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 July 5, 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. Orphan Black: Echoes
- IMDb user rating: 6.5 (1K reviews)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Drama and Mystery
- Cast: Krysten Ritter, Keeley Hawes, and Rya Kihlstedt
- On air: 2023-present
#19. The Chosen
- IMDb user rating: 9.2 (48K reviews)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Family and Drama
- Cast: Jonathan Roumie, Shahar Isaac, and Liz Tabish
- On air: 2017-present
#18. Suits
- IMDb user rating: 8.4 (486K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 9
- Genres: Comedy and Drama
- Cast: Gabriel Macht, Sarah Rafferty, and Rick Hoffman
- On air: 2011-2019
#17. Criminal Minds
- IMDb user rating: 8.1 (221K reviews)
- Seasons: 17
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Kirsten Vangsness, Matthew Gray Gubler, and A.J. Cook
- On air: 2005-present
#16. Yellowstone
- IMDb user rating: 8.7 (227K reviews)
- Streaming on: Peacock Premium (subscription)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Crime, Drama, and Western
- Cast: Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, and Luke Grimes
- On air: 2018-present
#15. Alone
- IMDb user rating: 8.4 (7K reviews)
- Seasons: 11
- Genres: Game Show and Documentary
- Cast: Jim Baird
- On air: 2015-present
#14. Mayor of Kingstown
- IMDb user rating: 8.2 (50K reviews)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, and Tobi Bamtefa
- On air: 2021-present
#13. Young Sheldon
- IMDb user rating: 7.7 (112K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 7
- Genres: Comedy and Family
- Cast: Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, and Lance Barber
- On air: 2017-2024
#12. Evil
- IMDb user rating: 7.8 (37K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Drama and Horror
- Cast: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, and Aasif Mandvi
- On air: 2019-present
#11. Orphan Black
- IMDb user rating: 8.3 (117K reviews)
- Seasons: 5
- Genres: Fantasy and Drama
- Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, and Maria Doyle Kennedy
- On air: 2013-2017
#10. Dark Matter
- IMDb user rating: 7.8 (23K reviews)
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Fantasy and Drama
- Cast: Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, and Alice Braga
- On air: 2024-present
#9. House of the Dragon
- IMDb user rating: 8.4 (398K reviews)
- Streaming on: MAX (subscription)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Fantasy
- Cast: Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, and Emma D'Arcy
- On air: 2022-present
#8. Interview with the Vampire
- IMDb user rating: 7.3 (25K reviews)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and LGBTQ
- Cast: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, and Eric Bogosian
- On air: 2022-present
#7. The Acolyte
- IMDb user rating: 3.5 (77K reviews)
- Streaming on: Disney+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, and LGBTQ
- Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Charlie Barnett, and Dafne Keen
- On air: 2024-present
#6. Your Honor
- IMDb user rating: 7.6 (69K reviews)
- Seasons: 2
- Genres: Drama and Crime
- Cast: Bryan Cranston, Hope Davis, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.
- On air: 2020-2023
#5. Supacell
- IMDb user rating: 6.6 (3K reviews)
- Streaming on: Netflix (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Tosin Cole, Nadine Mills, and Eric Kofi Abrefa
- On air: 2024-present
#4. The Boys
- IMDb user rating: 8.7 (680K reviews)
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 4
- Genres: Action & Adventure and Drama
- Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Antony Starr
- On air: 2019-present
#3. Presumed Innocent
- IMDb user rating: 7.6 (5K reviews)
- Streaming on: Apple TV+ (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Crime and Drama
- Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, and Bill Camp
- On air: 2024-present
#2. My Lady Jane
- IMDb user rating: 7 (3K reviews)
- Streaming on: Prime Video (subscription)
- Seasons: 1
- Genres: Romance and Drama
- Cast: Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, and Anna Chancellor
- On air: 2024-present
#1. The Bear
- IMDb user rating: 8.6 (224K reviews)
- Streaming on: Hulu (subscription)
- Seasons: 3
- Genres: Drama and Comedy
- Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Ayo Edibiri
- On air: 2022-present
