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. 20, 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. Dune: Prophecy
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmel
- On air: 2024-present
#19. Shrinking
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Harrison Ford, Jason Segel, and Jessica Williams
- On air: 2023-present
#18. Skeleton Crew
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Children
- Cast: Jude Law, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, and Ryan Kiera Armstrong
- On air: 2024-present
#17. From
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Horror and Mystery
- Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Eion Bailey
- On air: 2022-present
#16. Bad Sisters
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, and Eva Birthistle
- On air: 2022-present
#15. The Sticky
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Margo Martindale, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Guillaume Cyr
- On air: 2024-present
#14. Dexter: New Blood
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jack Alcott, and Julia Jones
- On air: 2021-2022
#13. Dexter
- Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, and David Zayas
- On air: 2006-2013
#12. A Man on the Inside
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Comedy and Crime
- Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Lilah Richcreek
- On air: 2024-present
#11. La Palma
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Glenn Lund and Jenny Stjernströmer-Björk
- On air: 2024-present
#10. Secret Level
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Animation
- Cast: Keanu Reeves, Parry Shen, and Ping Wu
- On air: 2024-present
#9. Silo
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Rebecca Ferguson, Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., and Harriet Walter
- On air: 2023-present
#8. Lioness
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, and Dave Annable
- On air: 2023-2023
#7. The Day of the Jackal
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch, and Úrsula Corberó
- On air: 2024-present
#6. The Agency
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Mystery and Drama
- Cast: Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, and Jodie Turner-Smith
- On air: 2024-present
#5. Black Doves
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire
- On air: 2024-present
#4. Landman
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland
- On air: 2024-present
#3. No Good Deed
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow, and Linda Cardellini
- On air: 2024-2024
#2. Dexter: Original Sin
- Streaming on: fuboTV (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, and Molly Brownson
- On air: 2024-present
#1. Yellowstone
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Crime, Drama, and Western
- Cast: Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, and Wes Bentley
- On air: 2018-present
