Top 7 TV Performances of 2025, Ranked: From Intense Rivalry to The Pitt

Watch With Us is reflecting on a fantastic year in television.

There have been countless shows to highlight, including Matthew Macfadyen as assassin Charles Guiteau in Netflix’s Death by Lightning, Kathryn Hahn as quirky marketing exec Martha on Apple TV’s The Studio, and Owen Cooper’s chilling portrayal of a child killer in Adolescence.

Thus, Watch With Us has taken on the daunting challenge of selecting our seven favorite TV performances of the year.

Whether you align with our picks or not, we can collectively agree that 2025 was an exceptional year for television.

7. and 6. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams in ‘Heated Rivalry’

One of the greatest strengths of television is its ability to surprise, and nothing was more surprisingly delightful than Heated Rivalry. When it debuted on HBO Max in late November, many, including myself, dismissed it as merely a “smutty gay Canadian hockey show.” However, by the end of the first episode, it was clear this show was more than just a guilty pleasure — it was genuinely good and only improved with each subsequent episode.

Much credit goes to the show’s creator/writer/director, Jacob Tierney, who acknowledged in interviews that he struck gold with the casting of two unknown actors who embraced their roles seriously while also embodying their sexy personas. As the confident Russian player Ilya Rozanov, Texas-born Connor Storrie delivered a performance worthy of Meryl Streep, adopting a flawless Russian accent, showcasing professional hockey skills, and articulating Ilya’s hidden fears and desires, resulting in a multifaceted character who was both striking and complex.

As Ilya’s more introspective rival, Shane Hollander, Hudson Williams matched his partner’s charisma with a nuanced and subtly powerful performance, conveying volumes through minimal gestures. Together, they created the most memorable TV romance of 2025, adding depth to a show that could have easily been shallow. This elevated Heated Rivalry to one of the year’s most engaging series, marking Storrie and Williams as actors to watch in 2026 and beyond.

5. Aimee Lou Wood in ‘The White Lotus’

In the third season of The White Lotus, Aimee Lou Wood plays Chelsea, a young woman from Manchester who visits the titular Thai resort with her significantly older boyfriend, Rick (Walton Goggins). The season unfolds alongside other guests and employees at The White Lotus as it builds momentum toward a climactic death hinted at in the premiere.

Although Wood shares the spotlight with a stellar cast, her portrayal of Chelsea emerges as the season’s highlight. Initially perceived as a quirky, perhaps vacuous young woman with a much older partner — possibly a gold digger — Chelsea’s character reveals herself to be deeply romantic and unapologetically genuine. Wood captures Chelsea’s essence with empathy, nuance, and expressiveness as she strives to bring peace to her troubled partner.

4. Edi Patterson in ‘The Righteous Gemstones’

Edi Patterson has yet to receive widespread recognition for her role as Judy Gemstone in The Righteous Gemstones, yet her performance undoubtedly ranks among the greatest comedic roles of all time. In the show’s fourth and final season, Judy returns with even more audacity. This season sees the televangelist family facing off against a nemesis from the past while Eli (John Goodman) grapples with moving forward after the loss of his wife.

Though Gemstones boasts impressive comedic talent, Patterson consistently steals the scene. As Judy, she delivers outrageous lines with a confidence that no other comedic actress could match, while also imbuing Judy with surprising emotional depth that many may not expect. Judy is not only hilarious but also vulnerable, ultimately rendering her a relatable and human character.

3. Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus’

Vince Gilligan’s (Breaking Bad) new series Pluribus features Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn as Carol — a celebrated author who remains immune to a global affliction of perpetual ease and contentment caused by an alien virus. As humanity falls into a blissful hive mind, Carol finds herself among the few unaffected individuals striving to reverse the virus.

Although Pluribus premiered towards the end of the year, it quickly emerged as one of 2025’s standout shows, propelled by Seehorn’s extraordinary performance. Critics note that Seehorn seamlessly combines sharp comedic sensibility with profound sadness, adding depth to a complex and misanthropic character.

2. Noah Wyle in ‘The Pitt’

Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) serves as an attending physician in the emergency room at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, dubbed “the Pitt.” This compelling medical procedural unfolds over one grueling fifteen-hour day at the Pitt, with each episode portraying the chaos of one hour. Robby is supported by a dedicated team of emergency medical personnel as they navigate underfunding and staff shortages while addressing the emotional and physical needs of their patients.

The Pitt arguably stands out as the most exciting new medical drama of 2025, and Wyle’s performance earned him widespread acclaim, culminating in an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His portrayal blends calmness, heart, and authenticity, enabling the audience to genuinely invest in his character as a beleaguered doctor. This remarkable performance is part of a stellar ensemble, and the upcoming season promises to deliver even more memorable moments.

1. Tramell Tillman in ‘Severance’

Tramell Tillman has dominated discussions in 2025 for his captivating portrayal of the quirky, antagonistic Mr. Milchick in Severance. As the supervisor of the severed floor at Lumon, Milchick oversees the severed employees Mark S. (Adam Scott), Helly R. (Britt Lower), Dylan G. (Zach Cherry), and Irving B. (John Turturro), embodying a powerful authority figure and loyalist of Lumon. In the second season, he receives a promotion to manager following Ms. Cobel’s (Patricia Arquette) dismissal.

In his role as Milchick, Tramell’s deft combination of comedic and tragic elements earned him the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, marking him as the first Black person and first openly gay actor to achieve this honor. It is undeniable that Tramell deserved his win; he crafted a unique performance that effectively highlighted Milchick’s internal struggles. While Milchick is a corporate enforcer, he slowly realizes that he, too, is a victim of Lumon, adding layers of complexity to his character.