2025 was a year of television that truly captivated the world, particularly on one streaming platform. Across twelve months, a wave of original series emerged, some so impactful they even resonated within the halls of government, alongside highly anticipated returns of beloved shows. The numbers tell a story of collective viewing experiences, of stories that gripped a global audience.
At number ten, with 69.7 million viewers, was the darkly comedic seriesSirens. This limited run brought together a stellar cast, including Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, and Julianne Moore, under the executive production of Margot Robbie. The story centered on a woman’s journey to reconnect with her sister, only to uncover unsettling truths about her life and a dangerously co-dependent relationship with a powerful figure.
Robert De Niro took on the role of a former US President inZero Day, a political thriller that drew in 70.6 million viewers. When a devastating global cyberattack unfolds, he’s pulled back into service, tasked with preventing further catastrophe and uncovering the source of the digital assault.
A return to the beginning sparked renewed interest inStranger Things. Season one, viewed by 70.9 million, reminded audiences of the chilling mystery that launched the series – the disappearance of Will Byers and the unsettling forces lurking beneath the surface of Hawkins, Indiana. It was the introduction to a world, and a heroine, that would define a generation.
The wilderness held secrets inUNTAMED, a gripping series that captivated 92.8 million viewers. A federal agent’s investigation into a body discovered in Yosemite National Park led him down a path that intertwined with the park’s hidden history and his own troubled past.
The saga continued withStranger Things: Season 5, reaching 93.5 million viewers. This final chapter delivered a desperate battle for survival as the Hawkins gang faced Vecna and the Upside Down in a climactic showdown, a farewell that left many reaching for tissues.
A beloved online personality made the leap to the platform withMs. Rachel: Season 1, attracting a massive 100.2 million viewers. The show brought Ms. Rachel’s signature blend of songs, games, and educational lessons to a wider audience, delighting both children and parents.
Jenna Ortega reprised her iconic role inWednesday: Season 2, drawing in an astounding 123.9 million viewers. The return to Nevermore Academy saw Wednesday navigating new mysteries, facing familiar challenges, and once again finding herself at the center of a world-saving mission.
The dystopian world ofSquid Gamereturned with a second season, viewed by 134.4 million. Gi-hun found himself drawn back into the deadly games, confronting the enigmatic ‘Front Man’ and a new group of desperate contestants vying for a life-altering prize.
The story wasn’t over, asSquid Game: Season 3arrived, amassing 150.5 million viewers. Gi-hun’s continued involvement in the games raised questions about his motivations and the true scope of the organization behind the brutal competition, even sparking debate over the show’s controversial ending.
Topping the charts with a staggering 164.9 million viewers wasAdolescence. This limited series followed the Miller family as their lives were shattered by a shocking accusation against their 13-year-old son. The show’s powerful exploration of online safety and its impact on young people resonated so deeply that it prompted calls for its inclusion in school curricula, even garnering support from the UK Prime Minister.
