The 10 most popular TV shows on Netflix right now
Exploring the thousands of titles on Netflix can be both exciting and overwhelming. Content of all types abounds, from dramas and comedies to reality shows and documentaries. It’s a good thing there’s a list to help narrow your decision by letting you see the most popular Netflix shows. That’s right, every week, Netflix releases its list of the 10 most-watched TV shows over a recent seven-day period.
On Netflix, true crime always conquers all. Worst Ex Ever, a new true crime docuseries from producer Jason Blum, comes in at No. 1 in its first week on the streamer. The other new addition, Adam Sandler’s latest comedy special, sits at No. 4. Keep an eye on The Accident, a Mexican drama at No. 2. The titular accident has been trending on social media, which could increase its ratings. Below, we have listed the top 10 shows in the U.S. from August 26 to September 1, along with general information about each show, including genre, rating, cast, and synopsis.
We’ve also rounded up the best shows on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Disney+. For Netflix fans, also check out the 10 most popular movies on Netflix right now.
10. Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War season 1 (2024)
IMDb: 8.0/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Genre: Documentary, Drama
Cast: Ed Harris, Tim Fellingham, Peter O'Meara
The feud between Wyatt Earp and Ike Clanton plays out in Netflix’s new docudrama, Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War. Directed by Patrick Reams, the series uses reenactments to depict legacy-defining moments in the men’s lives. The rivalry began in 1881 with a stagecoach robbery in Arizona.
This led to a showdown between the Earp brothers and the Clanton-McLaury gang in one of the most famous battles in American history, the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War stars Tim Fellingham as Wyatt Earp, Edward Franklin as Doc Holiday, Jack Gordon as Ike Clanton, Peter O’Meara as J.P. Morgan, and Christian Mackay as Chester Arthur.
9. Mayfair Witches season 1 (2023)
Metacritic: 47%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Cast: Alexandra Daddario, Tongayi Chirisa, Jack Huston
Created by: Esta Spalding, Michelle Ashford
Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches trilogy comes to life in the TV series Mayfair Witches. Alexandra Daddario stars as Rowan Fielding, a neurosurgeon who uncovers a personal secret: she is the heir to a family of witches. Rowan inherits a new set of powers, including the ability to burst brains.
After the death of her adoptive mother, Ellie (Erica Gimpel), Rowan journeys to New Orleans to learn about her biological family, including her mother, Deirdre (Annabeth Gish). Helping Rowan along the way is her empath and Talamsca agent, Ciprien Grieve (Tongayi Chirisa). Discovering her witchlike powers was only the first step. Rowan deals with family drama as she must protect them from a villainous shape-shifting entity called Lasher (Jack Huston).
8. Dark Winds season 2 (2022)
Metacritic: 81%
IMDb: 7.7/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Cast: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten
Created by: Graham Roland
Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) return for another case in Dark Winds season 2. Leaphorn continues working for Navajo County, while Chee is now a private investigator. While working on separate cases, Leaphorn and Chee reunite as their investigations intertwine.
The duo are searching for the same killer, one who will push them both to their limits. Meanwhile, Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) goes on a journey of self-discovery. Does she have higher aspirations than the Navajo police department? Regardless of her feelings, Manuelito aids Leaphorn and Chee in their investigation. The fate of the reservation depends on solving this case.
7. A Discovery of Witches season 1 (2018)
Metacritic: 68%
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 3
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
Cast: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Edward Bluemel
Created by: Kate Brooke
Deborah Harkness’ All Souls trilogy inspired the TV series A Discovery of Witches. Teresa Palmer stars as historian Diana Bishop, a secret witch who refuses to use her magical powers. While studying in the Bodleian Library, Diana unearths Ashmole 782, a missing manuscript believed to hold the origins and secrets of supernatural species.
Because of the book’s importance, it attracts many magical creatures, including Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), a vampire and biochemist. If the wrong being gets their hands on this manuscript, it could lead to anarchy and mayhem. With no other choices, Diana teams with Matthew to protect the book by solving its riddles and keeping it away from the dark forces.
