The top 10 biggest Netflix shows ranked by viewership

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As a gamer, I’d say it’s a real challenge picking out something good to stream on Netflix, especially when shows like “Stranger Things” are breaking records left and right! You know, the one that smashed the previous viewership high for adolescence-themed series? Yeah, that one. So, I wonder which shows are currently leading the pack in terms of popularity. Any guesses?

There are several anticipated Netflix releases in 2025 such as Stranger Things Season 5, Wednesday Season 2, and Squid Game Season 3 that potentially could join the ranks of the most-watched Netflix shows ever. However, it’s too early to tell for sure, given we don’t have viewership data yet… But isn’t it fantastic to have so many exciting options to look forward to?

Over the past decade, a wealth of top-tier TV series have graced our streaming platform. Among them, which ones have received the highest ratings?

Many of us have invested a considerable amount of time watching series on Netflix, and our efforts have culminated in creating the cream of the crop: the top 10 Netflix shows as ranked by viewers. Well done, everyone!

10. Stranger Things Season 3

Views: 94.8 million

In Season 3, we meet Robin, played by Maya Hawke, as Eleven, Max, and other characters frequently visit a vibrant ’80s shopping center. Meanwhile, Hopper is presumed dead and becomes the captive of Russian prisoners who are being fed to a Demogorgon.

Two years following Season 2, there was a considerable gap before additional episodes appeared, which may have contributed to Season 3’s inclusion in the top 10 lists. Moreover, during this time, fans finally witnessed Eleven being formally adopted – an event that many had been eagerly anticipating since 2016.

9. Fool Me Once

Views: 98.2 million

Harlan Coben has been quite successful at turning his popular books into series for streaming platforms, and this trend continues with the development of Will I Find You and Run Away. Yet, Fool Me Once stands out as a particular highlight. The story revolves around Maya Stern who is grappling with the tragic murder of her husband, Joe. However, an unexpected twist unfolds when Maya sets up a nanny-camera to monitor her child’s safety and catches glimpses of her husband in her home.

2024’s New Year’s Day premiere featured Fool Me Once, an engaging limited series ideal for those still enjoying their post-Christmas break. Beyond just being a great way to start the year, this crime drama showcased exceptional production with a cast largely unfamiliar to American audiences. As its title suggests, it delivered on its promise.

8. The Night Agent Season 1

Views: 98.2 million

As a dedicated gamer monitoring the game’s chat, I received a call that thrust me into a lethal conspiracy, with a traitor hidden within the White House. The tension was high, and it seemed like every player was on edge, including myself. The second season had been building anticipation for almost 100 million of us, and it did not disappoint. Critics and fellow gamers alike were blown away by its intricate plotlines and well-crafted narrative, making it a memorable experience for all.

7. Bridgerton Season 3

Views: 106 million

In Season 3 of Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington finally took center stage after her identity as Lady Whistledown was revealed. Fans were eagerly anticipating seeing the beloved Nicola Coughlan in a leading role and couldn’t wait to see her develop a personal relationship with Colin Bridgerton. The series was divided into two parts, extending the wait for this significant event, but it was definitely worth it.

6. The Queen’s Gambit

Views: 112.8 million

Prior to becoming the character Furiosa or escaping a tyrannical Ralph Fiennes who cooked burgers on a secluded island, Anya Taylor-Joy gained global recognition with her debut performance as Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit.

During the Cold War period, Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy, battles with addiction as she strives to become the world’s finest chess player. It might seem unlikely that chess would become the most alluring sport in 2020, given the circumstances, but considering the pandemic, it was our preferred escape during those challenging COVID times. We owe a debt of gratitude for its comforting presence throughout the darkest days.

5. Bridgerton Season 1

Views: 113.3 million

Initially, when Bridgerton debuted on streaming platforms, it marked another transformation in Netflix’s visual terrain. Prior to this, we had witnessed several things gain immense popularity online (like Stranger Things, for instance), but a romantic period drama that defied traditional social and historical norms? That was truly unprecedented.

The early episodes of Bridgerton stand out as their finest, chronicling the love story between Daphne and Simon. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the captivating chemistry between them couldn’t be denied. Furthermore, it was a delight to unravel the rich history entwined within the series.

4. DAHMER: Monster – The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Views: 115.6 million

As a devoted viewer, I can confidently say that if a show delves into the chilling world of a renowned serial killer, it’s more than capable of cracking the elite top 5 most-watched series on Netflix. The Monster series represents a thrilling creative leap for Ryan Murphy, albeit building upon his brief foray into true crime with shows like American Crime Story.

However, the release of Dahmer brought a surge of unusual fascination, and Evan Peters’ performance was remarkably detached. The series, despite facing criticisms, saw a boost in viewership due to these controversies.

3. Stranger Things Season 4

Views: 140.7 million

This is the time of year when we’ve eagerly consumed more episodes than usual, with anticipation for Season 5 reaching its peak. Yet, even amidst our long-standing wait, Stranger Things Season 4 has not failed to deliver memorable scenes that continue to spark conversation among fans.

Vecna, an ancient and fearsome antagonist, makes his appearance, causing widespread terror. Following a particular scene related to “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, she once again climbed up the music charts. The fate of Max remains uncertain – alive or not. As the series ends, Will senses that Vecna’s influence hasn’t vanished, hinting that the threat from the Upside Down is far from resolved.

2. Adolescence

Views: 141.2 million

Given that “Considering Adolescence” debuted in April 2025, it’s quite astonishing to see it already ranking second on the list. The series gained massive popularity and became a cultural sensation due to its groundbreaking, provocative depiction of incel culture among younger generations, tackling questions that society has long been reluctant to confront.

Each episode functions as a compact movie, delving into various phases of Jamie’s story, spanning from his arrest to the eve of his trial. Every detail, whether it’s the creative camera work or Owen Cooper’s impressive debut performance, is nothing short of extraordinary. If you haven’t watched it yet, I must ask – why not?

1. Wednesday Season 1

Views: 252.1 million

Leading our list, with more than 100 million views surpassing any other series on the streaming platform, is the first season of Wednesday. This new take on The Addams Family from the late ’90s sees Wednesday Addams trying to hone her growing psychic skills at Nevermore Academy.

The standout factor is Jenna Ortega’s acting, which truly makes the show compelling. The production quality is exceptional, comparable to many contemporary films released annually. We had a dance trend on social media (Lady Gaga wasn’t involved at this point), and the narrative was filled with clever and amusing twists.

We’ve been eagerly anticipating Season 2 just as much as fans waited for Stranger Things, and the upcoming episodes might even surpass their initial success. Now that Lady Gaga (Mother Monster) has joined the cast, who knows what unexpected events may unfold!

To discover more, take a look at the new TV series streaming this month, top-rated TV shows from the year thus far, and highly anticipated releases slated for 2025 that you simply can’t skip!

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2025-06-04 14:51