40+ Most Popular & Trending TV Series of 2020
I’m sure your Twitter timeline has been exploding with endless Game of Thrones talk and Stranger Things memes. Or perhaps you’ve overheard your friends discussing Chernobyl or You. If you’ve felt left out and faced the struggles of being one of the very few to binge-watch the hottest shows of the year, have no fear, our recommendation of TV series to watch spans across a number of genres from the light and hilarious to the downright strange and scary.
It’s time to keep up with the times (and gossip). Here is a list of the 45 most popular and trending TV series of 2020 (in no particular order)…
1. Stranger Things
If you’re a fan of E.T., Dungeons and Dragons, moody Electronica and many other things early 80’s, then this show is for you. Actually, its soaring popularity proves that it’s for everyone. One afternoon, young Will Byers disappears from his small town community. A girl with a shaved head named Eleven appears and joins Will’s friends’ and family on their search-hunt for the missing boy. Things turn supernatural and strange from there onward, guaranteeing you laughs, a few cries and jump-scares all the way. Binge-watch for optimal enjoyment and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the endless Easter Eggs!
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Year Running: 2016-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Did You Know? Eleven’s character was inspired by E.T – Millie was told to act similar to the iconic character. Learn more super-cool Stranger Things facts.
2. The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is currently one of the most popular TV shows which gets the people talking on Twitter after yet another gruesome and shocking episode. It’s not just another zombie apocalypse series – though there are plenty of zombies – but the inspirational, and sometimes horrific journey of Rick Grimes and his group of tight-knit friends who bond, survive and sometimes even die together. Who they trust can determine their fate. Throw in the worst villains you can conjure up, exhilarating battle scenes, zombie hordes and you’ll have yourself the best of all worlds. Each episode can leave you feeling glum but you can always have a laugh by scrolling through our list of Walking Dead memes.
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Running: 2010-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Did You Know? Daryl Dixon doesn’t exist in the comics! Find out more shocking facts about The Walking Dead in our popular post.
3. Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones shocks, thrills and wows throughout the battle for the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros with its visually stunning scenes. Dragons fly, characters are swallowed whole (and sometimes spat back out) and white walkers threaten civilization in this relentlessly barbaric and often shocking, but incredibly smart series.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Year Running: 2011-2019
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Did You Know? George W.Bush secretly starred in an episode! You’d have to keep an eye out for this hidden Easter Egg in season one. Want to know more about the show? Here are more Game of Thrones facts!
4. American Horror Story
American Horror Story has just finished its eighth season which gave us a disturbing spin on a post-apocalyptic world. Every series concentrates on a new theme, whether it’s a haunted house or killer clowns and only two characters have appeared in every episode. Some of the plots are loosely based on factual happenings, like the disappearances at Roanoke while others are more make-believe (AKA aliens and witches). Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange and Lady Gaga (yes, she’s an actress, too) have all won awards for their performances on the show.
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Running: 2011-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Did You Know? Each season may be differently themed and they may have entirely different plots but they still connect to each other in a clever, twisted and unexpected way.
5. Breaking Bad
Has it been eleven years already? Breaking Bad burst onto the TV scene in 2008 and by the time it had finished airing, was one of the most-watched, most highly-rated television shows of all time. It’s dumbfounding what an ex-science teacher, Walter White, and his former pupil, Jesse Pinkman, can do once drawn into the world of drugs, guns and violence, while clinging tenuously to some sort of faulty moral compass. If you’re up for heart attack-inducing moments and clever twists, Breaking Bad is certainly a good TV show to watch. If you find yourself clinging onto it after its short 5 seasons, try its popular spin-off Better Call Saul.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Running: 2008-2013
IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Did You Know? There are many hidden Breaking Bad Easter Eggs in The Walking Dead! It’s even led many to believe the two shows take place in the same universe! Check out more facts about the show in our latest post.
6. Orange is the New Black
Piper Chapman is a thirty-something, “good girl” engaged to a nice guy and working in a run-of-the-mill job. Her life is turned upside down when she is forced to spend time in a low-risk women’s correctional facility in Connecticut. Piper’s mortification soon turns to learning to fit in and getting up to no good with the other quirky inmates she meets there. Prepare to cry a river of tears, ready yourself for WTF moments and don’t be afraid to get emotionally attached to the criminals who occupy the prison.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year Running: 2013-2019
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Did You Know? The actresses on the show go through drastic transformations to embody their deranged characters. Check out what the cast of Orange is the New Black look like in real life!
