What to Stream This Week: Best Shows on Netflix & Apple TV (Oct 2025)

From gripping political thrillers and deep-dive true crime to heartwarming romances and epic dramas, we've got your watchlist covered for the week of October 20-26, 2025. Dive into the freshest hits and critically acclaimed gems across Netflix and Apple Tv!

TL;DR: Top Streaming Highlights You Can't Miss

• "The Diplomat" Season 3 is currently dominating Netflix, while "Mr. Scorsese" offers an intimate, five-part look at a legendary director's life on Apple TV.
• Fresh Netflix releases this week include the true-crime docuseries "Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia" and Kathryn Bigelow's intense nuclear thriller, "A House of Dynamite."
• Critically acclaimed series like "Ripley," "Dear Child," and the new comedy-drama "Boots" are also essential picks for your weekend binge.

Navigating the Streaming Scene: Your Curated Picks for October

Let's be real, with new shows dropping constantly, picking your next binge can feel like a mission impossible. That's where we come in! We've sifted through the noise, checked the charts, and dug up the must-watch titles across Netflix and Apple TV for the week of October 20-26, 2025. Get ready to update your queue!

Netflix's Hottest New Releases and Chart-Topping Series

Netflix is absolutely stacked this week with fresh content and returning favorites. You'll find everything from a political thriller that rocketed to #1 to a critically praised 90s-set drama.

"The Diplomat" Season 3 Takes the Number One Spot

Good news, political thriller fans! Netflix's binge-worthy hit, "The Diplomat," is back for its third season, and it has already snagged the No. 1 spot. Keri Russell returns as Kate Wyler, who's still navigating her whirlwind political journey. This season, she steps into an unexpected new role, gains surprising freedom, and deals with increasingly complicated relationships with Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi) and First Gentleman, Todd Penn (Bradley Whitford). It's a must-watch for anyone who loves high stakes and intricate character dynamics.

"Boots" Offers a Fresh Look at a Coming-of-Age Story

If you're looking for something new with critical buzz, check out "Boots." This comedy-drama has earned major praise, currently sitting at a fantastic 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. It takes you back to the 1990s US Marine Corps, a time when being gay in the military was illegal. We follow directionless, closeted Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) and his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh) as they face intense challenges and forge deep friendships in an environment designed to push them to their limits. It's a fresh, poignant spin on the coming-of-age narrative.

"Wayward" Delivers Twisting Psychological Thrills

Mae Martin's "Wayward" is still holding strong in the Netflix Top 10, a testament to its "stopping power." This psychological thriller arrived a little under a month ago and keeps viewers hooked. It transports us to Tall Pines, a town where nothing is as it seems and sinister secrets lurk. Police officer Alex Dempsey (Martin) and his pregnant wife Laura (Gadon) move in, only for Alex to uncover unsettling happenings at the local "troubled teens" school, run by the enigmatic Evelyn (Toni Collette). Fans of dark, unsettling mysteries will want to add this to their list.

"Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia" Explores a Violent Era

True-crime aficionados, get ready for Netflix's new docuseries, "Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia," which dropped on Wednesday, October 22. This three-episode series takes you back to the violent 90s, when rival mob crews turned Philadelphia's underworld into a battleground. Using firsthand accounts from insiders, law enforcement, and journalists, it traces the turbulent saga of Philly's mob, from the power vacuum after Scarfo's 1986 arrest to John Stanfa's attempts to restore order. It's a "Shakespearean saga" that shows how the feds scrambled to end the war.

"Nobody Wants This" Season 2 Continues the Unlikely Romance

The Emmy-nominated rom-com "Nobody Wants This" returns for its second season on October 23. Agnostic podcast host Joanne (Kristen Bell) and unconventional (and hot) rabbi Noah (Adam Brody) are back, still committed to making their unmatched chemistry work and bringing their very different families together. If you loved their spark in the first season, you'll enjoy watching them navigate the messy realities of love, differing worldviews, and dissimilar families. Does love truly conquer all? This season aims to find out!

"A House of Dynamite" Is Kathryn Bigelow's Intense Return

If you're in the mood for high-stakes drama from an Oscar-winning director, then "A House of Dynamite", released October 24, is for you. From Kathryn Bigelow (of "Zero Dark Thirty" and "The Hurt Locker"), this film unspools the chain of events tied to a nuke launch headed straight for the U.S. Rebecca Ferguson leads a stellar cast including Idris Elba, Anthony Ramos, Gabriel Basso, and Greta Lee. Reviews have been positive, praising Bigelow's return to themes of power, human fallibility, and how close civilization can come to the brink. Be warned, it exposes many weaknesses in US nuclear defenses!

