Published on March 31, 2026
It’s customary to celebrate the best television at the end of each year. However, in 2025, Pomona has taken the opportunity to spotlight the absolute turkeys that populated our screens this year. Here’s a rundown of the Worst Ten shows we endured in 2025, along with a few dishonorable mentions just for the fun of it.
10. Secrets of the Conclave (BBC2)
Sometimes a documentary arrives with a title that promises grand insights, and “Secrets of the Conclave” was one such example. Following the election of the first American Pope and the farewell to a beloved Argentinian Pontiff, expectations were high. However, viewers were met with a string of interviewees who simply stated the obvious, with insights including the startling revelation that Pope Leo XIV might no longer indulge in pizza. Truly, a letdown.
9. House of Guinness (Netflix)
From acclaimed writer Steven Knight came “House of Guinness,” a show that fell flat amidst its stylized presentation. Despite trading on a sexy Irish soundtrack featuring popular acts, the narrative’s ambition to rewrite Irish history turned out to be far-fetched at best. As the story of the iconic brewery family unfolded, viewers were left wanting substance behind the flashy visuals.
8. Small Town, Big Story (Sky Atlantic)
This Sky Atlantic comedy-drama, set against the backdrop of an Irish border community disrupted , failed to deliver laughs. Despite a cast including Chris O’Dowd and Paddy Considine, the show was as entertaining as a bout of the flu, and O’Dowd’s performance lacked the charm that would make it memorable.
7. The Last of Us, S2 (Sky Atlantic)
After an outstanding first season, expectations for HBO’s much-anticipated sequel tanked. “The Last of Us, S2” quickly became a dull spin-off that lost its spark, particularly after a beloved character was unceremoniously removed early in the series. What was once compelling became an exercise in mediocrity, leaving fans feeling disappointed.
6. Fear (Amazon Prime)
“Fear,” starring Martin Compston, was yet another show that tried to capitalize on what was once a vibrant television landscape. The story of a yuppie couple terrorized by a quirky neighbor in Glasgow felt like a derivative retread of better films. This disappointing thriller didn’t hold up to scrutiny and was far below the standard set ’s previous work.
5. Riot Women (BBC1)
Competing for the title of the worst drama of the year, this show about Yorkshire women forming a punk band lacked the laughter and energy it hoped to channel from “Calendar Girls” and “The Commitments.” Viewers were instead subjected to awkward characters and a cringe-worthy theme tune, making it a painful watch.
4. King and Conqueror (BBC1)
With aspirations of emulating “Game of Thrones,” this historical drama failed miserably. Billed as an international co-production, the combination of subpar writing and a limited budget resulted in a dull historical narrative. Instead of captivating its audience, it left viewers feeling as though they were stuck in a tedious history class.
3. The Paper (Sky Max)
The spin-off of the American version of “The Office” struggled to find its footing. Despite a cast brimming with talent, the humor fell flat, and the lack of engaging content made for an unwatchable experience. With the memory of the original series casting a long shadow, “The Paper” couldn’t even muster a single laugh.
2. Funboys (BBC3)
In what was undeniably one of the year’s most regrettable sitcoms, “Funboys” chronicled the misadventures of three rural Northern Irish characters. Stretched across multiple episodes, its humor was not only regressive but also cringeworthy. Viewers were left wondering how it ever made it to air.
1. Hostage (Netflix)
Claiming the top spot as the most abysmal offering of 2025, “Hostage” presented a ludicrous plot revolving around a Prime Minister and her kidnapped husband. Between leaden dialogue and a series of absurd twists, it was hard to believe the talent behind the screenplay included an Oscar-nominated writer. The result was a farcical endeavor that missed the mark entirely, leaving the cast struggling to salvage the wreckage.
Dishonorable Mentions: Protection (ITV), The Donald Trump Show (Channel 4), The Guest (BBC1), All Her Fault (Sky Atlantic).
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