We close out our final Salud 2025 with a spotlight on television or streaming shows that captured our attention this year. Some shows entertained with pure escapism, while others wove narratives that mirrored the complexities of our era or unearthed stories long erased from the cultural record. Let’s begin:
Paradise reimagines survival in a post-apocalyptic world where privilege and power dictate who thrives underground. When a former President is murdered, suspicion falls on Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown), a Secret Service agent navigating a fragile society built on secrets and lies. Created by Dan Fogelman (This Is Us), the series blends psychological tension with sharp social commentary, exploring trust, ambition, and morality under pressure.
Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television is a powerful chronicle of resilience and cultural transformation. This documentary series explores how Black creators and performers broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and reshaped American television. Through candid interviews and rich archival footage, it highlights the groundbreaking moments that didn’t just change TV, but also influenced the nation’s cultural identity. By celebrating progress while confronting systemic obstacles, Seen and Heard reminds us that representation is more than visibility.
Reasonable Doubt Season 3 returns with a narrative that is as much about identity and morality as it is about law. At its center is Jax Stewart, a brilliant attorney whose pursuit of justice collides with her own search for meaning. This season’s focal case of a former child star accused of murdering his girlfriend becomes a lens through which the series interrogates fame, family dysfunction, and the blurred lines between truth and perception. With nuanced performances, layered storytelling, and a willingness to explore the gray spaces of human behavior, Reasonable Doubt transcends the courtroom drama genre, offering a cultural critique wrapped in suspense.
Reacher Season 3 revels in its own excess and that’s precisely the point. Alan Ritchson’s towering Jack Reacher storms through a crime syndicate with bone-crunching bravado, but beneath the bruises lies a sly wink to its audience. This isn’t prestige TV – it’s pulp entertainment done with confidence, leaning into its “big guy solves big problems” ethos while sprinkling in humor and self-awareness. The series embraces its genre roots unapologetically, delivering kinetic fight choreography, sharp quips, and a narrative that prioritizes fun over gravitas. In an era of brooding antiheroes, Reacher offers something refreshingly straightforward: a muscular, good-time thriller that knows exactly what it is and invites you to enjoy every punch.
In Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Forest Whitaker’s Bumpy Johnson faces his most existential season yet, as health scares and the rise of Frank Lucas threaten his grip on Harlem. The series continues to weave historical significance with contemporary urgency, exploring the intersection of organized crime, civil rights, and personal redemption. Visually stylish and narratively layered, Season 4 interrogates the cost of ambition and the fragility of legacy, while giving space to nuanced performances that elevates the show.
Alien: Earth reimagines the classic franchise as a chilling exploration of identity and ambition. Noah Hawley shifts the setting from deep space to a corporate-controlled Earth, where synthetic-human hybrids and xenomorphs collide in a world obsessed with control. Beneath its suspense and horror, the series asks a profound question: what happens when the pursuit of ultimate intelligence becomes an obsession? Instead of progress, genius turns corrosive, power becomes a trap, and dominance leads to destruction. Though firmly rooted in science fiction, Alien: Earth emerges as a chilling cautionary tale about the dangers of reshaping humanity for dominance and the hollow pursuit of ultimate intelligence – a quest that serves ego and wealth rather than the greater good. Hawley’s vision turns ambition into menace, reminding us that progress without purpose can lead to ruin.
All Her Fault elevates the domestic thriller into a layered exploration of privilege, motherhood, and moral ambiguity. Adapted from Andrea Mara’s novel, the series begins with a seemingly simple premise of a child gone missing but quickly unravels into a tense study of fractured trust and hidden truths. Sarah Snook and Dakota Fanning deliver nuanced performances that anchor a narrative steeped in psychological complexity, where every choice feels weighted by societal expectation and personal guilt. Visually restrained yet emotionally charged, All Her Fault interrogates the fault lines beneath suburban perfection, offering a suspenseful drama that resonates beyond its genre roots.
The Mighty Nein thrives on the chaos and charm of an unlikely fellowship of a ragtag band of misfits whose clashing motives somehow converge on a shared, ultimate goal. Adapted from Critical Role’s beloved campaign, the series celebrates the unpredictability of adventure: mercenaries, outcasts, and dreamers forging bonds in spite of secrets and self-interest. Each character’s journey, whether driven by redemption, revenge, or sheer survival adds texture to a narrative that balances irreverent humor with moments of profound vulnerability. Visually rich and emotionally layered, The Mighty Nein reminds us why stories of found family endure: because in a fractured world, connection is the greatest quest of all.
The American Revolution reframes a familiar story with unapologetic honesty, peeling back the layers of myth to reveal the complexity, and beauty of America’s origins. Rather than presenting a sanitized narrative, the series dives into the contradictions and moral struggles of the era, spotlighting the personal conflicts of the nation’s founders as they wrestled with ideals, ambition, and survival. By embracing their flaws, the show makes these figures real, reminding us that imperfection is not a weakness but a testament to humanity. Through overlooked stories and uncomfortable truths, The American Revolution argues that confronting our past in full including its triumphs and its failings is essential to understanding the nation’s identity today.
Poker Face Season 2 continues to prove that episodic storytelling can feel fresh and cinematic. Rian Johnson’s series doesn’t just deliver clever mysteries – it elevates them by giving guest actors the spotlight in each episode, turning every installment into a showcase of character-driven drama. Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie Cale remains the magnetic center, but the joy lies in watching a rotating cast of talent inhabit richly drawn roles that make every case feel distinct. The show strikes a rare balance: entertaining and accessible, yet layered with the tension and intrigue of classic crime drama. With its mix of humor, suspense, and standout performances, Poker Face reminds us that television can still surprise, one guest star at a time.
Dark Winds Season 3 returns with a season that deepens its commitment to layered storytelling, blending gripping crime drama with an unflinching look at cultural identity and resilience. Set against the stark beauty of the Navajo Nation, the series continues to challenge genre conventions by centering Indigenous voices and histories often erased from mainstream narratives. Season 3 pushes its characters Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee into morally complex terrain, where personal loyalties collide with systemic injustice. Visually arresting and narratively rich, Dark Winds reminds us that the most compelling mysteries aren’t just about solving crimes but also about uncovering truths that shape communities and legacies. It’s a show that entertains while honoring authenticity, proving that representation can be both powerful and profoundly cinematic.
Peacemaker Season 2 doubles down on what made the first season a standout: chaotic fun wrapped around a surprisingly heartfelt core. James Gunn’s irreverent tone remains intact with explosive action, razor-sharp humor, and absurd scenarios, but this time the emotional stakes run deeper. John Cena’s Peacemaker continues his journey of self-discovery, grappling with guilt and trauma while forging bonds with his equally dysfunctional team. Beneath the outrageous antics lies a story about friendship and healing, proving that redemption can bloom in the most unlikely places. Bold, brash, and unexpectedly tender, Season 2 reminds us that even in a world of supervillains and mayhem, connection is the ultimate superpower.
