It’s Taylor Sheridan’s world, and we’re just living in it… at least when it comes to the top streaming shows. Looking at the Nielsen top 10 list of the most-watched streaming TV shows for the 2025-2026 season, as cited by The Hollywood Reporter, Sheridan’s TV shows account for almost a third of the list. But there are plenty of others that people are watching.
While I’m personally not a fan of Sheridan shows, I do have a knack for sussing out shows that will be huge. Long before Pluribus premiered, I knew it would be one of the most talked-about shows of 2025. That being said, I have watched almost every show that appears on this list, including ones beyond the top 10. I have a good idea of why they have been so popular. If you’re looking for something good to watch this weekend, every one of these series is worth your time. The numbers are based on 35 days of cross-platform viewing between September 14, 2025, and May 24, 2026.
Why You Should Trust Me: I watch a lot of TV and have been writing about the medium for about 12 years. I pride myself on being able to gauge which shows will be hot every season. While I might not always watch the shows with the most hype (I still can’t get into Yellowstone!), I can usually tell which shows are going to do well and which ones scream “these will be canceled after one season.” That said, I have watched and enjoyed most of the best new shows of the past year and can speak confidently to why they have resonated with viewers.
10
‘The Pitt’ (2025–Present)
A Raw and Emotional Look at the Medical Field
With 13.8 million viewers during the time period THR reported on, The Pitt has quickly become the most talked-about medical drama of late, a masterpiece show that perfected its genre. Reminiscent of E.R., especially since E.R. star Noah Wyle leads the series as senior attending physician Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, the show is a deeply emotional look at the inner workings of a busy emergency room in a teaching hospital.
Touching on everything ugly, dirty, and graphic that comes across during a typical 15-hour shift, along with the mental toll the job takes on doctors and nurses, it’s no wonder The Pitt has been praised by actual doctors for its realism. The show doesn’t shy away from anything, whether it’s a gross injury or a doctor taking a private moment as they struggle with their mental health. Since the story is told in real-time, The Pitt has a gripping format as well that works better than you might think it does. The series has an authentic feeling.
Watch This: If you want a glimpse of what a real hospital emergency room might be like, including an inside look from the perspective of medical professionals.
Skip This: If you have a weak stomach and can’t handle gross and graphic medical scenes.
9
‘High Potential’ (2024–Present)
A Quirky Protagonist and a Procedural Feel
Not only was High Potential among the most-watched streaming shows with 16 million viewers, but it also ranked number three in network shows, and number one when looking at slightly different dates for the important 18-49 demographic. The crime comedy-drama perfectly combines a procedural formula with a quirky protagonist and comedic moments.
Yes, this concept has been done before. However, Kaitlin Olson is wonderfully convincing as Morgan Gillory. She’s a single mother with an off-the-charts IQ who is hired as a consultant for the local police. Her sharp tongue, bold fashion sense, and inability to follow rules make her likable. The series is so great because you understand the emotional weight of Morgan’s mind working in overdrive 24/7. You also see the challenges it poses in her personal life. The dynamic with her at-first reluctant partner, detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), is a highlight, too. High Potential hits all the right notes, providing a winning formula with a case-of-the-week format alongside overarching mysteries. The compelling supporting characters with distinct personalities work beautifully.
Watch This: If you like shows with eccentric protagonists and at times outlandish cases, along with some light action.
Skip This: If you’ve had your fill of procedurals centered around a main character with a “special” talent.
8
‘Tracker’ (2024–Present)
An Action-Packed, Genre-Bending Procedural
Justin Hartley shines in Tracker as Colter Shaw, a man who grew up off-the-grid for much of his life. He uses the skills he learned from his now-deceased father to find missing persons for reward money. He travels throughout the U.S. and is rarely in one place for long, working with a remote team for background research, tech support, and legal help as he faces dangerous situations head-on to bring a missing person home to their loved ones.
Tracker garnered 16.3 million views during the period referenced, and it’s also the number two network show on the list. While the formula has become repetitive, there’s also something comforting about that. The series sometimes shifts gears and takes on unique cases that involve everything from cults to serial killers, supernatural events, and even sci-fi stories. The big mystery of Colter’s father’s death is always intriguing. Although the story is a slow-burn, I recommend binge-watching the whole series. Tracker Season 4 is on the way, and the series shows no signs of slowing down.
Watch This: If you like procedurals with a singular main character and plenty of action.
Skip This: If you don’t like shows that tease a background mystery for a long time.
7
‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)
Steamy Alternate History Escapism
This alternative history Regency romance series, Bridgerton, from Shonda Rhimes, is a perfect escapist pleasure for those who want to imagine this time as being very different than it was. The story follows young single women as they navigate the social season and try to find a match with handsome, eligible young men. Queen Charlotte (Golda Roshevel) is of African descent in the version of history in Bridgerton, which means people of color are part of the mix, too.
With 18.3 million viewers during the timeframe, it’s evident that even after four seasons, no one has gotten tired of Bridgerton. It’s steamy, sexy, and salacious. Every character in every season keeps you on your toes and feeling all tingly as they witness grand romantic gestures with a modern-day pop culture twist.
Watch This: If you love period pieces, fabulous costumes, and shows about aristocracy.
Skip This: If you don’t like period shows and aren’t into love stories and graphic sexual scenes.
6
‘Dutton Ranch’ (2026–Present)
Keeping the ‘Yellowstone’ Fandom Entertained
Yellowstone might have ended in 2024, but Taylor Sheridan’s franchise has prequels and two spin-offs, Dutton Ranch being the most recent. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprise their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. Now residing in South Texas, the pair try to build a new life. However, there’s a rival ranch that they must contend with, which brings their stories full circle.
