Predicting The Biggest TV Flops Of 2025

Back then, when television offered just three channels, you could easily count the number of new shows each year with your fingers. However, the advent of cable TV and streaming services has exploded the number of new shows per season, making it challenging to keep up. With an abundance of fresh projects comes a high probability that many will underperform in ratings or even be poorly executed. After all, there’s only so much content viewers can consume, so it takes something exceptional to stand out from the crowd.

Even though many eagerly awaited shows are currently receiving great praise, there are still numerous upcoming productions on the schedule, some of which seem likely to disappoint. While you may be enthusiastic about a few of them, it’s worth noting that they might not meet expectations – if any – and we advise against getting overly excited.

We’re not guaranteeing that all these shows will be bad, but many might struggle commercially: low ratings, minimal viewers, or quick cancellations. From a humorous superhero series to legal thrillers and even an uninspiring biblical saga, these are the shows we expect to underperform in 2025.

Ironheart

As a dedicated gamer, I was thrilled when Disney+ unveiled their initial lineup of Marvel originals for the small screen. Each one seemed like a highly anticipated blockbuster, and generally, they met the hype. However, as more shows dropped on the platform, there’s been a bit of hit-or-miss situation. Shows like “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” and “Secret Invasion” have faced some harsh criticism from viewers, even though critics might not be as vocal about it. These days, watching new Marvel shows feels more like munching on fast food rather than attending an extravagant event. I’m concerned that the first MCU series to debut on the small screen in 2025 might end up being just another quick bite.

As a gamer, I’m hyped about the upcoming release of “Ironheart” in June! In this series, Dominique Thorne takes on the role of Riri Williams, who has developed tech advanced enough to create a new Iron Man suit following Tony Stark. She’ll be going up against an enigmatic supernatural villain known as The Hood, played by Anthony Ramos.

Initially, there was some excitement about “Ironheart” potentially connecting to a larger story called the “Armor Wars,” led by Don Cheadle. However, since that project has been stalled for years, it’s uncertain if Riri Williams’ story will have any impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, there’s been minimal buzz surrounding the show due to significant delays, which pushed its debut more than a year beyond the initial release date.

Pondering whether there’s still interest in the upcoming “Ironheart”, given that Williams’ debut in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was met with less excitement and considering the significant changes the MCU has undergone since filming began, it seems the series might struggle to achieve blockbuster status. However, there’s always a chance it could exceed expectations.

Wonder Man

It’s regrettable that, much like Ironheart, we have apprehensions about Wonder Man living up to expectations, despite the fact that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, known for his role in Watchmen, appears to be an ideal fit as Simon Williams. This character is a Hollywood actor and superhero who joins a TV show within the TV series, echoing the ’90s portrayal of the character, where the former villain turned hero ventured into acting. On paper, the small-screen adventure sounds like it could be an entertaining concept.

Despite some confusion surrounding the character’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), there seems to be a lack of clarity about whether Black Bolt, portrayed by Abdul-Mateen II, will become a future Avenger as he is in the comics or if his series will stand alone. The marketing for the show has been minimal and no word has been given on whether it could lead to a larger role within the MCU for Abdul-Mateen II. This ambiguity might leave fans questioning the necessity of tuning in. Abdul-Mateen II himself may understand this predicament, as his previous film, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” faced similar issues at the box office due to uncertainties about the franchise’s continuation following the announced DCU reboot.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but feel a tad perplexed by Marvel’s choice to include Ben Kingsley in their main cast yet again. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an incredibly talented actor who deserves all the accolades he’s received. However, his Trevor Slattery character from “Iron Man 3” is one of those rare instances where a character was so disliked by fans that it significantly impacted their appreciation for the film. And now, with the announcement of “She-Hulk,” a superhero TV show that seems to be taking a similar meta-narrative approach as “She-Hulk” did, I can’t help but wonder if this could potentially be a risky move, given the mixed reception the earlier attempt received from audiences.

Sherlock and Daughter

Versions of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective have consistently garnered attention, yet not all attempts have proven to be hits. For every show like “Elementary,” there are flops such as “Holmes and Watson” that failed at the cinema, while the last few years have seen a surge in new adaptations. Some of these are modern takes on the character, including Millie Bobbie Brown’s “Enola Holmes,” which performed decently on Netflix. However, it seems unlikely that this newest take, “Sherlock and Daughter,” will be a major triumph.

The show features David Thewlis portraying Holmes, with its focus on a young Native American woman, played by Blu Hunt, who strikes up a friendship with the detective as they collaborate on solving her mother’s murder. The investigation eventually crosses paths with Holmes’ arch-enemy, Dr. Moriarty (Dougray Scott). While the cast appears promising, one might ponder if another adaptation of Sherlock Holmes is necessary, given that this version aims to present a fresh take on the classic character.

In simpler terms, the new TV show “Sherlock and Daughter,” airing on CW, seems to deviate from both the action-packed style of Guy Ritchie’s 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes” and the complex, psychological drama of BBC’s “Sherlock.” Instead, it appears to be targeted towards a younger demographic, with a lead character who is an attractive woman. This may not appeal to traditional Sherlock Holmes fans. The show also has a brighter, less serious tone compared to its predecessors. Given that Paramount+ recently premiered another adaptation of Conan Doyle’s works titled “Watson,” the timing and need for “Sherlock and Daughter” might be questionable.

