Earlier this week, Nielsen released data for the first half of 2026, showing the most-watched TV programs between December 29 and June 28.
At the top of the list was the TV series "Stranger Things"« , which is unsurprising, as the Netflix hit concluded its five-season run with an epic three-part finale. But it wasn't the only Netflix series to top the list.
According to the latest Nielsen data, the series "Bridgerton"« also ranked highly, becoming the third best show in the Original Series category. The streaming giant achieved another major success with The Lincoln Lawyer series« , who took fifth place.
Netflix has canceled the series "The Lincoln Lawyer.".
The Lincoln Lawyer« became one of the few Netflix projects that saw ratings increase from season 3 to season 4.
«"Mickey Haller's best season yet saw impressive viewing figures, with the show rising from 7 million views in Season 3 to 9 million in the first four days of Season 4," reports What's on Netflix.
Despite improving viewing figures, Netflix decided to cancel the series after season 5, which is scheduled to release in early 2027.
Series creator Ted Humphrey and co-showrunner Daylin Rodriguez commented on the decision in a statement, promising fans "the satisfying ending Mickey Haller deserves.".
«"All good things must come to an end, but fortunately, sometimes how that happens is up to us. From the very beginning, our mission was not only to tell the story of Mickey Haller and his compatriots, but also to bring that story to a fitting end," they said in a statement.
Here are the 10 most-watched original series of 2026 so far:
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«Stranger Things (Netflix) – 23.261 billion minutes
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Pitt (HBO Max) – 21.118 billion minutes
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Bridgerton (Netflix) – 17.148 billion minutes
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Landman (Paramount+) – 12.4 billion minutes
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«The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix) – 10.533 billion minutes
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«The Boys (Prime Video) – 9.597 billion minutes
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The Night Agent (Netflix) – 8.817 billion minutes
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«"The Rachel" (Netflix) – 8.597 billion minutes
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«Fallout (Prime Video) – 7.983 billion minutes
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«His & Hers (Netflix) – 7.845 billion minutes
Of the top ten, four series are either ending or have completed their final seasons, three of which were released by Netflix: «Stranger Things» , «"Boys"» , «Lincoln for the Lawyer» и «"Night Agent".
Although the closure The Lincoln Lawyer« It came as a surprise that Netflix also changed its decision regarding the cancellation of the series "« Beauty in Black"» Tyler Perry.
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This article was originally published in Men's Journal magazine August 10, 2026 section "« News"» . Add Men's Journal to your list preferred sources by clicking here.