Broadway in 2025 is on fire. Shows are selling out, fans are lining up for lottery tickets, and for the first time in years, you’re seeing new musicals trending on social media. It’s not just the return of old favorites—there’s a fresh energy buzzing through the theaters on 44th and beyond.

Picking “the best” show right now isn’t as simple as checking last year’s Tony winners. New hits keep popping up, long-running blockbusters are still drawing crowds, and even some underdogs are pulling rave reviews. So, what makes a show stand out this year? For some, it’s the story. For others, it’s the energy, the cast, or even the way the audience feels after the final bow. Want to skip the FOMO and catch what’s hot before everyone else? I’ve got the facts, real talk on what’s genuinely worth your time (and money), and practical tips to make your Broadway night actually fun instead of stressful.

• Why Broadway Is Booming in 2025
• Top Contenders: Shows Everyone’s Talking About
• Surprise Hits and Underrated Picks
• How to Score the Best Tickets (Without Going Broke)
• Tips for a Great Broadway Night

Why Broadway Is Booming in 2025

Broadway’s comeback isn’t just hype—it’s backed by real numbers. Since January, box office sales have hit record highs, with the Broadway League reporting a 12% increase in weekly grosses compared to last spring. Tourist crowds are finally back in full force, and local theater fans are filling seats on weeknights, too. This year, there are over 30 new productions making their way onto major stages, the most seen since 2018.

One big reason? Streaming fatigue. After years of movie nights at home, people want live experiences again. The most searched-for events online in New York last month weren’t concerts or sports—they were Broadway tickets. In April, ticket app TodayTix even crashed for an hour after a rush on sales for ‘The Outsiders’ musical, showing just how much demand has shot up.

It’s not just the amount of shows, but the kind of shows, too. 2025 is the year of unexpected casts—like Keke Palmer stepping into a lead role in ‘Wicked’ and Jeremy Jordan in the rebooted ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Revivals are getting new twists, but there’s plenty of room for original stories. Four new plays by first-time Broadway writers hit the stage this spring, a level of fresh talent Broadway hasn’t seen in a decade.

"It’s this massive energy—the audience is hungry for connection, and the writers and actors feel it every night," said Broadway director Rachel Chavkin to The New York Times in March.

Don’t discount the impact of social media either. A single viral TikTok can spur a same-day ticket sell-out. Shows like ‘& Juliet’ and ‘Stereophonic’ owe much of their buzz to fans sharing scenes and reactions.

Bottom line: Broadway’s not just back—it’s thriving, diverse, and probably more exciting than it’s been in a generation.

Top Contenders: Shows Everyone’s Talking About

If you ask anyone—locals, tourists, even cab drivers—what’s drawing crowds on Broadway in 2025, a few Broadway shows have the spotlight. These aren’t just fan favorites; we’re talking sellouts, standing ovations, and feeds full of trending hashtags. Here’s what deserves your attention:

• "Wicked" (New Revival): The new revival of Wicked, with its pumped-up sets and all-star cast, is absolutely killing it this season. Ariana DeBose as Elphaba? Total game-changer. Plenty say this version feels fresher than the original, and the demand is wild—premium seats regularly go for $350-plus.
• "Back to the Future: The Musical": This high-energy crowd-pleaser pulls in both die-hard fans and newcomers. Thanks to tech wizardry, the DeLorean onstage nearly steals the show. Filled with Easter eggs from the movies, it’s currently the top choice for groups and families. In just the last quarter, it’s landed in the top five for Broadway ticket sales.
• "Suffs": A powerful new musical telling the story of suffragists fighting for the right to vote. This one’s hitting all the right notes for audiences who want something meaningful and inspiring. It just snagged three Drama Desk Awards, and performances have been close to 100% sold out since March.
• "Hamilton": Still not slowing down after almost a decade. Lin-Manuel Miranda isn’t in this run, but the current cast delivers every night. If you’ve never seen it, there’s still nothing quite like the energy in that theater when the lights go down.
• "Merrily We Roll Along": This Stephen Sondheim favorite, starring Daniel Radcliffe, picked up a bunch of awards during the spring and regularly sells out. It’s a good bet if you’re after something critics and true theater fans keep raving about.

Here’s a quick look at recent sales and buzz according to BroadwayBiz (April 2025):

If you’re planning ahead, these numbers matter—high sellout rates mean tickets disappear fast, but they also guarantee you’re jumping into an audience full of energy. That’s a huge part of the real Broadway experience.

Surprise Hits and Underrated Picks

The usual suspects like Wicked and Hamilton still pack the house, but some of the best Broadway experiences right now are the shows nobody saw coming. In 2025, a couple of under-the-radar musicals and revivals are grabbing louder applause than the veteran giants.

First up, check out Broadway's quirky newcomer “Bloom on 8th.” Barely a peep from the press last year, but now, lines are out the door most nights. Why? It nails awkward family drama and ridiculous comedy, then hits you with three standing-ovation-worthy songs—all in one act. The tickets are still cheap compared to the mega-hits, usually under $90 if you buy before the weekend rush. If you like intimate theaters where you actually see facial expressions, this is your stop.

