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 Oct. 10, 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. From
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Mystery and Horror
- Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Eion Bailey
- On air: 2022-present
#19. Halo
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Fantasy
- Cast: Pablo Schreiber, Natascha McElhone, and Shabana Azmi
- On air: 2022-present
#18. The Gold
- Streaming on: PBS (free)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Tom Cullen, and Charlotte Spencer
- On air: 2023-2025
#17. South Park
- Seasons: 27
- Genres: Comedy and Animation
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mona Marshall
- On air: 1997-present
#16. Invasion
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, and Shamier Anderson
- On air: 2021-present
#15. English Teacher
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Comedy and LGBTQ
- Cast: Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig, and Enrico Colantoni
- On air: 2024-present
#14. Over the Garden Wall
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Horror and Fantasy
- Cast: Christopher Lloyd, Elijah Wood, and Collin Dean
- On air: 2014-2014
#13. Murder in a Small Town
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Rossif Sutherland, Kristin Kreuk, and Aaron Douglas
- On air: 2024-present
#12. The Way Home
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Family and Drama
- Cast: Andie MacDowell, Chyler Leigh, and Evan Williams
- On air: 2023-present
#11. 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
#10. The Diplomat
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Thriller
- Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, and David Gyasi
- On air: 2023-present
#9. Tulsa King
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Martin Starr, and Jay Will
- On air: 2022-present
#8. 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
#7. Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Biography and Crime
- Cast: Deanna Mae Lloyd, Ed Gein, and Henry Zebrowski
- On air: 2023-2023
#6. Downton Abbey
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael
- On air: 2010-2016
#5. Gen V
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Jaz Sinclair, Lizze Broadway, and Maddie Phillips
- On air: 2023-present
#4. High Potential
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and Judy Reyes
- On air: 2024-present
#3. The Morning Show
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Billy Crudup
- On air: 2019-present
#2. Peacemaker
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, and Freddie Stroma
- On air: 2022-present
#1. Slow Horses
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, and Kristin Scott Thomas
- On air: 2022-present