Explore More Trending Shows and Highly Praised Gems

Beyond the immediate new releases, Netflix has a ton more worth checking out this week:

• "Adolescence" (2025): This British psychological crime drama, with just four powerful episodes, has gained significant traction. It revolves around the devastating events following the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) for the murder of his classmate. Created by Jack Thorne and directed by Philip Barantini, it's a deep, engaging look at social topics and the unsettling influence of the digital world on youth.
• "Black Rabbit" (2025): Jude Law and Jason Bateman star as estranged brothers in this dark crime thriller. Law plays Jake Friedkin, a successful New York nightclub owner, whose life is upended when his chaotic, gambling-addict brother Vince (Bateman) re-enters, bringing a world of criminal secrets. It's an eight-episode, self-contained story that promises to be impactful.
• "House of Guinness" (2025): From "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight, this historical drama follows the infamous Guinness brewing dynasty after the death of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness in 1868 Dublin. It's a tale of intense sibling conflict, dark family secrets, and ambition, featuring Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, and Fionn O'Shea. Note that elements are fictionalized for entertainment!
• "Romantics Anonymous": For a lighter, cross-cultural romance, this Japanese-South Korean drama is a charming watch. It follows Hana, a talented chocolatier with severe social anxiety, and Sosuke, a confectionery company owner with a fear of germs. They find common ground and solace in their shared love of chocolate, navigating their phobias with sensitivity and realistic growth.
• "The Bads of Bollywood": This Indian Hindi-language action-drama was a viral hit since its September release. Directed by Aryan Khan, it's a fast, furious, and hilarious satire of the Indian film industry. It follows struggling actor Aasmaan Singh's rise to fame, battling industry complications and rivalries. With an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's audacious, cheeky, and packed with gags and twists.

Acclaimed Binge-Worthy Gems You Might Have Missed on Netflix

Sometimes the best shows aren't the newest, but the ones that stand the test of time or recently found a wider audience. Here are some critically acclaimed series perfect for an October binge:

"Ripley" Offers a Chilling, Visually Stunning Psychological Thriller

If you appreciate artful cinematography and psychological depth, you NEED to watch "Ripley." This acclaimed 2024 series, presented in gorgeous black-and-white, is one of Netflix's most chilling thrillers and won 4 Emmys last year. Andrew Scott delivers a remarkable performance as Tom Ripley, alongside Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, and Kenneth Lonergan. Filmed entirely in Italy, it's praised for its authentic adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel and its mesmerizing visuals. Your OLED TV will thank you.

"Dear Child" Delivers a Perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes Mystery

Looking for a crime mystery that will keep you guessing? "Dear Child" boasts a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and is considered one of Netflix's best recent thrillers. The logline alone hooks you: "A mysterious woman's escape from her harrowing captivity points investigators toward the dark truth behind her unsolved disappearance 13 years earlier." With just six episodes, each under 50 minutes, it's a confounding puzzle that draws viewers in with fragmented perspectives. It's a thrilling, easy binge based on a Romy Hausmann novel.

Dive Into Found Footage Horror with "Archive 81"

If you're still craving some spooky season vibes, "Archive 81" is a fantastic, less grotesque horror option. This 2022 found footage series earned a solid 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. It follows an archivist restoring damaged videotapes who gets pulled into a mystery involving a missing director and a demonic cult. Created by Rebecca Sonnenshine ("The Boys"), it's a slow-building, addictive drama that blends several genres with horror for a unique viewing experience.

Other Notable Netflix Originals and Library Additions

• "Blood of Zeus" (2020): This adult animated series offers a completely fresh take on Greek mythology. Developed by brothers Vlas and Charley Parlapanides, it follows Heron, an outcast demigod, who discovers he's the illegitimate son of Zeus and is thrown into a war between gods and demons. With three seasons and stunning animation, it's an emotional and visually pleasing mythological tale.
• "Beef" (2023): This dark comedy and psychological drama was a massive hit. Starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong as two strangers whose minor road rage incident escalates into a life-changing battle, it won an Emmy for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. The original season explores class, identity, and shared emptiness, with powerful performances.
• "Nurse Jackie" (2009–2015): Often underrated, this brilliant series stars Edie Falco as the titular emergency room nurse, struggling with a spiraling healthcare system and a secret addiction to Vicodin and Adderall. With 7 seasons, it's a powerful blend of drama and comedy, and a sequel is even in development!
• "Dawson's Creek" (1998–2003): A beloved classic, this coming-of-age drama is perfect for a nostalgic binge. Follow Dawson, Pacey, Joey, and Jen as they navigate the trials of adolescence, relationships, and self-discovery. It was ahead of its time in tackling certain topics for a YA audience and remains effortlessly quotable.
• "Animal Kingdom" (2016–2022): This TNT crime drama is finally finding its deserved audience on Netflix. It follows Joshua "J" Cody (Finn Cole) who, after his mother's death, moves in with his estranged relatives – owners of a Californian criminal enterprise. He must prove himself to survive in this brutal world. With an 88% RT score, it's a gripping, six-season ride.
• "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013): Considered one of the greatest shows of all time, if you haven't seen it, now's the time. Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned meth distributor after a cancer diagnosis. It's a masterclass in character evolution and storytelling, and Netflix also has the sequel film "El Camino" and prequel series "Better Call Saul."
• "Carmen Sandiego" (2019): A fantastic animated show for kids (and adults who remember the franchise!). This series explores the younger years of the titular character, voiced by Gina Rodriguez. Raised by a criminal organization, Carmen escapes to use her thieving skills for good, returning stolen goods. It's a fun, action-packed adventure that subtly teaches geography.
• "Peaky Blinders" (2013-2022): This British drama from Steven Knight (who's also behind "House of Guinness") gained global appreciation on Netflix. Set in 1919 Birmingham, it follows the titular crime gang led by the dangerous Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy). Dark, gripping, and stylish, it concluded with six seasons, but a movie, "The Immortal Man," is on the way.

