toxic. They now live in an underground silo spanning hundreds of floors, with a corrupt government causing internal conflict.
As cool as that sounds, the show’s pacing is as slow as molasses. It opens with one of the people going outside, seemingly able to breathe “fresh air” before passing out and dying. I managed to get through Season 1, but Season 2 nearly put me to sleep. Not much happens with the “outside,” and Rebecca Ferguson’s performance is dry as toast.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s worth watching. Otherwise, I recommend steering clear and watching Hulu’s Paradise instead, which is a fun, mind-bending thriller starring the marvelous Sterling K. Brown.
With Love, Meghan (Netflix): Girl, I thought you wanted to be off the grid.
I follow a lot of “comfort creators” on TikTok — those individuals who share recipes, showcase their cleaning routines or take us shopping. Plus, I find Meghan Markle truly fascinating, from her transition to becoming the Duchess of Sussex to her role as a generous philanthropist. She’s stunning, to say the least. But her lifestyle show, streaming on Netflix? That’s a different story.
This was clearly a quick cash grab for Meghan and Harry, but honestly, it doesn’t do much to alleviate the mixed feelings some people have about them.
The show takes place at Meghan’s $8 million mansion in Montecito, California, where she’s cooking, arranging flowers, making charcuterie boards and doing all those cozy, homey things that many moms try at some point. But honestly, her vibe feels kind of forced and a little out of touch — like it’s trying a bit too hard, and the whole thing comes off cringeworthy. There’s no real humor or fun spirit to draw you in or make you feel like you’re hanging out with a friend.
I mean, Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten is rolling in the dough, too, but at least she makes you feel like you’re sitting with your friend or comforting grandma.
The show got renewed for Season 2 this year, but I’ve got to admit: I’m not planning to watch it. Still, I wish the best for their family.
Good American Family (Hulu): Been there, done that.
Suppose you’re into true crime, like me. You might be familiar with the case of Natalia Grace — a Ukrainian-born American with dwarfism who the Barnett family adopted. Three years after that, they abandoned her, claiming she was an adult pretending to be a child. After a lengthy series of allegations, court proceedings and DNA tests, it was confirmed that she was indeed a child when she was adopted.
Quite a crazy case, right? Along with Ellen Pompeo’s return to the screen, this should have made the show a hit. Did I mention that it also features Mark Duplass, the star of one of my favorite movies, Creep? False identities, manipulation and abandonment — where did the show go wrong?
Since the true crime community was the target audience, we already knew most of what was reenacted. Plus, we knew how it would end.
Let’s compare it to another true crime series, like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. What made that series compelling was the detailed exploration of the victims’ stories, aimed at revealing the true monster — Dahmer himself — without glamorization. Good American Family, however, only scratched the surface, revealing some shocking details about the Barnetts, which quickly became boring.
There are some major tonal shifts halfway through that threw me off, along with a ridiculous twist that rendered any potential redemption flat.
If you don’t follow true crime or haven’t seen the movie Orphan, give Good American Family a try. Otherwise, it’s best to steer clear.
Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+): I might as well have been blind, too.
This is my first hot take, but it certainly won’t be the last. Like many Marvel fans, I’ve been eagerly awaiting a significant resurgence of the franchise, yet I haven’t quite seen it, although I haven’t watched Thunderbolts* yet; maybe that’s the key.
The first episode of Daredevil: Born Again was exciting, introducing a compelling storyline that you hope will unfold in future episodes. However, starting from Episode 2, it became just Matt Murdock engaging in tedious side quests that led nowhere. Each episode felt like filler, but for what purpose? Nothing!
Also, I know we’re supposed to dislike Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, because he’s a villain (spoiler alert), but honestly, I couldn’t stand his voice — it was like nails on a chalkboard. He gives off that villain vibe, for sure. But he just made my skin crawl so much, I couldn’t stand to see him on screen.
Rumor has it that the original series was scrapped and reworked midway through production, which might explain the rushed feel and the attempt to incorporate various characters.
