1 / 20
#20. A Man on the Inside
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Comedy and Crime
- Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Lilah Richcreek
- On air: 2024-present
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 Jan. 9, 2026. 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.
You may also like: The 25 best 'Simpsons' episodes of all time
2 / 20
#19. Hijack
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Thriller
- Cast: Idris Elba, Neil Maskell, and Eve Myles
- On air: 2023-2023
3 / 20
#18. Dark
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, and Andreas Pietschmann
- On air: 2017-2020
4 / 20
#17. The Traitors
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Documentary and Game Show
- Cast: Alan Cumming, Kate Chastain, and Trishelle Cannatella
- On air: 2023-present
5 / 20
#16. The Following
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, and Shawn Ashmore
- On air: 2013-2015
You may also like: Most popular TV shows on Hulu this week
6 / 20
#15. Red Eye
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Jing Lusi, Richard Armitage, and Jemma Moore
- On air: 2024-present
7 / 20
#14. Yellowstone
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Crime, Western, and Drama
- Cast: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, and Kelly Reilly
- On air: 2018-2024
8 / 20
#13. RuPaul's Drag Race
- Seasons: 18
- Genres: Game Show and LGBTQ
- Cast: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, and Ross Mathews
- On air: 2009-present
9 / 20
#12. From
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Mystery and Horror
- Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Eion Bailey
- On air: 2022-present
10 / 20
#11. 11.22.63
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: James Franco, Sarah Gadon, and Chris Cooper
- On air: 2016-2016
You may also like: 25 iconic TV shows that are so bad they're good
11 / 20
#10. The Rookie
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Nathan Fillion, Melissa O'Neil, and Eric Winter
- On air: 2018-present
12 / 20
#9. The Night Manager
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Tillotama Shome
- On air: 2023-present
13 / 20
#8. Will Trent
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Ramón Rodríguez, Erika Christensen, and Iantha Richardson
- On air: 2023-present
14 / 20
#7. Industry
- Seasons: 3
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Myha'la Herrold, Marisa Abela, and Harry Lawtey
- On air: 2020-present
15 / 20
#6. M*A*S*H
- Streaming on: Prime Video (rent/buy)
- Seasons: 11
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, and William Christopher
- On air: 1972-1983
You may also like: Complicated friendships can affect well-being—just take it from these 5 pop culture duos
16 / 20
#5. High Potential
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and Judy Reyes
- On air: 2024-present
17 / 20
#4. Fallout
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, and Moisés Arias
- On air: 2024-present
18 / 20
#3. Stranger Things
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Horror and Drama
- Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour
- On air: 2016-present
19 / 20
#2. Landman
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter
- On air: 2024-present
20 / 20
#1. The Night Manager
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman
- On air: 2016-2024
You may also like: 5 narcissistic pop culture characters—and what experts say about them