Apple TV's Must-Watch Original Series for the Week

Apple TV (the "plus-less" version now, as one source notes) continues to deliver high-quality, prestige content. This week features an incredible documentary series about a legendary filmmaker and a look into the world of fine dining.

"Mr. Scorsese" Offers an Unprecedented Look at a Filmmaking Legend

If you're a film buff, you absolutely cannot miss the five-part docuseries "Mr. Scorsese," now streaming. This series delivers a fascinating portrait of Martin Scorsese's life and all the experiences that profoundly shaped his iconic art. Drawing on Scorsese's private archives and featuring reflections from longtime collaborators like Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, it takes viewers inside the mind of one of Hollywood's greatest directors. Video game designer Hideo Kojima called it overwhelming, saying, "I received a renewed sense of creative 'energy' and a never-ending 'calling.'"

"I just kept watching the documentary series 'Mr. Scorsese' [about] the director I deeply admire, Martin Scorsese. I only paused when I had to go to the bathroom or make coffee. Finished watching to Episode 5. I can't even put my feelings into words. I'm overwhelmed. Scorsese's films have saved me countless times before. This time, through his life and the way he's lived as a filmmaker, I received a renewed sense of creative 'energy' and a never-ending 'calling.'"

— Hideo Kojima, Video Game Designer

"Knife Edge" Explores the Intense World of Michelin Star Chasing

The docuseries "Knife Edge," which debuted earlier this month, is another polished, prestige offering from Apple TV. Its fourth episode arrives this week, taking us to Scandinavia. The show offers a captivating look at how chefs worldwide chase the ultimate honor in their profession: a Michelin Star. This week's episode journeys to Sweden, where one chef is pursuing a second star, and to Copenhagen, where another attempts to achieve the even more elusive third Michelin Star. It's brimming with polish and offers a compelling look at culinary ambition.

Ready, Set, Stream! Your Weekend Awaits

Whether you're into intense dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, chilling thrillers, or insightful documentaries, Netflix and Apple TV have your October 20-26, 2025, streaming needs covered. Grab your snacks, get cozy, and enjoy these fantastic shows!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Week's Top Streams When did "The Diplomat" Season 3 release on Netflix? "The Diplomat" Season 3 landed on Netflix just a few days before October 21, 2025, quickly rocketing to the No. 1 spot. All eight episodes are available to stream now. What's the Rotten Tomatoes score for the new Netflix comedy-drama "Boots"? "Boots" has debuted to major critical praise, holding a strong 90% on Rotten Tomatoes as of late October 2025. Are "Mr. Scorsese" and "Knife Edge" available to stream now on Apple TV? Yes! Both "Mr. Scorsese" (a five-part docuseries) and "Knife Edge" (a docuseries about Michelin Star chefs, with its fourth episode arriving this week) are currently streaming on Apple TV. Which older Netflix shows are still worth watching this week? Plenty! Highly recommended shows include the visually stunning psychological thriller "Ripley," the 100% Rotten Tomatoes crime mystery "Dear Child," the underrated horror "Archive 81," and classics like "Breaking Bad" and "Peaky Blinders." Sources

• Tom's Guide: What to Watch This Week (Oct 21, 2025)
• Screen Rant: Best Netflix Shows to Binge This Weekend (Oct 24-26, 2025)
• FandomWire: 5 Best Binge-Worthy Shows On Netflix Before October Ends (Oct 24, 2025)
• CBR: The Best Netflix Shows to Stream This Week (Oct 24, 2025)
• Collider: What To Watch On Netflix If You've Finished The Diplomat Season 3 (Oct 24, 2025)
• How-To Geek: The Best Netflix Shows I've Watched From Start to Finish (undated, but referenced for Oct 2025 period)
• Andy Meek for undisclosed publication: 5 Best TV Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix & Apple TV This Week (Oct 20, 2025)