TV fans, mark your calendars! The 2025 small-screen lineup is stacked with long-awaited spin-offs, returning favorites, and thrilling new originals across streaming giants and networks. From horror and drama to comedy and post-apocalyptic survival, Rotten Tomatoes’ premiere calendar is your one-stop guide for what’s hitting your screen this year. Here are some of the most exciting highlights to keep an eye on.
Pennywise Returns in “IT: Welcome to Derry” – October 2025
Horror fans, rejoice. HBO Max is bringing the terrifying legacy of Stephen King’s IT back to life with IT: Welcome to Derry, a chilling prequel to Andy Muschietti’s hit film adaptations. Set decades before the events of the films, the series delves into the cursed history of Derry, Maine — a town haunted by unspeakable evil.
Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise the Clown, promising a spine-tingling performance that’s sure to terrify a new generation. Expect deep lore, psychological horror, and yes, plenty of red balloons. With its October premiere aligning with spooky season, Welcome to Derry is primed to be one of the fall’s most talked-about releases.
“The Paper” Brings the Office Vibes to Local Journalism – September 4
Two decades after The Office redefined workplace comedy, Peacock is debuting The Paper, a spin-off set in a struggling local newspaper office. Premiering on September 4, the mockumentary-style show stars Office alum Oscar Nuñez, who returns as Oscar Martinez, now working in a totally different paper business.
Co-created by Greg Daniels, Michael Koman, and executive produced by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the series blends biting satire with heart — all in the familiar, deadpan style fans love. With newsroom chaos replacing office antics, The Paper is poised to capture both nostalgia and a new narrative era.
Star Power Meets Suspense in Netflix’s “Black Rabbit” – September 18
Netflix has carved out a niche in high-stakes thrillers, and Black Rabbit continues the trend with an all-star cast. Launching September 18, the limited series follows two brothers, played by Jude Law and Jason Bateman, as they navigate the gritty underbelly of Manhattan nightlife.
Law plays the refined owner of an upscale restaurant and VIP lounge, while Bateman’s return to the business stirs secrets and danger. The ensemble cast features Cleopatra Coleman, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Troy Kotsur, and more — ensuring that Black Rabbit offers more than just suspense; it delivers star-studded prestige television.
“The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” Expands Its World – September 7
The Walking Dead universe shows no signs of slowing. Season 3 of Daryl Dixon, subtitled The Book of Carol, drops September 7 on AMC and AMC+. Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride) now find themselves in Spain, far from their familiar zombie battlegrounds.
AMC promises “distant lands,” evolving dangers, and a new lens on survival. The cross-continental storyline refreshes the series while deepening the bond between two of the franchise’s most beloved characters. If you’ve followed The Walking Dead from the beginning, this latest chapter might be its most emotionally charged yet.
Even More to Watch: Summer and Fall 2025 Highlights
Beyond the big headliners, the 2025 TV slate is filled with buzz-worthy releases:
- July: Dexter: Resurrection (Paramount+), The Sandman: Season 2 (Netflix), Foundation: Season 3 (Apple TV+)
- August: Wednesday: Season 2 Part 1 (Netflix), Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+), Peacemaker: Season 2 (Max)
- September: Gen V: Season 2 (Prime Video), The Morning Show: Season 4 (Apple TV+), Alice in Borderland: Season 3 (Netflix)
- October: Marvel Zombies (Disney+), Ghosts: Season 5 (CBS), Fire Country: Season 4 (CBS)
- November–December: Stranger Things: Season 5 rolls out in three parts across the holidays, with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery also premiering December 12.
Whether you’re a Netflix binge-watcher, a cable traditionalist, or a Max subscriber chasing horror thrills, there’s something coming in 2025 to get excited about.
Final Take
The 2025 TV calendar is more than just stacked — it’s supercharged. With exciting prequels, spin-offs, fresh stories, and the return of beloved franchises, this year is shaping up to be a golden age of streaming and network television. So whether you’re into creepy clowns, newsroom comedies, family drama, or action-packed thrillers, there’s a premiere just around the corner with your name on it.
Be sure to bookmark Rotten Tomatoes’ premiere dates page and keep those watchlists ready — because this year, appointment TV is making a serious comeback.
