In 2025, we were treated to an array of television series that had the potential to be memorable. From exciting new concepts to reboots of old favorites, the year promised much. Yet, not every show managed to meet the soaring expectations set by fans and critics alike. If you’re curious about which series fell flat, here’s a rundown of the 5 biggest letdowns of 2025.
1. Suits LA
- Release Date: February 23 – May 18, 2025
- Director: Aaron Korsh
- Cast: Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, Bryan Greenberg, Gabriel Macht
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 3.6/ 54%
This legal drama is the second spin-off of Suits and follows Ted Black, a former prosecutor turned entertainment lawyer. While the premise promised a thrilling ride, it was heavily criticized for its shallow character development and want of the witty banter that fans loved in the original series. What could have been a brilliant narrative became a disappointing experience for many viewers.
2. The Baldwins
- Release Date: February 23 – April 13, 2025
- Director: Aaron Korsh
- Cast: Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 3.6/ 54%
This reality docuseries gives a peek into the life of Alec Baldwin and his family. Although some appreciated the show’s rawness, others saw it as a PR move, particularly after the Rust incident. The series seemed to divide opinions, with fans either loving or hating it.
3. BET
- Release Date: May 15, 2025
- Director: Simon Barry
- Cast: Miku Martineau, Ayo Solanke, Eve Edwards, Clara Alexandrova, Hunter Cardinal
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.5/ 67%
Based on the acclaimed anime Kakegurui, BET tells a story where gambling rules the fate of students. Sadly, many viewers felt it missed the mark with a lack of gripping moments and vibrant characters, and cast disapproval was strong.
4. Billionaires’ Bunker
- Release Date: September 19, 2025
- Director: JeColmenar, David Barrocal, José Manuel Cravioto
- Cast: Miren Ibarguren, Joaquín Furriel, Natalia Verbeke, Carlos Santos
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 5.7/ 33%
This Spanish thriller centers around elite families trapped in an underground bunker under false pretenses. While the premise had promise, the execution faltered, leading to criticism for its poor writing and unrealistic dialogue.
5. My Life With the Walter Boys
- Release Date: December 7, 2023 – present
- Director: Melanie Halsall
- Cast: Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde, Ashby Gentry, Johnny Link
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.8/ 54%
This coming-of-age series tells the story of Jackie, a girl who moves in with her friend’s chaotic family after a tragic loss. Though it initially sparked interest, the repetitive storyline and lack of growth in character arcs made viewers lose interest throughout its run.
Why did some TV shows in 2025 fail to meet expectations?
Expectations were high, driven by prior successes and audience anticipation. Unfortunately, many shows couldn’t deliver depth or engaging plots.
What elements make a successful TV show?
A successful show often has strong character development, engaging narratives, and emotional depth that resonates with viewers.
How can viewers spot red flags in new TV shows?
Red flags often include poor early reviews, lackluster trailers, and a lack of creative depth in the initial episodes.
What should fans look for in upcoming seasons of these shows?
Fans should look for improvements in writing, character arcs, and deeper explorations of themes in future seasons.
Are any of these shows worth watching despite their ratings?
While many frustrated viewers, some might still find redeeming moments or aspects to enjoy, especially if they’re fans of the casts involved.
Even in a year filled with intriguing premieres, these shows missed the mark for various reasons. What were your thoughts on these letdowns? Did any shows disappoint you this year? Feel free to share in the comments below.