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. 5, 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. Everybody Loves Raymond
- Seasons: 9
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, and Doris Roberts
- On air: 1996-2005
#19. Tracker
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Justin Hartley, Fiona Rene, and Abby McEnany
- On air: 2024-present
#18. Victoria
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Biography and Drama
- Cast: Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, and Nell Hudson
- On air: 2016-2019
#17. The Beatles Anthology
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Documentary and Music
- Cast: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr
- On air: 1995-2025
#16. Tulsa King
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Martin Starr, and Jay Will
- On air: 2022-present
#15. 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
#14. Doctor Who
- Seasons: 14
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jenna Coleman
- On air: 2005-2023
#13. Mayor of Kingstown
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, and Tobi Bamtefa
- On air: 2021-present
#12. Blue Lights
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Sian Brooke, Katherine Devlin, and Nathan Braniff
- On air: 2023-present
#11. Fallout
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, and Moisés Arias
- On air: 2024-present
#10. 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
#9. The Diplomat
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Thriller
- Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, and David Gyasi
- On air: 2023-present
#8. How I Met Your Mother
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 9
- Genres: Drama and Romance
- Cast: Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jason Segel
- On air: 2005-2014
#7. South Park
- Seasons: 28
- Genres: Animation and Comedy
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mona Marshall
- On air: 1997-present
#6. Supernatural
- Streaming on: Prime Video (rent/buy)
- Seasons: 15
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, and Misha Collins
- On air: 2005-2020
#5. Absentia
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Stana Katic, Patrick Heusinger, and Neil Jackson
- On air: 2017-2020
#4. A Man on the Inside
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Comedy and Crime
- Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Lilah Richcreek
- On air: 2024-present
#3. Mad Men
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015
#2. Stranger Things
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Gaten Matarazzo
- On air: 2016-present
#1. Landman
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter
- On air: 2024-present
