HBO is known for delivering exceptional shows that leave audiences hooked, and 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for returning series. From jaw-dropping dramas to thought-provoking late-night discussions, some of HBO’s biggest hitters are coming back with fresh seasons that promise to entertain, surprise, and get people talking. There’s something for everyone, whether you love emotionally charged storytelling, sharp satire, or fantasy escapism. This year’s returning favorites include powerhouse titles like The Last of Us, Euphoria, and heavy-hitter House of the Dragon. Mix in fan-favorites like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver for some sharp commentary and The White Lotus for its addictive ensemble drama, and you have plenty of reasons to revisit HBO. Here’s what you should know about each show and why their comebacks are so anticipated.
1. The Last of Us
The Last of Us, HBO’s gripping adaptation of the acclaimed video game, made waves with its first season. The emotional depth of Joel and Ellie’s relationship set against a haunting, post-apocalyptic world captured hearts and garnered critical accolades. Season two, premiering in late 2025, dives deeper into Ellie’s struggle to balance survival with her growing thirst for vengeance. Fans of the game know that the sequel storyline is darker and more complex, and HBO seems poised to tackle it head-on.
The incredible performances by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey wowed audiences, and rumors suggest new characters, significant time jumps, and bigger threats. Plus, the unapologetically emotional and action-packed execution of the series makes it clear why The Last of Us has become such a cultural phenomenon.
2. Euphoria
Few shows spark as much discussion as Euphoria. Zendaya’s Emmy-winning portrayal of Rue, a troubled teen grappling with addiction, has become iconic. Season three promises to explore uncharted waters, as Rue, her friends, and her enemies enter adulthood. With creator Sam Levinson at the helm, the series blends stunning cinematography, unflinching honesty, and electric performances to capture Gen Z’s struggles and resilience.
What makes Euphoria’s return in 2025 stand out is its willingness to tackle raw, complicated issues like trauma, love, and recovery. Fans are especially eager to see where Jules, Maddy, and Cassie’s arcs go next after an intense second season left friendships shattered and lives changed. Expect more of the show’s signature mix of emotional gut punches and bold, visual storytelling.
3. Industry
Industry, HBO’s sleek and addictive drama about ambitious young professionals navigating the cutthroat world of finance, comes back for its third season in 2025. The show stands out for its sharp dialogue and intense workplace drama, which often blurs the line between personal and professional lives. Harper, Yasmin, and Eric remain at the center of the story, each trying to climb the ladder while avoiding career-crippling mistakes.
This new season teases higher stakes and riskier decisions as the characters face the volatile, high-stress world of global markets. What makes Industry unique is its ability to humanize its high-pressure environment, showcasing complex characters who balance ambition, insecurity, and moral ambiguity. With its fast-paced storytelling and topical themes, Industry continues to be an under-the-radar gem worth watching.
4. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
John Oliver’s razor-sharp comedy and relentless deep dives into current events return for another round in 2025. Last Week Tonight is an essential weekly breakdown of the issues shaping our world. Oliver has a talent for making even the driest policy topics both hilarious and engaging, from net neutrality to global healthcare systems. Fans trust his ability to take on tough issues with intelligence wrapped in irreverent humor.
Amid an increasingly polarized news landscape, Last Week Tonight gives viewers with laughs and a deeper understanding of complex global events. With the 2024 elections shaking up the political landscape, the topics and stories Oliver will tackle in the new year are sure to spark both outrage and laughter in equal measure.
5. Real Time with Bill Maher
Bill Maher’s Real Time has been a staple of HBO’s programming for years, and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. What sets this talk show apart is its no-holds-barred approach to politics, culture, and media. Maher’s willingness to say what others won’t, paired with his knack for hosting fiery panel debates, guarantees lively, unpredictable episodes every week.
Whether he’s questioning societal norms or challenging political hypocrisies, Maher knows how to spark conversations that stick with viewers long after the credits roll. Returning in a year filled with major cultural and political shifts, Real Time promises to remain a must-watch for anyone who loves unfiltered political humor and thought-provoking debates.
6. The White Lotus
Mike White’s The White Lotus continues its reign as one of HBO’s most addictively chaotic dramas with its third installment set in Thailand. Iconic for its satirical take on wealth, privilege, and the class system, the anthology-style series never holds back when unraveling its ensemble of flawed characters. What makes this return especially exciting is the opportunity to explore another stunning international setting with the series’ trademark mix of beauty and dysfunction.
Each season of The White Lotus peels back layers of its characters, revealing shocking twists and messy dynamics that keep audiences on edge. Add in a fresh cast of eccentric individuals and White’s sharp, darkly comedic writing, and the season is bound to be juicy, scandalous, and compulsively watchable.
7. True Detective
After a brief hiatus, True Detective returns with its fourth season, titled Night Country. This time, the anthology crime series heads to a chillingly remote setting in Alaska. Jodie Foster joins the franchise as Detective Liz Danvers, tasked with solving the disappearance of workers from a small Arctic research station. Known for its atmospheric tension and morally complex narratives, the series promises a gripping combination of mystery, isolation, and human fragility.
What separates True Detective from typical crime dramas is its depth. Rather than focusing solely on solving crimes, the show dives into the psychological toll taken on its detectives. With its haunting tone, Night Country is likely to continue this tradition, offering an eerie story audiences won’t easily forget.
8. House of the Dragon
Closing the list is HBO’s sensational House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones. After its explosive first season, the show’s return in 2025 ramps up the drama. Civil war looms as the Targaryen family battles for the Iron Throne in the highly anticipated Dance of the Dragons. The show’s remarkable visuals, compelling characters, and captivating storytelling makes sure its place as a staple of fantasy television.
Fans are excited to see more of Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra and Olivia Cooke as Alicent, two rivals whose rivalry will escalate and shape the future of Westeros. Add in jaw-dropping dragon battles, court intrigue, and power struggles, and House of the Dragon is set to dominate conversations once again.