7. Friends
Indeed, it’s one of the most popular TV shows of all time. Friends, which ran for ten years from 1994 until 2004, is still one of the most watched comedies. K’mon, you can’t tell me you haven’t watched reruns of reruns? It turns out three young men and women who live in the same apartment complex can have a LOT of fun! The laughs are timeless, there are iconic funny scenes and the bond between each character will make you wish you had friends just like them.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Running: 1994-2004
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Did You Know? The table where the gang sit in Central Perk is actually reserved for especially for them! See more mind-blowing Easter Eggs in Friends!
8. Empire
ALS has struck Lucious, a founder of a successful record label. This forces him to choose between his three sons as to which will take over his role as CEO when he dies. His ex-wife and co-founder, Cookie, is out of prison and wants a piece of the action too. If you’re a hip-hop head and R&B lover, this music-based series should be right on top of your watchlist – think Glee, but more badass. Enjoy performances from the talented cast, funny lines from Cookie and familial drama that many can relate to.
Genre: Drama, Music
Year Running: 2015-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Did You Know? Wesley Snipes was almost cast as the show’s main villain! Thanks to Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard landed the legendary role of Lucious Lyon! See more Empire facts…
9. The Vampire Diaries
Brothers Damon and Stefan Salvatore have been vampires for hundreds of years. They’ve been leading ‘normal’ lives as eternal adolescents without ceasing. But when Stefan, the good brother, falls in love with Elena, Damon tries to sabotage the relationship not only because he is inherently evil but to exact revenge on his brother for making him turn into a vampire many years ago. This top TV series may have come to an end last year but that shouldn’t stop newbies from trying it out.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Year Running: 2009-2017
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Did You Know? Transforming the cast into vampires was a long process – it involved contact lenses, fangs, prosthetics and blood effects! Find out more about the show in our Vampire Diaries facts post!
10. The Crown
Admit it, most of us have wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes of the British royal family. Whether it be curiosity, fandom or just plain old voyeurism, The Crown lifts the lid on all of this. This loosely factual biography of Queen Elizabeth II, starts with a young Elizabeth’s marriage to Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh in 1947 and uncovers some of the fascinating insights, scandals, difficulties and triumphs in the life of the still-reigning monarch and her family. A must-watch original Netflix series that promises addiction!
Genre: Drama, History
Year Running: 2016-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Did You Know? The queen has watched The Crown, according the Daily Express. Apparently, she Netflix and chilled with her son, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie.
11. Riverdale
Bubbling away below the seemingly perfect surface of Riverdale, is a lot of darkness and weirdness. Archie Andrews and his friends find themselves navigating not only the intricacies and mysteries of their relationships with each other but also navigating what could be the biggest mystery of them all – what happened to Jason Blossom? And how do they deal with the fallout?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Did You Know? Riverdale is actually based on the characters of the Archie Comics – the very same comics that inspired Sabrina the Teenage Witch!
12. 13 Reasons Why
This is the story of Hannah and Clay. When Clay’s crush, Hannah, decides to take her own life she leaves behind a box that contains 13 reasons why she made the decision she did. If Clay reads through the list, what will he do if he finds himself on there? Dual narratives mean that you gain good insight into each character. A tragic, yet poignant, look into a theme often left undiscussed.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Did You Know? Selena Gomez is the show’s executive producer! As someone who suffered from depression and anxiety, she’s proud to have had a role in this significant series.
13. The Punisher
In yet another gripping Netflix TV series, Frank Castle exacts revenge on those responsible for killing his wife and children. In doing so he uncovers many injustices that run deeper than just New York’s underworld. Enlisting the help of professionals in their field, Frank’s mission is to fight criminals vigilante-style. With a rating of 8.6 on IMDB and rave reviews, this is definitely worth a watch!
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
Year Running: 2017-2019
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Did You Know? The Punisher is originally a Spider-Man villain! In fact, he set out to kill the web-head during his first comic book appearance!
