The Top 20 Most-Streamed Original Series for the First Half of 2025

Streaming has become our go-to for entertainment, with original series pulling in massive audiences across platforms. In the first half of 2025, a mix of thrilling dramas, reality shows, and animated favorites captured U.S. viewers, racking up billions of minutes watched. Nielsen’s data reveals the shows we couldn’t stop binging, showcasing a diverse range of stories and genres.

From gritty action to heartfelt romances, these series reflect what’s resonating with audiences today. Whether it’s returning favorites or fresh debuts, the top 20 list highlights the power of streaming to keep us glued to our screens. Let’s dive into the ranked list, counting down from 20 to 1, exploring what made each show a standout.

20. Sweet Magnolias (2020-present)

This Netflix drama follows three best friends navigating life, love, and careers in a small Southern town. With 40 episodes, ‘Sweet Magnolias’ clocked 5.413 billion minutes, wrapping up its final season in 2025.
The show’s charm lies in its relatable characters and cozy setting, drawing us into their emotional journeys. Its mix of romance and friendship keeps viewers hooked, making it a comforting binge for many.

19. Love Island USA (2019-present)

Peacock’s reality hit ‘Love Island USA’ delivered 223 episodes, amassing 5.431 billion minutes. The show throws singles into a tropical villa to find love under constant drama.
Its addictive mix of romance, betrayal, and challenges fuels endless watch parties. The massive episode count reflects its daily format, keeping us invested in every twist and turn.

18. Virgin River (2019-present)

Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’ racked up 5.434 billion minutes across 64 episodes, focusing on a nurse rebuilding her life in a remote town. The series blends romance with small-town drama.
Fans love the heartfelt storytelling and strong chemistry between leads. Its consistent popularity shows we can’t resist its emotional pull and scenic backdrop.

17. Stranger Things (2016-2025)

The sci-fi phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’ on Netflix earned 5.439 billion minutes with 34 episodes. Set in the 1980s, it follows kids battling supernatural forces.
Its nostalgic vibe and gripping plot keep us coming back. The final season in 2025 delivered epic moments, cementing its place as a cultural favorite.

16. Zero Day (2025)

Netflix’s new thriller ‘Zero Day’ debuted with 6 episodes, pulling in 5.559 billion minutes. It stars Robert De Niro as a former president tackling a cyber crisis.
The intense plot and star power make it a must-watch. Its concise season proves quality can outshine quantity in drawing huge audiences.

15. Black Mirror (2011-present)

Netflix’s dystopian anthology ‘Black Mirror’ logged 5.574 billion minutes across 33 episodes. Each episode explores technology’s dark side with standalone stories.
The show’s bold concepts and eerie relevance keep us talking. Its 2025 season added fresh, unsettling tales that hit close to home.

14. Andor (2022-2025)

Disney+’s ‘Andor’, a ‘Star Wars’ prequel, earned 5.675 billion minutes with 24 episodes. It follows Cassian Andor’s journey into rebellion against the Empire.
The gritty storytelling and stellar cast make it a standout. Its cinematic feel appeals to both ‘Star Wars’ fans and newcomers.

13. Gabby’s Dollhouse (2021-present)

This animated gem, available on Netflix and Prime Video, racked up 6.016 billion minutes across 80 episodes. It follows Gabby and her cat friends in a whimsical world.
Kids and families love its colorful adventures and catchy songs. Its cross-platform availability boosted its massive streaming numbers.

12. Love Is Blind (2020-present)

Netflix’s reality experiment ‘Love Is Blind’ hit 7.351 billion minutes with 170 episodes. Contestants form emotional bonds before meeting face-to-face.
The drama of love and heartbreak keeps us glued. Its high episode count reflects its bingeable format, perfect for reality TV fans.

11. The Residence (2025)

Netflix’s mystery drama ‘The Residence’ debuted with 8 episodes, earning 7.780 billion minutes. Set in the White House, it follows a detective solving a murder.
Its sharp writing and twisty plot hooked viewers fast. The star-studded cast adds flair to this fresh addition to Netflix’s lineup.

10. Landman (2024-present)

Paramount+’s ‘Landman’ scored 7.826 billion minutes with 10 episodes. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, it dives into the rough world of oil workers.
The intense drama and authentic setting resonate with audiences. Its concise season packs a punch, blending action and emotion.

9. You (2018-2025)

Netflix’s psychological thriller ‘You’ earned 8.097 billion minutes across 53 episodes. It follows a charming but dangerous stalker navigating love and obsession.
The show’s creepy allure and Penn Badgley’s performance keep us hooked. Its final season in 2025 delivered shocking twists that fueled binges.

8. The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2025)

Hulu’s dystopian drama ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ logged 8.165 billion minutes with 66 episodes. It depicts a totalitarian regime where women fight for freedom.
The powerful storytelling and Elisabeth Moss’s performance grip viewers. Its final season in 2025 kept us invested in its haunting world.

7. The Pitt (2025-present)

Max’s medical drama ‘The Pitt’ debuted with 15 episodes, earning 8.227 billion minutes. Set in a Pittsburgh ER, it follows doctors under pressure.
The fast-paced action and emotional stakes make it compelling. Its fresh take on the medical genre struck a chord with audiences.

6. 1923 (2022-2025)

Paramount+’s ‘1923’, a ‘Yellowstone’ prequel, scored 8.536 billion minutes with 15 episodes. It follows the Dutton family’s struggles in the early 20th century.
The mix of Western grit and family drama draws us in. Stellar performances from Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren elevate its appeal.

5. Severance (2022-present)

Apple TV+’s ‘Severance’ earned 9.275 billion minutes across 19 episodes. It explores a company that splits employees’ work and personal memories.
The mind-bending plot and Adam Scott’s performance keep us guessing. Its 2025 season deepened the mystery, driving massive viewership.

4. Ginny & Georgia (2021-2025)

Netflix’s ‘Ginny & Georgia’ racked up 10.201 billion minutes with 30 episodes. It follows a mother and daughter navigating secrets and small-town life.
The mix of drama, humor, and teen angst resonates widely. Its relatable characters and cliffhangers make it a binge-worthy favorite.

3. The Night Agent (2023-present)

Netflix’s action thriller ‘The Night Agent’ hit 12.219 billion minutes with 20 episodes. A low-level FBI agent uncovers a government conspiracy.
Its fast-paced plot and twists keep us on edge. The 2025 season’s high stakes and action cemented its spot near the top.

2. Reacher (2022-present)

Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’ scored 13.313 billion minutes across 24 episodes. Based on Lee Child’s books, it follows a drifter solving crimes with brute force.
Alan Ritchson’s commanding performance and gritty action thrill us. Its straightforward storytelling makes it a go-to for action fans.

1. Squid Game (2021-2025)

Topping the list, Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ amassed 15.074 billion minutes with 22 episodes. The South Korean thriller pits desperate contestants in deadly games for cash.
Its intense plot, social commentary, and global appeal make it unstoppable. The 2025 season kept us gripped, proving its staying power.

Which series kept you glued to your screen this year, or is there a hidden gem we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!