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 Jan. 17, 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. Shōgun
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, and Tommy Bastow
- On air: 2024-2024
#19. Yellowjackets
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Sophie Nélisse
- On air: 2021-present
#18. Outlander
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Drama and Romance
- Cast: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, and Sophie Skelton
- On air: 2014-present
#17. A Man on the Inside
- Streaming on: Netflix Basic (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Comedy and Crime
- Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Lilah Richcreek
- On air: 2024-present
#16. No Good Deed
- Streaming on: Netflix Basic (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow, and Linda Cardellini
- On air: 2024-2024
#15. Lioness
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, and Dave Annable
- On air: 2023-2023
#14. Dexter: Original Sin
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, and Molly Brownson
- On air: 2024-present
#13. The Night Agent
- Streaming on: Netflix Basic (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, and Fola Evans-Akingbola
- On air: 2023-2023
#12. High Potential
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and Javicia Leslie
- On air: 2024-present
#11. 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
#10. The Agency
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, and Jodie Turner-Smith
- On air: 2024-present
#9. Goosebumps
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Zack Morris, Isa Briones, and Miles McKenna
- On air: 2023-present
#8. The Traitors
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Game Show and Reality
- Cast: Alan Cumming, Kate Chastain, and Christian de la Torre
- On air: 2023-present
#7. Black Doves
- Streaming on: Netflix Basic (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire
- On air: 2024-present
#6. 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
#5. Twin Peaks
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: Sheryl Lee, Mädchen Amick, and Kimmy Robertson
- On air: 1990-1991
#4. Severance
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Zach Cherry
- On air: 2022-present
#3. 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
#2. Squid Game
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Cho Ah-in, Park Si-wan, and Kim Dong-hyun
- On air: 2021-present
#1. Landman
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland
- On air: 2024-present
