In recent years, Netflix's streaming services have dominated conversations among friends and family on viewing recommendations. The "Have you seen…?" question is quickly followed by a gasp, if not scolding, that you have somehow missed out if you haven't watched the show.
With the neverending recommendations, it's easy to forget a few titles. Do not worry. Soap Central has compiled a list based on viewership and broken it down by seasons where applicable.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion, and the shows mentioned in this list are not in any particular order.
10 most-watched Netflix shows
For years, Netflix has been the go-to destination for captivating entertainment. From timeless sitcoms to adrenaline-fueled action series, the platform has something for everyone. Here are the 10 shows that have stolen the hearts of audiences worldwide:
10. The Witcher
The Witcher follows the story of Henry Cavill, a witcher, his love interest, Yennefer, a sorceress with magical powers, and Siri. Siri is a princess with uncontrollable power who possesses elf blood, and powerful kingdoms desire her blood.
In season 2, Yennefer takes Siri under her wings and teaches her to control her magical powers while Geralt of Rivia protects her from all the monsters.
9. Lucifer
The show follows the story of Lucifer as he fights his inner demons to bring justice to the world by solving crime cases. The comedy series follows the story of a fallen angel who retires in Los Angeles, refusing to return to Hell and claim his throne.
Lucifer premiered on Netflix in December 2018 after Fox canceled it in May 2018. It was first released on January 25, 2016, and ran for six seasons, with 93 episodes. Its final episode was released on September 10
8. Fool Me Once
Fool Me Once is a 2024 Netflix original limited series with eight thrilling episodes. The show follows a woman named Maya Stern, who tries to come to terms with the death of her husband, Joe.
Joe is murdered, and Maya installs a nanny cam to keep an eye on her daughter. However, when watching the camera footage, she is shocked to see her presumed to be dead in the house.
7. The Night Agent
. After answering a distress call, Peter finds himself involved in a deadly conspiracy involving a White House mole.
Season 2's premiere has not yet been announced, but the show is reportedly in its "advanced production," indicating a release date of late 2024 or early 2025.
6. Money Heist
Considered one of the most-watched non-English-language Netflix TV shows, Money Heist, or La Casa de Papel, is about a heist. The show follows the journey of a group that executes its plan to print money from the Royal Mint of Spain. In the first season, the group, aided by the Professor, the mastermind, takes 67 hostages and loots €2.4 billion.
The show's marketing and promotional strategies worked wonders, garnering over 69 million views within its first month of release. The team showcased the infamous heist outfit: a mask and a red jumpsuit.
5. The Queen's Gambit
Based on a 1983 novel of the same name, The Queen's Gambit garnered viewership by at least 62 million households within its first month of release, as per a CNET publication. The show follows orphan and chess prodigy Beth Harmon during the Cold War era as she struggles with addiction and strives to become the greatest chess player in the world.
4. Bridgerton
The first season of Bridgerton made an impressive mark with 113.3 million viewers, according to a May 2024 publication by Variety. The show's storyline features the lives of eight siblings living in England's Regency era and their quest to find love. Notable were the cast members' costumes.
As reported by a July 2024 publication by Collider, the show continues to grow in popularity, with a whopping 90 million plus views.
3. Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
As per Variety, Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix garnered over 1 billion hours within 60 days of its release. The limited Netflix series followed serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who murdered 17 men between 1978 and 1991.
The show received mixed reviews from critics but was number one on Netflix in its first week. Within its first month, it became Netflix's second most-watched series.
3. Stranger Things
According to a July 2022 publication by Reuters, Stranger Things had garnered over 1.15 billion viewership hours. The sci-fi drama features young friends unveiling the mysteries of government exploits and supernatural forces.
2. Wednesday
Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, takes center stage in this series that stems from The Addams Family classic show, cartoon, and movie. With Tim Burton at the helm, it follows Wednesday at Nevermore Academy, a private school for monstrous outcasts. Wednesday discovers she has psychic abilities like her mother, which helps her try to solve a local murder mystery.
1) Squid Game
Squid Game Season 1 was released on September 17, 2021, and its ingenious marketing strategy lured audiences worldwide. While romantic K-drama has been known to steal hearts, Squid Game was a game-changer.
The wave of Squid Game was so strong that within the first four weeks of premiering, the show secured a whopping 1.65 billion viewing hours.
These top 10 shows on Netflix featured in this list have secured their spots thanks to their millions of views and comments from fans.
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