In 2025, cars aren’t just modes of transportation; they are becoming pivotal characters in TV shows, as well as movies. From breath-taking chases to nostalgic restorations, these vehicles in TV shows drive the stories forward, capturing viewers’ imaginations.
Top 5 List
Television has been around a long time, and there are a lot of famous cars from television like the Beverly Hillbillies truck, the Batmobile, and more. TV show cars can make us smile like the Mystery Machine from Scoobydoo and The Munsters’ Ford Mustang V8 powered Koach – Drag-U-La.
Here are some of the coolest cars on TV in 2025.
Paradise – Rivian R1S
Paradise (2025) on Hulu kicks political drama into high gear. From This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman, this intense thriller unfolds in a giant underground bunker in Colorado—but it’s not just the secrets and suspense that keep things moving. The show’s seriously cool car lineup brings just as much heat.
Think sleek EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Rivian R1S, paired with trail-ready beasts like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford F-150. Across eight action-packed episodes, these rides help fuel every twist, chase, and standoff.
Cars Featured in Paradise Season 1:
- Ford Mustang Mach-E – A sleek black EV that opens and later leads tense convoy scenes.
- Rivian R1S – A three-row electric SUV seen in multiple episodes, including key moments in Episodes 1, 3, and 8.
- Volkswagen ID.4 – A clean and practical electric SUV appearing in early scenes.
- Jeep Wrangler – Featured in several episodes with lifted suspensions, oversized tires, and light bars—built for off-road drama.
- Ford F-150 – Seen hauling trailers and leading chases through tight spots and dark garages.
- Chevrolet Suburban & Chevrolet Tahoe – Used by the presidential security convoy in Episode 7, adding weight to the show’s high-stakes politics.
Twisted Metal – 1950s-1960s Step Side Truck
Twisted Metal is a wild, post-apocalyptic action-comedy that debuted on Peacock in July 2023, based on the classic PlayStation game. Anthony Mackie stars as John Doe, a wisecracking delivery driver with amnesia, racing across a lawless America to deliver a mysterious package. Along the way, he teams up with Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz), a fierce car thief, and the two battle warlords, maniacs, and a deranged clown in a weaponized ice cream truck. Packed with explosions, dark humor, and over-the-top car chaos, Twisted Metal is loud, fast, and gloriously unhinged—in all the best ways.
- Sweet Tooth’s Ice Cream Truck – A twisted take on childhood nostalgia, this armored, missile-launching truck is driven by the psychotic clown Sweet Tooth (Joe Seanoa, voiced by Will Arnett).
- Roadkill – John and Quiet’s rebuilt and weaponized ride, introduced in Episode 9, built for battle and speed.
- Agent Stone’s Patrol Vehicles – Outfitted with machine guns and armor, these cars reflect his authoritarian rule.
- Holy Men’s Preacher Cars – Decorated with religious symbols and makeshift armor, they add to the series’ quirky chaos.
Car Masters: Rust to Riches – 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Car Masters: Rust to Riches is a high-energy reality show on Netflix that follows the Gotham Garage crew, led by Mark Towle, as they turn rusty junkers into jaw-dropping custom rides. Since its 2018 debut, the series has delivered a mix of wild creativity, car culture, and smart trade-ups—sometimes flipping builds into six-figure deals.
Standout builds include a 1964 Ford Thunderbird rocket car, a Vaydor supercar on an Infiniti G35 chassis, and a tribute to the rare 1960 Plymouth XNR.
Notable builds from the series include:
- A 1964 Ford Thunderbird transformed into a "rocket car"
- A 1970 Chevy C-10 Fleetside upgraded and traded for a 1939 Zephyr body
- A custom Vaydor supercar built on an Infiniti G35 chassis
- A replica of the 1960 Plymouth XNR concept car, donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum
- A '32 Ford Roadster with a casino theme for Pechanga Resort Casino
- Customizations of high-end Ferraris, including a 458 Italia and an F8 Tributo
Shifting Gears – 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
Shifting Gears is Tim Allen’s big return to network TV, which premiered in January of 2025. The show follows Matt (played by Allen), a widowed gearhead who runs a classic car restoration shop. Just as he’s cruising through life, things get flipped upside down when his estranged daughter Riley (played by Kat Dennings) shows up—with her two kids in tow.
The sitcom mixes family drama, heartfelt moments, and plenty of under-the-hood action. It’s got that classic Tim Allen vibe—witty, a little stubborn, and obsessed with cars (which, let’s be real, is very on brand for him). Whether it's fixing up vintage rides or trying to figure out parenting 2.0, Matt’s world is all about second chances and restoring more than just engines.
Many vehicles featured in the show are from Allen’s personal collection, adding authenticity to the garage setting.
Notable cars include:
- 1946 Ford Convertible
- 1956 Ford F-100 Pickup
- 1968 Chevrolet Camaro
- 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
- Volvo 122S
- Chevrolet 409 Bubble Top
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee – 1963 Stingray
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is a talk show created and hosted by Jerry Seinfeld, where he picks up fellow comedians in vintage or unique cars and takes them out for coffee and conversation. The show originally premiered on Crackle in 2012 and later moved to Netflix, running for a total of 11 seasons and 84 episodes.
Each episode features a different car, often chosen to match the guest's personality or style. Some of the notable vehicles featured in the series include:
- 1952 Volkswagen Beetle – featured in the first episode with Larry David.
- 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 – driven with Ricky Gervais.
- 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A – with Brian Regan.
- 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL – with Alec Baldwin.
- 1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia – with Joel Hodgson.
- 1970 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 – with Bob Einstein.
- 1966 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet – with Barry Marder.
- 1976 Triumph TR6 – with Colin Quinn & Mario Joyner.
- 1960 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II – with Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks.
- 1962 Volkswagen Kombi Pickup – with Michael Richards.
In addition to comedians, the show has featured other notable figures, such as President Barack Obama, who appeared in a special episode driving a 1963 Corvette Stingray.
Conclusion
In 2025, TV is putting the pedal to the metal when it comes to cars—turning them into full-on stars of the show. Whether it’s the cool nostalgia of a restored classic or the heart-pounding thrill of a high-speed chase, rides are doing way more than just sitting in the background. They’re helping shape the story, build character, and keep us hooked. And with tech and storytelling both leveling up, you can bet cars will keep stealing scenes and fueling the drama on screens everywhere.
