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

The landscape of television continues to evolve as established hits share the spotlight with highly anticipated new releases. Current viewing trends indicate a strong preference for high-stakes dramas, sprawling fantasy epics, and gritty crime thrillers. This list highlights the titles that are capturing the attention of audiences worldwide based on recent user engagement. From long-running prestige dramas to upcoming additions to the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe, these shows define the current cultural conversation.

‘Cross’ (2024)

Aldis Hodge stars as Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective capable of digging into the psyches of killers and victims. The series is based on the best-selling book series by James Patterson and serves as a modern reimagining of the character. It follows Cross as he attempts to track down a murderer while dealing with personal trauma and the complexities of his profession. The production aims to provide a grounded lens on the iconic detective previously seen in several film adaptations.

‘Shrinking’ (2023)

Jimmy is a grieving therapist who decides to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. This unconventional and blunt approach leads to massive changes in both his patients’ lives and his own. The show stars Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, focusing on the intersection of mental health, grief, and humor. It explores how radical honesty, even when difficult, can facilitate healing and unexpected personal growth for everyone involved.

‘Heated Rivalry’ (2025)

This series explores the intense competitive dynamic and personal tension between high-profile professional athletes. It delves into the pressure of elite sports and the complicated relationships that form behind the scenes of major competitions. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams lead the cast in this character-driven sports drama. The narrative focuses on the drive for success and the significant personal sacrifices required to reach the top of a demanding field.

‘Fallout’ (2024)

Based on the popular video game franchise, ‘Fallout’ depicts a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles two hundred years after a nuclear catastrophe. The story follows Lucy, a vault dweller who must venture into the irradiated wasteland to search for her missing father. She encounters various factions, including the Brotherhood of Steel and mysterious ghouls, while navigating a dangerous and often absurd world. The production emphasizes the stark contrast between the luxury of the underground vaults and the brutality of the surface.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, ‘Stranger Things’ begins with the mysterious disappearance of a young boy. His friends and family soon discover a series of supernatural mysteries involving government experiments and a dangerous alternate dimension. A young girl with telekinetic powers becomes central to their efforts to save their town from otherworldly threats. The series has garnered widespread acclaim for its nostalgic atmosphere and its focus on the bond between its core characters.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022)

As a prequel to ‘Game of Thrones’, this series chronicles the rise and fall of House Targaryen nearly two centuries before the original events. It focuses on the internal power struggle known as the Dance of the Dragons, which is sparked by a complex succession crisis. King Viserys I Targaryen must navigate political intrigue and family loyalty as his various heirs vie for the Iron Throne. The show features numerous dragons and explores the intricate lineage that shaped the violent history of Westeros.

‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2022)

Defense attorney Mickey Haller runs his legal practice out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car. ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ follows Haller as he takes on high-profile criminal cases across Los Angeles while balancing his professional ethics with his personal life. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo portrays the charismatic protagonist based on the popular series of novels by Michael Connelly. Each season typically focuses on a major trial that tests Haller’s resourcefulness and his ability to navigate the legal system.

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

Three friends in their late thirties find themselves caught up in a mystery following the death of an old acquaintance. The series explores themes of friendship, grief, and the secrets people keep as they transition into new stages of life. Set in the city of Belfast, the narrative blends dark comedy with suspenseful thriller elements. Sinéad Keenan, Roisin Gallagher, and Caoilfhionn Dunne lead the cast in this character-focused Irish drama.

‘Love Story’ (2026)

This romantic drama follows the intricate emotional journey of two individuals navigating the complexities of modern relationships. Starring Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly, ‘Love Story’ examines the challenges of commitment and the lasting impact of past experiences. It focuses on the evolving bond between the lead characters as they deal with external social pressures and internal doubts. The show provides an intimate look at the nuances of intimacy and the resilience of human connection over time.

’56 Days’ (2026)

Based on the thriller novel by Catherine Ryan Howard, the story follows a couple who decide to move in together just as a global lockdown begins. As they spend their days in isolation, hidden secrets about their pasts begin to surface, leading to a tense and dangerous situation. Avan Jogia and Dove Cameron star as the couple at the center of this psychological mystery. The plot utilizes a non-linear structure to reveal the truth behind their relationship and a mounting crime investigation.

‘The Pitt’ (2025)

Noah Wyle stars in ‘The Pitt’, a medical drama set in a modern-day hospital located in Pittsburgh. The series provides an unvarnished look at the challenges faced by healthcare workers on the front lines of the American medical system. It focuses on the personal and professional lives of the staff as they navigate systemic issues and life-or-death situations. The show aims to capture the intensity and emotional weight of working in a high-pressure urban medical facility.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novels, ‘Game of Thrones’ depicts the violent struggle between noble families for control of the Iron Throne. As political maneuvering and warfare consume the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, an ancient supernatural threat gathers in the far north. Iconic characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen navigate a world filled with betrayal, magic, and shifting alliances. The show became a global cultural phenomenon known for its high production values and unpredictable plot developments.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023)

A low-level FBI agent working in the basement of the White House monitors an emergency phone line that never rings until one fateful night. This call plunges him into a dangerous conspiracy involving a mole at the highest levels of the United States government. He must protect a tech CEO while evading assassins and uncovering the truth behind a massive national security threat. Gabriel Basso leads the cast in ‘The Night Agent’, which functions as a fast-paced political thriller.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer, turns to manufacturing methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future. He partners with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, and slowly descends into the world of organized crime. Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of White in ‘Breaking Bad’ chronicles a dramatic transformation from a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin. The series is highly regarded for its tight writing, intense acting, and thorough exploration of moral consequences.

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026)

Set a century before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire, Egg. They travel across Westeros during a time when the Targaryen dynasty still holds firm control over the Iron Throne. Based on George R.R. Martin’s novellas, the story offers a smaller-scale perspective on the world of Westeros focusing on chivalry. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell star as the duo in this upcoming expansion of the fantasy franchise.

Share which of these trending television series you are currently watching or planning to start in the comments.