By Mitch Rice
Coming a long way from its founding in 1997, subscription-based streaming service Netflix is now a globally used application that is a major contributor to the universal shift of media consumption, from daytime TV to online streaming.
In 2023, it is host to some of the best and most critically-acclaimed features of modern film. Below, we have compiled a short list of some of the shows that have reached the highest level of popularity (in terms of overall views and ratings) amongst viewers. Grab your popcorn, sit back in your recliner and enjoy this collection of binge-worthy TV.
Stranger Things
Since the release of its first season in 2016, this science fiction horror drama television series is no stranger to the thing of popularity (awful pun intended). If you are one of the few people yet to watch Stranger Things, it’s time to join the hype. Set in the 80s and following the story of a handful of naughty and kind-hearted kids who fall into an unfortunate entanglement with the supernatural, the series is action-filled, comically funny, and often haunting.
No spoilers, but this combination is a certified winner with the fans – it is no wonder that the Duffer Brothers’ innovative creation has filled Netflix’s top spot as the most streamed English series in its first week for several years now, according to a recent streaming survey by ExpressVPN. That is, of course, until Jenna Ortega took that personally…
Wednesday
If you’ve stepped into any online space in recent months, chances are that you’ve encountered Wednesday memes and reviews. The Netflix Addams Family spin-off has been subject to huge praise since its release in late 2022. Brilliantly portrayed by new fan-favorite Jenna Ortega, Wednesday Addams navigates her coming-of-age period while investigating a murder spree in this acclaimed comedy horror.
CBR reveal that the show amassed 341.23 million hours of watch time in its first week, edging Stranger Things as the previous holder by over 7 million hours. If the insane hype this show received tells us anything, it’s worth the few hours it takes to watch this show.
Squid Game
In what became one of the most trending shows of 2021, the South Korean survival drama television series shattered Netflix’s records, with Looper reporting a staggering 1.65 billion hours of watch time in its first 28 days. Following the story of Seong Gi-hun – a divorced, broke, and a depressed gambling addict – the show epitomizes the class disparity in Korea, stemming from creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s own experience with inequality.
In the series, 456 financially unstable individuals are brought together to compete in a series of children’s games for a ridiculously large sum of money, which only one person can win. Oh – and everyone who doesn’t win dies. What’s not to love?
Of course, everyone has different preferences when it comes to TV, and not every popular show is for everyone. However, the astounding number of people who love these shows is a testament to the quality put into the creation of each series, and just the thought of that should entice you to watch at least one of these if you haven’t already. Good luck!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
