This year, I had the urge a few times to watch Orange is the New Black and BoJack Horseman again, but I was afraid that those would anger me or make me extremely sad, and who wants that right? We get enough of those just by watching the news. So I tried to watch new things, but relied on good old nostalgia, and I know some might say that nostalgia is one of the greatest human weaknesses (yes, totally referencing Dwight Schrute here).

Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.

Well, the Cobra Kai series came to an end after six seasons. If you think about it, it’s crazy how an ’80s movie continued its story as a series and was liked by different generations, totally bringing the franchise back to life. I will miss the dynamic between Lawrence and LaRusso, as well as the series’ humor. Oh, and I’m not going to lie, I almost teared up after Reese sacrificed himself, and finally killed the snake of Silver. However, some say that he might have survived. Hmm… 

Dun Dun

My husband encouraged me to give Law & Order SVU a try (he knew I would like it). We started from the very beginning with the funky intro, and we are still going. I don’t even know what season we are currently watching (I think 23), but I’m drawn to the stories, and the show just does an amazing job reflecting societal problems. I especially like it because it is a form of advocacy for victims. Liv’s character is my favorite (duh), and detective Tutuola, too. I really wish we had an SVU here in Aruba, with professionals able to help victims with respect and take all cases seriously.

Boys Will Not Be Boys

It’s fair to say that Adolescence has impacted communities around the world. It felt like the new Baby Reindeer (impact- wise). The series was in a lot of people’s minds, both young Gen Z’ers and boomers, creating necessary conversations, but let’s be honest. The dark themes of Adolescence are mentioned daily in the news, but we are often quick to turn our heads and sit with the uncomfortable. I hope that the series has been educational for people who weren’t familiar with the word: incel. A word that has existed for decades. A word that people joke about, but if you really think about it, it’s scary. Especially if you have podcasters spewing hate against women or treating women like meat. I won’t say his name, but I will say that he was roasted by Greta. 

Hello, You!

‘You’ was probably the series that I was looking forward to the most in 2025. Yes, even more than Stranger Things (I’m impatient sometimes). I guess Joe got what was coming to him for a long time, but I did not like the whole Bronté situation (surprise, surprise). That’s why it’s important to keep your expectations low sometimes. A part of me wanted Love to come back for some sweet revenge, and where the hell were Theo and Ellie? I was just happy that Marienne was safe and Kate came to her senses.

Yo Soy Candela

Rosario Tijeras, Mexico, became my guilty pleasure at the beginning of the year. It’s funny that the series started when I was still living in the Netherlands, but I never bothered to watch it. I was shocked to find out that after almost 8 years since the last season, they continued with it. I watched the last episode of season 4 in Poblado and screamed at the ending. Is Ángel alive? Could it be? If you are interested, here is a link to an article that I wrote about Rosario earlier this year.

We Are Not Horses

The Squid Game is demonic. They let us get attached to characters, just for them to kill them off when we are emotionally invested. Player 120 was a total badass. That unexpected stab in the back was brutal. I guess we all knew that people were going to die, but I was hoping that the characters that I loved would live. If only player 100 were stabbed in the back. Player 456 died sacrificing himself to save player 222, the baby. 

The ending is especially emotional since his last words are: “We are not horses, we are humans.” With those last words, I reflected back on the series as a whole. The recruiter especially preyed on vulnerable people, with each their own story and burden, to play the game. A game for the pleasure and vanity of the rich. A game that dehumanized them as people and reduced them to numbers. With those last words, player 456 let them know that it didn’t work on him. He is still warm flesh and blood, with a conscience, with empathy. He’s human. 

Ménage à Quatre

I was completely unaware that there would be another season of Emily in Paris this year. It was a sweet surprise since the show is another sweet indulgence of mine. Sadly, this last season disappointed me a bit. I guess I got tired of Emily’s on-and-off relationships (as exciting as they may seem). I truly believe that the story should end with Emily enjoying and loving her own company. For the record, I’m not shaming Em for having a few love interests. I guess the story is starting to get repetitive, or perhaps I missed the drama between Em and Camille this season.

Anything for Selenas

After a week since its release, I finally had the strength to watch Selena: The Documentary. I knew I would probably cry (and I did). The documentary surprised me with never-before-seen footage as promised. I thought I’d seen it all by now. In 2017, I read Chris Perez’s (Selena’s husband) book ‘To Selena With Love,’ and it was nice to see some references back in the documentary’s pictures and videos. It’s a good thing I prepared myself for the fact that after watching, there wouldn’t be any new footage of Selena. 

Suck My Fat One!

After three years, Stranger Things is finally back. I don’t want to spoil much, but I’ll just say that the first part is suspenseful, scary, and funny at the same time. I absolutely loved the psychology behind it, too. Will must have been powerful all along, but he was too afraid to see it. Also, screw Vecna for underestimating children. 

The second part, and this may be because I was tired after Christmas, felt a bit mid. No, my thoughts don’t have anything to do with Will’s 10-minute coming-out monologue. However, part three really redeemed the season finale, and thus concluded the ninth season of the series. Honestly, I was surprised I didn’t cry, but that’s a good thing; otherwise, I would have ruined my New Year’s Eve make-up. Also, Ms. Wheeler should dump her useless husband (where did he go anyway?).

I especially enjoyed Holly’s courage and Delightful (and Dipshit) Derick this season. The soundtrack of the season finale was on point (yes, I even enjoyed Purple Rain (I don’t like Prince that much)). What were your thoughts on the final episode? Is it fair to say that most people liked it? I mean, it would have been interesting to see Vecna turn good, but I guess he wasn’t strong enough.

Down With The Clown!

Now, the true (unexpected) star of 2025 to me has definitely been IT: Welcome to Derry. It managed to scare me (and I usually don’t get scared). In a few scenes, I was even terrified. I absolutely loved the back story, even though some of it was heartbreaking. The cherry on top was Rich flipping Penny while saving his gang, and Beverly showing up at the end (I was screaming). 

Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica

A girl needs to do what she needs to do to keep herself sane. That’s why I rewatched The Office like three times in 2025 (yes, my sister and my husband give me the look as if they are worried that I might be losing it). The Office is the first thing I turn on when getting ready for work, or when I’m having lunch at mom’s, even when I’m taking a shower at night. Am I being co-dependent? Maybe, according to my sister and my husband, but I don’t care about their judgmental looks. The show helps me function when I feel down or empty. Sure, people aren’t supposed to rely on external factors and yada yada. So I will be seeing my favorite branch in 2026 over and over. 

To be continued

What was your takeaway from the series that came out in 2025? Do you even watch series? I will forever hope to watch another episode of Mindhunters, a girl can only dream, right?