14. This Is Us
This takes a seemingly ordinary family, the Pearsons, and shows you each of their in-depth struggles and triumphs as revelations from the past and present come to light. Whether it be a search for biological parents, self-compassion in the midst of obesity or difficult career decisions, this highly-emotional series offers a deeper look into families that could be us. Grab the tissue box, this one guarantees endless tears.
Genre: Romance, Drama
Year Running: 2016-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Did You Know? The show was originally meant to be a movie about octuplets. The showrunner realized that This Is Us would work much better on the small screen than on the big screen.
15. The Handmaid’s Tale
In what is considered as one of this year’s most trending TV shows, Offred is a member of the totalitarian and fundamentalist society called Gilead which once formed part of the USA. In the midst of a sexist society where women are treated as property and the fertile are forced to give birth to children, Offred is determined to survive the terrifying circumstances and to find her lost daughter.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Did You Know? The series is based on a novel which has been banned from high-schools because of “profanity, illicit sex, violence, hopelessness, and statements that are defamatory to God”.
16. Big Bang Theory
Four Mensa members and Caltech scientists can tell you everything you want to know about quantum physics or nerd trivia. But when it comes to real-life and women, the collision is about as big a bang as any! Filled with hilarity and awkwardness, the Big Bang Theory now has a cult following and certainly goes down in history as one of the best TV series ever.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Running: 2007-2019
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Did You Know? The cast members have been dubbed as some of the world’s highest paid actors. Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar reportedly earn an average of $900,000 per episode!
17. Gotham
Calling all Batman-lovers and DC-comic readers alike! Detective Jim Gordon and his partner, Harvey Bullock, want to restore Gotham to its purer and less crime-infested self. This proves hard in a city that harbours some of the worst villains in DC history. Fascinatingly, Gordon investigates the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents and so the saga begins.
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Year Running: 2014-2019
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Did You Know? Several infamous DC characters appear in the show including Penguin, Alfred, The Riddler, and yes, Bruce Wayne.
18. Arrow
Oliver Queen, a rich billionaire playboy, returns from five years on a Pacific Island, after having been presumed dead. While he still plays that role in the daytime, at night he is Arrow, a highly-trained superhero, using his newly-acquired skills to ensure vigilante justice for the innocent.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
Year Running: 2012-2020
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Did You Know? The television series was inspired by The Dark Knight trilogy. “We were heavily influenced, obviously, by Chris Nolan’s take on Batman, especially the second movie, The Dark Knight“, said show creator Andrew Kreisberg.
19. The Flash
Barry Allen is a man on a mission. When his mother dies in a freak accident for which his father is wrongly accused, he sets about trying to understand the truth. When a highly-awaited particle accelerator blows up and causes a freak storm, Allen is struck by lightning, turning him into The Flash and giving him the power of super-speed. As he begins realizing that others have the same power as him but are using it for evil, he decides to use his for good while also trying to solve the ongoing mystery of his mother’s death.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Year Running: 2014-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Did You Know? It takes Grant Gustin almost an hour to get into his superhero costume! According to Quirky Byte, the suit was designed and created by Colleen Atwood.
20. Supernatural
Supernatural is the U.S.A’s longest-running action fantasy series. Creator, Eric Kripke, tried to pitch this series unsuccessfully for ten years before it started in September, 2005. Although creepy at times and known for its comedic moments, Supernatural tells the many and varied stories of the Winchester brothers, Dean and Sam, who together go head to head with supernatural creatures all over the country.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Year Running: 2005-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Did You Know? The first season of the series’ budget was only $200,000 – it reportedly included the actors’ wages and the special effects!
21. Vikings
While not as popular as the inimitable Game of Thrones, Vikings has made its mark on a very competitive television scene. Strictly not a fantasy program, but a historical drama, Vikings bears all the hallmarks of a ruthless, fascinating and bloody television show. The tales in Vikings originate from early medieval Scandinavian Norsemen as well as actual events like the Lindisfarne raid in 793. Delve into the intense lives of historic characters and bloodshed battle scenes that’ll have your heart racing.
Genre: Action, Drama, History
Year Running: 2013-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Did You Know? Most the characters are only said to be based on real people. Rollo, however is based on William The Conqueror’s great-great-great-grandfather.