Spartacus: House of Ashur

In the 2000s, there was an abundance of dramas set in ancient times that captured audiences’ hearts. Movies like “Gladiator” and “Kingdom of Heaven” were popular, while on TV, shows such as “Rome” and “Spartacus” took center stage. Notably, “Spartacus” was headlined by the late Andy Whitfield, portraying the legendary slave who sparked a rebellion against the Roman Empire. Tragically, when Whitfield received his cancer diagnosis, it significantly altered the course of the show, with Liam McIntyre taking over Spartacus’ role for three consecutive seasons following this unfortunate event.

Over a decade since its finale, “Spartacus: House of Ashur” serves as a sequel, with Steven S. DeKnight resuming his role as the showrunner from the original series. Unlike Spartacus, the narrative focuses on Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay), a character who was presumed dead at the end of the second season in the original show. In this new installment, he’s reborn as a gladiator, and the series promises an uncharted tale distinct from anything we’ve witnessed before. However, it’s here that we might anticipate potential pitfalls.

2010 saw the popular debut of the series “Spartacus”, starring Andy Whitfield. Liam McIntyre later took over the role, but the show failed to reach the heights of its initial success. As years pass, it seems fewer viewers are eager to revisit that world. Additionally, executive producer Steven DeKnight has had a mixed track record lately; his most recent success was Netflix’s “Daredevil” a decade ago, and series like “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and “Jupiter’s Legacy”, which were not as successful, fall in between.

Suits: LA

It seems like every successful series tends to have a sequel or spin-off, but is another “Suits” really necessary? Of course, the original series – a compelling legal drama featuring Gabriel Macht – was incredibly popular, airing for nine seasons on USA Network from 2011 to 2019. It catapulted Meghan Markle into stardom before her royal days, and it’s understandable that the executives at the network would want to keep the franchise alive. In 2025, they plan to do so with “Suits: LA,” a continuation that transfers the action from New York City to sunny Los Angeles and introduces a fresh ensemble of talented lawyers.

Actress Gina Torres, known for her role in “Firefly,” will reappear in a recurring capacity, but unlike its predecessor, none of the main cast are set to return. The lead character, played by Stephen Amell, who starred in Arrowverse shows earlier, takes on the role of Ted Black, a New York prosecutor moving to the West Coast. The question that arises is why this series is being produced at all: although “Suits” was a clear success, it has already spawned a spin-off that unfortunately flopped.

Entitled “Pearson,” the initial extension of “Suits” featured Torres as Jessica Pearson, and it was abruptly ended just weeks after finishing its 10-episode season. Despite positive feedback from both critics and viewers, ratings were dismal. It’s possible that the studio aims to improve with a new cast, but the truth is, they might struggle to recreate this specific bolt of lightning twice.

A Thousand Blows

In contrast to Steven S. DeKnight, known as the showrunner for “Spartacus: House of Ashur”, another Steven Knight, a British writer-director and creator of “Peaky Blinders”, is set to return to our screens in 2025 with an original period drama titled “A Thousand Blows”. This series, set in London during the 1880s, focuses on an unconventional crime syndicate made up entirely of women, called the Forty Elephants. However, the primary conflict of the show revolves around Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), an underground boxer, and Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), another fighter who has joined the service of Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), the leader of the Forty Elephants.

From my perspective as an avid viewer, the concept seems intriguing, but history has shown that period dramas can be a rollercoaster – they either hit the mark or fall flat. With Disney and Hulu putting their hopes on Knight’s success from “Peaky Blinders” and “Taboo,” there’s a cause for concern when considering his recent work. It’s been quite some time since he delivered a blockbuster, with projects like “A Christmas Carol,” “Great Expectations,” and “The Veil” failing to impress over the past five years or so. There’s a possibility that he could steer his career back on course with a grittier, more intense drama, but with minimal star power and virtually no promotion – have you even heard about it being in production? – it seems more likely to be another flop. However, if any series on our list of potential disappointments has a chance to defy the odds, it might just be this one.

Good Cop/Bad Cop

In terms of long-lasting successes outside genres like teen dramas, sci-fi, and fantasy, The CW network doesn’t have an impressive history. Therefore, when the hour-long drama “Good Cop/Bad Cop” was initially announced, it didn’t generate a lot of optimism. Moreover, the cast isn’t particularly reassuring, with Leighton Meester from “Gossip Girl” and Luke Cook from “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” as the main leads. To be clear, I’m not implying any lack of talent in these actors, but neither has enjoyed a significant hit recently, which makes one question whether this show will follow the usual cop procedural formula.

In a fresh take on familiar themes, the upcoming police drama “Good Cop/Bad Cop” presents itself as a humorous exploration of law enforcement, focusing this time on a family of officers reminiscent of “Blue Bloods”. The series features Meister and Cook as Lou and Henry Hickman, competitive detectives who happen to be siblings, working under the supervision of their father, Hank Hickman (played by Clancy Brown). As the show appears to incorporate pieces from other successful shows, “Good Cop/Bad Cop” will need a strong dose of comedy if it intends to distinguish itself in an already crowded market.

