Netflix continues to dominate global streaming with original series that capture massive audiences worldwide. From mystery dramas to romance and thrillers, some shows quickly become global sensations. Here’s a look at the most-watched Netflix English TV seasons of all time, ranked by total views in their first 91 days.
1. Wednesday — Season 1 (252.1 Million Views)
Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Comedy
Release Year: 2022
“Wednesday” became a global phenomenon shortly after release. The series follows Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy and investigates a string of mysterious murders. Its viral dance scene and gothic aesthetic helped it dominate social media worldwide.
Why it’s popular: A strong fan base, stylish direction, and a standout lead performance turned it into Netflix’s most-watched English TV season ever.
2. Adolescence — Limited Series (142.6 Million Views)
Genre: Drama
Release Year: 2024
This emotional limited series captured audiences with its powerful storytelling and realistic portrayal of modern teenage life. The show’s relatable themes and intense performances drove massive global engagement.
Why it’s popular: A gripping narrative and strong word-of-mouth helped it rise quickly in the rankings.
3. Stranger Things 4 (140.7 Million Views)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama
Release Year: 2022
The fourth season of “Stranger Things” delivered darker storylines, higher stakes, and blockbuster-level production. Divided into two volumes, it became one of Netflix’s biggest global events.
Why it’s popular: Nostalgia, beloved characters, and cinematic storytelling pushed it into the top three.
4. Stranger Things 5 (128.5 Million Views)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama
Release Year: 2025
The fifth season continued the story with even bigger emotional and supernatural moments. Fans worldwide tuned in immediately upon release.
Why it’s popular: Years of anticipation and a loyal global fanbase drove massive early viewership.
5. Wednesday — Season 2 (119.3 Million Views)
Genre: Supernatural, Mystery
Release Year: 2025
Following the success of Season 1, the second season expanded the story with new characters and darker twists.
Why it’s popular: The strong brand recognition and dedicated fan following ensured another massive debut.
6. DAHMER: Monster — The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (115.6 Million Views)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Release Year: 2022
This true-crime limited series explored the life and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer. It sparked intense discussion globally and remained in the Netflix Top 10 for weeks.
Why it’s popular: True-crime fascination combined with powerful performances made it a major hit.
7. Bridgerton — Season 1 (113.3 Million Views)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Release Year: 2020
“Bridgerton” blended romance, drama, and lavish period design, becoming one of Netflix’s earliest global TV successes.
Why it’s popular: Romantic storytelling, diverse casting, and high production quality drove massive viewership.
8. The Queen’s Gambit (112.8 Million Views)
Genre: Drama
Release Year: 2020
This limited series about a chess prodigy became an unexpected global hit. It even sparked renewed interest in chess worldwide.
Why it’s popular: A compelling underdog story and critical acclaim boosted its global reach.
9. Bridgerton — Season 3 (106 Million Views)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Release Year: 2024
The third season focused on new romantic storylines and continued expanding the Bridgerton universe.
Why it’s popular: Strong fan engagement and anticipation kept the series among Netflix’s biggest hits.
10. The Night Agent — Season 1 (98.2 Million Views)
Genre: Thriller, Action
Release Year: 2023
This political thriller surprised many by climbing quickly into Netflix’s all-time rankings. It follows an FBI agent uncovering a massive conspiracy.
Why it’s popular: Fast-paced storytelling and suspenseful twists attracted a broad global audience.
How Netflix Calculates These Rankings
Netflix ranks its most popular TV seasons based on total views accumulated during the first 91 days after release. A “view” is calculated by dividing total hours watched by the runtime of the season.
This 91-day measurement gives a clearer picture of long-term popularity compared to older 28-day metrics.
Data Source: Netflix Tudum.
Last Update: February 14, 2026.