‘Stranger Things’ Is Still Netflix’s Most-Watched Show of the Week
The final week of the 2025 holiday season saw a massive resurgence for established franchises on Netflix as viewers celebrated the new year. In the United States, the streaming platform’s charts were dominated by a combination of long-awaited finales and evergreen favorites. This period highlights the significant impact of the ‘Stranger Things’ franchise as it reaches its ultimate conclusion. Alongside supernatural dramas, live sports entertainment and high-profile comedy specials captured substantial audience attention. These viewership numbers reflect a diverse consumption of content across various genres during the winter break.
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
In the fourth season of the hit supernatural series, the group of friends in Hawkins faces a terrifying new threat known as Vecna. The narrative splits between Indiana, California, and a Soviet prison as the characters uncover the dark origins of the Upside Down. Eleven must regain her powers at a secret facility to save her friends from the psychological torment of the new villain. This installment became a global phenomenon, particularly for its use of 1980s synth-pop and heavy metal music.
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
Set during the summer of 1985, the third season centers on the grand opening of the Starcourt Mall in Hawkins. While the teenagers navigate the complexities of young love and changing friendships, a secret Soviet underground lab threatens the town’s safety. The Mind Flayer returns in a new physical form, requiring the combined efforts of the core group and the local authorities to stop it. This season is noted for its vibrant aesthetic and the introduction of Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley.
‘Raw’ (1993)
The December 29, 2025, episode of ‘Raw’ marked a significant moment in the transition of live sports entertainment to the streaming giant. This particular broadcast featured the fallout from recent pay-per-view events and set the stage for the upcoming Royal Rumble matches. Fans tuned in to see major superstars compete in high-stakes matches and advance long-running storylines within the squared circle. The move to Netflix represents a historic shift in how weekly professional wrestling is distributed to global audiences.
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
Following the events of the first season, ‘Stranger Things 2’ explores Will Byers’ ongoing struggle with the trauma of his time in the Upside Down. A larger, more formidable entity known as the Shadow Monster begins to exert its influence over Hawkins through a series of underground tunnels. The season introduces fan-favorite characters Max Mayfield and her brother Billy, adding new dynamics to the established cast. Dustin and Steve forge an unlikely partnership as they attempt to track a creature that originates from another dimension.
‘Ricky Gervais: Mortality’ (2025)
Comedian Ricky Gervais returns to the stage in his latest stand-up special to tackle the inevitable reality of life’s end. The performance explores the absurdities of aging, the legacy of human existence, and the societal attitudes toward death. Gervais utilizes his signature dark humor and observational wit to comment on contemporary cultural trends and personal experiences. This special continues the comedian’s long-standing partnership with the streaming platform for exclusive global comedy content.
‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–2025)
The fifth season of ‘Emily in Paris’ continues the adventures of marketing executive Emily Cooper as she navigates her professional and romantic life. After the dramatic events of the previous season, Emily finds herself balancing new career opportunities with the complexities of her relationships in the French capital. The series maintains its focus on high fashion, scenic European locales, and the cultural clashes that define Emily’s daily life. This season introduces fresh faces to the Agence Grateau team, shifting the power dynamics within the firm.
‘Dave Chappelle: The Unstoppable…’ (2025)
Dave Chappelle delivers his latest set of social commentary and observational comedy in this high-profile Netflix special. The comedian addresses his place in the current media landscape while reflecting on his lengthy career in the entertainment industry. Known for his provocative style, Chappelle discusses a wide range of topics including politics, celebrity culture, and personal anecdotes. This release solidifies his position as one of the most-watched and debated figures in modern stand-up comedy.
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
The debut season of ‘Stranger Things’ introduces viewers to the town of Hawkins and the mysterious disappearance of young Will Byers. A group of friends discovers a telekinetic girl named Eleven who has escaped from a secretive government laboratory nearby. As the boys search for their missing friend, they uncover a parallel dimension and the terrifying creatures that inhabit it. This season launched the series into a cultural phenomenon by blending 1980s nostalgia with science fiction and horror elements.
‘Run Away’ (2026)
This limited series adaptation follows a family man whose life is turned upside down by a shocking revelation about his past. When his daughter goes missing, a series of secrets begin to unravel, implicating those closest to him in a web of lies and murder. The narrative focuses on the lengths a parent will go to protect their children, even when the truth is devastating. Based on the work of a prominent mystery novelist, the show emphasizes suspense and psychological tension throughout its episodes.
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
The final season of the epic supernatural saga brings the conflict between the Hawkins heroes and Vecna to a definitive conclusion. With the barriers between Earth and the Upside Down crumbling, the original cast must reunite to save their world from total destruction. The narrative brings the story full circle, returning focus to the core friendships that defined the series from its beginning. This concluding chapter provides answers to long-standing mysteries regarding the nature of the rift and Eleven’s ultimate destiny.
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