22. Dark
Dark is exactly that – dark. The Netflix Original Series is the first major German show ever to air. The search for a missing child sends four families into a frenzied search that spans three generations. Mind-bending, twisted and unique, Dark is its own kind of crazy.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Did You Know? The new TV show is said to be the German answer to Stranger Things. Once you’ve finished binge-watching that, head-over to Dark.
23. The Ranch
Ashton Kutcher takes the lead in this family saga about a son who leaves behind a semi-pro career in football to run the family business. It has been billed as a fantastic, apt family comedy and if you can make it past the slow burn of the first few episodes, it gets better.
Genre: Comedy
Year Running: 2016-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Did You Know? The latest comedy series to take fans by storm was actually created by the Two and a Half Men writer and producer team!
24. Peaky Blinders
Ask nearly anyone and they will tell you that Peaky Blinders is one of the most stand-out TV series of the last four years with great ratings across the internet. This is gangster, but English gangster set in 1919. The show revolves around a gang who sew razor blades into their cap peaks and their ferocious boss, Tommy Shelby.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Running: 2013-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Did You Know? The show is based on the real-life Peaky Blinders who were a criminal gang based in Birmingham, England, during the Victorian era.
25. Suits
The temptation here is to talk about one of the central actors, Meghan Markle and her recent marriage to Prince Harry. But because this show is good, it deserves its own credit. It focuses primarily on the relationship between a brilliant college drop-out, Mike Ross, who has faked his legal credentials and Harvey Specter, one of New York’s best closers. Filled with tension, humour and brilliance, Suits would make a great binge watch.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Running: 2011-2019
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Did You Know? Lead cast-member, Gabriel Macht’s family is full of lawyers. Believe it or not, his dad and his wife also appeared on the show!
26. Narcos
It’s a wonder a hit TV show on this topic has not been made before now. Narcos tracks the rise of one of Colombia’s most infamous drug lords, Pablo Escobar. It also shows his networks, his operations and the somewhat complex nature of a man so powerful, yet so human. Promising shocks, wows and a complete and utter obsession, this show will take you through Columbia’s heard-earned history.
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Year Running: 2015-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Did You Know? The actor who plays Pablo Escobar had to gain 40lbs and wear a fake stomach to really nail the drug-lord’s physique.
27. Westworld
Set in between the very real future and a recreated past, Westworld tells the story of an amusement park designed to let adults do whatever they want with no restrictions. The robotic hosts, however, have developed a form of consciousness – and everything comes at a price.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Year Running: 2016-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Did You Know? Quentin Tarantino almost had the chance to direct the Pilot. Instead it was directed by Christopher Nolan’s brother, Jonathan Nolan.
28. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
The end of the Battle of New York sees the Avengers find and fight the menaces that face humanity. Phil Coulson, of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, aid their cause. This popular series is based on the Marvel comics and offers a thrilling ride of excitement and thrills.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Year Running: 2013-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Did You Know? The show doesn’t take place on earth, but in Marvel’s cinematic universe. It’s known by comic book fans as “Earth 199999”.
29. Ozark
Seemingly ordinary, Marty Byrde, is the top money launderer for the second biggest drug cartel in Mexico. When things go wrong, he quickly moves his family to the lake region of the Missouri Ozarks. What Marty begins to realise is that his troubles have only just begun and he must protect his family at all costs. The show is strangely reminiscent of Breaking Bad, where such an ordinary guy leads a dark life and tries to keep this hidden from his family.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Did You Know? The cast and crew had some money laundering education before filming. “We had an FBI agent who investigates money laundering come and sit down with us for a day so we could pick her brain,” revealed the show-creator.
30. Grey’s Anatomy
As Grey’s Anatomy heads into its 14th year with hundreds of different TV nominations and over 60 wins, it might be time to try this TV series. Follow aspiring surgeon, Meredith Grey, as she manages the professional and personal challenges in her own life alongside her colleagues at Seattle Grace Hospital.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Year Running: 2005-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Did You Know? The show was almost titled “Surgeons” in its original pitch! Now, that would have been weird!
31. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
If you’re looking for a bit of spookiness and fun, look no further than Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Adapted from the highly popular 90’s sitcom, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this lighthearted yet dark comedy follows the life of a young witch trying to balance between her half-witch, half-mortal self. Prepare for magic, murder and mayhem as Sabrina battles demons and other evil forces threatening her friends and family throughout this supernatural series. It’s smart, it’s engaging and it’s certainly being added to everyone’s IMDb list this year. Salem might not talk in this adaption, but he’s still just as cool as the 90’s favorite black cat.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Year Running: 2018-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Did You Know? Chilling Adventures of Sabrina takes place in the same universe as Riverdale! The two shows are based on the Archie Comics!
32. Maniac
No one really expected comedians, Jonah Hill and Emma Stone to star in such a bizarre yet brilliant television show. Netflix’s Maniac is an interesting tale about two leading characters, Annie and Owen as they try to solve their own personal problems and struggles. Turning to a pharmaceutical pill, they battle their own psychological demons through a series of scientific treatments whilst challenging their deepest emotions. It’s a clever and confounding TV show that takes you on a complicated, sometimes funny, and sinister ride. Prepare to be mindfuc*ed, this show is trippy.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Year Running: 2018
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Did You Know? This isn’t the first time Jonah Hill and Emma Stone have starred together! They both had a role in classic comedy, Superbad!
33. Black Mirror
A sci-fi anthology series that unleashes and explores the dark, twisted and most uncomfortable themes of our modern world. Each episode is a brand new story with completely new characters dealing with new technologies that envelop their lives. Black Mirror is a dark, sinister and suspenseful series that’s ideal for those who want to have their brains picked. Get involved and it’ll immediately make you question your very own reality and this media-obsessed culture that we live in.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Running: 2011-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Did You Know? Black Mirror is said to be heavily influenced by iconic movie, The Twilight Zone!
34. The Sinner
Dive into a truly unpredictable and compelling crime thriller series and never look back. The Sinner follows the story of a young woman who has committed a twisted murder but has no idea why. The detective on the case is obsessed with discovering the secrets behind her violent act and throughout, uncovers the darkest and most intriguing plot twists. If you love mystery, suspense and at-the-edge-of-your-seat moments, The Sinner is for you.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Did You Know? The Sinner is based on a novel with the same name by German crime writer Petra Hammesfahr.
35. Making a Murderer
Even if you don’t like documentaries, this real-life crime show will have you hooked in no time. Explore the shocking, maddening and gripping tale of Steven Avery, who has been wrongly accused of murder and locked inside a prison for over 20 years. This fascinating show uncovers the corrupt and unfair judiciary system of America and lets viewers put on their detective hats to solve this unjust, incomprehensible and complicated crime. Grab a box of tissues, Making a Murderer may be powerfully interesting, but at the same time, it’s heartbreaking as you follow the life of a man who is so clearly innocent, yet charged guilty.
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Year Running: 2015-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Did You Know? The show may be about their characters but Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey have actually never seen the show as their prisons don’t permit it!
36. Daredevil
It may only run for 3 seasons long, but what an enthralling run it was. Daredevil is surely one of Netflix’s most riveting superhero shows with a truly exceptional cast and superb plotline. Get absorbed in the complicated crimes of New York and watch as Daredevil confronts the city’s most notorious criminals. This isn’t your average Marvel series, Daredevil is dark, mature and violent with fight scenes that are almost worthy of an Oscar (if there was such a category, of course).
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Year Running: 2015-2018
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Did You Know? Season one of the show became the second most pirated TV show in the world following behind Game of Thrones!
37. The Haunting of Hill House
Prepare for chilling ghosts in corners, horrific demonic figures jumping at your screen and shuddering sound effects making your heart pounce out of your chest. The Haunting of Hill House is television’s greatest horror masterpiece yet. If you’re up for a frightful ride, press play and discover the darkest corners of Hill House and the traumatic experiences of the dear family who lived inside it.
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Year Running: 2018-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Did You Know? One of the leading characters in the show is played by Henry Thomas, none other than Elliott in E.T!
