Most Watched Series 2025: Top TV Shows, Streaming Hits and Trending Dramas

Searching for the most watched series of 2025? This ranking spotlights the best TV shows 2025 offered across streaming, cable, and broadcast. Each entry lists total viewers, explains what the show is about, notes whether it is continuing, and adds one key reason it became a trending series. View counts are rounded global estimates that combine linear and streaming audiences in North America and Europe.

The Last of Us Season 2 (30 million viewers)

HBO’s post‑apocalyptic drama returned with a darker new chapter that matched its record‑setting first season. Weekly cliff‑hangers, expanded characters, and cinematic production made it the prestige appointment show of early 2025. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey led another emotional story that critics praised as bigger and bolder.

• Why it blew up: Huge built‑in fanbase from the video game plus relentless social buzz made it the year’s top rated series.
  

Squid Game Season 2 (27.1 million viewers)

Netflix brought back the global survival thriller with fresh games and deeper conspiracies. Viewers worldwide rushed to see if Seong Gi‑hun could topple the game masters. The show sparked debate about inequality and kept the spotlight on Korean storytelling.

• Why it blew up: The first season’s cliff‑hanger ending created pent‑up demand, turning Season 2 into the most binge‑watched global launch for a Netflix hit show.
  

Tracker Season 1 (17.4 million viewers)

CBS launched this action procedural starring Justin Hartley as a solitary tracker who rescues missing persons. Classic case‑of‑the‑week stories mixed with family mystery, and streaming lifts on Paramount Plus broadened reach. Season 2 is already ordered.

• Why it blew up: Accessible stand‑alone episodes and a charismatic lead brought traditional TV viewers and cord‑cutters together for a broadcast hit.
  

Reacher Season 2 (17.3 million viewers)

Prime Video’s adaptation of the Jack Reacher novels delivered brutal fights and tight plotting. Alan Ritchson’s larger‑than‑life hero tackled a new conspiracy, and international marketing drove massive binge sessions. A third season is filming.

• Why it blew up: Faithful book adaptation plus word of mouth about its no‑nonsense action kept it a binge worthy show worldwide.
  

High Potential Season 1 (16.1 million viewers)

ABC’s detective dramedy follows a single mom with an eidetic memory who helps police crack puzzling cases. Kaitlin Olson’s comedic timing and heartfelt family scenes resonated with viewers on ABC and next‑day Hulu streams.

• Why it blew up: Lighthearted mystery formula filled the gap for viewers craving an upbeat yet clever feel good series.
  

Matlock Season 1 (16.0 million viewers)

Kathy Bates reinvents the iconic lawyer for a new generation on CBS. Sharp courtroom twists and Southern charm attracted multigenerational families, and DVR playback pushed totals higher.

• Why it blew up: Nostalgia mixed with fresh cases reminded audiences why classic legal dramas remain must watch TV.

‍

Landman Season 1 (15.8 million viewers)

Taylor Sheridan’s gritty oil‑industry saga on Paramount Plus became the platform’s number one show. Billy Bob Thornton led a tale of land deals, power struggles, and family loyalty against a Texas backdrop.

• Why it blew up: Sheridan’s Yellowstone fanbase followed him, proving modern Western drama is still a top streaming draw.
  

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (15.7 million viewers)

Ryan Murphy’s true‑crime anthology dramatized the notorious Menendez murders. Strong performances and a chilling retelling kept viewers glued from start to finish.

• Why it blew up: True‑crime fascination plus Murphy’s stylistic storytelling made it Netflix’s most talked‑about docudrama series.
  

Zero Day (15.7 million viewers)

This Netflix limited series stars Robert De Niro as a former president facing a nationwide cyber threat. Six tightly paced episodes delivered political intrigue and big‑screen production values.

• Why it blew up: De Niro’s first TV lead role created buzz that pushed it to the top of most streamed shows lists.
  

Nobody Wants This Season 1 (15.2 million viewers)

Kristen Bell headlines a romantic comedy about a blunt podcaster who falls for a rabbi. Warm humor and honest romance gave Netflix a surprise crowd‑pleaser, already renewed for Season 2.

• Why it blew up: Audiences craved a lighter, uplifting option, making it the year’s standout feel good hit.
  

The White Lotus Season 3 (11.6 million viewers)

Mike White’s razor‑sharp satire moved to a luxury resort in Thailand. New guests, cultural clashes, and a fresh mystery kept social media buzzing every Sunday night on HBO.

• Why it blew up: Beautiful locations and meme‑ready dialogue cemented its reputation as a prestige comedy drama event.
  

Love Is Blind Season 7 (5.8 million viewers)

Netflix’s dating experiment returned with new singles proposing sight unseen. Shocking reveals and messy reunions fueled endless online chatter.

• Why it blew up: The irresistible format guarantees viral moments, making it the most buzzed‑about reality dating show of 2025.
  

Final Word on 2025’s TV Phenomenon

These titles earned their spots among the most popular TV shows 2025 by blending star power, fresh concepts, and strong writing. Whether you prefer a dark thriller, cozy procedural, prestige satire, or reality spectacle, this list offers the year’s definitive must watch series. Dive in and join the conversation that had audiences in North America, Europe, and beyond glued to their screens.

FAQ

What is the single most watched series of 2025?

The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO averaged 30 million viewers and topped every chart as the year’s top rated series.

Which 2025 Netflix show pulled the largest global audience?

Squid Game Season 2 led all Netflix titles with 27.1 million viewers, making it the platform’s biggest binge worthy hit of the year.

Are any broadcast TV dramas still competing with streaming giants?

Yes. CBS’s Tracker averaged 17.4 million viewers, proving network procedurals remain must watch TV alongside the best streaming originals.

What true crime series drew major attention in 2025?

Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story captivated audiences with 15.7 million viewers, highlighting enduring demand for true crime docudramas.

Which new comedy became the surprise feel good favorite of 2025?

Netflix’s Nobody Wants This charmed viewers with relatable romance and sharp humor, earning 15.2 million viewers and the title of 2025’s standout feel good series.

‍