Global TV Highlights of 2025: Must-Watch Shows from Around the World

2025 promises a stellar lineup of television from across the globe, showcasing diverse storytelling from the UK’s crime dramas to South Korea’s K-dramas, Japan’s anime, and Australia’s unique narratives. Here’s your guide to the most anticipated international TV shows of the year.

The UK kicks off with 'This City is Ours' on BBC, an eight-part crime drama starring Sean Bean as a Liverpool gang leader, expected mid-2025. 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' a Game of Thrones prequel on HBO (accessible via Sky in the UK), premieres in summer, following Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey). 'Dear England,' a BBC adaptation of Gareth Southgate’s football journey with Joseph Fiennes, is set for early 2025.

South Korea’s 'Squid Game' Season 3 (Netflix) concludes its trilogy in 2025, following Season 2’s December 2024 cliffhanger. 'All the Smoke We Cannot See,' a historical K-drama with Han Hyo-joo, is slated for Netflix mid-2025, exploring 1940s espionage. 'The Mantis,' a thriller starring Go Hyun-jung, is expected late 2025 on a yet-to-be-confirmed platform.

Japan brings 'Sakamoto Days' to Netflix in January 2025, an action-packed anime about a retired hitman (voiced by Tomokazu Sugita). 'Devil May Cry,' another Netflix anime based on the video game, arrives mid-2025 with Dante’s demon-hunting adventures. 'Uzumaki,' a delayed Junji Ito adaptation, finally hits Adult Swim in spring 2025.

Australia’s 'Sunny Nights' on Stan, a dark comedy starring Vince Colosimo, premieres early 2025, following siblings in a tanning salon racket. 'The Family Next Door,' an ABC mystery drama, is expected mid-2025, unraveling neighborhood secrets. 'Good Cop, Bad Cop,' a dramedy on Stan, features sibling detectives Leighton Meester and Luke Cook in 2025.

From Nigeria, 'Iyanu' (Cartoon Network/Max) animates an orphan girl’s superhero journey in mid-2025. France’s 'Asterix & Obelix' animated series hits Netflix in 2025, bringing Gaulish antics. Switzerland hosts 'Eurovision Song Contest 2025' in Basel (May 13-17), broadcast globally via local channels and possibly Peacock.

These shows span platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Stan, ABC iView, Adult Swim, and Max. Availability varies by region—check local listings or VPN options for international access.

Post-2023 strike delays have boosted international production, with streaming giants amplifying voices from Seoul to Sydney. 2025 blends local flavor with universal appeal, making it a landmark year for global TV.

From Tokyo’s anime to London’s gritty dramas, 2025’s TV slate celebrates storytelling diversity. Tune in for a worldwide watch party!