In this episode, I’m joined by my fellow talented TV watcher buddy Mandy Newman and we share our top TV shows of 2025. But apart from sharing our top watches with you, we also get a little deep (and honest) and share why TV mattered for us in 2025. We talk about why certain shows landed so deeply this year, what they say about the season of life we’re in, and how television can sometimes meet us exactly where we are. From stories of grief and reinvention to humour, relationships, faith, power, and identity, this conversation explores how good storytelling can help us make sense of our own lives. In addition to sharing our Top 5 shows of the year, we also include quite a few honourable mentions, and reflect on themes that kept appearing — particularly women’s stories, emotional honesty, and the quiet reassurance that comes from feeling seen. This episode is for anyone who’s found comfort in a familiar show at the end of a long day, who’s noticed how their viewing habits have shifted over time, or who is simply on the look out for something fab to watch! So, settle in and join us — and as always, we’d love to hear what stayed with you this year. Lots of love Alex x Summary In this episode, Alex and Mandy reflect on the role television played in their lives throughout 2025 — not just as entertainment, but as a source of comfort, connection, and insight. Through an honest, wide-ranging conversation, they explore how storytelling can mirror real life, help us process grief and change, and spark meaningful conversations about identity, relationships, faith, power, and personal growth. The discussion highlights the growing representation of women’s stories on screen, the emotional impact of vulnerability in storytelling, and the quiet reassurance that comes from feeling seen. This episode celebrates television as a deeply human medium that can offer both escape and understanding. Key Takeaways Television can provide genuine comfort and a sense of connection. What we’re drawn to on screen often reflects the season of life we’re in. Women’s stories and perspectives are increasingly visible in modern media. Grief, identity, and relationships are common themes in recent storytelling. Representation in media influences how we see ourselves and others. Humour can be a powerful way to explore serious themes. Stories about women and power remain deeply relevant. Television can spark meaningful conversations about society and culture. Chapters 00:00 — The Therapeutic Power of Television 08:02 — Comfort Watching & Emotional Connection 12:20 — Motherhood, Work, and Identity 15:00 — Comfort TV vs Gripping TV 22:51 — Celebrating Age, Talent, and Visibility 24:04 — Faith, Relationships, and Belief 30:45 — Women, Power, and Representation 32:42 — The Healing Power of Humour 43:29 — Reflections on Aging and Storytelling 45:34 — Finish Want more from The Grown-Up Girls Report? Follow along and join the conversation: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrownupgirlsreport 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
