Martin’s Acclaimed ‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-Off Is the Most Popular TV Series of the Week; Here Are the 14 Other Shows Atop IMDb’s List

Television audiences are currently gravitating toward a mix of high-fantasy prequels, gritty legal dramas, and anticipated sci-fi adaptations. This week’s most popular series reflect a significant interest in established franchises alongside upcoming releases scheduled for the next two years. From the return of beloved characters to the expansion of cinematic universes, these shows dominate current entertainment discussions.

‘Heated Rivalry’ (2025)

This series adapts the popular sports romance novels centered on the intense competition between two professional hockey players. The narrative explores the evolving relationship between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as they navigate their careers in the professional leagues. It delves into the complexities of professional sports culture and the personal sacrifices required to maintain a hidden connection. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams lead the cast in this modern adaptation of the source material.

‘The Night Manager’ (2016–)

Based on the novel by John le Carré, this espionage thriller follows a former British soldier who is recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of an arms dealer. Tom Hiddleston stars as Jonathan Pine, who must navigate a dangerous web of international crime and political intrigue. The series received critical acclaim for its high production values and performances, particularly by Hugh Laurie as the antagonist. Recent updates have confirmed that future seasons are in production, revitalizing interest in the original story.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

This supernatural drama set in the 1980s follows a group of friends in Indiana as they encounter malevolent forces from an alternate dimension. The series blends elements of horror, science fiction, and coming-of-age tropes while paying homage to classic pop culture of the era. The ensemble cast features Millie Bobby Brown as a girl with psychokinetic abilities who aids the town in its various crises. As the production approaches its final season, anticipation remains high for the resolution of the conflict.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–)

Set in Regency-era London, this period drama focuses on the powerful Bridgerton family as they navigate the competitive world of the marriage market. The series is narrated by an anonymous gossip columnist whose pamphlets influence the social standing of the aristocracy. Each season adapts a specific novel from the original book series, focusing on a different sibling’s quest for love. The production has gained significant attention for its contemporary music covers and diverse casting within a historical setting.

‘Cross’ (2024–)

This crime thriller features Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective created by novelist James Patterson. The show follows the protagonist as he uses his unique ability to delve into the psyches of killers to solve high-stakes murder cases. Set in Washington, D.C., the series explores his attempts to balance professional duty with the challenges of personal loss. It presents a contemporary take on the character, emphasizing the psychological toll of investigating violent crimes.

‘Love Story’ (2026)

This upcoming drama series serves as a modern reimagining or expansion of themes found in classic romantic literature. Starring Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly, the narrative focus is on a contemporary couple facing significant socio-economic barriers to their relationship. The production seeks to capture the emotional intensity of its predecessors while updating the setting for a 21st-century audience. It is positioned as a significant new entry in the romantic drama genre for the 2026 television season.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Based on George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy novels, this series depicts the brutal struggle for the Iron Throne among the noble houses of Westeros. The narrative intertwines multiple plotlines, including the threat of supernatural forces from the north and the return of an exiled queen. Known for its complex characters and willingness to subvert traditional fantasy tropes, the show became a global cultural phenomenon during its eight-season run. It remains a staple of popular culture, frequently appearing on viewership charts due to its extensive lore.

‘Unfamiliar’ (2026)

This mystery series is scheduled for a 2026 release and explores themes of identity and psychological displacement. The story centers on characters who find themselves in situations where their memories and reality no longer align, forcing them to question their surroundings. Early production details suggest a focus on atmospheric tension and character-driven suspense. The show aims to blend elements of psychological thrillers with modern social commentary to engage viewers.

‘The ‘Burbs’ (2026)

This upcoming series is a television adaptation of the 1989 cult classic comedy-horror film of the same name. The plot follows a group of neighbors who become increasingly suspicious of a new, mysterious family moving into their quiet cul-de-sac. It explores themes of suburban paranoia and the lengths people will go to when they believe their community is under threat. The production aims to maintain the dark humor and satirical tone that characterized the original motion picture.

‘Fallout’ (2024–)

Adapted from the celebrated video game franchise, this post-apocalyptic series is set two centuries after a global nuclear catastrophe. The story follows a survivor who leaves her safe underground bunker to search for her father in the irradiated wasteland of Los Angeles. She encounters various factions, including a militaristic order and a mutated bounty hunter known as the Ghoul. The show has been praised for its faithful recreation of the game’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and its balance of dark comedy.

‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ (2026)

Created by the writer behind ‘Derry Girls’, this upcoming series is a dark comedy-thriller set in Northern Ireland. The plot follows three childhood friends who find themselves caught up in a mystery following the death of an old acquaintance. The show blends sharp wit with a more dramatic, suspenseful narrative structure than the creator’s previous works. It features an ensemble cast led by Sinéad Keenan and Roisin Gallagher as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.

‘Spider-Noir’ (2026)

Nicolas Cage stars as an aging, down-on-his-luck private investigator in 1930s New York City who also serves as the city’s only superhero. This live-action series is based on the Marvel comic character and exists within its own distinct universe separate from other major franchises. The show utilizes a hardboiled detective aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classic film noir of the mid-20th century. Production involves a focus on the gritty, period-specific atmosphere of a Great Depression-era metropolis.

‘The Pitt’ (2025–)

Noah Wyle returns to the medical drama genre in this series focused on the frontline workers of a modern urban hospital in Pittsburgh. The show provides a realistic look at the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in an increasingly complex medical system. It emphasizes the personal lives of the staff as they balance high-stakes medical procedures with their own emotional well-being. The production aims to capture the fast-paced and often exhausting nature of emergency medicine in the 21st century.

‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2022–)

Based on the novels by Michael Connelly, the series follows Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who operates out of the back of his vehicle. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo portrays the iconoclastic lawyer as he takes on high-profile cases across Los Angeles while managing a complicated personal life. The show focuses on the legal maneuvering and investigative work required to win difficult trials in the California judicial system. Recent seasons have continued to adapt specific entries from the popular book series.

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–)

This ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel is based on George R.R. Martin’s novellas set roughly a century before the events of the original series. It follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a young and courageous knight, and his diminutive squire. Unlike the sprawling political wars of the main series, this show focuses on the personal journeys and chivalric trials of its two main protagonists. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell star as the central duo in a story that explores a different era of Westeros.

Tell us which of these upcoming or returning series you are most excited to watch in the comments.