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 Dec. 26, 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. Saturday Night Live
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 51
- Genres: Music and Comedy
- Cast: Kenan Thompson, Darrell Hammond, and Seth Meyers
- On air: 1975-present
#19. Twin Peaks
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Horse, and Al Strobel
- On air: 1990-1991
#18. Emily in Paris
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, and Ashley Park
- On air: 2020-present
#17. Friends
- Seasons: 10
- Genres: Romance and Comedy
- Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow
- On air: 1994-2004
#16. Mad Men
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015
#15. The Office
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 9
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer
- On air: 2005-2013
#14. Downton Abbey
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael
- On air: 2010-2016
#13. Castle Rock
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Bill Skarsgård, André Holland, and Lizzy Caplan
- On air: 2018-2019
#12. Mayor of Kingstown
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, and Tobi Bamtefa
- On air: 2021-present
#11. Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri
- On air: 2023-present
#10. Seinfeld
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 9
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards
- On air: 1989-1998
#9. The Night Manager
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman
- On air: 2016-2024
#8. South Park
- Seasons: 28
- Genres: Comedy and Animation
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mona Marshall
- On air: 1997-present
#7. All in the Family
- Streaming on: Tubi (free)
- Seasons: 9
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, and Sally Struthers
- On air: 1971-1979
#6. Doctor Who
- Seasons: 14
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jenna Coleman
- On air: 2005-2023
#5. A Christmas Carol
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- On air: 2019-present
#4. 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
#3. 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
#2. Supernatural
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 15
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, and Misha Collins
- On air: 2005-2020
#1. Landman
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter
- On air: 2024-present
