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By Soo Kim
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Streaming has revolutionized how audiences consume television, and over the past few years, a handful of new original shows have dominated screens worldwide.
According to an analysis of around six years of Nielsen data through November 2025, analyzed by Bloomberg, Netflix continues to lead the pack with original series that have captured billions of minutes of viewer attention.
The numbers show Netflix’s dominance in shaping modern entertainment. From crime thrillers to supernatural adventures and reality TV, these shows reflect the diverse tastes of global audiences—and the power of streaming to turn series into cultural phenomena.
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At the top of the list is Ozark, the gripping crime drama starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, which is the most watched original show of the decade so far. With 55.3 billion minutes of view time, Ozark’s dark narrative has kept audiences hooked season after season.
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Coming in second is Stranger Things, Netflix’s nostalgic sci-fi thriller, which amassed 51.2 billion minutes of viewing time. Beyond its impressive total, the show’s fourth season ranks as Netflix’s third-most viewed English-language show of all time within its first 90 days.
Reality television has carved out its own space in the streaming world, and Love Is Blind proves it. With 50.6 billion minutes streamed, the dating experiment ranks third among original shows of the decade so far. Its unique format and dramatic twists have sparked endless conversations, making it one of Netflix’s most influential reality offerings.
In fourth place is Wednesday, the gothic comedy centered on the iconic Addams Family character. Garnering 41.1 billion minutes of view time, the series didn’t just perform well—it shattered records.
The first season of Wednesday is Netflix’s most viewed English-language show of all time in its first 90 days, a testament to its viral popularity. Still, both Wednesday and Stranger Things trail behind Squid Game, the Korean survival drama that remains Netflix’s biggest show ever based on early viewership.
Rounding out the top five is Virgin River, a romantic drama on Netflix that has steadily built a devoted fan base. With 40.4 billion minutes streamed, it proves that heartfelt storytelling can thrive alongside blockbuster hits.
Top 10 Most Watched Original Shows of the Decade So Far
- Ozark
- Stranger Things
- Love is Blind
- Wednesday
- Virgin River
- Bridgerton
- Squid Game
- Cobra Kai
- The Crown
- You
Source: Based on an analysis of around six years of Nielsen data through November 2025, done by Bloomberg.
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