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.

The fact that we're not all watching simultaneously hasn't made TV series any less buzzy. In 2025 alone, Netflix has had a number of talked-about hits, like "Adolescence," "Apple Cider Vinegar," and "Sirens." And they're not alone in producing widely-discussed series. Hulu's "The Bear" (an FX on Hulu show), Apple TV+'s "Severance" and "The Studio," and Amazon Prime's "Étoile" have prompted endless amounts of discourse—not to mention award nominations—this year.

Access to countless streaming services 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?

Using data from Reelgood, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular TV shows to stream right now as of July 18, 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. Landman

- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Western
- Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland
- On air: 2024-present

#19. The Sandman

- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Tom Sturridge, Vivienne Acheampong, and Patton Oswalt
- On air: 2022-present

#18. Mad Men

- Seasons: 7
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and Vincent Kartheiser
- On air: 2007-2015

#17. Smallville

- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 10
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Tom Welling, Allison Mack, and Kristin Kreuk
- On air: 2001-2011

#16. Sneaky Pete

- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Marin Ireland, and Margo Martindale
- On air: 2015-2019

#15. Poker Face

- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, and Steve Buscemi
- On air: 2023-present

#14. Big Brother

- Streaming on: Paramount+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 27
- Genre: Reality
- Cast: Julie Chen Moonves, Clayton Halsey, and Phil Proctor
- On air: 2000-present

#13. Severance

- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Tramell Tillman
- On air: 2022-present

#12. Love Island USA

- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Reality and Game Show
- Cast: Iain Stirling, Arielle Vandenberg, and Matthew Hoffman
- On air: 2019-present

#11. Dexter: Original Sin

- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, and Molly Brownson
- On air: 2024-present

#10. 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

#9. The Gilded Age

- Seasons: 3
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Louisa Jacobson
- On air: 2022-present

#8. Dexter: New Blood

- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jack Alcott, and Julia Jones
- On air: 2021-2022

#7. Foundation

- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Fantasy and Drama
- Cast: Jared Harris, Lee Pace, and Lou Llobell
- On air: 2021-present

#6. Resident Alien

- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Alan Tudyk, Sara Tomko, and Corey Reynolds
- On air: 2021-present

#5. 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

#4. Love Island

- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 12
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Iain Stirling, Caroline Flack, and Maya Jama
- On air: 2015-present

#3. The Bear

- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Ayo Edibiri
- On air: 2022-present

#2. Dexter

- Seasons: 8
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, and David Zayas
- On air: 2006-2013

#1. Sullivan's Crossing

- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Tom Jackson
- On air: 2023-present