Worst TV Shows of 2025

2025 saw big changes in TV, with many streaming services releasing a lot of content, but not always focusing on quality. While some new shows became popular, others didn’t do well and lost viewers. This list showcases the TV programs that disappointed both critics and audiences throughout the year, including unoriginal reality shows and scripted series that lost their way.

‘Animal Control’ (2023–2025)

This workplace comedy’s third season continues to follow the daily lives of a team of animal control officers, both at work and at home. Though the show boasts talented comedic actors, the humor has become somewhat stale, relying on familiar jokes and repeated scenarios. Critics have pointed out that the characters haven’t grown much in the recent episodes, and longtime fans have expressed disappointment with the lack of new ideas. The series is finding it hard to stand out in today’s crowded TV landscape and recapture the magic of its earlier seasons.

‘The Floor’ (2024–2025)

The second season of this quiz show brings back the same concept: contestants battle for space on a large, lit-up floor. Rob Lowe returns as host, leading players through different trivia categories. However, reviewers noted the show feels predictable and doesn’t build as much suspense as other competitive game shows. Many viewers also found the tournament rounds moved too slowly. Overall, this season didn’t quite capture the energy and excitement of the first one.

‘Alert: Missing Persons Unit’ (2023–2025)

The show follows the detectives of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit as they tackle challenging cases. The most recent season tried to combine the case-of-the-week format with the personal struggles of the main characters, but critics felt the dialogue became overly dramatic and the storylines unrealistic. It had trouble standing out from other police shows on TV, and viewers lost interest as the season’s central mystery didn’t deliver a compelling resolution.

‘Night Court’ (2023–2025)

The updated version of the beloved sitcom returned for a third season, once again following the quirky characters who work in a Manhattan night court. While original cast member John Larroquette returned, the show had trouble capturing the cleverness and comedic flow of the original series. Many episodes leaned heavily on slapstick humor that felt old-fashioned to today’s viewers. Critics and audiences often felt the connection between the new actors wasn’t genuine or particularly strong, and the show as a whole was criticized for not having its own distinct style.

‘The Irrational’ (2023–2025)

The show centers around a famous behavioral science professor who consults on difficult criminal investigations. While the second season tried to broaden the cases, it frequently relied on predictable storylines. Reviewers pointed out that the psychological insights presented were often simplified to heighten drama. Although the main actor received praise, the other characters didn’t get much development. Many viewers found the show’s episode-by-episode format to be increasingly obvious and unsatisfying.

‘Found’ (2023–2025)

A PR expert and her team specialize in finding missing persons, often those the authorities have ignored. The show’s second season delved into the protagonist’s hidden past, but many viewers found the storyline overly complicated. Some critics felt the show prioritized shocking moments over developing its characters in a meaningful way. As the season went on, the main idea felt forced, and while the acting was good, the writing lacked consistency.

‘Extended Family’ (2023–2025)

This sitcom, filmed with multiple cameras, follows a divorced couple as they co-parent their children from the same apartment. The second season focused on the ongoing tension between the ex-spouses and the introduction of a new fiancé. Critics noted that the show’s laugh track frequently highlighted jokes that didn’t quite hit with viewers. The humor was seen as predictable and lacked the sharp wit of other modern family comedies, which contributed to its difficulty in attracting a consistent audience during its second season.

‘The Great North’ (2021–2025)

The animated series centers on the Tobin family and their life in the make-believe town of Lone Moose, Alaska. While the fifth season kept up the show’s lighthearted, musical style, many viewers thought it was becoming predictable. Reviewers noted that the problems in each episode weren’t compelling enough to really grab attention. The show still had a good group dynamic, but the individual stories weren’t as impactful as they used to be. It also had to compete with other animated shows that were pushing boundaries with more original and daring content.

‘Not Dead Yet’ (2023–2025)

This comedy follows an obituary writer who begins seeing the ghosts of those she’s written about. However, the show’s second season didn’t build on its interesting starting idea. Critics felt the ‘ghost of the week’ structure held back the characters’ development, and the humor, while generally pleasant, wasn’t very funny. The lead actress was likable, but the writing wasn’t strong enough to make the show truly stand out.

