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

Streaming platforms have reshaped how we enjoy stories, delivering a flood of original series that keep us hooked. The first half of 2025 saw U.S. audiences diving into a wide mix of shows, from intense thrillers to lighthearted reality TV, with billions of minutes watched, according to Nielsen’s data.

These top 20 series showcase what’s clicking with viewers, blending fresh hits with beloved classics. Each show brings something unique, whether it’s heart-pounding action or emotional drama. Let’s count down the list from 20 to 1, highlighting why these shows ruled our screens.

20. Sweet Magnolias (2020-present)

Netflix’s ‘Sweet Magnolias’ wrapped its final season, earning 5.413 billion minutes across 40 episodes. This heartfelt drama follows three women tackling love and life in a charming Southern town.
Its warm vibe and tight-knit friendships make it a cozy escape. The show’s emotional depth keeps us invested, perfect for a weekend binge.

19. Love Island USA (2019-present)

With 223 episodes, Peacock’s ‘Love Island USA’ racked up 5.431 billion minutes. Singles compete for love in a sun-soaked villa, sparking drama and romance.
The show’s fast-paced hookups and betrayals fuel endless chatter. Its daily episodes make it a bingeable guilty pleasure for reality fans.

18. Virgin River (2019-present)

Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’ drew 5.434 billion minutes with 64 episodes, centering on a nurse starting over in a remote town. It blends romance and community drama.
The lush setting and tender moments keep us coming back. Its steady fanbase loves the mix of love stories and small-town charm.

17. Stranger Things (2016-2025)

Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ hit 5.439 billion minutes across 34 episodes. This ‘80s-set sci-fi saga follows friends fighting otherworldly threats.
Its nostalgic charm and high-stakes plot never fail to grip us. The 2025 finale delivered thrills, sealing its iconic status.

16. Zero Day (2025)

Debuting on Netflix, ‘Zero Day’ earned 5.559 billion minutes with just 6 episodes. Robert De Niro leads as a retired president facing a digital crisis.
The sharp, suspenseful story grabs us from the start. Its concise run proves a tight plot can pull massive crowds.

15. Black Mirror (2011-present)

Netflix’s ‘Black Mirror’ logged 5.574 billion minutes with 33 episodes. Its anthology format dives into tech’s chilling consequences.
Each standalone story sparks debate with its bold ideas. The 2025 episodes kept us rattled with their eerie, thought-provoking twists.

14. Andor (2022-2025)

Disney+’s ‘Andor’ earned 5.675 billion minutes across 24 episodes. This ‘Star Wars’ prequel tracks a rebel’s rise against a galactic empire.
Its grounded tone and rich characters stand out. We love its cinematic scope, appealing to sci-fi buffs and beyond.

13. Gabby’s Dollhouse (2021-present)

Available on Netflix and Prime Video, ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ scored 6.016 billion minutes with 80 episodes. The animated series follows Gabby’s magical cat adventures.
Its playful energy captivates kids and parents alike. The dual-platform reach helped it climb the streaming charts.

12. Love Is Blind (2020-present)

Netflix’s ‘Love Is Blind’ racked up 7.351 billion minutes across 170 episodes. Couples connect emotionally before meeting in person, sparking drama.
The wild twists and romance keep us hooked. Its hefty episode count feeds our appetite for reality TV chaos.

11. The Residence (2025)

Netflix’s ‘The Residence’ debuted with 8 episodes, earning 7.780 billion minutes. A murder mystery unfolds in the White House with a sharp cast.
Its clever plot and high stakes grab attention fast. The fresh story feels like a perfect fit for mystery lovers.

10. Landman (2024-present)

Paramount+’s ‘Landman’ hit 7.826 billion minutes with 10 episodes. Billy Bob Thornton stars in this gritty tale of oil industry workers.
The raw drama and real-world feel pull us in. Its tight season delivers big impact with every intense episode.

9. You (2018-2025)

Netflix’s ‘You’ scored 8.097 billion minutes across 53 episodes. This dark thriller tracks a stalker’s obsessive quest for love.
Penn Badgley’s chilling performance keeps us riveted. The 2025 finale packed shocks that drove non-stop streaming.

8. The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2025)

Hulu’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ earned 8.165 billion minutes with 66 episodes. It portrays women resisting a brutal regime.
Elisabeth Moss’s raw acting and the stark story hit hard. The 2025 season kept us glued to its intense world.

7. The Pitt (2025-present)

Max’s ‘The Pitt’ debuted with 15 episodes, pulling in 8.227 billion minutes. This medical drama tracks ER doctors in Pittsburgh facing chaos.
Its high-energy pace and human stories resonate. The fresh angle on hospital life hooked viewers instantly.

6. 1923 (2022-2025)

Paramount+’s ‘1923’ earned 8.536 billion minutes with 15 episodes. This ‘Yellowstone’ prequel follows the Duttons’ early struggles.
Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren shine in this rugged tale. Its Western drama keeps us captivated with every episode.

5. Severance (2022-present)

Apple TV+’s ‘Severance’ hit 9.275 billion minutes with 19 episodes. It follows workers whose memories split between work and life.
The eerie concept and tight script keep us guessing. The 2025 season’s twists made it a streaming juggernaut.

4. Ginny & Georgia (2021-2025)

Netflix’s ‘Ginny & Georgia’ logged 10.201 billion minutes across 30 episodes. A mother and daughter face secrets in a new town.
The mix of teen drama and family tension hooks us. Its sharp writing and relatable cast fuel its popularity.

3. The Night Agent (2023-present)

Netflix’s ‘The Night Agent’ scored 12.219 billion minutes with 20 episodes. An FBI agent stumbles into a massive conspiracy.
Its relentless action and surprises keep us on edge. The 2025 run solidified its place as a thriller favorite.

2. Reacher (2022-present)

Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’ racked up 13.313 billion minutes across 24 episodes. A tough drifter takes on crime with raw strength.
Alan Ritchson’s gritty performance drives the action. Its no-nonsense vibe makes it a top pick for thrill-seekers.

1. Squid Game (2021-2025)

Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ dominated with 15.074 billion minutes across 22 episodes. This Korean thriller pits players in deadly games for a cash prize.
Its gripping stakes and sharp social themes captivate us. The 2025 season proved it’s still a global sensation.

What’s your top series from this list, or is there another show we should check out? Share your picks in the comments!