38. Big Little Lies
Delve deep into the lives of five women in this drama that covers themes of adultery, money, children and even murder. There’s stay at home mom, Madeline (Reese Witherspoon), Celeste (Nicole Kidman) who’s Madeline’s best friend, newcomer and Jane (Shailene Woodley), who’s battling her issues with her own Ziggy. There’s a murder mystery suffocating the town and all we want to know is who’s done it and well, who’s the victim?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Did You Know? Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman became so close after filming this show, that Witherspoon bought the house next to Kidman’s in Nashville!
39. Chernobyl
Officially ranked as IMDb’s highest-rated series, Chernobyl is television’s darkest and most traumatizing hit yet. Following the intricate and disturbing details of the famous Chernobyl explosion in the 1980’s, this mini-TV series is as graphic and realistic as it can get. Relive the terrifying era when the nuclear accident occurred in Ukrainian SSR and discover just how much effect it had on not only the citizens of that area, but the entire world.
Genre: Drama, History
Year Running: 2019
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
Did You Know? The area where the explosion took place is still dangerous to visit. It remains highly radioactive and will be for up to 20,000 years,
40. You
This Netflix hit was on everyone’s lips when it first landed on the streaming service, thanks to its dark and twisted story-line. Joe is a bookstore owner but not all is as innocent as it seems. In fact, he’s got a darker personality than you thought. Fighting between falling in love and obsessively stalking someone, Dan struggles to listen to the good angel on his shoulder as he gets up to mischief, and yes, even murder.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance
Year Running: 2018-Now
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Did You Know? The show may be heavy with themes of social media, but actor, Penn Badgley didn’t even know much about the platforms Tumblr or Instagram until he started filming.
41. Mindhunter
If you’re more in the mood for a crime thriller television show, consider tuning into Mindhunter. In efforts to solve ongoing criminal cases, FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, along with psychologist Wendy Carr, interview imprisoned serial killers to understand just how their minds work. Get in on the crime-solving and become gripped on the Netflix TV show that everyone’s been talking about this year.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Did You Know? The interviews on the show are sometimes word-for-word with the actual interviews that took place with these criminals in real life.
42. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Want to know how to nab yourself 2.4 billion euros? Watch Money Heist and learn. We’re kidding, duh. Engross yourself in this Spanish action series that centers around a group of robbers infiltrating and robbing the Factory of Moneda and Timbre. There are mix-ups that’ll leave you breathless, action scenes that’ll have you at the edge of your seats, and conversations that’ll make you drool (who doesn’t love the Spanish tongue?!).
Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery
Year Running: 2017-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Did You Know? Although this is a Spanish TV series, it’s officially the most-watched non-English show on Netflix to date.
43. Power
Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few years, you probably heard about the crime, drama TV series, Power. Follow the life of James “Ghost” St. Patrick, a rich club-owner who also happens to be a drug kingpin. This hit series is one that’ll keep you wanting more – even after six seasons. Turn this show on and find out what it’s really like for the rich and those who engage in the criminal underworld.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Running: 2014-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Did You Know? Notorious rapper, 50 Cent is an executive producer on this show!
44. The Mandalorian
lready had an epic Star Wars movie marathon? Bored of re-watching those all-time classics? Well, now, there’s something brand spanking new added to the Galaxy far, far away – a series that you can keep up with every week! The Mandalorian is Disney Plus’ newest show which follows the galactic adventures of a lone bounty hunter. With links to bounty hunter, Boba Fett and many other callbacks to the Star Wars universe (AKA baby Yoda!), this is a gigantic treat for Star Wars fans! It’s not just one of the most popular shows of 2020, but also the most expensive, too!
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Year Running: 2019-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Did You Know? Wondering where this fits in the Star Wars timeline? The Mandalorian is set approximately five years after The Return of the Jedi.
45. The Witcher
Delve into a fantastical world of magic, monsters and magnificent mayhem in the 2019 release, The Witcher. The highly-anticipated TV show that’s been adapted from the popular video game is what fans call the newest Game of Thrones. Follow the adventures of the Witcher and monster hunter, Geralt and get lost in twisted timelines, supernatural powers, and mind-blowing monsters.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Year Running: 2019-Now
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Did You Know? All of Geralt’s stunts are performed by Henry Cavill himself! The actor declined to use a stunt double for any action scenes in the show.
And that, folks, is a round-up of the 45 most trending TV shows of 2020. What’s been your favorite series of the year? Let us know which show had you gripped in the comments below…
