Here Are the Top 15 Most-Popular TV Shows on IMDb This Week, with ‘Stranger Things’ on Top Once Again

In early 2026, television offers a blend of beloved, long-running shows and fresh, original series. Viewers are especially drawn to complex stories that combine different genres, like hospital dramas and intense survival adventures. Streaming services are still key to keeping popular shows going strong and are also introducing exciting new programs. This list showcases the shows that have been most popular with audiences around the world over the last week.

‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ (2025–)

‘Spartacus House of Ashur’ brings viewers back to the brutal world of gladiators, following a clever and well-known hero. The story revolves around the power struggles and political schemes within Roman society. Those who enjoyed the original series can expect the same dramatic action and tense atmosphere where no one can be fully trusted. This new installment delves deeper into the characters’ motivations and their fight to survive, expanding the show’s overall story.

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ (2021–)

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ tells the story of the McLusky family and their involvement with the prison system in a troubled Michigan town. Mike McLusky tries to keep the peace by acting as a go-between for different groups, all while dealing with deep-rooted problems. The show offers a realistic and often harsh look at policing and the difficult decisions people face when trying to survive. Jeremy Renner stars as a member of the family working to bring some stability to a town known for its chaos.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–)

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ tells the story of a boy who finds out he’s the son of a Greek god and embarks on a dangerous adventure. Joined by his friends, he battles creatures from mythology in a contemporary American world, all to stop a war among the gods on Mount Olympus. The story highlights the importance of friendship and figuring out who you are, as these young heroes learn to control their special powers. This new adaptation stays true to the original book series.

‘The Pitt’ (2025–)

‘The Pitt’ is a medical drama that realistically portrays the fast-paced environment of a city hospital’s emergency room. The series focuses on the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to save lives, all while navigating their own personal challenges. It also explores how new technology and changes in healthcare affect patient care. Noah Wyle stars in the show, delivering a compelling performance that captures the demanding and selfless work of emergency room staff.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–)

‘Emily in Paris’ follows a marketing expert from Chicago who moves to France and navigates a new career while adjusting to a different culture. The show highlights her work achievements and love life, all set against the beautiful scenery of Paris. Known for its stylish fashion, each episode also looks at how social media impacts today’s business world. Its fun and easy-to-watch style keeps viewers around the globe coming back for more.

‘The Beast in Me’ (2025)

After a young boy dies nearby, a reclusive author finds herself caught up in a neighborhood mystery in ‘The Beast in Me’. As she looks into the lives of those around her, she uncovers hidden secrets and begins to suspect a connection to her own past. The limited series is a tense psychological thriller, powerfully acted by Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, exploring themes of loss and obsession.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

In ‘Breaking Bad,’ a high school teacher turns to making illegal drugs after a shocking medical diagnosis, hoping to secure his family’s future. He quickly finds himself in a dangerous world of crime and violence, ultimately becoming a powerful and feared criminal boss. The show is highly praised for its carefully crafted plot and the realistic way its characters change over the five seasons. It’s considered a landmark television series because of its thought-provoking look at right and wrong, and the impact of a single person’s decisions.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

‘Game of Thrones’ centers on the fight for the Iron Throne, pushing powerful families to the edge of war while a long-forgotten, dangerous power rises to threaten everyone. The show follows characters in a cutthroat world where trust is scarce and the desire for power frequently results in heartbreak and treachery. With its incredible detail and high-quality production, ‘Game of Thrones’ redefined fantasy television, and continues to draw millions of viewers back to its unforgettable battles and intricate political maneuvering within the Seven Kingdoms.

‘The Copenhagen Test’ (2025–)

In Denmark, a group of people volunteer for ‘The Copenhagen Test,’ a series of challenging experiments designed to push them to their physical and mental limits. They soon discover the experiment is far more dangerous than they initially thought. The story delves into the characters’ unraveling psyches and raises questions about the ethics of the secretive organization behind it all. Melissa Barrera and Simu Liu star in this gripping story about how people react when pushed to their breaking points.

‘Landman’ (2024–)

‘Landman’ is a new series that takes you inside the fast-paced, high-stakes world of oil production in West Texas. The show explores how the industry impacts both the working-class families and the wealthy companies involved, and also looks at the environmental and social consequences for the local communities. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, the series follows a seasoned professional who works to resolve the many challenges and constant disruptions within the oil business.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025–)

‘IT Welcome to Derry’ delves into the disturbing past of a town in Maine and how the terrifying creature that haunts it first appeared. The story follows a group of young people who face this evil force years before the events of the original ‘IT’. By expanding on Stephen King’s world, the series explains the history of the town’s repeated tragedies. The narrative builds suspense and horror as the town’s hidden secrets are uncovered.

‘Fallout’ (2024–)

The show ‘Fallout’ is based on the popular video game series and takes place in a world destroyed by a nuclear war 200 years ago. Lucy, a vault dweller, ventures out into the dangerous wasteland to find her father. The series successfully recreates the games’ distinctive style – a mix of retro-future aesthetics and dark, quirky humor. Throughout the story, different groups of people are shown trying to rebuild civilization amidst the ruins.

‘Heated Rivalry’ (2025–)

‘Heated Rivalry’ tells the story of two highly competitive athletes whose desire to succeed fuels a fierce rivalry that impacts both their careers and personal lives. The film explores what it takes to be an elite athlete, the pressures of fame, and the sacrifices they make to stay on top. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie star in this compelling look at the pursuit of professional success.

‘Pluribus’ (2025–)

‘Pluribus’ is a legal drama about a successful lawyer who tackles the toughest cases in the country. The show explores the behind-the-scenes power struggles within law firms and the difficult ethical choices lawyers face when representing influential people. Rhea Seehorn gives a compelling performance as a principled woman navigating a world of compromise. The series focuses on the specifics of legal procedure and how major lawsuits affect people’s lives.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

In ‘Stranger Things,’ the small town of Hawkins is thrown into chaos when a boy vanishes and a girl with special abilities emerges. A group of friends and their families are forced to battle terrifying creatures from another dimension and uncover hidden government secrets to protect their town. The show is famous for its nostalgic nods to 1980s movies and its heartfelt portrayal of friendship and growing up. This last season finally resolves the long-standing mystery of the Upside Down in a thrilling and conclusive finale.

2026-01-04 17:16