6. Emily in Paris season 4 (2020)
Metacritic: 57%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Cast: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park
Created by: Darren Star
Netflix’s favorite social media maven returns in Emily in Paris season 4. Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) is still in shell shock after learning Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), her love interest, is expecting a child with her friend, Camille (Camille Razat). Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) also broke up with Emily, citing her feelings for Gabriel as the reason for their separation. Despite the drama, Emily and Gabriel must find a way to work together to gain a Michelin star.
Meanwhile, Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) faces a difficult situation from her past that rears its ugly head in the present. Plus, Emily’s friend, Mindy (Ashley Park), prepares for Eurovision. The first five episodes of Emily in Paris season 4 are now streaming. The final five episodes of the season arrive on September 12, 2024.
5. Dark Winds season 1 (2022)
Metacritic: 81%
IMDb: 7.7/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Cast: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten
Created by: Graham Roland
Dark Winds is set in 1971 near Monument Valley in Navajo County. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) works for the Navajo Tribal Police and patrols the reservation. After an armed robbery leads to the deaths of two Native residents, Leaphorn leads the investigation. Joining Leaphorn in the pursuit of justice is Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), a new deputy who secretly works as an undercover agent for the FBI.
Both men are haunted by their troubled pasts, which they must overcome to crack the case. How did the bank robbers die? Are there supernatural elements at play? Dark Winds is an excellent thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
4. Adam Sandler: Love You (2024)
Metacritic: 80%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rated: R
Duration: 74m
Genre: Comedy
Stars: Adam Sandler, Dan Bulla, Rob Schneider
Directed by: Josh Safdie
Adam Sandler is one of Netflix’s most valuable stars. Since 2015, the comedian has starred in numerous Netflix films, including The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), Murder Mystery, Hubie Halloween, Hustle, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, and Spaceman. This time, Sandler is tackling stand-up comedy for his second Netflix special, Adam Sandler: Love You.
Wearing a classic hoodie over his Hawaiian shirt, Sandler takes the stage inside a small theater in Glendale, California. The “Sandman” has his trusty guitar by his side as he sings some new tunes, much to the crowd’s delight. Love You is a reunion with Uncut Gems director Josh Safdie, who helms his first comedy special.
3. American Murder: Laci Peterson season 1 (2024)
Metacritic: 74%
IMDb: 7.0/10
Rated: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Cast: Allen Brocchini
One of the most notorious cases from the 2000s is explored in American Murder: Laci Peterson. In December 2002, Laci Peterson disappeared from her home in California. At the time of her disappearance, Laci was eight months pregnant. Laci’s husband, Scott, reported her missing and claimed he was fishing at the time. In April 2003, the decomposing bodies of Laci and her son were found in San Francisco. Five days later, Scott was arrested for the murders of his wife and son.
One year later, Scott was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, though it later became a life sentence. American Murder: Laci Peterson reexamines the case and explores the details surrounding the murder. The eye-opening documentary shows how this case is not as black-and-white as it was once perceived.
2. The Accident season 1 (2024)
IMDb: 5.6/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Drama
Cast: Alberto Guerra, Sebastian Martinez, Erik Hayser
In Netflix’s new series The Accident, a parent’s nightmare becomes a reality. Daniela (Ana Claudia Talancón), a police detective, and Emiliano (Sebastián Martínez), a lawyer, host a birthday party for their young son, Rodrigo (Yago Andreu Sandoval). On the day of the party, everything starts perfectly. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day.
Then, tragedy strikes when the aggressive wind leads to the deaths of three children. The time for pleasantries has passed. Someone must pay for this catastrophe. Who is at fault for the deaths? As the investigation heats up, secrets tear the community apart. By the time The Accident ends, someone will pay for their transgressions.
1. Worst Ex Ever season 1 (2024)
IMDb: 7.3/10
Rated: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Producer Jason Blum brings a new series about terrible partners to the streamer with Worst Ex Ever. The true crime docuseries explores the dark side of relationships and how they can become nightmarish for many. Worst Ex Ever focuses on the extreme cases of abuse, physical and mental.
The four episodes each focus on a disturbing relationship case. The topics include a statewide manhunt for a dangerous boyfriend, a violent affair with an alleged police officer, a dangerous custody battle that involves an unstable relationship, and a divorce that turns deadly. These are not the easiest topics to watch, so stream at your own risk.