Top New TV Shows to Watch in May 2025: Sci-Fi, Drama & Thrillers

Must-Watch New TV Series Premiering in May 2025

As May 2025 kicks off, major streaming platforms are unveiling a powerful lineup of new and returning series. From sci-fi thrillers and dark mysteries to emotional dramas and animated action, this month promises one of the most exciting TV seasons of the year.

Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 (Hulu)

Release Date: May 21, 2025

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

Platform: Hulu

Nicole Kidman returns as Masha in the second season of Nine Perfect Strangers. This time, the story unfolds in the Austrian Alps, where a new group of guests arrives at an exclusive wellness retreat. Masha introduces unconventional healing methods involving psychedelics, uncovering deep emotional traumas and hidden secrets.

New cast members include Henry Golding, Annie Murphy, and Christine Baranski. The eight-episode season blends mystery with emotional depth, exploring human transformation and healing in an unpredictable environment.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 (AMC)

Release Date: May 4, 2025

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller

Platform: AMC / AMC+

Season two continues the intense story of Maggie and Negan in post-apocalyptic Manhattan. As alliances shift and enemies grow stronger, their conflict escalates in a city overrun by the undead. The series explores survival, leadership, and betrayal in an urban wasteland.

Murderbot – New Sci-Fi Series on Apple TV+

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Dark Comedy

Platform: Apple TV+

Based on the award-winning Murderbot Diaries, this new series follows a rogue security android with free will, secretly obsessed with watching space soap operas. As he protects a team of scientists on a hostile planet, Murderbot struggles to hide his autonomy and growing emotional awareness.

Starring Alexander Skarsgård, the series offers a unique blend of humor, existential drama, and futuristic action.

New Limited Series: The Four Seasons (Netflix)

Release Date: May 1, 2025

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Platform: Netflix

Six lifelong friends reunite for what was supposed to be a peaceful weekend, only to discover one couple is on the verge of breaking up. Told across four holidays in one year, The Four Seasons explores evolving relationships and the complexities of long-term friendship.

Created by Tina Fey, the series is inspired by the 1981 film and features Will Forte, Steve Carell, and Coleman Domingo.

Unseen Season 2 (Netflix)

Release Date: May 2, 2025

Genre: Drama, Suspense

Platform: Netflix

In season two, Zenzile must trust those who once betrayed her to uncover the truth behind her imprisonment. The show blends psychological drama with social commentary, highlighting a woman’s fight for freedom against a web of lies and corruption.

Animated Action Returns in Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld Season 2

Release Date: May 4, 2025

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Action

Platform: Disney+

The darker side of the Star Wars universe returns, focusing on fan-favorite villains Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane. With six action-packed episodes, this animated series explores redemption, loyalty, and revenge across the galaxy.

Crime and Comedy Collide in Poker Face Season 2 (Peacock)

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Drama

Platform: Peacock

Charlie Cale continues her road trip across America, solving murders using her unique lie-detection skills. Season two introduces new guest stars including Awkwafina and Cynthia Erivo, with quirky crimes in unusual places like funeral homes and gator farms.

Love, Death & Robots Season 4 Brings Surreal Sci-Fi (Netflix)

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Genre: Animation, Sci-Fi, Horror

Platform: Netflix

Back for its fourth season, the hit anthology returns with nine episodes exploring everything from ancient monsters to apocalyptic comedy. Highlights include a virtual Red Hot Chili Peppers concert and a post-apocalyptic tale voiced by John Boyega.

70s Crime Drama in Duster (Max)

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama

Platform: Max

Set in the American Southwest in 1972, Duster follows Jim, a getaway driver for a growing crime syndicate. When an FBI agent arrives determined to take down the operation, his loyalty and survival instincts are pushed to the limit.

Created by J.J. Abrams and starring Josh Holloway, the series promises gritty action and rich storytelling.

The Final Season of Transplant (NBC)

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Genre: Medical Drama

Platform: NBC

The story of Syrian refugee and doctor Bashir Hamid comes to a close. As he nears the end of his medical training in Canada, Bash grapples with identity, belonging, and the challenges of building a new life while honoring his past.

And Just Like That… Season 3 Returns (Max)

Release Date: May 29, 2025

Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance

Platform: Max

Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte face new life transitions in their 50s, dealing with careers, relationships, and personal growth. Expect emotional moments, fresh characters, and familiar faces from Sex and the City in this 12-episode season.

Final Thoughts

May 2025 is set to be a standout month for TV lovers, with fresh storylines, returning hits, and a variety of genres. Whether you're into post-apocalyptic horrors, sci-fi adventures, or heartfelt dramas, there’s something for every viewer this season.