The holiday season offers a rare permission slip: hours lost on the sofa, immersed in television, without a trace of guilt. As the days ticked down to Christmas, streaming numbers surged, revealing which shows captivated audiences most. One series, in particular, achieved a staggering feat – amassing 22.5 million views across all five seasons in a single week, while a beloved British comedy held strong in the top spot for its second week running.
At number 10, the haunting mysteries of Hawkins, Indiana, drew in 3.3 million viewers with the second season ofStranger Things. With the fifth and final season recently released in parts, fans revisited earlier installments, brushing up on the intricate lore and the lingering shadows of the Upside Down. The initial episodes of season two, arriving in October 2017, plunged viewers back into the struggles of Will, Mike, Eleven, and their friends as they confronted the aftermath of their first encounter with the supernatural.
Just above it, also with 3.3 million views, was the provocative comedy special from Dave Chappelle. Landing in the charts a mere two days after its release, the performance sparked debate, receiving a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. Some found moments of brilliance, while others pointed to stretches of material they deemed unnecessarily harsh and lacking in genuine humor.
The first season ofStranger Thingscontinued to resonate, securing its 18th week in the top 10 following the latest season’s release. The series masterfully established a web of intrigue, revealing secret government experiments and the unsettling disappearance of young Will Byers. The search for Will brought together his friends, his desperate mother, and a determined police chief, ultimately leading them to Eleven, a mysterious girl with extraordinary abilities and a shadowed past.
Season three ofStranger Thingsclimbed slightly higher, attracting 3.6 million viewers. This installment saw the Hawkins crew battling the terrifying Mind Flayer, a shadowy entity from the Upside Down that sought to control the town. The season culminated in a dramatic showdown at Starcourt Mall, revealing a shocking possession and the opening of a new, dangerous gateway.
Season four ofStranger Thingsadded another 3.9 million views to the show’s impressive total. Set months after the events at Starcourt Mall, the story followed Eleven, Will, Jonathan, and Joyce as they attempted to escape the supernatural occurrences in Indiana. Back in Hawkins, the group had drifted apart, but fate quickly reunited them against their most formidable adversary yet – a monstrous hybrid known as Vecna. This season also ignited a surprising resurgence in popularity for Kate Bush’s 1985 hit, “Running Up That Hill.”
The documentarySean Combs: The Reckoningcaptivated 6.3 million viewers for a third consecutive week, having previously held the top spot. Released shortly after a significant legal case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, the film explored his meteoric rise to fame through Bad Boy Entertainment and the subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct. The project was notably produced by 50 Cent, a longtime rival of Combs.
The most-watched installment of the series, season five ofStranger Things, garnered a remarkable 8.2 million views. Set 18 months after the events of season four, the final episodes introduced new mysteries: Eleven in hiding, Holly Wheeler as Vecna’s latest target, and Will discovering a newfound ability to control the Demogorgons. With the release of Volume 2 on Christmas Day and the finale scheduled for New Year’s Eve, the story’s conclusion promises to be a gripping event.
The highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua drew an audience of 10.9 million. Streamed live from Miami, the event proved controversial, with some describing it as an awkward and frustrating spectacle. The referee ultimately intervened, expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of the fight.
Emily’s adventures continued to charm audiences, with season five ofEmily in Parisattracting 13.5 million viewers. This time, Emily’s journey takes her to Rome, where she navigates a new romance with Italian Marcello, while Mindy and Alfie explore a surprising connection of their own. The latest season was praised for its optimistic tone and captivating storylines.
Taking the crown with 14.6 million views for the second week in a row was the festive comedyMan vs Baby, starring Rowan Atkinson. Reprising his role fromMan vs Bee, Atkinson’s character finds himself unexpectedly caring for an abandoned baby during the Christmas season. The series offered a welcome dose of laughter and lightheartedness during the holidays.
