Television series have evolved into global phenomena capable of gathering millions of viewers around a screen. Whether for their story, characters, production or ability to engage, some series have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Here are 20 of the most watched series in the world, spanning different genres, eras and platforms.
1. Game of Thrones (HBO)
A worldwide epic fantasy phenomenon that broke audience records and generated a huge fan community around the globe.
2. Friends (NBC)
The iconic sitcom about a group of friends in New York that remains popular decades after its finale.
3. Breaking Bad (AMC)
The descent from chemistry professor to drug kingpin captivated millions with its intense narrative and complex characters.
4. Stranger Things (Netflix)
A mix of sci-fi, horror and 80s nostalgia that became one of Netflix’s biggest hits.
5. The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
The story of a group of socially awkward scientists, full of humor and references to geek culture.
6. The Walking Dead (AMC)
Zombies, human drama and survival in a post-apocalyptic world with millions of loyal fans.
7. Squid Game (Netflix)
The South Korean series that went viral around the world for its social criticism and shocking story.
8. La Casa de Papel ( Netflix)
Spain’s biggest international hit, with a heist story loaded with tension and symbolism.
9. The Simpsons (FOX)
With more than 30 years on the air, it is the longest running animated series and a pop culture institution.
10. Sherlock (BBC)
A modern and brilliant adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classics, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
11. Lucifer (FOX / Netflix)
The devil leaves hell and moves to Los Angeles. With humor, drama and crime, it won millions of fans.
12. Bridgerton (Netflix)
A period drama with romance, intrigue and diversity, which became one of Netflix’s most watched debuts.
13. The Witcher (Netflix)
Based on the novels and videogames, it mixes fantasy, action and Slavic mythology in a dark and captivating universe.
14. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
One of the longest running and most successful medical series, it still holds its audience captive after more than 20 seasons.
15. Chernobyl (HBO)
Miniseries based on real events that portrays with crudeness the nuclear disaster and its human consequences.
16. Dark (Netflix)
The first great German science fiction series that won over audiences with its complexity and time travel.
17. Narcos (Netflix)
A portrait of drug trafficking in Colombia with strong global impact and excellent production.
18. House of the Dragon (HBO)
The Game of Thrones prequel that managed to maintain massive interest in the Westeros universe.
19. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (Netflix)
The South Korean version of The Paper House, which also became a global trend.
20. The Crown (Netflix)
A lavish production about the life of Queen Elizabeth II that blends drama, history and power.
🎬 Conclusion.
These series have not only been widely watched, but have also influenced popular culture, language, fashion and the way we consume entertainment. Whether because of their scripts, their characters or their narrative universe, they all have one thing in common: they have managed to connect with millions of people around the world.
How many of these have you seen?
