Ever wondered what's got the whole world glued to their screens on Netflix? The streaming giant's top shows right now are a thrilling rollercoaster of drama, comedy, horror, and heart-wrenching tales that keep viewers coming back for more—sometimes even when they shouldn't!
By Alex Vena (https://decider.com/author/alex-vena/)
Updated October 21, 2025, at 3:28 p.m. ET
Netflix's collection of TV series keeps ballooning, offering everything from explosive reality TV expansions to blockbuster original dramas and cherished classics borrowed from networks like HBO and NBC. It's like a one-stop shop for all your viewing cravings. Every week, the platform shares its list of the 10 most-watched shows among subscribers, highlighting what's capturing the most attention.
This time around, Monster: The Ed Gein Story remains firmly at number one. Boots has climbed to second place, with the fresh season of The Diplomat landing at number three.
Dive into our weekly roundup of Netflix's hottest series below. We'll refresh this with fresh details on each entry, including pointers to our in-depth critiques, so you know exactly which ones deserve your time and which might be skippable. And hey, while you're exploring, take a peek at our other Netflix guides: the Top 10 Movies on Netflix (https://decider.com/list/top-10-movies-on-netflix-most-popular-right-now/), the Best Movies on Netflix (https://decider.com/list/best-movies-on-netflix/), and What's New on Netflix (https://decider.com/article/new-on-netflix/) this month. Enjoy the binge!
But here's where it gets controversial... These rankings aren't just about popularity—they often spark debates on what makes a show "must-watch." For instance, is it okay to glorify true-crime horror, or should we question the ethics of dramatizing real monsters? We'll touch on that as we go. And this is the part most people miss: Some of these hits are educational, like kid-friendly learning tools, while others delve into dark societal issues that might make you uncomfortable. Let's break it down, starting from the top of this week's list.
- Ms. Rachel: Season 2 (http://decider.com/show/ms-rachel)
Children's programming never fails to dominate Netflix—remember the massive buzz around Cocomelon a few years back? Kids have since shifted their excitement to Ms. Rachel, with Netflix releasing additional episodes in September. This show, created by the beloved educator Ms. Rachel, transforms learning into fun, focusing on reading and communication skills.
DECIDER's Joel Keller notes, "Ms. Rachel stands out as an approachable, grounded program that actively engages its young viewers, turning passive watching into interactive play."
For a deeper dive, check out our full review of Ms. Rachel (https://decider.com/2025/01/28/ms-rachel-netflix-review/).
Watch Ms. Rachel on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81975233).
- Ms. Rachel: Season 1 (http://decider.com/show/ms-rachel)
As we mentioned with kids' shows earlier, Ms. Rachel is a prime example of how educational content can become a sensation on streaming platforms. Building on the Cocomelon phenomenon, this series features the charismatic teacher migrating from YouTube to Netflix, where she guides little ones through lessons on literacy and language development.
DECIDER's Joel Keller praises it: "Ms. Rachel is a friendly, down-to-earth series that ensures its target audience participates actively rather than just observing."
Read our complete review of Ms. Rachel (https://decider.com/2025/01/28/ms-rachel-netflix-review/).
Stream Ms. Rachel on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81975233).
- Wayward (http://decider.com/show/wayward)
Starring Mae Martin and Toni Collette, this fresh thriller unfolds at the imagined Tall Pines Academy in Vermont, a school for 'troubled teens.'
Per Netflix's description: "Following a breakout attempt, two students team up with a rookie local cop to expose the town's hidden, sinister secrets."
DECIDER's Joel Keller observes, "Wayward boasts strong leading performances from Martin and Collette, striking a balance between eerie darkness and surprisingly funny moments."
Explore our full review of Wayward (https://decider.com/2025/09/25/wayward-netflix-review/).
Stream Wayward on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/watch/81256817).
- No One Saw Us Leave (http://decider.com/show/no-one-saw-us-leave)
Adapted from Tamara Trottner's 2020 memoir (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/779182/nadie-nos-vio-partir--no-one-saw-us-leave-by-tamara-trottner/9786073191043/), this drama traces a father's desperate kidnapping of his children after discovering his wife's infidelity.
DECIDER's Joel Keller reflects, "The narrative in No One Saw Us Leave is deeply heartbreaking... It transcends a simple thriller about abducted kids, offering a more authentic human story, and we're eager to follow the full journey of how Leo ends up taking them to Europe."
