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 Nov. 22, 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. Yellowjackets
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Sophie Nélisse
- On air: 2021-present
#19. Matlock
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, and Jason Ritter
- On air: 2024-present
#18. Disclaimer
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Documentary
- Cast: Alfonso Cuarón
- On air: 2024-2024
#17. Shrinking
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Harrison Ford, Jason Segel, and Jessica Williams
- On air: 2023-present
#16. High Potential
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Children and Crime
- Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and Javicia Leslie
- On air: 2024-present
#15. St. Denis Medical
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, and Allison Tolman
- On air: 2024-present
#14. The Penguin
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Rhenzy Feliz
- On air: 2024-2024
#13. The Diplomat
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Thriller and Drama
- Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, and David Gyasi
- On air: 2023-present
#12. A Man on the Inside
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Comedy and Crime
- Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Stephanie Beatriz
- On air: 2024-present
#11. 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
#10. From
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Mystery and Horror
- Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Eion Bailey
- On air: 2022-present
#9. Interior Chinatown
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, and Chloe Bennet
- On air: 2024-present
#8. 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
#7. Lioness
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, and Dave Annable
- On air: 2023-2023
#6. Say Nothing
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Lola Petticrew, Hazel Doupe, and Anthony Boyle
- On air: 2024-present
#5. Cross
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, and Juanita Jennings
- On air: 2024-present
#4. The Day of the Jackal
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch, and Úrsula Corberó
- On air: 2024-present
#3. Dune: Prophecy
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmel
- On air: 2024-present
#2. Landman
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland
- 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