‘Loot’ (2022–2025)

The second season of this comedy centers around a newly divorced billionaire who’s trying to manage a charity. While the main actress is strong, the show had trouble finding the right mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Critics often pointed out that it didn’t go far enough in poking fun at the lifestyles of the super-rich. The jokes didn’t always land, and the side characters felt stuck in repeating storylines. Ultimately, the show didn’t gain much traction when it was released in 2025.

‘Unstable’ (2023–2025)

Okay, so this comedy centers around a pretty awkward guy who ends up working at his dad’s super-high-tech company – and his dad is… a character, let’s just say. The second season really tried to focus on their relationship, but honestly, it felt like they had a lot of good ideas that just didn’t quite land. Compared to other comedies out there, the jokes at the office just weren’t as funny or clever. A lot of the episodes felt bogged down in small, unimportant arguments, and I think that’s why so many viewers – myself included – found the characters more annoying than lovable this time around. It’s a shame, because the premise had potential.

‘That ’90s Show’ (2023–2025)

The latest season of the beloved teen sitcom brought viewers back to Point Place, but it had mixed results. Seeing familiar faces from the original show was a highlight, but the new teen characters didn’t quite make the same impact. Critics felt the writing lacked originality, simply echoing the style of the first series instead of offering something new. Many jokes depended too heavily on references to the past, and overall, the show performed moderately well for the streaming platform throughout the year.

‘The Upshaws’ (2021–2025)

This comedy series, filmed with multiple cameras, centers on a Black, working-class family in Indiana and their everyday experiences. The most recent season continued to use arguments between the main characters as its main source of laughs. However, many reviewers thought the show had run out of fresh ideas and was starting to feel repetitive. While the actors still delivered lively performances, the writing wasn’t as clever as it was in the first season. The show faced challenges in attracting attention, as traditional sitcoms are being critically examined more and more these days.

‘Is It Cake?’ (2022–2025)

The popular cake-decorating competition was back for a third season, challenging bakers to create incredibly lifelike cakes designed to trick the judges. Though the bakers demonstrated amazing skill, the show’s format hadn’t evolved much. Many reviewers pointed out that the initial excitement had faded, and episodes felt very similar. Compared to the first season, there was much less buzz on social media. While people enjoyed watching it, the show didn’t really spark much conversation.

‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ (2022–2025)

The celebrity edition of the popular quiz show brought together another group of well-known personalities, all playing for charity. While the show’s fundraising efforts were well-received, the game itself often felt weak because the contestants didn’t know much trivia. Many viewers found it slow-moving and the questions too easy compared to the regular show. The conversations between the host and guests often seemed forced and unnatural. Ultimately, it served as a placeholder program for the network throughout the 2025 season.

‘The Masked Singer’ (2019–2025)

The popular singing competition was back for another season, filled with extravagant costumes and surprise celebrity appearances. However, many critics felt the show had passed its prime and was now featuring less well-known personalities. Viewers often criticized the judges’ exaggerated responses, wishing for a more genuine experience. With the show’s format remaining largely unchanged for years, audiences were starting to lose interest. While ratings were still respectable, it no longer felt like a television event everyone had to see.

‘I Can See Your Voice’ (2020–2025)

This game show challenges contestants to determine if performers are talented singers based on clues, without ever hearing them sing. However, the 2025 season didn’t quite build enough suspense to make the concept exciting. Reviewers often felt the segments investigating the performers dragged on, and the reveals weren’t very satisfying. The show’s predictable format and lack of strong vocalists also drew criticism. While it continued to be a regular part of the network’s programming, it didn’t attract a larger viewership.

‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ (2023–2025)

This dating show features farmers looking for love with women from the city. Recent seasons have been criticized for being too predictable and for the contestants not seeming to connect. Many viewers thought the farm setting felt artificial and didn’t really add to the experience. While it offered a gentler, more wholesome take on reality dating, it didn’t generate the same level of excitement as other, more popular shows.

