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 April 18, 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. Ludwig
- Streaming on: BritBox (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: David Mitchell, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Dipo Ola
- On air: 2024-present
#19. Tracker
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Justin Hartley, Abby McEnany, and Eric Graise
- On air: 2024-present
#18. 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
#17. Reacher
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Alan Ritchson, Maria Sten, and Malcolm Goodwin
- On air: 2022-present
#16. 11.22.63
- Streaming on: Tubi (free)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: James Franco, Sarah Gadon, and Chris Cooper
- On air: 2016-2016
#15. Doctor Who
- Seasons: 14
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jenna Coleman
- On air: 2005-2023
#14. 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
#13. The Righteous Gemstones
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Danny McBride, Adam Devine, and Edi Patterson
- On air: 2019-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. Severance
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Fantasy and Drama
- Cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Tramell Tillman
- On air: 2022-present
#10. 1923
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, and Brandon Sklenar
- On air: 2022-2025
#9. 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
#8. Mad Men
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015
#7. Yellowstone
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Crime, Drama, and Western
- Cast: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, and Kelly Reilly
- On air: 2018-2024
#6. 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
#5. Hacks
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins
- On air: 2021-present
#4. Yellowjackets
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Sophie Nélisse
- On air: 2021-present
#3. The White Lotus
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Natasha Rothwell, Jon Gries, and Jennifer Coolidge
- On air: 2021-present
#2. Black Mirror
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Comedy and Horror
- Cast: Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, and Milanka Brooks
- On air: 2011-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
