Streaming Wars: ‘Stranger Things’ Still Reigns, But a Recent Landscape is Emerging
The beginning of 2026 finds ‘Stranger Things’ continuing its dominance of the streaming charts, securing the top spot for the ninth consecutive week with 3.201 billion viewing minutes, according to Nielsen data. Paramount+’s ‘Landman’ holds steady at number two with 1.425 billion minutes viewed. However, beneath the familiar leaders, a shift is underway, hinting at evolving viewer preferences and the growing power of diverse content libraries.
The Power of Established Franchises
‘Stranger Things’ continued success underscores the enduring appeal of established franchises. The series’ ability to draw massive viewership even without new episodes consistently released demonstrates the strength of its fanbase and the power of nostalgia. This isn’t an isolated case. The success of ‘Squid Game’ in 2025, as highlighted by Variety, proves that globally recognized titles can consistently attract large audiences.
Pro Tip: For streamers, investing in and nurturing existing intellectual property is proving to be a reliable strategy for maintaining subscriber engagement and attracting new viewers.
The Rise of Genre Diversification
Although sci-fi and thriller genres continue to perform well, the Nielsen charts reveal a broadening of viewer interests. The presence of titles like ‘His & Hers’ (Netflix) and ‘Bluey’ (Disney+) in the top five indicates a demand for diverse content. ‘His & Hers’ resonated particularly with the 35-64 age demographic, capturing 61% of its viewership within that group. This suggests that streaming services catering to specific demographics can unlock significant growth opportunities.
Original Programming: A Battle for Viewership
The competition for original content is intensifying. Paramount+’s ‘Landman’ has consistently held the number two position for four weeks, demonstrating the platform’s ability to produce compelling, high-performing series. HBO Max’s ‘The Pitt’ also saw a surge in viewership, achieving a new weekly best with 939 million minutes viewed. The fact that four titles – three from Netflix and one from Paramount+ – surpassed a billion viewing minutes highlights the importance of a robust original programming slate.
The Impact of Platform Availability
The success of ‘The Closer,’ available on Netflix, Peacock, and Pluto TV, demonstrates the potential benefits of multi-platform distribution. Reaching audiences across multiple services can significantly expand a show’s reach and overall viewership. Similarly, ‘Found’ benefited from being available on both Netflix and Peacock.
Looking Ahead: Key Trends to Watch
Several key trends are shaping the future of streaming:
- Bundling and Aggregation: As the number of streaming services continues to grow, consumers are increasingly seeking bundled options to simplify their subscriptions and reduce costs.
- Data-Driven Content Creation: Streaming services are leveraging data analytics to identify viewer preferences and inform content development decisions.
- The Continued Growth of International Content: The global success of ‘Squid Game’ demonstrates the growing demand for international series.
- The Importance of Short-Form Video: Platforms like TikTok and YouTube are influencing viewing habits, and streamers are experimenting with short-form content to attract younger audiences.
FAQ
- What streaming service had the most titles in the top 10? Netflix had six titles in the top 10, including two shared titles.
- Which demographic watched the most of ‘His & Hers’? Adults aged 35-64 accounted for 61% of the series’ total viewership.
- How long has ‘Stranger Things’ been the number one streaming show? ‘Stranger Things’ has been the number one streaming show for nine consecutive weeks.
Did you know? Nielsen’s data doesn’t separate viewing by season, meaning the total minutes viewed for ‘Stranger Things’ includes all seasons, not just the latest release.
The streaming landscape is dynamic and competitive. While ‘Stranger Things’ remains a dominant force, the success of diverse genres and the growing importance of platform availability suggest that the future of streaming will be defined by innovation, diversification, and a relentless focus on meeting evolving viewer demands.
Desire to learn more about the latest streaming trends? Explore our other articles on the future of entertainment.
