Here Are the Top 15 Most-Popular TV Series on IMDb This Week, with Martin’s Beloved Spin-Off on Top

As the television landscape continues to evolve with a mix of returning favorites and highly anticipated premieres, viewers are flocking to a diverse array of dramas, comedies, and adaptations. This week’s trending selections highlight a significant interest in both the expansion of established cinematic universes and the arrival of fresh procedural narratives. From the gritty streets of modern cities to the fantastical realms of Westeros, these shows represent the most searched and discussed titles in the industry. The current rankings reflect a blend of long-standing cultural phenomena and brand-new entries that are just beginning their televised journeys.

‘Heated Rivalry’ (2025)

This series stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in a narrative centered on intense competition and complex personal dynamics. The production consists of seven episodes and carries a TV-MA rating for its mature themes and adult content. It explores the high stakes of professional environments where personal feelings and career goals frequently collide in unexpected ways. The show has garnered significant attention for its character-driven storytelling and its exploration of emotional depth within a competitive framework.

‘The Night Manager’ (2016)

Based on the celebrated novel by John le Carré, this series follows a former British soldier who is recruited by an intelligence officer to infiltrate the inner circle of an arms dealer. Tom Hiddleston stars as Jonathan Pine, navigating a dangerous world of international espionage alongside a cast that includes Diego Calva and Camila Morrone. The show is recognized for its high-production values, global locations, and tense atmosphere that keeps audiences engaged with every plot twist. It remains a definitive entry in the thriller genre due to its sophisticated writing and strong lead performances.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, this series chronicles the supernatural events triggered by the disappearance of a young boy and the appearance of a girl with psychokinetic abilities. The ensemble cast, featuring Jamie Campbell Bower, Millie Bobby Brown, and Finn Wolfhard, faces off against entities from an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. As the series approaches its final season in 2025, it continues to hold a massive following thanks to its nostalgic aesthetic and high-stakes adventure. The show has become a cornerstone of modern pop culture by blending horror, science fiction, and coming-of-age drama.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020)

This Regency-era drama focuses on the competitive world of high society London during the annual social season where young aristocrats are introduced to court. The narrative follows the eight siblings of the Bridgerton family as they navigate the complexities of marriage, scandal, and social standing. Starring Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha, the series is known for its vibrant production design and its modern interpretation of historical romance tropes. It consistently draws large viewership numbers with its blend of romantic intrigue and the mysterious commentary of the anonymous Lady Whistledown.

‘Cross’ (2024)

Aldis Hodge stars as Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist who uses his unique skills to delve into the psyches of both killers and victims. Based on the iconic characters created by author James Patterson, the series explores complex criminal cases set against the backdrop of modern Washington, D.C. The show balances intense procedural elements with an exploration of the protagonist’s personal life and moral challenges. Its focus on psychological profiling and gritty urban storytelling has established it as a significant new entry in the crime thriller genre.

‘Love Story’ (2026)

This nine-episode series features Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon in a production that examines the intricacies of modern romantic connections. Carrying a TV-MA rating, the show addresses mature themes through a contemporary lens that focuses on the evolution of a single relationship over time. The narrative structure emphasizes the psychological and social factors that influence how individuals interact in the modern dating world. Its recent debut has sparked widespread discussion regarding its realistic and often challenging portrayal of intimacy.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Spanning eight seasons, this epic fantasy series depicts the violent power struggle among noble families for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros. The story intertwines multiple plotlines involving political alliances, ancient prophecies, and the looming threat of an undead army from the frozen North. Based on the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels by George R.R. Martin, it became a global cultural phenomenon during its original broadcast run. The series continues to attract new and returning viewers who are drawn to its complex world-building and unpredictable character arcs.

‘Unfamiliar’ (2026)

This six-episode series introduces a narrative built on mystery and psychological tension where characters encounter increasingly unrecognizable realities. The plot follows individuals who find themselves trapped in situations where the ordinary becomes threatening and the people they know seem changed. Rated TV-MA, the production utilizes a focused episode count to deliver a concise story that relies on atmosphere and suspense. It has quickly risen in the rankings due to its intriguing premise and the strong performances of its lead cast.

‘The ‘Burbs’ (2026)

Set in a seemingly quiet residential neighborhood, this series explores the eccentricities and hidden secrets that lie behind closed suburban doors. The eight-episode season delves into the paranoia and curiosity that arise when new neighbors move onto a standard residential street, sparking suspicion among the locals. While it shares a title with the classic 1989 film, this adaptation brings a modern perspective to the concept of neighborhood surveillance and social dynamics. Its blend of dark humor and suspenseful storytelling has made it a notable title for audiences seeking edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

‘Fallout’ (2024)

Based on the iconic video game franchise, this series depicts the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse in an alternate history version of the United States. Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, and Ella Purnell star as survivors navigating a world filled with irradiated mutants, lawless factions, and the remnants of pre-war technology. The story balances the grim reality of survival with the satirical tone and retro-futuristic aesthetic characteristic of its source material. It has been highly praised for its faithful world-building and for successfully expanding the ‘Fallout’ lore into a new medium.

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

This series follows three childhood friends, played by Sinéad Keenan, Roisin Gallagher, and Caoilfhionn Dunne, who are reunited in their late thirties by a sudden tragedy. Their journey takes them through various challenges as they navigate a mystery that spans from the city of Belfast to the rural landscapes of Donegal. The eight-episode run combines elements of comedy and drama while exploring themes of long-term friendship and the weight of shared secrets. Its distinct regional setting and the chemistry between the leads have contributed to its strong performance on the charts.

‘Spider-Noir’ (2026)

Nicolas Cage stars in this live-action adaptation centered on an aging private investigator in 1930s New York who also serves as the city’s only superhero. The character operates within a gritty, noir-inspired landscape that trades traditional bright superhero tropes for shadows and hard-boiled detective work. This eight-episode series explores the origins and daily struggles of this unique version of the iconic wall-crawler during the era of the Great Depression. The project represents a significant stylistic shift for the franchise, offering a more mature and grounded take on the superhero genre.

‘The Pitt’ (2025)

Noah Wyle leads this medical drama which offers a realistic and unvarnished look at the challenges facing healthcare workers in a modern urban hospital. The series focuses on the frontline staff as they deal with immediate medical emergencies as well as the broader systemic issues within the medical field. With a 31-episode run, the show provides an in-depth exploration of its characters’ professional duties and their complicated personal lives. Its high audience ratings reflect a strong connection to its grounded storytelling and its portrayal of the high-pressure environment of an emergency room.

‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2022)

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo stars as Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who famously operates his law practice out of the back of his Lincoln Navigator. The series is based on the bestselling novels by Michael Connelly and follows Haller as he takes on high-profile legal cases across the city of Los Angeles. Over its 50-episode history, the show has balanced intense courtroom drama with the protagonist’s ongoing personal redemption arc. Its consistent popularity stems from its engaging procedural format and the charismatic performance of its lead actor.

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026)

Set a century before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’, this series follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire, known as Egg. Starring Dexter Sol Ansell and Peter Claffey, the narrative is based on George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas which offer a different perspective on Westeros. The show provides a more intimate look at the Seven Kingdoms during the height of the Targaryen dynasty, focusing on chivalry and traveling across the realm. Its first season consists of seven episodes and has immediately captured the top spot for its faithful adaptation of the source material.

Tell us which of these trending series you are currently binge-watching in the comments.