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Luminous - A Neuroscientist's Portal to an Alternate Consciousness

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 13:49 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locale: CANADA

The Globe and Mail’s 2025 “Best Television” roundup: A year‑end snapshot of what’s shaping the small screen

As the year draws to a close, The Globe and Mail’s entertainment editors convene to answer the perennial question of any TV season: What did the year bring that made us laugh, cry, think, and binge‑watch? Their annual “Best Television” piece is a blend of editorial judgment, audience reaction, and the broader cultural currents that steer the industry. This edition, published at the end of 2025, offers a panoramic view of the shows that defined the year—across streaming platforms, cable, and even the ever‑expanding realm of “true‑crime” podcasts that now double as serialized TV.

1. A structured approach to “best”

The article opens with a brief editorial note that situates the list in the context of 2025’s unique challenges: the ongoing shift toward “watch‑now” binge‑watch culture, the growing dominance of streaming services that now own more first‑look rights than traditional studios, and the increasing focus on authentic representation. Editors emphasize that “best” is measured not only by critical acclaim and award wins but also by cultural resonance and innovation in storytelling.

The list is presented in two tiers: a “Top 10” that showcases the most impactful series of the year, followed by a “Best‑Of‑Genre” section that highlights standout shows in specific categories—drama, comedy, science‑fiction, and documentary. Each entry includes a concise synopsis, key production credits, and a brief explanation of why the show earned its place.

2. The Top 10 shows of 2025

Below is a summary of each of the ten headline entries, along with the underlying reasons for their selection.

3. Best‑Of‑Genre deep dives

After the top‑10 list, the editors allocate a dedicated section to highlight standout shows in specific genres, giving readers insight into niche successes that might otherwise slip under the radar.

Drama

• “The Long Game” (Netflix) – A political thriller that traces a clandestine data‑broker’s rise to power.
• “A Place for Us” (CBC) – A heartfelt drama about a rural community grappling with the loss of its hospital.

Comedy

• “Office 9: The Aftermath” (Prime Video) – A mockumentary following a corporate office’s post‑pandemic transition.
• “Mirthful Misfits” (Apple TV+) – A sitcom about a group of misfit roommates navigating life in an upscale loft.

Science Fiction / Fantasy

• “Starlight Chronicles” (Prime Video) – An interplanetary saga that incorporates a multicultural cast.
• “The Rift” (Netflix) – A mind‑bending exploration of alternate realities, blending speculative philosophy with action.

Documentary / Docu‑Series

• “Roots of Resistance” (Discovery+) – A powerful series tracing Indigenous resistance movements across Canada.
• “Food & Freedom” (CBC) – A culinary documentary exploring food sovereignty in North America.

4. Industry and cultural commentary

Beyond the lists, the piece dives into what the year’s standout shows say about the broader entertainment ecosystem:

• Streaming dominance: The article notes that 9 of the 10 top shows are from streaming platforms, highlighting how the line between cable and online content has blurred.
• Representation matters: Editors discuss how the diversity in lead actors, writers, and producers has shaped narratives that feel more inclusive, reflecting Canada’s multicultural reality.
• Genre fluidity: The rise of hybrid genres—such as the science‑fiction anthology Echoes—illustrates audiences’ appetite for cross‑genre storytelling.
• Award politics: A sidebar tracks how the Canadian Screen Awards, the Emmys, and the Critics’ Choice Awards each aligned (or diverged) with the Globe and Mail’s picks, underscoring the subjective nature of “best.”

5. Links for deeper dives

Every entry on the list links to the show’s own official page (or to a reputable streaming platform), as well as to relevant news articles and critical essays. For instance:

• “Luminous” directs readers to a detailed interview with the show’s creator, where the science behind the portal is explained.
• “Mosaic” includes a link to a CBC interview with the lead writer, who discusses the complexities of portraying a modern Canadian diaspora.
• “Beyond the Veil” offers a direct path to the Discovery+ documentary, accompanied by viewer reviews and behind‑the‑scenes footage.

These links provide readers with immediate avenues to explore the shows further, ensuring that the summary functions as a hub for discovery rather than a final word.

6. Conclusion: A reflection on 2025

The Globe and Mail’s “Best Television 2025” article ends on an optimistic note. The editors celebrate how 2025’s television landscape proved that storytelling can be simultaneously entertaining, thought‑provoking, and socially relevant. They underscore that while the business model is shifting—streaming platforms now rivaling and, in some cases, surpassing traditional broadcasters—the core of television remains its ability to reflect, challenge, and connect us.

In a year defined by rapid technological changes and ongoing societal debates, the series highlighted in the article not only entertained but also invited dialogue. As 2026 approaches, readers are left with a clear sense of where the medium is headed: toward greater inclusivity, genre experimentation, and an unwavering commitment to telling the stories that matter most.