The Story⚡
In 2025, Netflix viewers around the world spent hours immersed in stories that spanned continents, from high-stakes action in Washington to family secrets in Lagos and time-travel romance in Joseon-era Korea.
Tell Me More
The year delivered a varied selection of television series that drew massive audiences through compelling narratives and strong performances. These ten shows, ranked by viewership, reflect Netflix’s global reach, with contributions from American, Nigerian, Korean, and British creators. Below is the countdown, detailing each series’ plot, key cast members, and primary crew.
10. The Night Agent
The Night Agent follows FBI agent Peter Sutherland as he works in a secretive Night Action program, uncovering deep political conspiracies while protecting national security in its second season, released in January 2025. The story centers on Peter’s ongoing missions, which involve international threats and personal risks, following the events of the first season.
The series stars Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, Luciane Buchanan as Rose Larkin, and supporting actors including Hong Chau and DB Woodside. It is created by Shawn Ryan, based on the novel by Matthew Quirk, with executive producers including Seth Gordon and directors on various episodes. It spent 45 days on top 10.
9. Adolescence
Adolescence is a British limited series that examines the aftermath of a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, being accused of murdering a female classmate, exploring the impact on his family and the police investigation through intense, single-take episodes. The narrative explores themes of guilt, family dynamics, and societal judgment within a small community.
The cast includes Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, Stephen Graham as his father Eddie Miller, Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, Faye Marsay as DS Misha Frank, and Erin Doherty in a supporting role. The series is created by Jack Thorne and Philip Barantini, with directors employing the innovative one-shot technique per episode. It spent 54 days on top 10.
8. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty tells the story of a modern French-trained chef who mysteriously time-travels to the Joseon era, where she encounters a demanding king and uses her culinary skills to navigate palace intrigue while developing a romantic connection. The limited series blends historical fiction, comedy, and romance as the chef introduces new dishes to the royal court.
Leading roles are played by Lim Yoon-a as the chef Yeon Ji Yeong and Lee Chae-min as the king, with supporting performances by Shin Eun-jung and others. The series is directed by various Korean filmmakers and written to highlight food culture alongside period drama elements. It spent 63 days on top 10.
7. Wednesday
Wednesday continues the adventures of Wednesday Addams in its second season as she attends Nevermore Academy, solving supernatural mysteries and confronting new threats while honing her psychic abilities and dealing with family ties. The season expands on the gothic world with new characters and darker challenges at the school. Jenna Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, joined by Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia, Luis Guzmán as Gomez, and Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair, among others. The series is created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, with Tim Burton serving as executive producer and directing several episodes. It spent 70 days on top 10.
6. Seven Doors
Seven Doors is a Nigerian limited series set in a traditional village, where a man’s life changes dramatically upon being selected as the new king, triggering ancient customs, rivalries, and personal conflicts that threaten his marriage and community standing. The drama explores themes of power, tradition, and family loyalty. Key performers include Femi Adebayo in the lead role, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Gabriel Afolayan, and Tanwa Hameed. The series is created, written, and produced by Femi Adebayo, emphasizing cultural elements from Ondo State. It spent 95 days on top 10.
5. Squid Game
Squid Game returns with players competing in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize, as protagonist Seong Gi-hun seeks to end the organization behind the contests while new participants face escalating dangers. The season builds on survival themes and social commentary. Lee Jung-jae reprises his role as Gi-hun, alongside Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, and new cast members. The series is created, written, and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk. It spent 82 days on top 10.
4. To Kill a Monkey
To Kill a Monkey follows a struggling father who reconnects with an old friend and enters the world of cybercrime, gradually compromising his principles as he becomes entangled in increasingly dangerous operations. The Nigerian series examines moral dilemmas and the consequences of financial desperation. The cast features William Benson and Bucci Franklin in central roles. It is written, produced, and directed by Kemi Adetiba. It spent 97 days on top 10.
3. Baby Farm
Baby Farm depicts a young pregnant woman who seeks assistance from a seemingly reputable organization, only to discover she has been drawn into a sinister baby trafficking scheme, fighting to escape and protect her children. The Nigerian thriller highlights exploitation and resilience. The series is directed by Walter Taylaur and Kayode Kasum, produced by Mo Abudu, with performances by Nonhlanhla Lushaba and others in key roles. It spent 119 days on top 10.
2. The Party
The Party is a Nigerian three-part murder mystery in which a young man suddenly dies at his lavish birthday celebration, leading police to lock down the venue and interrogate the guests, each harboring potential motives. The compact series focuses on suspense and character revelations. It is directed by Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa and executive produced by Ope Ajayi. It spent 100 days in top 10.
1. Beauty in Black
Beauty in Black intertwines the lives of two women from opposite worlds: a stripper facing hardship and a successful executive in a family-run cosmetics empire, whose paths cross amid secrets, trafficking, and corporate drama across its seasons. Created by Tyler Perry, who also directs and executive produces, the series stars Taylor Polidore Williams as Kimmie, Crystle Stewart as Mallory, Amber Reign Smith as Rain, and Ricco Ross in supporting roles. It spent 127 days in top 10.
In Summary
These series defined much of Netflix’s television landscape in 2025, offering viewers a range of genres and cultural perspectives. If you haven’t seen them yet, log into Netflix and start streaming to experience the stories that kept audiences engaged throughout the year.
Thanks for Reading.
Shockng.com covers the big creators and players in the African film/TV industry and how they do business.
Let’s be friends on Instagram @Shockafrica
