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 Sept. 12, 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. Unforgotten
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 6
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: Sanjeev Bhaskar, Carolina Main, and Lewis Reeves
- On air: 2015-present
#19. Platonic
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Romance and Comedy
- Cast: Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, and Luke Macfarlane
- On air: 2023-present
#18. Parks and Recreation
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, and Nick Offerman
- On air: 2009-2015
#17. Foundation
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Fantasy and Drama
- Cast: Jared Harris, Lee Pace, and Lou Llobell
- On air: 2021-present
#16. 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
#15. High Potential
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and Judy Reyes
- On air: 2024-present
#14. Orphan Black
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, and Maria Doyle Kennedy
- On air: 2013-2017
#13. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, and Clémence Poésy
- On air: 2023-present
#12. Mad Men
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015
#11. The Terminal List
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Chris Pratt, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Riley Keough
- On air: 2022-present
#10. The Great British Baking Show
- Seasons: 16
- Genres: Game Show and Reality
- Cast: Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, and Noel Fielding
- On air: 2010-2023
#9. Landman
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland
- On air: 2024-present
#8. Peacemaker
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, and Freddie Stroma
- On air: 2022-present
#7. The Summer I Turned Pretty
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno
- On air: 2022-present
#6. Dexter
- Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, and David Zayas
- On air: 2006-2013
#5. Invasion
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Fantasy and Drama
- Cast: Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, and Shamier Anderson
- On air: 2021-present
#4. South Park
- Seasons: 27
- Genres: Comedy and Animation
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mona Marshall
- On air: 1997-present
#3. Downton Abbey
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael
- On air: 2010-2016
#2. Wednesday
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Mystery and Fantasy
- Cast: Jenna Ortega, Hunter Doohan, and Emma Myers
- On air: 2022-present
#1. 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
