The dawn of a new year heralds the return of familiar favorites and the promise of fresh narratives across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. The winter and spring of 2025 are poised to deliver a rich tapestry of programming, catering to a diverse spectrum of tastes. From the gritty historical drama of “1923” to the darkly comedic intrigue of “Severance,” audiences can anticipate a captivating array of returning shows. Broadcast networks, leveraging the expansive viewership of NFL playoff season, are strategically scheduling premieres to capitalize on increased attention. Meanwhile, streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu are also gearing up to reintroduce their flagship programs, all vying for viewer engagement in the increasingly competitive landscape of entertainment.
The success of a returning show often hinges on the foundation laid in previous seasons. Shows like “Yellowstone,” a cable and broadcast powerhouse, have cultivated a dedicated following, paving the way for spin-offs like “1923” to seamlessly capture audience interest. The Dutton family saga continues to enthrall viewers, transporting them to the early 20th century to witness the family’s arduous journey of establishing their homestead. Similarly, “Severance,” a critically acclaimed AppleTV+ offering, returns with its signature blend of dark humor and dramatic tension, promising to further unravel the mysteries surrounding Lumon Industries and its enigmatic severance procedure. Even children’s programming is seeing significant returns, with “Sesame Street” entering its 55th season amidst uncertainty about its future on HBO.
The return of established shows offers a sense of familiarity and comfort, providing viewers with a continuation of beloved narratives and characters. ABC’s “The Bachelor” returns for its 29th season, navigating the complexities of love and relationships with a new bachelor, Grant Ellis. Reality competition shows also make their comeback, providing a dose of adrenaline-pumping entertainment. Fox’s “The Masked Singer” and “The Floor,” CBS’s “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race,” and NBC’s “The Voice” all return, promising captivating contests and nail-biting eliminations. This resurgence of reality programming underscores its enduring appeal, offering viewers a chance to witness ordinary individuals striving for extraordinary achievements.
The premiere dates of these returning shows are strategically staggered across the first quarter of 2025, providing a steady stream of new content for viewers to enjoy. January kicks off with a diverse lineup, including the return of “Sistas” on BET, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” on ABC, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on MTV. The highly anticipated second season of “Severance” premieres on Apple TV+ on January 17th, alongside the sci-fi thriller “Silo.” Netflix subscribers can look forward to the political thriller “The Night Agent” on January 23rd and the action-packed second season of “The Recruit” on January 30th. The end of January also marks the return of “The Bachelor” on ABC, promising a new chapter in the search for love.
February brings with it a continuation of returning favorites, including the heartwarming drama “Sweet Magnolias” on Netflix and the intense competition of “The Floor” and “The Masked Singer” on Fox. Reality romance returns with “Love is Blind” on Netflix, while the survival thriller “Yellowjackets” continues its chilling narrative on Paramount+. The critically acclaimed anthology series “White Lotus” checks into a new location on HBO, promising fresh intrigue and captivating characters. Amazon Prime Video subscribers can anticipate the return of the action-packed “Reacher” on February 20th, followed by the psychological thriller “Surface” on AppleTV+ on the 21st. The Dutton family saga continues with the highly anticipated return of “1923” on Paramount+ on February 24th.
March sees the return of long-running reality competition shows, “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race,” on CBS, providing a test of both physical and mental endurance. The search for musical talent continues with the return of “American Idol” on ABC and the suspenseful crime drama “Dark Winds” returns to AMC. Finally, April brings the highly anticipated second season of the Star Wars prequel series “Andor” on Disney+, promising further exploration of the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. This diverse slate of returning shows caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy in the coming months.