‘The Bachelor’ (2002–2025)

The latest season of the popular dating show featured a new lead hoping to find a partner, but many longtime viewers were disappointed. They felt the show hadn’t changed enough and that the drama seemed forced by producers instead of happening naturally. While the show still generated a lot of buzz online, critics and fans alike have noted its poor track record with couples staying together and are now asking for a significant change to the format.

‘The Bachelorette’ (2003–2025)

Like the original version of the show, this dating series featured a woman choosing between twenty-five potential partners. However, the 2025 season was filled with drama caused by the contestants, which overshadowed the love story. Critics thought the season was quite boring, lacking memorable moments or real emotional connections. As a result, viewership declined, with audiences turning to more current and varied dating shows. The series ultimately had trouble staying popular as tastes changed.

‘Bachelor in Paradise’ (2014–2025)

The newest season of the show brought back familiar faces to a tropical location, hoping to find love with fewer rules. However, critics found it messy and without a clear story. Many viewers thought the show prioritized creating online buzz over genuine connections. The predictable format and reoccurring contestants led to fatigue, leaving some viewers still entertained but mostly disappointing critics.

‘Vanderpump Rules’ (2013–2025)

The reality show following the staff at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants returned for another season, but it faced criticism for feeling repetitive and losing touch with its original focus on the restaurant industry. Many felt the drama was simply a rehash of old conflicts and lacked real consequences. Viewers also expressed that they were no longer interested in the cast’s behavior, as the participants are now older and the show couldn’t recapture the excitement of past controversies.

‘Selling Sunset’ (2019–2025)

The reality show featuring high-end real estate continued to center on the personal lives and professional conflicts of the agents at the Oppenheim Group. This season, however, the show leaned heavily into drama, with the real estate itself taking a backseat. Critics felt the luxurious properties were almost secondary to the manufactured conflicts between cast members. Many pointed out the show’s overly polished style made it feel more like a scripted series than a genuine reality show. While it remained visually appealing and popular, it was often criticized for lacking meaningful content.

‘Love is Blind’ (2020–2025)

The reality show where people get engaged without ever seeing each other is back for another season. However, reviewers have pointed out that the initial concept feels stale, and the show now seems to thrive on drama and unhealthy relationships to keep viewers hooked. This season’s couples were often seen as a bad match from the beginning, and the reunion episodes were criticized for prioritizing shocking moments over the participants’ real feelings. Despite the negative reviews, the show still performed very well on its streaming service.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ (2020–2025)

The dating show where contestants aren’t allowed to touch each other is back with a new cast of singles. However, many viewers find the show’s formula stale, as contestants repeatedly break the rules to create drama. Critics have also noted that the personal journeys of the participants feel forced and fake. Because the show relies on the same tired tricks every season, it’s losing the attention of reviewers. While it still provides lighthearted entertainment, it hasn’t offered anything new or innovative.

‘The Kardashians’ (2022–2025)

As a long-time fan, I’ve been watching this family’s reality show for ages, and honestly, this recent season just didn’t hit the same way. It felt like everything was staged and lacked the real, unscripted moments we used to get. It started feeling less like a show about their lives and more like a long advertisement for all their different businesses. The episodes dragged on, focusing on really small things that didn’t need so much attention. With so much reality TV out there, this season just didn’t really feel worth watching, you know?

’90 Day Fiancé’ (2014–2025)

The popular reality show continued to follow couples from around the world as they worked through the K-1 visa process and dealt with cultural clashes. However, the most recent season, in 2025, received criticism for seemingly showcasing couples who were more interested in being on TV than in a genuine relationship. Many viewers felt the show had shifted from a realistic look at these couples’ lives to a more dramatic and sensational style. The constant fighting and predictable problems also made the episodes feel drawn out. While still a familiar part of reality TV, the show faced increasing concerns about its honesty and ethical practices.

‘Catfish: The TV Show’ (2012–2025)

The show continued to uncover the real people behind online relationships. However, reviewers pointed out that the series hasn’t changed much in over ten years, making it less exciting to watch. This year’s reveals felt predictable or less impactful than previous, more compelling cases. While the hosts were supportive as always, the show’s format hasn’t kept up with how social media has evolved. It still attracts viewers, but it doesn’t have the same cultural buzz it used to.