Fundamentally, there are plenty of shows in the crime investigation genre, and only exceptional ones manage to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, based on what we see here, “Good Cop/Bad Cop” seems unlikely to continue for much longer than a single season.

House of David

The ‘House of David’ production promises a grand, expensive biblical television drama, which might raise some cautionary flags given the unfamiliar names associated with it. However, the tale itself is well-known – a young boy named David, seemingly powerless, overcomes the towering giant Goliath with just a stone. Indeed, this timeless Bible story is about to unfold in an extensive TV series, and based on previews, it seems destined for a significant fall.

Streaming on Prime Video, “House of David” appears visually impressive initially, but a quick peek at the trailer hints that it may be more fitting for a Christian television network. The acting is mediocre, the dialogue reminiscent of drama school, and the voiceover by David’s mother lacks depth. Interestingly, David, portrayed by newcomer Michael Iskander in his first screen role, leaves us hoping that this doesn’t hinder his future career prospects.

In common terms: Biblical epics are seldom blockbusters, and since the story is already extremely familiar in modern culture, it seems like a tale that didn’t require retelling. Everyone knows who will triumph, and we can even predict how (the trailer gives away a cringe-worthy clue about David’s skill with stones). While historical dramas can be successful if done well, this production is likely to struggle.

We Were Liars

In the early summer of 2024, it was revealed that Emily Alyn Lind, Joseph Zada, Shubham Maheshwari, and Esther McGregor would be part of the cast for “We Were Liars,” a new Prime Video series derived from E. Lockhart’s young adult novel. Notably, McGregor is the offspring of Ewan, who previously acted alongside Lind in “Doctor Sleep.” This suggests a degree of star power or at least some promising acting abilities on screen. Regrettably, that seems to be about all the intriguing aspects of the series there are.

The show, titled “We Were Liars,” follows a mystery-thriller plotline on a secluded island off the New England coast belonging to the influential and affluent Sinclair family. The protagonist, portrayed by Lind as Cadence Sinclair, is a teenager who endures a shocking event one summer and subsequently suppresses her recollection of the incident. Despite its intriguing premise, “We Were Liars” faces several obstacles, primarily due to its origins from a Young Adult novel, a genre often associated with subpar television adaptations.

13 Reasons Why enjoyed significant popularity on Netflix some time back, but the only recent work in this category to achieve similar success has been Percy Jackson, which required two adaptations to find its footing. In contrast, We Were Liars lacks much fantasy and instead offers a psychological thriller tailored for teenagers – a sub-genre that frequently faces challenges.

All’s Fair

Ryan Murphy, a highly sought-after TV talent, has worked on a diverse range of shows, from the chilling success of “American Horror Story” to the humorous “9-1-1” and the teen drama sensation “Glee.” However, not all of Murphy’s work is successful; in fact, much of it fails. His consistent output is what typically makes him a success. In 2025, we can expect another Ryan Murphy project, “All’s Fair,” which we anticipate will join the ranks of his less successful productions.

The series “All’s Fair” boasts a star-studded lineup with Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, and Kim Kardashian. While Close isn’t the main character, that role goes to Kardashian who plays a prominent divorce lawyer leading an all-female law firm. The decision to cast reality TV star Kardashian as the lead in this high-profile streaming series (airing on Hulu) has raised some eyebrows, given the abundance of talented actors within the show. Some might argue that Murphy opted for stunt casting to draw attention, as Kardashian’s most significant acting role was in 2023’s “Delicate,” which was her debut in a TV series (12th season of “American Horror Story”).

In essence, we believe there’s a possibility that “All’s Fair” could turn out to be a hit in terms of ratings, thanks to the impressive cast on board. It seems to fit the mold of a Ryan Murphy production that many might find intriguing. However, we don’t anticipate it receiving critical acclaim, and it may not resonate deeply with viewers either.

Adults

Coming-of-age narratives are common themes in films and television shows, and they often involve young characters finding their place in the adult world. The series “Adults” appears to be following suit by focusing on a group of individuals in their early twenties navigating life in New York City, including their relationships with one another, friendships, and rivalries. In essence, it’s a story that you may have seen or heard many times before.

The main cast of this series consists primarily of new talents such as Jack Innanen, Lucy Freyer, Owen Thiele, and Gabi Samels, all of whom may be unfamiliar to you. This could raise concerns, especially considering that the show is overseen by the team of Rebecca Shaw and Ben Kronengold, who have only previously worked on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and are often referred to as a comedy duo. Their limited experience in writing may not instill a sense of confidence in viewers.

In essence, the show “Adults” could resemble contemporary TV series akin to ’90s movies such as “Singles” and “Reality Bites,” offering either an engaging portrayal or perhaps a more dramatic rendition of “Friends” tailored for Generation Z. However, it seems more like an extended skit from “Saturday Night Live,” featuring fresh talents who might not be fully ready for the limelight yet.

2025-01-31 02:01