Read our comprehensive review of No One Saw Us Leave (https://decider.com/2025/10/15/no-one-saw-us-leave-netflix-review/).
Stream No One Saw Us Leave on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/watch/81735809).
- Monday Night Raw: 2025 (https://decider.com/show/monday-night-raw/)
This edition of Monday Night Raw brings WWE wrestling action straight to Netflix, featuring weekly live bouts from top stars. New episodes drop every Monday, allowing you to catch every high-stakes match and storyline twist without missing a beat. For example, in the March 3 installment that made this week's Top 10, IYO SKY clashed with Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley in an electrifying showdown.
Watch Raw: 2025 on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/watch/81750929).
- Is It Cake? Halloween (http://decider.com/show/is-it-cake-halloween)
Host Mikey Day is back for this eerie, seasonal spin on the beloved baking competition, where skilled pastry chefs create incredibly lifelike cakes to fool celebrity judges. This limited four-part series includes stars like Ravi Patel, Jack McBrayer, Yvonne Orji, and Melissa Joan Hart.
Stream Is It Cake? Halloween on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81927149).
- Love is Blind: Season 9 (http://decider.com/show/love-is-blind)
Participants from Denver (https://decider.com/2025/10/07/love-is-blind-season-filmed/) dive into Netflix's signature dating experiment, guided by hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey.
DECIDER's Joel Keller shares, "Though we've always recommended Love is Blind in past seasons, we might be reaching our limit. The premiere of Season 9 left us utterly disinterested, feeling like we've witnessed too much behind-the-scenes mechanics to truly root for the couples who succeed."
Check out our full review of Love is Blind Season 9 (https://decider.com/2025/10/01/love-is-blind-season-9-netflix-review/).
Stream Love is Blind on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/watch/81006558).
- The Diplomat: Season 3 (http://decider.com/show/the-diplomat)
Keri Russell anchors this political thriller, now in its third season, with The West Wing alumni Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford portraying a married duo. Good news: It's already greenlit for a fourth season (https://decider.com/2025/10/20/the-diplomat-season-4-netflix/).
DECIDER's Joel Keller notes, "Season 3 of The Diplomat ramps up the tension, and with Janney and Whitford joining, we're pumped to see how Kate navigates the new administration."
Read our detailed review of The Diplomat Season 3 (https://decider.com/2025/10/16/the-diplomat-season-3-netflix-review/).
Stream The Diplomat on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81288983).
- Boots (http://decider.com/show/boots)
Set in the 1990s, Miles Heizer stars as Cameron Cope, a gay teen who enlists in the Marines alongside his buddy Ray (Liam Oh), facing the rigors of basic training.
DECIDER's Joel Keller explains, "Sure, Boots echoes many classic 'misfits in the military' comedies from TV history. But what makes it shine are the charismatic characters—plenty of them—that keep the genre engaging."
Discover our full review of Boots (https://decider.com/2025/10/09/boots-netflix-review/).
Stream Boots on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/watch/81688048).
- Monster: The Ed Gein Story (http://decider.com/show/monster-the-ed-gein-story)
In this entry from Ryan Murphy's Monsters anthology, Charlie Hunnam depicts the notorious serial killer Ed Gein, whose crimes inspired classics like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. For more on this chilling series, peruse our episode breakdowns (https://decider.com/2025/10/03/monster-the-ed-gein-story-episode-1-recap/).
DECIDER's Joel Keller states in our review (https://decider.com/2025/10/03/monster-the-ed-gein-story-netflix-review/), "Monster: The Ed Gein Story effectively introduces viewers to a lesser-known but hugely influential serial killer, one whose legacy looms over horror flicks from Psycho to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
But here's where the controversy really heats up: Dramatizing real-life atrocities like Gein's can desensitize audiences or glamorize evil—do we need more of this in an already dark world, or does it serve as a cautionary tale? Many argue it's educational, shedding light on historical horrors, while others say it exploits tragedy for thrills.
Stream Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81783093).
What do you think? Are true-crime shows like Monster pushing boundaries we shouldn't cross, or do they help us learn from the past? And with franchises like Love is Blind feeling stale to some, is it time for Netflix to innovate more? Do you agree with this week's rankings, or is your go-to show missing from the list? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your side!
