From The Gentleman To Bridgerton: These Are the Top 5 Most Popular TV Shows on Netflix in 2024

2024 has wrapped up and Netflix is still reigning as the number one streaming platform, and throughout the year, it has delivered a wealth of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and so on, across various genres. Whether you’re into sci-fi, fantasy, or thrillers, the streaming giant caters to everyone’s taste. 

Even this time around, Netflix has delivered many binge-able series, that had fans theorizing, and discussing their favorite scenes. If you aren’t up-to-date with what’s doing numbers on the platform right now, then take a look at these top 5 most popular TV shows and get to watching!

5 The Gentleman

Theo James in The Gentleman | Netflix

Released on March 7, 2024, The Gentleman has quickly cemented itself as one of the top-viewed shows on Netflix this year. Accumulating an impressive 75.9 million views, the British action-comedy spin-off of Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film, The Gentlemen, tells the story of Eddie Horniman, an aristocrat who inherits his family’s country estate. However, instead of peaceful country life, Eddie finds himself thrust into a vast underground cannabis empire that he never expected to inherit.

The show expertly mixes sharp humor with action-packed sequences and introduces a range of colorful characters. From Eddie’s ambitious sister Susie Glass to the shrewd Stanley Johnston, the show offers a perfect blend of power dynamics, deception, and family drama. As Eddie’s journey delves deeper into the criminal underworld, the narrative promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Season 1 has been met with rave reviews, with Netflix already announcing a second season, scheduled for early 2025. If the premiere is any indication, The Gentleman is likely to remain one of the streaming giant’s biggest hits, giving audiences a thrilling ride of crime, humor, and the unexpected.

4 Baby Reindeer

Richard Gadd in Baby Reindeer | Netflix

At 85.5 million views, Baby Reindeer has swiftly made its mark among Netflix’s top 10 most-viewed shows of all time (via Forbes). This British black comedy-drama thriller is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking, centering around Donny Dunn, a comedian whose life spirals into chaos when he becomes the target of a woman named Martha Scott. Martha’s obsessive behavior leads to a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, and Donny finds himself confronting painful truths from his own past.

The series, adapted from Gadd’s autobiographical one-man show, dives deep into the complexities of human relationships and the psychological effects of stalking. The narrative pulls no punches as it examines the toll obsessive behavior can have on both the stalker and the victim.

Since its release on April 11, 2024, Baby Reindeer has gained widespread acclaim, even securing six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor for Richard Gadd. With such a strong reception, this show is likely to remain a standout in Netflix’s thriller category for years to come.

3 Bridgerton 

Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton in Bridgerton | Netflix

Season 3 of Bridgerton was released in 2024, and even now, it has maintained its spot as a fan favorite with 92 million views in just its first two months (Netflix). Audiences across the world were thrilled to watch the show, and the whole season was split into two parts. This time around, we explored the relationship that blossomed between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. 

What keeps people bringing back to the Regency-era drama is how lavish it looks. There are engaging characters and scandalous storylines, that keep you hooked throughout. But in this season we are given a more intimate look at Penelope and Colin’s dynamic. Their bond grows but there’s tension due to societal pressures and family expectations. 

All these juxtapositions add an emotional depth to the series. The characters transform quietly and go from being overlooked to being strong. Some of them have an irresistible charm, which is part of the reason that such a large number of viewers flock to watch Bridgerton. 

The standout quality of season 3 was the way it balanced historical drama with contemporary themes and sensibilities, especially when it came to the portrayal of women. Critics have widely praised the show’s ability to be able to continue character development in ways that are still meaningful and not redundant. 

2 Fool Me Once

Michelle Keegan and Richard Armitage in Fool Me Once | Netflix

With a staggering 108 million views in the first half of 2024, Fool Me Once has firmly earned its place as one of Netflix’s top performers this year. The psychological thriller, based on Harlan Coben’s eponymous novel, follows Maya, a woman who is devastated after the death of her husband. However, when Maya comes across a video that shows her husband alive, everything she thought she knew about her life is thrown into question.

As Maya investigates the truth behind her husband’s death, the series uncovers a web of lies and deceit, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its thrilling twists and gripping storyline. The performance of Michelle Keegan is particularly noted for its emotional depth and intensity, further enhancing the show’s appeal. The high viewership reflects Fool Me Once’s immense popularity, offering a compelling narrative that’s left audiences eagerly awaiting each new twist.

1 Squid Game

T.O.P. in Squid Game | Netflix

Undoubtedly one of Netflix’s most iconic series, Squid Game remains a massive force in 2024. Season 2 of this South Korean survival drama continues to break records, with 68 million views in its first week alone (via What’s on Netflix). This incredible performance surpassed the previous record set by Wednesday Season 1, which had 50.1 million views in its premiere week, and reaffirmed the global appeal of Squid Game.

The series follows hundreds of financially struggling individuals who participate in children’s games with deadly stakes. As the stakes rise, alliances are formed, and the true nature of the competition begins to reveal itself. Squid Game explores profound themes of class disparity and human nature, pushing viewers to reflect on society’s darker aspects.

The continued success of Squid Game only solidifies its place as a groundbreaking cultural touchstone, and with a new season on the horizon, it’s clear that this show has more to offer.

Now, that’s all you need to know about the top five most-streamed shows on Netflix. They are all different than each other, but what remains common is the compelling narrative and out-of-box creativity. So, before you dive into the line-up of 2025, make sure you catch up with all the gems of 2024.