Overall, it isn’t good. I wanted to love this, but it was just so shallow and campy. I haven’t seen the Netflix seasons of Daredevil, but maybe they are way more my vibe. Honestly, I’m not wasting my time on Daredevil: Born Again if they keep up this nonsense. Marvel, get it together, already!
The Bear Season 4 (FX on Hulu): So much dialogue. Imagine watching 10 episodes of Frodo and Sam walking and talking on their way to Sauron.
I love the first two seasons of The Bear. The characters are super likable, their backstories draw you in, and honestly, the food scenes are incredibly mouthwatering. Season 3 was pretty OK; it didn’t go anywhere, but I’m willing to cut it some slack because I’ve got a soft spot for these characters.
Now, Season 4? It’s kind of a bore for me. It feels like almost half the time, it’s just two people talking, sitting there looking serious or emotional, with the camera just switching between their faces. It gets dull, honestly. They discuss the restaurant’s momentum and whether Sydney will stay or leave The Bear, but they’re taking forever, actually, to resolve the issue.
It’s like, I get it, but I wish more action, or something was happening besides the endless chats.
Also, I may be the only female in the world who is getting tired of Jeremy Allen White’s character. He is so unreliable and problematic that it is frustrating. I think that’s what the filmmakers want to convey, but I’m getting to the end of my rope.
I need fewer conversations and more heartfelt moments, and just something to happen! And that season finale? I’m starting to lose my appetite.
The Last of Us Season 2 (HBO MAX): I didn’t play the game, but I’m as disgruntled as the gamers.
The Last of Us Season 2 began with a huge plot twist that gamers anticipated, and I had a feeling it was coming.
However, the episodes between that event and the finale felt like a slog. We saw Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) at the beginning and then again only at the end. It seems the next season will focus on her character’s story arc. Still, I was disappointed that she wasn’t featured more, especially since my gamer friends describe her as ruthless and terrifying, which we only saw briefly in Episode 2.
On a positive note, Episode 2 had some incredible Game of Thrones-style battle scenes that kept me on edge. Also, Isabela Merced as Dina is a refreshing addition to the series. But other than that, this season was a borderline flop.
The latest news is that the co-creator of the game and show has left before filming Season 3, which raises many questions and concerns.
I’ll still watch Season 3 to see Abby’s story unfold. She’s been so hyped up, and I love Kaitlyn Dever. I hope she’s as crazy and ruthless as people make her sound! I know she’s not as “jacked” as Abby in the game, but I can look past that.
We’ll see if the gamer community can, too.
Andor Season 2 (Disney+): Star Wars fandom, don’t come for me.
Let me start by saying that I am married to one of you. My husband is a massive fan of Star Wars. The way I nerd out about horror movies is how he is with Star Wars. I love all the films, and I have enjoyed some of the shows (mostly The Mandalorian because of Pedro Pascal, but I digress).
I liked Rogue One and thought Andor would be my thing. Season 1 was OK. I could follow along well; thanks to the many questions I asked my husband, the encyclopedia. But Season 2? I was lost. Who is that? When does this take place? We’re hoping WHO shows up!?
The show undergoes a shift where it starts to resonate more with hardcore Star Wars fans. That’s fine, but honestly, it kinda left me behind a bit — I was having a hard time keeping up with the story. It took away all of my enjoyment.
Still, I’ve seen on social media and in chats with my husband that many people think it’s one of the best Star Wars content pieces ever made. I get it on some levels. But for me, I didn’t feel the same spark, which makes me a little hesitant about jumping into more Star Wars series down the road.
My main gripe with this one is the political content — it got so complicated. I know not everyone will agree with that, and I’m prepared for some debate, but that’s just how I see it. For now, I’m sticking with horror shows because they’re just more my speed — more fun and engaging for me.
Fingers crossed that the upcoming shows this year will be better! I’m really excited to check out some new favorites and see what sparks my interest. Honestly, it’s been tough trying to top the outstanding Severance and Yellowjackets. They set such a high bar, but I’m hopeful something will come along to surprise me. My most anticipated shows include: Alien: Earth, Welcome to Derry, Wednesday Season 2 and the final season of Stranger Things!