Another one flying under the radar: the revival of “Caroline, or Change.” It’s not your sugar-coated musical; it’s got grit and guts, set to soul, jazz, and Motown vibes. Critics have called Sharon Clark’s performance as Caroline the best thing on Broadway this spring. The audience skews a bit older, but trust me, this show will make anyone rethink big musical drama.

Here’s a quick glance at a few shows that are selling strong without massive ad campaigns:

Most folks miss these gems because they don’t get the billboard treatment in Times Square, but they’re the ones local theater lovers keep recommending. If you want something with killer performances and original energy, show up midweek for better prices and smaller crowds. And don’t let a show’s lack of glitzy marketing fool you—sometimes the underdogs are the real prize.

• Use TodayTix to find last-minute seats for these shows.
• Student rush deals are real—high school and college IDs get you up to half off same-day tickets at the box office.
• Check social media for discount codes from cast members and fan groups—the smaller shows often share secret promos.

It’s easy to get caught up in Tony buzz, but if you’re the type who likes telling friends you saw “that show” before everyone else, start with these underappreciated titles. You’ll save some cash, skip the mega-crowds, and maybe see the year’s next big star up close.

How to Score the Best Tickets (Without Going Broke)

Getting into a Broadway show can feel like trying to score playoff tickets. But you don’t have to fork over your rent money to get a good seat—if you know the right tricks.

For starters, go straight to the source. The official show websites and box offices list real-time seats so you avoid shady markups and scammy resale sites. Don’t trust random "dealer" accounts you find on Instagram or Craigslist. Unless you really want to explain to your friend why your tickets didn’t scan.

If your favorite show is sold out (or just out of budget), try lotteries. Most big shows, like Hamilton and Wicked, still run digital ticket lotteries where you can win front row tickets for about $10-$40. The TodayTix app makes entering these a breeze. You just tap, cross your fingers, and check your phone a few hours before showtime. Some shows also have rush tickets—these are cheap seats sold same-day at the box office, but you have to arrive early and maybe stand in line a bit.

• If you’re a student, bring your ID. Student rush tickets are real and usually much cheaper than regular ones.
• Matinee shows (afternoons, mostly Wednesdays and weekends) tend to have more seats open and often cost less than evening performances.
• Check the TKTS Booth in Times Square for discounted same-day tickets. Get there early—lines aren’t short, but deals are.

Don’t sleep on previews, either. When a show is brand new, the first few performances (before official opening night) often cost a lot less. Sure, you might see a couple of hiccups, but you also get bragging rights for watching it before it blew up. And if your budget’s tight, don’t obsess over orchestra seats—some balcony spots give better views than people expect and are easier on your wallet.

If you’re planning a group trip or want multiple tickets together, book as early as you can. Or, if you’re flexible, go solo and grab single tickets, which often pop up at a discount even for sold-out shows. Use alerts and sign up for mailing lists; sometimes, shows quietly drop promo codes to email subscribers.

Tips for a Great Broadway Night

So you’ve picked your show—now it’s about making the whole experience as smooth (and fun) as possible. This isn’t rocket science, but a few smart moves can save you hassle and even money.

• Arrive Early. Theaters open doors about 30 to 45 minutes before curtain. Security and ticket scanners slow things down, especially for popular shows. If you want time for a drink, bathroom break, or to check out the merch, planning to be there 30 minutes before showtime is smart.
• Dress Comfortably. Broadway isn’t a black-tie affair anymore. You’ll see everything from jeans to dresses. Go for something casual-but-nice—you might end up walking blocks or squeezing into small seats.
• Know the Theater Policy. Most theaters won’t let you bring in outside food or drinks. Also, bag checks are standard now. Bring only what you need, and skip the backpack.
• Latecomers Beware. If you arrive late, most shows won’t let you in until a break in the performance. That could mean missing the first big number.
• Phones Off. This one isn’t just about being polite—the ushers will seriously get on your case for even checking your screen during the show. Take your photos and texts before the curtain goes up.
• Consider Matinees. If you want cheaper seats and smaller crowds, go for a weekday matinee. The Wednesday 2pm show is usually easier on your wallet.

If you love snacking mid-show, remember Broadway snacks aren't cheap. Expect $6 for a bottle of water, $7 for a basic candy bar, and up to $30 for a themed souvenir cup. Water fountains are usually in the lobby, so bring an empty bottle you can fill inside.

Seats matter more than you think. A lot of folks believe front rows are always best, but sometimes the best Broadway views are a few rows back or even in the mezzanine. For big musicals, you’ll often see the choreography better from the mezz. And if you’re worried about missing lyrics, download the theater’s official app for closed-captioning or assisted listening—Broadway is getting more accessible each season.

If you're after the best Broadway show experience, check the cast schedule. Big names sometimes miss a show or two, especially at the end of the week. The show still rocks, but some fans are surprised if the headliner isn’t on. You can usually see who’s scheduled to perform on the theater’s website a few days ahead.

And heads up—stage doors get crowded after the show, especially for celebrity casts. If you want a signature or selfie, be ready to wait and keep your Playbill handy.