The most popular TV shows to stream right now

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Data work by:

May 16, 2023

Updated on March 28, 2025

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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 April 11, 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.

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#20. Abbott Elementary

- Seasons: 4
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, and Sheryl Lee Ralph
- On air: 2021-present

#19. Mad Men

- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015

#18. Twin Peaks

- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Horse, and Al Strobel
- On air: 1990-1991

#17. The Wheel of Time

- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, and Josha Stradowski
- On air: 2021-present

#16. Ludwig

- Streaming on: BritBox (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: David Mitchell, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Dipo Ola
- On air: 2024-present

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#15. Bosch: Legacy

- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Titus Welliver, Mimi Rogers, and Madison Lintz
- On air: 2022-present

#14. Love on the Spectrum U.S.

- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Cian O'Clery and Karina Holden
- On air: 2022-present

#13. The Chosen

- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Family and Drama
- Cast: Liz Tabish, Jonathan Roumie, and Shahar Isaac
- On air: 2017-present

#12. Dark Winds

- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten
- On air: 2022-present

#11. Reacher

- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Alan Ritchson, Maria Sten, and Malcolm Goodwin
- On air: 2022-present

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#10. Hacks

- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins
- On air: 2021-present

#9. The Righteous Gemstones

- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Danny McBride, Adam Devine, and Edi Patterson
- On air: 2019-present

#8. Black Mirror

- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Horror and Comedy
- Cast: Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, and Milanka Brooks
- On air: 2011-present

#7. 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

#6. 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

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#5. Severance

- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Tramell Tillman
- On air: 2022-present