Dutton Ranch is one of the biggest shows of 2026, bringing in 19.2 million viewers, proving that we all want more of the Yellowstone story and the Dutton family. Already renewed for a second season, Dutton Ranch had solid reviews in Season 1. It’s just as addictive as the original and marks one of Taylor Sheridan’s best new projects.
Watch This: If you’re a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s work and you miss Yellowstone.
Skip This: If you’re not a Yellowstone fan, or you’ve had enough of the franchise.
5
‘Marshals’ (2026–Present)
It’s a testament to the popularity and reach of Yellowstone that Sheridan’s new series Marshals is one of two spin-offs that have brought in huge numbers, attracting 19.3 million viewers. Along with making the top 10 most-watched streaming shows, Marshals was also the number one network show and the number two network show for the 18-49 demographic during a slightly different monitoring period.
This neo-Western show has more of a procedural feel, with Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton. He’s now far away from the Dutton Ranch and working as a U.S. Marshal who is protecting Montana. With other Yellowstone characters appearing as well, it’s the perfect watch for those who have been watching since the beginning. While Marshals received lukewarm reviews for its first season, the series could find a better balance soon. The series feels more like a procedural than the dark, dramatic Western story of Yellowstone.
Watch This: If you’re a Yellowstone fan and a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s work.
Skip This: If you expect a similar tone and feel to Yellowstone, as it’s more of a traditional procedural.
4
‘Landman’ (2024–Present)
Billy Bob Thornton Does it Again
Billy Bob Thornton either has a knack for picking great projects, or he helps make them great. It’s probably a combination of both, and Landman is no exception. The drama, which brought in 19.8 million viewers, is another show from Taylor Sheridan, who has been on a roll lately. Thornton stars as Tommy Norris, a petroleum landman and oil company vice president (later president) navigating the complex world of billionaires and non-billionaires in Texas.
As is typical with Thornton’s characters, Tommy is a rough-around-the-edges type of guy who does things his way, serving as a sort of handler and fixer for billionaires. While Landman features plenty of drama, storylines also feature relevant issues about the economy and climate. The characters have drawn viewers in, including Ali Larter’s standout performance as Tommy’s ex-wife Angela.
Watch This: If you like Taylor Sheridan shows and stories that show the intersection of hard labor and billionaire corporate types.
Skip This: If you’re not a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s work and aren’t into repetitive family melodrama and heavy stereotypes.
3
‘Sean Combs: The Reckoning’ (2025)
A Harrowing Look at a Celebrity True-Crime Story
It’s no surprise that this four-episode docuseries garnered a lot of views, 20.6 million to be exact. I watched Sean Combs: The Reckoning out of sheer curiosity, as I’m sure many did, horrified by the alleged behavior of rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs. Produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the series uses archival footage (which Combs later alleged were stolen and used without authorization) and interviews with more than a dozen individuals who were in Combs’ orbit.
Starting from the onset of his career in the early ’90s through to the present day, Sean Combs: The Reckoning doesn’t present any shocking new evidence that hasn’t already been covered in the media. However, this series features striking personal accounts and allegations presented in a jarring way. It’s deeply emotional since it shines the spotlight on people who are telling their stories directly. Accounts from Aubrey O’Day and Kirk Burrowes, the latter of whom co-founded Bad Boy Records with Combs, are among the most heart-wrenching.
Watch This: If you’re curious about the case and want a different perspective and want to hear personal stories.
Skip This: If you find the case disturbing.
2
‘His & Hers’ (2026)
A Twist You Won’t See Coming
The twist in His & Hers is one of the most unexpected of any show I have watched in the last few years. The series is set in a small town in Georgia where a young woman is found murdered. As local detective Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal) investigates, it doesn’t take long for his estranged wife and former news anchor Anna (Tessa Thompson) to return to town. Why is she there? And what do either of them know about what happened to this victim, whom they both know?
His & Hers takes some wild turns, and it’s one of those addictive whodunit stories that draws you in. It’s so unpredictable, in fact, that you’ll want to watch it twice. It’s impossible not to watch all six episodes in a single sitting, which is probably what many viewers did, as it had 25.6 million views. The twist, which comes in the final moments of the show, will leave your mouth wide open. It’s an engaging watch that makes for the perfect lazy day guilty pleasure.
Watch This: If you like big plot twists and murder mysteries with compelling, albeit unlikable, characters.
Skip This: If you don’t like the idea of skipping over sensitive topics and unbelievable storylines, and want a show with lead characters you’ll actually like.
1
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
A Modern-Day, Action-Packed Period Classic
Garnering 32 million viewers, Stranger Things was one of the most talked-about shows at the end of 2025 when the three-part series finale came out. The massive hit Netflix series is set in the ’80s and tells the story of a group of kids who encounter a mysterious girl with special powers after their friend goes missing. The story explores a local lab experimenting on children and an Upside Down alternate world filled with creatures and a terrifying villain looking to rewrite history.
Stranger Things will go down as one of the best shows of this generation. Combining mystery with horror, sci-fi, and coming-of-age drama, along with doses of humor, the series drew in viewers of all ages with its compelling story, incredible special effects, and lovable characters. While it will admittedly take longer than a weekend to watch it from start to finish, it would be a great summer watch. I rewatched the entire series with my son once he was old enough, and it’s one of those shows you can’t help but binge-watch because every moment keeps you on your toes.
Watch This: If you love movies like The Goonies and ’80s nostalgia and appreciate light sci-fi with a story that has kids at the center.
Skip This: If you will find the long gaps between seasons and the drastic changes in the characters as they aged out of the roles too jarring and unbelievable.
