Netflix’s Biggest Hits This Year
| Show | Highlights / Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|
| Squid Game (Season 3) | The final season of the Korean survival drama smashed Netflix records right after its premiere, drawing tens of millions of viewers. |
| Wednesday | The supernatural-comedy/mystery around Wednesday Addams remains one of Netflix’s biggest global hits. |
| Adolescence | A drama that grabbed attention early in 2025 and landed on critics’ “best of the year” lists. |
| The Night Agent (Season 2) | This thriller returned strong and kept audiences on the edge of their seats. |
| You (Season 5) | The serial-killer-meets-romance thriller continued to hook viewers in its latest season. |
| Running Point | A new drama/comedy hybrid that rose quickly in the top-ten rankings. |
| The Residence | A short-lived but much-talked-about series that drew big numbers on debut. |
| La Palma | A Norwegian-set limited series about disaster and human stories that became a surprise international hit. |
| The Gardener | A Spanish-language limited series blending crime, relationships and twists — an international success. |
| Trauma Code: Heroes on Call | A Korean medical drama that resonated with audiences thanks to its emotional stakes. |
What’s Driving These Hits
- Global Content: Non-English shows (Korean, Spanish, Scandinavian, etc.) continue to dominate the charts.
- Limited Series & Clear Hooks: High-concept stories — survival games, crime mysteries, medical dramas — attract binge-watchers.
- Established Franchises: Returning shows like Squid Game and You benefit from built-in audiences.
- Timing & Marketing: Big releases around certain windows and strong promotional pushes help shows break through globally.
Why “Popular” Doesn’t Always Mean “Loved”
Even if a show has high viewing numbers, it doesn’t guarantee that everyone finishes it or is satisfied with it. Popularity can vary by region, and Netflix’s top lists often look very different from one country to another.
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