These were the most-streamed TV shows of last year

The most watched shows in the US have been revealed by ratings company Nielsen, with Netflix ruling the top of the chart.

The tracking company, which historically charts broadcast viewership, has released multi-platform viewing figures for the first time for the 2024-25 TV season. This means streaming services can be compared to linear TV channels, with the figures taking into account live plus on demand audiences over the first 35 days.

Top of the list of 100, reported by Variety, is Netflix’s Squid Game (27.1million viewers), closely followed by the streamer’s British hit Adolescence (19million). CBS action-drama Tracker was the highest rated show from a traditional broadcaster, with 17.4million viewers. Amazon’s Reacher (17.3million) and ABC crime drama High Potential (16.1million) closed out the top five.

The top 20 certainly outlines Netflix’s dominance over TV viewing, with the streamer making up half of the top 20 shows. Squid Game and Adolescence were also the top two shows among the Adult 18-49 demographic, considered the most important for broadcasters. There were few laughs to be had, as only two comedies made the Top 10.

Despite many calling streaming the end to linear television, traditional broadcasters held their own in the top 100, reflecting the growing number of choices for viewers as all networks embrace on-demand services as well as live channels.

Top 20 shows of 2024-25 are:

1. Squid Game (Netflix, 27.1Million viewers)
2. Adolescence (Netflix, 19Million)
3. Tracker (CBS, 17.4Million)
4. Reacher (Prime Video, 17.4Million)
5. High Potential (ABC, 16.1Million)
6. Matlock (CBS, 16Million)
7. Landman (Paramount+, 15.8Million)
8. (Tied) Monsters: The Lyle And Eric Menendez Story (Netflix, 15.7Million)
8. (Tied) Zero Day (Netflix, 15.7Million)
10. Nobody Wants This (Netflix, 15.2Million)
11. The Night Agent (Netflix, 14.8Million)
12. American Primeval (Netflix, 13.8Million)
13. Running Point (Netflix, 13.1Million)
14. The Residence (Netflix, 12.8Million)
15. A Man On The Inside (Netflix, 12.4Million)
16. (Tied) George And Mandy’s First Marriage (CBS, 12.1Million)
16. (Tied) Ghosts (CBS, 12.1Million)
16. (Tied) Yellowstone (Paramount Network/CBS, 12.1Million)
19. 1923 (Paramount+, 11.9Million)
20. The White Lotus (HBO, 11.6Million)

Fans of Stranger Things, one of Netflix’s biggest shows of all time, are anticipating the fifth and final season coming to the streamer. Recently, one of the show’s creators teased an “emotional” and “thrilling” conclusion, saying:  “The goal is to hit hard”

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