Tom’s Guide writer Malcolm McMillan picked seven standouts and seven disappointments after watching at least part of 55 shows in 2025. His list, published November 9, 2025, is a personal midyear-to-late-year snapshot—not a consensus ranking or a completed year-end verdict. Two of the shows near the bottom are partial-view judgments: McMillan watched one episode of The Better Sister and two of Prime Target.
The ranking reflects McMillan’s responses to pacing, performances, storytelling structure, and how much he cared about the characters. The order below follows his article. It does not measure audience popularity or critical consensus.
The seven shows McMillan liked most
-
The Pitt
McMillan’s top pick uses a real-time shift structure to build character development and ongoing storylines. He singles out episode eight, “2:00 P.M.,” as an emotional high point. Tom’s Guide’s November 9 article reports that the series won five Emmy Awards that year, including Outstanding Drama Series.
-
Adolescence
McMillan praises the performances and the emotionally difficult subject matter, as well as the technical decision to present each episode as one continuous shot. The article notes Emmy wins for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, and says the series won Tom’s Guide’s Best Streaming Original Show award.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
-
Andor, season 2
The season’s opening three episodes initially left McMillan unsure, but his view improved as the story developed. He especially praises the final nine episodes and episode eight, “Who Are You?” The season covers four years in the Star Wars universe, arranged in four three-episode arcs.
-
Task
McMillan’s fourth pick won him over through its characters and emotional payoff, particularly in its final two episodes. He also notes its Philadelphia-area setting and compares it with creator Brad Ingelsby’s Mare of Easttown.
-
The Rehearsal, season 2
McMillan likes the way the series combines reality television with scripted comedy. Season two’s constructed flight-communication simulation is central to his praise; he names “Pilot’s Code” and “My Controls” as standout episodes.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
Slow Horses, season 5
The six-episode season earns praise for economical pacing and Gary Oldman’s performance. McMillan says episode three contains a monologue he thought could contend for an Emmy.
PerformanceWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadDriversOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownPerformancePC Slower Than It Used to Be?Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Paradise, season 1
McMillan rounds out his favorites with this political drama starring Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden. Its layered conspiracy and twists appealed to him, especially in episode seven, “The Day.”
The seven shows he liked least
This is the reverse of McMillan’s ranking: number seven is his least negative entry, while number one is the show he placed last. His comments are critiques, not recommendations about what every viewer should skip.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
The Recruit, season 2
Although McMillan found it flawed beside the year’s prestige dramas, he still describes it as enjoyable, energetic spy entertainment. He reports that Netflix canceled the series.
-
The Night Agent, season 2
McMillan calls the season a bingeable, conventional spy thriller, but a step down from season one. He suggests viewers who want a more action-film feel might prefer The Recruit.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Harley Quinn, season 5
For McMillan, the central Brainiac plot did not come together well. He identifies the musical episode as a highlight.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
-
The Better Sister
This is a limited verdict: McMillan stopped after the first episode. He objected to the premise and characters, so his placement does not reflect a full-season assessment.
-
Bad Thoughts, season 1
McMillan found the early sketches weak, though he says the show improved around episodes four and five.
-
Smoke
McMillan’s main criticism is that the series moves from a true-crime-inspired premise into plotlines he found implausible and chaotic.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
-
Prime Target
McMillan placed this last after watching only two episodes. He criticizes their pacing, while acknowledging that episode two was better than episode one but still slow.
How to use the list
These picks are most useful as a guide to one critic’s taste. McMillan rewards strong execution, compelling performances, and stories that sustain his investment; slow pacing or plot turns he finds implausible tend to count against a show. But he does not apply a published scoring system, and some judgments—especially those for The Better Sister and Prime Target—come from only a small sample of episodes.
The streaming-service names associated with the shows in the source reflect labels at the time of publication, November 9, 2025. They do not confirm where a title is available now: catalogs and service branding can vary by date and country.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