‘Pawn Stars’ (2009–2025)

The Las Vegas pawn shop show kept bringing in historical items and showcasing deals between the owners and customers. Though the show still does a good job of being informative, many viewers thought the staged moments were becoming too noticeable. The family’s interactions, which used to be funny, felt stale this season. Reviewers have pointed out that after many years on the air, the show is predictable and lacks surprises. It’s still shown frequently, but it’s no longer a show people feel they have to watch.

‘Ghost Adventures’ (2008–2025)

The ghost-hunting team visited new locations, using gadgets to record what they believed were paranormal events. However, many people criticized the show for not being scientific enough and for exaggerating experiences to make things more exciting. The host’s forceful approach divided viewers. Often, episodes felt repetitive, lacking strong proof of anything supernatural. While it remains popular with those who believe in ghosts, skeptics and critics generally don’t take it seriously.

‘The Curse of Oak Island’ (2014–2025)

The treasure hunting show kept searching for famous lost objects on an island near Nova Scotia, but the search has been slow and costly. Viewers have become frustrated by the years of searching with little to show for it. The show often uses a lot of voice-over and guesswork to stretch out the time between small discoveries. Reviewers have noted that the show builds suspense, but rarely delivers satisfying results. Despite this, it continues to be popular with viewers and performs well for the network.

‘Big Brother’ (2000–2025)

The popular summer competition show was back for its twenty-seventh season, with houseguests vying for a big cash prize. However, the 2025 season received criticism for uninspired contestants and easily foreseeable team-ups. Many viewers found the show’s twists frustrating rather than interesting. As always, the live feeds sparked debate, with some contestants’ actions generating negative online reactions. Overall, the season failed to capture the energy of past, more memorable seasons.

‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ (2023–2025)

I was really fascinated by this show’s concept – taking couples right before their wedding and having them explore other options. But honestly, the latest season left me feeling pretty uncomfortable. It felt incredibly toxic at times, and I worried about how much the participants were being emotionally pushed around. I started to think the whole idea just doesn’t really work for building healthy relationships. The show seemed to highlight all the drama and fights, instead of showing what real relationships are actually like. It definitely got people talking online, but most of the feedback I saw was pretty negative, and I have to agree – the content was just difficult to watch.

‘Milf Manor’ (2023–2025)

This dating show has a unique premise: mature women seeking romance with a group of younger men, some of whom are their own sons. The second season doubled down on this shocking idea to grab attention. However, many reviewers found the show embarrassing and lacking in real connection between the potential couples. Family interactions felt awkward and overly produced for drama. It’s become well-known as one of television’s most criticized shows due to its strange concept and how it was made.

‘Deal or No Deal Island’ (2024–2025)

As a big fan of the original game show, I was intrigued when they announced the spin-off, moving the whole briefcase-opening concept to a tropical island and throwing in some physical challenges. Honestly, though, the second season just didn’t hold my attention. That initial excitement of mixing things up faded pretty quickly. Reviewers (and I agree!) felt like the ‘Survivor’-style additions felt really tacked on and didn’t actually improve the game. Plus, the episodes felt way too long, and figuring out who was eliminated became needlessly complicated. It just couldn’t seem to find a solid group of viewers when it aired in 2025.

‘Fboy Island’ (2021–2025)

This reality show centers around three women trying to figure out which of their potential partners are genuinely kind and which are just pretending to be. Recent seasons have been criticized for relying on the same jokes over and over, and for the men acting in ways that were easy to anticipate. Many viewers thought the show had become a self-aware caricature of its former self, losing the original spark that made it interesting. The host’s commentary was divisive – some found it funny, while others found it annoying. As a result, the show saw a noticeable drop in both viewers and positive reviews this year.

‘Crime Scene Kitchen’ (2021–2025)

This show challenges bakers to figure out what dessert was previously made in a kitchen – just by looking at the leftover crumbs and clues – and then recreate it. While the third season kept the same format, many reviewers thought the mystery became either too obvious or too difficult to solve. The judging was consistent, but the show didn’t have the same energy as typical baking contests. After a few episodes, viewers started to find the detective work repetitive. Overall, it performed decently for the network but didn’t become a major cultural phenomenon.

