The global streaming serviceNetflixis known for its original TV shows as much as it is for its backlog of older content, and the series that have been topping the charts might come as a surprise. ThoughNetflixcancels a lot of its shows, leading to outcries from critics and audiences, the streamer’s data indicates thatits original content has the potential to become more popular with time.
According toNetflix’s recent Engagement Report, fans are returning to older, classic TV shows that have been on Netflix for many years.
Shows likeOrange Is the New Black, OzarkandMoney Heistall had over 100M hours viewed in the first half of 2025.
However, Netflix’s report touched on more than just the TV shows that have been performing well. The streamer highlights the fact that non-English language titles are exploding in popularity, and there’s no single version of content that Netflix users prefer. From the original series and movies to live content like WWE,Netflixhas found success in almost every niche of the market.
What This Means For The Future Of Netflix’s Original Shows
Netflix Has The Opportunity To Learn From This Data
The reports that series likeOzark,Money Heist, andOrange is the New Blackare some of the strongest performers for Netflix right now are interesting, as all three shows premiered in the 2010s. Netflix invests in a lot of original content, and its Engagement Report highlights that international content and lots of titles that premiered before 2023 are what have kept viewers watching this year.
There are many contributing factors that shape what people are watching and what’s trendy at a given time. However, it’s possible that audiences feel comfortable investing in these older original shows because they know they won’t be canceled, and won’t disappear from the streamer. The series that people are watching are those that Netflix renewed for many seasons and are consistently available to revisit.
Our Take On The Shows That Have Topped The Streaming Charts For Netflix
Netflix Should Pause Before Canceling Its Promising Original Content
Netflixis known for its ability to disappoint fans and be quick to cancel an original show after just one season if it isn’t performing as well as the streamer hoped. While the recent successes forNetflixwent on for many seasons, they were allowed to do this and become even more thrilling to watch becauseNetflixgave them the opportunity to grow and evolve.
The performance of these iconic series proves that holding out to see if a show can capture viewer attention could pay off in the long run.
There are plenty offorgottenNetflixshows audiences should watch, and they have the potential to find new audiences and experience a revival on the streamer. Playing the long game is always a wise move for a platform likeNetflix, and the performance of these iconic series proves that holding out to see if a show can capture viewer attention could pay off in the long run.
Orange is The New Black
Cast
Based on the memoir by Piper Kerman, Orange Is the New Black follows Piper Champman (Taylor Schilling) after she turns herself in for a 15-month sentence in a minimum-security women’s prison for aiding in a drug-smuggling operation run by her ex-girlfriend Alex Vause (Laura Prepon). One of Netflix’s most popular original series, the show explores the corruption inherent in the US prison system through the lens of Piper’s experiences.
Ozark
Ozark is a crime drama series released in 2017, focusing on a financial adviser who relocates his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks. He must launder $500 million within five years to satisfy a drug boss, navigating the challenges and dangers of his new environment.
Money Heist
The Spanish heist drama Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), transformed into a global phenomenon by Netflix in 2017, follows a group of criminals as they execute a complex plan to rob the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain. Created by Locked Up director Alex Pina, Money Heist is one of Netflix’s biggest international hits that influenced pop culture with its iconic Salvador Dalí masks and Bella Ciao hymn.
