The most popular TV shows to stream right now
The most popular TV shows to stream right now
When Netflix launched its streaming service in 2007, it changed the way we consume television, but it wasn't until 2013 that the platform completely reinvented the industry by morphing into its own film and television studio. That same year, Netflix released its first original series, "House of Cards." The political drama became the first original streaming series to win an Emmy, and set the stage for an entertainment revolution.
Today, the number of streaming services is staggering—and the amount of content options is downright overwhelming. Gone are the days of live-tweeting during season finales and hosting viewing parties for a big premiere, as we grow accustomed to binge-watching shows from the comfort of our own couch at whatever time we choose.
This access has flipped the television industry on its head. According to a 2024 poll by Forbes Home, 99% of American households subscribe to at least one streaming service and spend an average of $46 per month on streaming service fees. As streaming reigns supreme, however, it's starting to take on characteristics of cable TV. That same poll reported that 45% of users have canceled at least one subscription in the past year due to high costs, and platforms are responding by teaming up for bundled deals à la the age of cable. Companies like Disney are even experimenting with continuous TV-style channels on their platform to increase visibility and revenue through ads.
As the streaming juggernaut continues to swell, growing pains are bound to happen. There will be changes—some positive and some annoying—but one thing's for sure: streaming is here to stay, and there are a lot of shows to choose from. So how do you pick?
Massive hits like "Stranger Things" and "The Handmaid's Tale" are returning with new seasons in 2025, but every week, new series are premiering and old favorites are launching on platforms.
Using data from Reelgood, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular TV shows to stream right now as of Oct. 3, 2025. IMDb ratings and other data points were added for supplementary insights. Keep reading to find your new binge-worthy series or revisit an old favorite.
#20. Wednesday
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Fantasy and Mystery
- Cast: Jenna Ortega, Hunter Doohan, and Emma Myers
- On air: 2022-present
#19. Scooby Doo, Where Are You!
- Streaming on: MAX (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Animation
- Cast: Casey Kasem, Don Messick, and Frank Welker
- On air: 1969-1978
#18. From
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Mystery and Horror
- Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Eion Bailey
- On air: 2022-present
#17. Dexter
- Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, and David Zayas
- On air: 2006-2013
#16. Murder in a Small Town
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Kristin Kreuk, and Aaron Douglas
- On air: 2024-present
#15. Nurse Jackie
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Edie Falco, Paul Schulze, and Peter Facinelli
- On air: 2009-2015
#14. The Good Place
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, and William Jackson Harper
- On air: 2016-2020
#13. Landman
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland
- On air: 2024-present
#12. Downton Abbey
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael
- On air: 2010-2016
#11. Tulsa King
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Martin Starr, and Jay Will
- On air: 2022-present
#10. Gen V
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Jaz Sinclair, Lizze Broadway, and Maddie Phillips
- On air: 2023-present
#9. Alice in Borderland
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Kyotaro Tamura, Ayaka Minami, and Momoka Ayukawa
- On air: 2020-2022
#8. The Morning Show
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Billy Crudup
- On air: 2019-present
#7. Dead of Winter
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Documentary and Crime
- Cast: Chris Jehnert and Alex Schecter
- On air: 2019-present
#6. South Park
- Seasons: 27
- Genres: Animation and Comedy
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mona Marshall
- On air: 1997-present
#5. Only Murders in the Building
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, and LGBTQ
- Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez
- On air: 2021-present
#4. Peacemaker
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, and Freddie Stroma
- On air: 2022-present
#3. English Teacher
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Comedy and LGBTQ
- Cast: Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig, and Enrico Colantoni
- On air: 2024-present
#2. Slow Horses
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, and Kristin Scott Thomas
- On air: 2022-present
#1. High Potential
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and Judy Reyes
- On air: 2024-present
