Having already had some huge returns, like Squid Game season 3, as well as fresh hits such as Adolescence, there is no doubt that 2025 has been a big year for Netflix. However, the streaming service still has numerous exciting shows on the way, and despite its already impressive catalog, Netflix is nowhere near done expanding its array of quality TV shows.

Projects like Adolescence and Dept. Q have been major hits this year, causing plenty of online buzz. Likewise, the platform has had some record-shattering movies like Kpop Demon Hunters and even acquired rights to the WWE, highlighting 2025’s staggering success. Even Squid Game season 3’s divisive ending still managed to pull impressive numbers, bringing even more eyes to Netflix.

All of these achievements should take some of the pressure off regarding the rest of the year, yet it looks like things may only get better. Alongside some of the streamer’s most popular titles making a return, some potentially underrated Netflix shows may slip under the radar as they near their debut, suggesting there is plenty to get excited about.

7

Emily In Paris Season 5

Ever since its debut in 2020, Emily in Paris has continued to grow in popularity, becoming one of the platform’s most steady hits. The comedy-drama stars Lily Collins as Emily Cooper as she embarks on a trip to Paris, providing an outlook on the city from the perspective of an American woman.

Along the way, there is romance, drama, and plenty of hilarious moments that have made the show one of Netflix’s most notable. Despite both critics and audiences being split on the series, it continues to find a very dedicated fan base who always show up, making its return this year one of the streaming service’s most highly anticipated projects.

Emily in Paris season 5 has received several substantial updates, such as major villain returns and character departures, but a release date is still unknown. Fortunately, Netflix has confirmed the hit comedy will be back on screens at some point in 2025, and it is bound to deliver for those who have been following the show year in, year out.

6

Hostage

Hostage is a brand-new drama Netflix is adding to its library, and the British political thriller looks like it has so much potential. The premise revolves around the British Prime Minister having to deal with her husband being kidnapped, while the French President is also pressured with numerous threats, creating a truly edge-of-the-seat concept that will undoubtedly have countless twists.

Despite her partner’s life being bargained with in turn for her resignation, Hostage‘s trailer indicates that the Prime Minister won’t cave into these demands right away, causing even more drama as she faces an impossible choice. The plot sounds intense, emotional, but also action-packed, the exact sort of ingredients needed to capture a wide audience for this limited series.

For those who aren’t sold right away, shows like The Night Agent and The Diplomat provide strong evidence that Netflix is continuing its political thriller trend through Hostage should be a real positive. With the project set to arrive on August 21, it’s hard not to get excited about its debut, and it could easily become one of 2025’s sleeper hits.

5

Haunted Hotel

Sharing the same creative team as Rick and Morty was already a positive sign for Haunted Hotel, but after its first trailer, things are looking even more encouraging for the show. The animated comedy will feature dark humor and a unique group of characters that should combine to hook viewers and make the series really stand out.

The cast features some voice-acting veterans alongside rising stars like Skyler Gisondo, suggesting it is in safe hands. Additionally, the story looks like it will take significant risks and feature a fun blend of mature yet silly content that has worked for several other shows of its kind, hence it being one to look out for when it premieres.

The series is scheduled for a September 17 release, meaning it won’t be long before this original project hits screens. Haunted Hotel also works as the perfect Rick and Morty replacement for those waiting for season 9, and if it’s anything like the popular Adult Swim comedy, its debut season could wind up being the first of many.

4

The Witcher Season 4

Having been away for over two years, The Witcher‘s return has been a long time coming, making it a relief that season 4 will hit screens at some point in 2025. Although there has been some controversy about Liam Hemsworth taking over as Geralt in The Witcher season 4 after Henry Cavill left, the show’s return will still be huge.

Between the original novels and its widely popular video game series, The Witcher was already incredibly well-known, but the Netflix adaptation has done a great job of giving these established characters an engaging live-action story. The visuals and performances have certainly impressed, and season 3’s finale sets up plenty of interesting plot points for the next chapter.

The new additions, upcoming fights, and changing relationships make it hard to wait for the upcoming installment, which should feel completely fresh. Hemsworth’s casting may leave some viewers skeptical, but it adds to how fascinating The Witcher‘s return will be, and there is no doubt that plenty of eyes will be on season 4 later this year.

3

Alice In Borderland Season 3

After Netflix’s most popular non-English-speaking show of all time just concluded, with Squid Game season 3 being the series’ final outing, another hit international project will return just a few months later. Based on the underrated manga series, Alice in Borderland has gone from strength to strength over the course of its two seasons, creating hype for the next outing.

The thrilling concept sees a gaming fanatic named Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) finding himself involved in a variety of life-threatening games that he and his friends must complete in order to survive. This alternative version of Tokyo is full of danger, forcing the protagonists to work together as they attempt to overcome every twist and obstacle in their way.

While some details are still limited, parts of Alice in Borderland season 3’s story have been revealed through the official trailer, with fans of the manga presumably aware of what’s to come. Given how strongly the live-action adaptation has performed so far, it’s hard to imagine the series suffering a significant drop in quality, suggesting that its exceptional form will continue.

2

Wednesday Season 2, Part 2

Wednesday instantly became one of Netflix’s most successful shows of all time with season 1, and the first part of season 2 has only reinforced its popularity, making part 2 even more exciting. Thankfully, it is less than a month away, meaning fans won’t have to wait long for some of the series’ biggest mysteries to be revealed.

The dark comedy features some hilarious moments alongside plenty of drama and even horror elements, making it one of the most unique projects in the streaming platform’s library. Jenna Ortega’s excellent deadpan performance as the iconic Addams Family member has helped accumulate a loyal and dedicated fan base, making the franchise arguably more prolific than ever.

With Wednesday season 2’s Rotten Tomatoes score even higher than season 1, viewers are clearly loving the current direction of the hit show. As a result, part 2 should be every bit as good, and considering Wednesday is well on its way to becoming Netflix’s biggest ever series, the next batch of episodes is bound to be huge.

1

Stranger Things Season 5

Of all the Netflix shows still to come in 2025, Stranger Things season 5 is by far the most exciting. Having been one of the service’s flagship IPs for the better part of a decade, the final chapter was always going to be a big deal, but fans have waited over three years for the explosive conclusion.

Viewers have also become extremely attached and emotionally invested in the main characters as well as their individual storylines, meaning everyone will want to see these nail-biting fates. Stranger Things season 5 has already teased some big deaths, and knowing the series will want to go out with a bang means almost no one is safe.

Considering the ending will be split up into three separate parts alongside the rumors of episodes being even longer than before, the climax of one of Netflix’s most talked-about shows will be winter’s largest TV event, making Stranger Things season 5 Netflix‘s most highly anticipated series for the remainder of 2025.