Discover the most popular and critically-acclaimed Hollywood TV series dominating screens in the US and UK right now. We cover the biggest returning shows, breakout stars like Jenna Ortega and Leo Woodall, and must-see new dramas like Paradise and Severance Season 2.
🎬 The Reigning Stars of the Small Screen: Hollywood’s Hottest TV Shows and Actors Right Now
The golden age of television is showing no signs of dimming. Across the pond, from the bustling studios of Los Angeles to the historic sound stages of London, a fresh wave of captivating series and standout performances is gripping audiences in both the US and the UK.
Whether you’re tuning into a high-concept sci-fi thriller or a period drama packed with emotional depth, the water-cooler conversations of 2025 are dominated by complex storylines and the magnetic stars who bring them to life. Here’s a look at the most talked-about Hollywood TV series and the actors who are earning every moment of their spotlight.
The Must-See Returners: High-Stakes Storytelling
Returning favorites are anchoring the television landscape, proving that a strong foundation and stellar cast are a winning formula.
Severance (Apple TV+)
The return of this sci-fi psychological thriller has been met with fervent anticipation, and Season 2 has delivered on the promise of more mind-bending corporate intrigue. The series, which explores a radical surgical procedure that divides an employee’s non-work and work memories, remains a critical darling and a massive cultural touchstone.
- The Stars to Watch: While the entire ensemble is phenomenal, Adam Scott‘s performance as Mark Scout—the seemingly ordinary man caught between his “Innie” and “Outie” lives—is the emotional core that keeps viewers deeply invested. His portrayal balances the dread of corporate control with a heartbreaking search for meaning. Also garnering significant attention is Patricia Arquette, whose chillingly composed performance as Harmony Cobel continues to define the series’ unique blend of absurdity and menace.
Hacks (Max/Sky Comedy)
Comedy rarely gets sharper, funnier, or more emotionally resonant than Hacks. The story of the complicated mentor-mentee relationship between legendary stand-up Deborah Vance and young writer Ava Daniels continues to resonate, particularly as it explores the evolving media landscape and the struggle for creative authenticity.
- The Stars to Watch: Jean Smart is television royalty, and her work as the acid-tongued Deborah Vance is a masterclass in comedic timing and profound vulnerability, a role that has rightly earned her multiple accolades. Paired with the dry, quick-witted Hannah Einbinder as Ava, their explosive chemistry remains the central delight for viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Also read: The Most Popular Hollywood Roles of 2025 (Year in Review)
The Breakout Hits: New Voices and Genres
New series are also carving out major space in the TV conversation, introducing fresh takes on familiar genres and launching new A-list stars.
Paradise (Hulu/Disney+)
From a celebrated showrunner, this new drama offers a genuinely fresh perspective on the US political thriller, blending a high-stakes murder mystery with a political drama set in the White House. Critics are praising its layered narrative structure and its ability to deliver genuine emotional twists.
- The Stars to Watch: Stepping into the drama genre, Sterling K. Brown (who plays a Secret Service agent) delivers a deeply natural and captivating performance, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and powerful actors. His dynamic with James Marsden as the persuasive President is a central highlight.
The Crow Girl (Paramount+)
This dark, compelling crime thriller has captured UK audiences and is now making waves in the US. Adapted from a famously twisted novel, the series is a fiendishly well-constructed serial-killer story driven by two fierce female leads.
- The Stars to Watch: The pairing of British talents Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly as the detective and psychologist duo is one of the year’s most enjoyable partnerships. Their on-screen intensity and chemistry give the grim subject matter a deeply human and compelling edge.
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Stars Taking Center Stage: The Talk of the Town
Beyond the critically-acclaimed ensemble casts, a few individual actors are currently setting the benchmark for must-watch TV:
- Jenna Ortega (Wednesday): Following the massive global success of the macabre comedy, Jenna Ortega has become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young stars. Her signature deadpan delivery and compelling screen presence are driving the anticipation for the show’s next season, solidifying her as a generational talent.
- Leo Woodall (One Day, Prime Target): After his breakout role in The White Lotus and his leading turn in the romantic drama One Day, Leo Woodall is continuing his ascent, proving his dramatic range in a variety of complex roles and becoming a fixture in both British and American productions.
❓FAQ
What is the most-talked-about Hollywood TV show right now?
The most-talked-about shows are often those with major returning seasons or critical acclaim. Currently, Severance (Apple TV+) and Hacks (Max/Sky Comedy) are dominating the conversation for their compelling narratives and award-winning performances.
Which TV shows are performing best in both the US and the UK?
Streaming hits tend to be globally popular. Series like Severance, Hacks, and new dramas such as Paradise are resonating with both American and British audiences due to their high production quality and universal themes.
Who are the biggest breakout actors in TV this year?
Key breakout stars generating significant buzz include Jenna Ortega (Wednesday), who has mastered the balance of comedy and gothic drama, and Leo Woodall (One Day, The White Lotus), whose versatility is making him a leading man to watch.
Are there any new crime dramas popular in both markets?
Yes, the UK-centric crime drama The Crow Girl (Paramount+), featuring a captivating lead pairing of Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly, is one of the most popular new series in the crime genre on both sides of the Atlantic.
What is a popular returning comedy series this year?
Hacks, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, is one of the most highly-rated and popular returning comedy series, acclaimed for its sharp writing and phenomenal lead chemistry.
What is a successful high-concept sci-fi series right now?
Severance is the top-tier high-concept sci-fi series. It continues to explore deep philosophical questions about work-life balance and identity while delivering a genuinely thrilling plot.
Where can I watch the most popular Hollywood series?
Most of the major hits are available on top streaming services, including Max (HBO Max), Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu, and Paramount+, depending on the specific region.
Which actor from This Is Us has a major new TV role?
Sterling K. Brown, famous for his Emmy-winning role in This Is Us, is currently starring in the acclaimed new political thriller Paradise as a compelling Secret Service agent.
Is there a highly-anticipated final season of a major series coming soon?
The conclusion of the epic saga is always a major event. While not currently airing, the highly-anticipated final season of Stranger Things (Netflix) remains one of the most discussed future television events globally.
How do critics and audiences measure the popularity of a TV show today?
Popularity is measured not just by streaming numbers, but also by critical consensus (like high Rotten Tomatoes scores, as seen with shows like Pluribus or Common Side Effects), social media conversation volume, and major awards nominations/wins (e.g., Emmy Awards), indicating a high level of cultural impact.
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