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 Aug. 1, 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. Animal Kingdom
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 6
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Finn Cole, Shawn Hatosy, and Ben Robson
- On air: 2016-2022
#19. Shiny Happy People
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Biography and Crime
- Cast: Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Amy King
- On air: 2023-2023
#18. Firefly
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, and Alan Tudyk
- On air: 2002-2002
#17. Downton Abbey
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael
- On air: 2010-2016
#16. Mad Men
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015
#15. Dexter: New Blood
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jack Alcott, and Julia Jones
- On air: 2021-2022
#14. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Fantasy and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, and Jess Bush
- On air: 2022-present
#13. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 18
- Genre: Comedy
- Cast: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Rob McElhenney
- On air: 2005-present
#12. Foundation
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Jared Harris, Lee Pace, and Lou Llobell
- On air: 2021-present
#11. Sullivan's Crossing
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Tom Jackson
- On air: 2023-present
#10. Twisted Metal
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Anthony Mackie, Nuufolau Joel Seanoa, and Will Arnett
- On air: 2023-present
#9. The Bear
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Ayo Edibiri
- On air: 2022-present
#8. The Summer I Turned Pretty
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno
- On air: 2022-present
#7. Hightown
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Monica Raymund, Riley Voelkel, and Atkins Estimonds
- On air: 2020-2024
#6. The Osbournes
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Comedy and Music
- Cast: Jack Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne, and Kelly Osbourne
- On air: 2002-2005
#5. Dexter
- Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, and David Zayas
- On air: 2006-2013
#4. The Lazarus Project
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Paapa Essiedu, Rudi Dharmalingam, and Tom Burke
- On air: 2022-2023
#3. Resident Alien
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Alan Tudyk, Sara Tomko, and Corey Reynolds
- On air: 2021-present
#2. The Gilded Age
- Seasons: 3
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Louisa Jacobson
- On air: 2022-present
#1. South Park
- Seasons: 27
- Genres: Comedy and Animation
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mona Marshall
- On air: 1997-present
