Across 2025, Netflix has brought us a ton of new and exclusive TV shows, including all-new originals and the latest seasons of some of the streaming service's most-watched series. It's been a pretty solid year, full of everything from comedies and feel-good watches to heavy dramas and tense thrillers.
Of course, that regular influx of new watches means it's nearly impossible to stay on top of everything that comes to Netflix, and I'm sure everyone's been tempted just to stick with whatever is currently at the top of Netflix's charts. That's a bit of a flawed strategy, though, as not everything that lays claim to the No. 1 spot on Netflix is a must-watch.
My favorite Netflix No. 1 shows of 2025
'Adolescence'
This breakout hit has featured on every version of this list I've published in 2025, and I wasn't about to remove one of the most talked-about and most-viewed Netflix shows of all time from my end-of-year wrap-up, either. "Adolescence" deserves all the attention and acclaim it earned when it arrived earlier this year.
This powerful, four-part limited series reunites “Boiling Point” star Stephen Graham and creator Philip Barantini for an impactful, expertly crafted and brilliantly performed drama that tells the story of a fictional family whose world is turned upside down when their 13-year-old son, Jamie (Owen Cooper), is arrested for the murder of a fellow pupil.
Watch "Adolescence" on Netflix now
'Nobody Wants This'
Even if I concede that you could maybe accuse this sweet Netflix romantic comedy series of retreading story beats a little, I'd be remiss not to mention how much I've enjoyed both seasons of "Nobody Wants This".
The fantastic chemistry between Noah (Adam Brody) and Joanne (Kristen Bell) continues to drive the show forward, but in getting to know our supporting cast just that little bit more, I found myself falling even harder for this heartfelt watch, and it's definitely not a show any romantics should miss.
Stream "Nobody Wants This" on Netflix now
'Sirens'
"Sirens" didn't go down as well as creator Molly Smith Metzler's previous Netflix series, "Maid," but I still recommend that would-be viewers seek this five-part, darkly funny comedy-drama out if they overlooked it earlier this year; I found "Sirens" to be a gripping, emotional, and very entertaining watch.
The series revolves around Devon DeWitt ("Drop" star, Meghann Fahy), who infiltrates the luxurious private estate of socialite Michaella Kell (Julianne Moore) out of concern for her younger sister, Simone (Milly Alcock).
Simone spends all hours waiting on Michaela as Mrs Kell's live-in assistant, and when she can't reach her sister, Devon decides to show up at the Kells' home, unannounced, on a busy Labor Day weekend ... much to Simone's shock. While there, she discovers that her sister's boss is a far more formidable opponent than she may appear.
Stream "Sirens" on Netflix now
'Stranger Things'
After three years, "Stranger Things" finally returned at the end of November and (unsurprisingly), the Duffer Brothers' sci-fi sensation went straight to No. 1 on the streaming service, and I'd wager the remaining episodes will see the show reclaim that spot in the final weeks of 2025. Whether it does or not, though, it'd feel impossible not to shout out the end of such a well-loved series here.
Judging by the first of "Stranger Things" season 5's three volumes, this does seem like it'll be a finale worth waiting for, in fairness. We've already seen some huge reveals in Volume 1 alone, and the latest trailer teases some higher-than-ever stakes and possibly some major danger for some fan-favorite characters in the Hawkins gang's final confrontation with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower).
Stream "Stranger Things" on Netflix now
'The Beast in Me'
In November, Netflix dropped "The Beast in Me," a new crime thriller starring "Homeland's" Claire Danes, and if you're after another murder mystery to add to your list, then this could be the watch for you. It's clearly had plenty of viewers hooked, too, as the show has endured as a top 10 watch since its debut.
The series follows Aggie Wiggs (Danes), an author grappling with her own past while also struggling to pen her next book ... until real estate developer Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys) moves in next door. Nile is suspected of murdering his first wife, and becomes the unlikely subject of a new book. Cue a cat-and-mouse game that sees Aggie desperate to get to the truth, chasing Nile's demons while fleeing her own.
Stream "The Beast in Me" on Netflix now
'Untamed'
If you're looking to get your teeth into a compelling, character-driven mystery thriller, I'd recommend streaming "Untamed," from Mark L. Smith ("American Primeval") and Elle Smith ("The Marsh King's Daughter"). The series takes us off to Yosemite National Park for a sightseeing tour with a difference.
The show revolves around Investigative Services Branch Agent, Kyle Turner (Eric Bana), a man very familiar with that beautiful setting, and a federal agent hunting a killer who knows even the wildest parts of the park as well as he does. That hunt puts him on a collision course with Yosemite's dark secrets and his own past.
It's a suspenseful six-episode series that many of us at TG enjoyed (fellow writer Alix Blackburn also recommended "Untamed" earlier in the year), and one that belongs on your watchlist if it wasn't already.
Watch "Untamed" on Netflix now
'Wednesday'
It may not have had quite the impact that the first season had, but I nevertheless enjoyed Wednesday Addams' (Jenna Ortega) second term at Nevermore Academy almost as much as the first. It's darker, sure, but it's more expansive and funny, boasts impressive production design, and Ortega's Wednesday is still just as fun as ever to watch. Frankly, it's worth streaming just for the "Freaky Friday"-style body swap mishap that occurs partway through.
"Wednesday" season 2, if you're not caught, sees Wednesday returning to Nevermore as a celebrity and with the rest of her family in tow. Soon after returning, she's sparring (quite literally) with her mother, navigating complicated family dynamics, and getting tangled up in another bone-chilling, potentially deadly mystery and hunting more dark secrets.
Stream "Wednesday" on Netflix now
Already streamed all of my picks? Check out our round-up of the best Netflix shows for tons more streaming recommendations to help build out your watchlist.
Every Netflix No. 1 show in 2025
Below, you can find a full break down of every show that's been Netflix's No. 1 watch for at least one week at any point in the year (shows listed alphabetically, not in order).
- "Adolescence"
- "American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson"
- "American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden"
- "American Murder: Gabby Petito"
- "American Primeval"
- "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing"
- "Black Rabbit"
- "Canelo vs. Crawford"
- "Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser"
- "Ginny & Georgia"
- "Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer"
- "Katrina: Come Hell and High Water"
- "Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things"
- "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"
- "Nobody Wants This"
- "Ransom Canyon"
- "Running Point"
- "Sean Combs: The Reckoning"
- "Sirens"
- "Squid Game"
- "Stranger Things"
- "Sullivan's Crossing"
- "Surviving Black Hawk Down"
- "The Beast in Me"
- "The Four Seasons"
- "The Hunting Wives"
- "The Night Agent"
- "The Waterfront"
- "Untamed"
- "Wayward"
- "Wednesday"
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