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 May 2, 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. Criminal Minds
- Seasons: 17
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kirsten Vangsness, Matthew Gray Gubler, and A.J. Cook
- On air: 2005-present
#19. Black Snow
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Travis Fimmel, Renee Lim, and Jemmason Power
- On air: 2022-2023
#18. Battlestar Galactica
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, and Jamie Bamber
- On air: 2004-2009
#17. Severance
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Tramell Tillman
- On air: 2022-present
#16. Doctor Who
- Seasons: 14
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jenna Coleman
- On air: 2005-2023
#15. Landman
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland
- On air: 2024-present
#14. The Chosen
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Family and Drama
- Cast: Liz Tabish, Jonathan Roumie, and Shahar Isaac
- On air: 2019-present
#13. 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
#12. The White Lotus
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Natasha Rothwell, Jon Gries, and Jennifer Coolidge
- On air: 2021-present
#11. The Handmaid's Tale
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 6
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, and Ann Dowd
- On air: 2017-present
#10. Mad Men
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015
#9. The Rehearsal
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Documentary and Comedy
- Cast: Nathan Fielder, Joshua Benard, and Thomas McNamara
- On air: 2022-present
#8. Yellowjackets
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Sophie Nélisse
- On air: 2021-present
#7. Black Mirror
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Comedy and Horror
- Cast: Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, and Milanka Brooks
- On air: 2011-present
#6. Dark Winds
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten
- On air: 2022-present
#5. Hacks
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins
- On air: 2021-present
#4. The Righteous Gemstones
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Danny McBride, Adam Devine, and Edi Patterson
- On air: 2019-present
#3. You
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Drama and Romance
- Cast: Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, and Charlotte Ritchie
- On air: 2018-2025
#2. Andor
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, and Genevieve O'Reilly
- On air: 2022-present
#1. The Last of Us
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and Gabriel Luna
- On air: 2023-present