‘Kitchen Nightmares’ (2023–2025)

Gordon Ramsay is back with another season of his show about rescuing struggling restaurants. However, many reviewers have pointed out that the show hasn’t changed much in almost twenty years. The shocking discoveries of dirty kitchens and the usual restaurant improvements now feel staged and expected for those who have watched for a long time. Although Ramsay’s strong personality still attracts viewers, the show doesn’t have the same genuine excitement it once did, highlighting how reality TV has evolved beyond this type of format.

‘Selling the OC’ (2022–2025)

Selling Sunset’s spin-off, set in Orange County, delivered plenty of drama, but critics found it lacked substance. Many of the agents came across as unpleasant, and the conflicts seemed trivial. The show focused more on arguments and gossip than on actual real estate, and reviewers felt it missed the inspiring tone of the original series. Ultimately, it was seen as a typical, unoriginal reality show with a predictable storyline.

‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ (2006–2025)

The first installment of the Real Housewives series is back for its nineteenth season, continuing to follow the lives of affluent women in Southern California. However, both critics and viewers have observed that the show has been lacking a strong storyline lately. Many of the cast members haven’t seemed genuinely engaged, and conflicts have often felt contrived. The newer cast members also haven’t really made a significant impact. While it’s still an important show for the network, it’s clear the series is nearing the end of its run.

‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ (2008–2025)

After completely replacing the original cast, the show continued with a new group of women living in New York City. However, the 2025 season received criticism for not having the same spark and humor as the original series. Many viewers felt the storylines were shallow and the cast seemed too focused on their public image. Some critics even said it felt more like an advertisement campaign than a genuine reality show. As a result, the show has had difficulty regaining its former popularity and cultural impact.

‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (2010–2025)

Beverly Hills once again provided a lavish setting for a season marked by both opulence and dramatic conflicts. However, critics observed a growing emphasis on legal issues and behind-the-scenes problems that weren’t always clearly presented. Many viewers found the season slow-moving, with the storyline feeling stalled. The relationships between cast members were strained, and the constant arguments left many dedicated fans feeling drained. While the show remains popular, it’s becoming increasingly divisive.

‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ (2018–2025)

The cast of Jersey Shore returned for another season of their ongoing getaways and family gatherings. However, critics felt the show had lost its spark, as the cast members have grown up and don’t connect like they used to. A lot of the drama seemed forced, lacking the genuine excitement of the earlier seasons. The show often relied on flashbacks and slow-motion replays to fill time. While some viewers enjoy it for the memories, it’s no longer as funny or engaging as it once was.

‘The Circle’ (2020–2025)

The reality show, known for its dating and drama played out through a special app, is back for another season. However, reviewers have pointed out that the show’s strategy has become predictable, as contestants have figured out how to manipulate the game. The energetic commentary and frequent hashtags now feel overdone and old-fashioned. Many viewers miss the authentic connections that made earlier seasons so engaging. While the show still attracts viewers for its streaming platform, it didn’t offer anything new in its fifth season.

‘Velma’ (2023–2025)

As a fan, I’ve been following this show, and honestly, the third season was really disappointing. They kept trying to tell us how the Mystery Inc. gang got started, but it just didn’t feel right. A lot of the jokes felt like they were trying too hard to be clever, and the whole tone of the show was all over the place. Many of us longtime fans felt like the characters weren’t true to the original series, and even with great animation, the main mysteries just weren’t solved in a way that made sense. It ended up being one of the most divisive shows on TV, and unfortunately, a lot of people didn’t enjoy it.

‘Ironheart’ (2025)

This show centers around a brilliant young inventor who builds an Iron Man-like suit. While the main actor received positive feedback, the series was criticized for its uninspired writing and subpar special effects. Reviewers found the storyline confusing and overly reliant on familiar elements from other superhero movies and shows. The show’s pacing was also uneven, with some episodes feeling like they didn’t contribute to the overall story. Ultimately, it had a hard time distinguishing itself in a market already full of comic book adaptations.

Please share your thoughts on these television shows in the comments.

2025-12-29 02:21