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. 19, 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. A Christmas Carol
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- On air: 2019-present
#19. The Dick Van Dyke Show
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Family and Comedy
- Cast: Dick Van Dyke, Rose Marie, and Morey Amsterdam
- On air: 1961-1966
#18. A Man on the Inside
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Crime and Comedy
- Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Lilah Richcreek
- On air: 2024-present
#17. Westworld
- Streaming on: Prime Video (rent/buy)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Fantasy and Drama
- Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Thandiwe Newton, and Jeffrey Wright
- On air: 2016-2022
#16. 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
#15. Mad Men
- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015
#14. IT
- Streaming on: MAX (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Tim Curry, Harry Anderson, and Dennis Christopher
- On air: 1990-1990
#13. Absentia
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Stana Katic, Patrick Heusinger, and Neil Jackson
- On air: 2017-2020
#12. From
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Mystery and Horror
- Cast: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Eion Bailey
- On air: 2022-present
#11. Homeland
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and Rupert Friend
- On air: 2011-2020
#10. Castle Rock
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Bill Skarsgård, André Holland, and Lizzy Caplan
- On air: 2018-2019
#9. Mayor of Kingstown
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, and Tobi Bamtefa
- On air: 2021-present
#8. Doctor Who
- Seasons: 14
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jenna Coleman
- On air: 2005-2023
#7. South Park
- Seasons: 28
- Genres: Comedy and Animation
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mona Marshall
- On air: 1997-present
#6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri
- On air: 2023-present
#5. Stranger Things
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour
- On air: 2016-present
#4. 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
#3. All in the Family
- Streaming on: Tubi (free)
- Seasons: 9
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, and Sally Struthers
- On air: 1971-1979
#2. Landman
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter
- On air: 2024-present
#1. Fallout
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Action & Adventure
- Cast: Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, and Moisés Arias
- On air: 2024-present
