Most Popular TV Series Today
As the TV landscape continues to shift from broadcast and cable staples to streaming powerhouses, it can be hard to keep track of what is trending. But a handful of shows have consistently captured the attention of viewers for weeks and months, racking up millions of watch hours in that time. To make the list, a series or movie must reach at least half a billion hours of watch time, according to Google.
From teen mystery Outer Banks to Sofia Vergara’s Griselda to true crime limited series Murdaugh Murders, these popular series have accumulated enough eyeballs to earn their spot on this week’s chart. Meanwhile, Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians has made its debut at No. 2, and it has a solid chance to stay there for another week with its soaring ratings and high critical acclaim.
The enduring popularity of some TV shows goes far beyond the numbers. Some remain a touchstone in the history of television, and have left an indelible mark on the medium. Here are some of the most movies and TV shows in popular series of all time that helped shape our viewing habits.
What is the Most Popular TV Series Today?
The first show to show that the streaming era could create and sustain a mythology for its characters, the groundbreaking series about drug trafficking in the US borderlands set a new standard for the genre. With the help of a terrific cast, including Taylor Schilling as Piper and Dennis Franz’s brutal bigoted Detective Andy Sipowicz, the show opened viewers up to a world of complex, empathetic characters and stories.
If you like your TV with a dose of ruthless, this is the show for you. It unpacked the origin story of criminal attorney Bob Odenkirk’s character, who took the sleazy path to law, and used it to illustrate the tug-of-war between good and evil in our society. It was the first show to prove that it’s possible to get away with being a rotten apple, and made the notion of a series with a moral compass a more acceptable concept for audiences.
If Suits and Succession aren’t your thing, try this Showtime drama about Wall Street finance moguls. It’s got all the high-stakes drama of those hits, with a little more grittiness and a lot of power plays. Watch as Chuck Rhodes and Bobby Axelrod play a game of white-collar cat and mouse, and you’ll see why this is a binge-worthy choice.
Straight out of The Boys’ universe, this superhero dramedy follows young heroes at the top of their powers. If you’re looking for a bit of sex, violence and humor, this is the one for you.
This period drama set in London during the early days of HIV/AIDS is heartwarming, eye-opening and, most importantly, hopeful. Its characters flit between bustling share houses and local bars, all to the beat of a poppin’ ’80s soundtrack. It’s a fun and fascinating trip down memory lane for any fan of classic British drama.