Sky TV and streaming platform NOW already have four ‘must watch’ series that viewers can binge in a weekend ahead of their brand new seasons releasing this year.
It means that it is easier than first thought for TV fans to prepare themselves for some of the most anticipated follow-ups coming into 2025.
The upcoming year promises to be another blockbuster with numerous new series slated for release. This includes a multitude of returning shows, making the average streamer’s watchlist seem infinite. It can be challenging to decide what to catch up on first.
Several of these returning shows will be available on NOW TV and Sky, including some of the best drama shows from recent years as well as outrageous comedies.
Here are some of the top returning series, all of which have achieved near-perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes and can be easily binged in just one weekend.
The Last of Us is an adaptation of the beloved PlayStation game (Image: HBO)
The Last of Us
HBO’s successful adaptation of the Naughty Dog developed game has an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The first series focuses on Joel (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), a smuggler assigned with escorting Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a girl who discovers she is immune to the infection that has transformed much of the world’s population into zombie-like creatures, to a group of resistance fighters working on a cure.
The series was a hit with both those familiar with the original source material and newcomers alike. A significant achievement considering it was deemed one of the best games ever released. One viewer hailed it a ‘masterpiece’, while another commented: “For someone who loves the game so much, I could say the series definitely reached the same highs. Brilliantly played by the actors and I cannot wait to see the next season.”
Its been revealed that fans will have to wait until April 2025 for the highly-anticipated Season Two of The Last of Us, which draws from Part Two of the PlayStation game series. There’s ample time to immerse yourself in the first season and the original games for those prepared for an emotional adventure.
Season One of The Last of Us streaming on NOW TV and Sky Atlantic.
The White Lotus
It’s not required to watch the previous seasons before diving into the upcoming third instalment due this February. Although the first and second instalments are self-contained stories, they set the tone for what to expect a twisted blend of humour and mystery set against a backdrop of luxurious resorts, with the underlying suspense of unidentified casualties at the start leading to nail-biting finales. Jennifer Coolidge is the only star across both first series, with new faces added each season.
The brains behind The White Lotus is none other than actor and filmmaker Mike White, who penned hits like School of Rock, Pitch Perfect 3, and Despicable Me 4. The series has raked in whopping scores on Rotten Tomatoes – 90% for the first season and an even more impressive 94% for the second. Fans are enthralled, with one viewer raving online: “This show is absolutely amazing, it’s so unhinged and funny at the same time it’s absolutely amazing! go watch it!”
The White Lotus Seasons One and Two are currently available for streaming on NOW TV and Sky Atlantic.
Poker Face
For fans of classic whodunits, Poker Face is a must-watch series. Starring Natasha Lyonne of ‘s Russian Doll fame, the show is a nod to timeless murder mysteries akin to Columbo or Murder She Wrote. The creative force behind the series is none other than Rian Johnson, acclaimed director of The Last Jedi, Looper, and Knives Out, who also takes on writing and directing duties for several episodes in its debut season.
In Poker Face, Lyonne portrays Charlie Cale, a casino employee gifted with the uncanny ability to spot lies. After a dubious death puts her in hot water with her corrupt employer, Charlie hits the road. During her journey, she stumbles upon various homicides and lends her unique skills to crack each case.
The show has earned a stellar 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with one enthusiast commenting: “Great new take on the murder mystery type of show with an original primary character. The acting from the guest actors is phenomenal which makes it a unique TV show who can rely on different secondary characters each episode without it being messy.”
While there’s no confirmed return date for the show in the UK, viewers have ample opportunity to get up to speed. With just ten episodes, it’s the perfect weekend binge for cosy crime aficionados.
Poker Face Season One is streaming on NOW TV and Sky Max.
The Rehearsal is a unique comedy series (Image: HBO, courtesy of Sky Comedy)
The Rehearsal
Fans of the squirm-inducing wit found in Curb Your Enthusiasm, which masterfully fuses reality with fiction, will find The Rehearsal essential viewing. The brainchild of Nathan Fielder, known for his work on Nathan For You and The Curse, The Rehearsal has garnered a staggering 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Viewers have been left speculating how the show’s unique concept would evolve into a second series after its initial wrap-up. Yet, the anticipation can cease as a new season is confirmed to be arriving this year.
The first season saw Fielder orchestrating complex rehearsals for real people to practice life’s pivotal moments. With a full construction crew, a host of actors, and seemingly boundless resources at his disposal, Fielder enables individuals to experience these moments in meticulously constructed simulations that he devises. A fan enthused: “Smart writing and an amazing performance by Nathan make this show a must watch.”
The Rehearsal is streaming on NOW TV and Sky Comedy.