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 "Squid Game," "Stranger Things," and "The Handmaid's Tale" are returning with new seasons in 2024 and 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. 6, 2024. 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. Evil
- IMDb user rating: 7.8 (41K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, and Aasif Mandvi
- On air: 2019-2024
#19. Jane the Virgin
- IMDb user rating: 7.9 (60K reviews)
- Streaming on: Prime Video (rent/buy)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Drama and Soap
- Cast: Gina Rodriguez, Andrea Navedo, and Yael Grobglas
- On air: 2014-2019
#18. Interview with the Vampire
- IMDb user rating: 7.4 (28K reviews)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and LGBTQ
- Cast: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, and Eric Bogosian
- On air: 2022-present
#17. The Terror
- IMDb user rating: 7.9 (53K reviews)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Jared Harris, Ciarán Hinds, and Tobias Menzies
- On air: 2018-2019
#16. Tell Me Lies
- IMDb user rating: 6.7 (7K reviews)
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, and Catherine Missal
- On air: 2022-present
#15. A Discovery of Witches
- IMDb user rating: 7.8 (63K reviews)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Romance
- Cast: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, and Edward Bluemel
- On air: 2018-2022
#14. Dark Winds
- IMDb user rating: 7.7 (18K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten
- On air: 2022-present
#13. Kevin Can F--- Himself
- IMDb user rating: 7.2 (11K reviews)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Annie Murphy, Eric Petersen, and Mary Hollis Inboden
- On air: 2021-2022
#12. Yellowstone
- IMDb user rating: 8.7 (232K reviews)
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Crime, Drama, and Western
- Cast: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, and Kelly Reilly
- On air: 2018-present
#11. Beetlejuice
- IMDb user rating: 7.3 (8K reviews)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Animation
- Cast: Steven Ouimette, Alyson Court, and Tabitha St. Germain
- On air: 1989-1991
#10. The Old Man
- IMDb user rating: 7.6 (50K reviews)
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, and E.J. Bonilla
- On air: 2022-present
#9. From
- IMDb user rating: 7.7 (82K reviews)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Horror and Mystery
- Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Eion Bailey
- On air: 2022-present
#8. Terminator Zero
- IMDb user rating: 7.1 (4K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Anime
- Cast: Miho Hayashi, Aya Gomazuru, and Koichi Kuroda
- On air: 2024-present
#7. Bad Monkey
- IMDb user rating: 7.4 (4K reviews)
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Vince Vaughn, L. Scott Caldwell, and Rob Delaney
- On air: 2024-present
#6. Only Murders in the Building
- IMDb user rating: 8.1 (162K reviews)
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Mystery, Crime, and LGBTQ
- Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez
- On air: 2021-present
#5. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
- IMDb user rating: 6.9 (371K reviews)
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Morfydd Clark, Charlie Vickers, and Robert Aramayo
- On air: 2022-present
#4. Slow Horses
- IMDb user rating: 8.2 (78K reviews)
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, and Kristin Scott Thomas
- On air: 2022-present
#3. The Perfect Couple
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Eve Hewson, Nicole Kidman, and Liev Schreiber
- On air: 2024-2024
#2. English Teacher
- IMDb user rating: 6.8 (634 reviews)
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig, and Enrico Colantoni
- On air: 2024-present
#1. Kaos
- IMDb user rating: 7.5 (7K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Stephen Dillane, and Aurora Perrineau
- On air: 2024-present
