The 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now

Updated October 26, 2023 1.0M votes 50.4K voters 730.4K views

Over 50.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Shows on the Air

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite shows that have new episodes available right now or coming soon, including series that are on hiatus or seasonal breaks.

Latest additions: Everyone Else Burns, The Fall of the House of Usher, Frasier

Recently, Hell's Kitchen fell out of the top 25, replaced by Grey's Anatomy

Most divisive: The Simpsons

What are the best shows currently on the air? Some of the entries on this list are without question among the greatest TV shows of all time. Fortunately for us, they haven't been canceled, and they're still thrilling us with great drama, hilarious comedy, and outstanding storylines. However, some of these great shows ended this year. Which TV show that's airing right now is the best? That's for you to decide, with your votes. You can also re-rank this list any way you like!

If you're wondering what to watch on TV and you had to choose just a few top shows airing today, which currently airing TV programs do you believe are the best? Some of the most popular shows on this list are premium cable original programs, including HBO's The White Lotus, Showtime's Billions, and AMC's Fear The Walking Dead. Netflix is also home to some of these titles, such as You. Many of these are also the highest-rated tv shows according to critics and audience polls.

Hopefully, all of these great shows, from old favorites like The Simpsons to newer hits like Our Flag Means Death, will remain on the air for years to come. But even if some shows end too soon, the greats will still be remembered as some of the best TV shows of recent memory, don't you think?

Ranked by

1
Stranger Things
Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown
8,836 votes
- Premiered: July 15, 2016
- Genres: Drama,Horror,Science Fiction,Thriller
In a small town shrouded in 80s nostalgia, Stranger Things unravels an enigmatic tale of supernatural occurrences and covert government experiments. The series has garnered numerous accolades for its stellar performances by a talented ensemble cast, including the young telekinetic Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and dedicated police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour). Seamlessly blending elements of sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age drama, the show captivates audiences with its engaging storytelling and memorable characters. With each season, viewers are transported to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, where they delve deeper into the mysteries that lie beneath the seemingly ordinary surface.
2
The Boys
Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr
752 votes
- Premiered: July 26, 2019
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Comedy,Drama,Fantasy
In a world where superheroes are revered and adored, one television series dares to expose the dark underbelly of these seemingly perfect beings. The Boys, a gripping and subversive drama, delves into the morally complex lives of its characters as they navigate the treacherous waters of power and corruption. With an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) and Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid), the show offers a fresh take on the superhero genre that has captivated audiences around the globe. Garnering critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, this groundbreaking series is a must-watch for those seeking a thrilling yet thought-provoking viewing experience.
3
The Umbrella Academy
Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda
1,055 votes
- Premiered: February 15, 2019
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Fantasy,Mystery
The Umbrella Academy, a darkly comedic superhero series, intricately weaves together elements of science fiction, family drama, and mystery. This Netflix original, based on the comic book by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, has been nominated for several awards, including a Primetime Emmy. The show follows an estranged family of adopted siblings who reunite to solve the enigma surrounding their father's death and tackle the impending apocalypse. Standout performances include those of Elliot Page as Vanya (the seemingly powerless member of the group) and Robert Sheehan as Klaus (a drug-addled medium). With its compelling narrative and distinct visual style, The Umbrella Academy offers viewers an engaging escape from the ordinary.
4
South Park
Trey Parker, Matt Stone
14,129 votes
- Premiered: August 13, 1997
- Genres: Animation,Comedy
South Park, a satirical animated series, masterfully balances humor and social commentary while pushing the boundaries of television. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone bring to life the eccentric residents of a small Colorado town, with notable characters such as the mischievous Eric Cartman (Trey Parker) and the ever-optimistic Stan Marsh (also Trey Parker). The show's unapologetic approach to tackling controversial issues has garnered it numerous accolades, including five Primetime Emmy Awards. Over the course of more than 20 seasons, South Park has captivated audiences with its razor-sharp wit and distinctive animation style, leaving viewers eager for more insightful hilarity.
5
American Horror Story
Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton, Taissa Farmiga
11,980 votes
- Premiered: October 5, 2011
- Genres: Drama,Horror,Thriller
Exploring the dark and twisted corners of American culture, this anthology series delves into a variety of spine-chilling tales that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With each season serving as a self-contained narrative, American Horror Story has garnered numerous accolades, including Golden Globe and Emmy awards. The show's ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Sarah Paulson as Lana Winters and Evan Peters as Tate Langdon, brilliantly brings to life an array of sinister characters and chilling storylines. From haunted houses to twisted carnivals, every installment offers a fresh, eerie perspective on our deepest fears and the macabre aspects of humanity.
6
Rick and Morty
Justin Roiland, Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer
5,484 votes
- Premiered: December 2, 2013
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Animation,Comedy
A foray into the world of science fiction and dark humor, this acclaimed animated series follows the interdimensional adventures of an eccentric genius, Rick Sanchez (voiced by Justin Roiland), and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson, Morty Smith (also voiced by Roiland). With its thought-provoking narrative and striking visual style, the series has garnered a dedicated fan base and multiple accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. Balancing wit and philosophical themes, each episode explores various sci-fi concepts, often drawing inspiration from pop culture classics. At its core, Rick and Morty delves into the complexities of family dynamics and human nature, offering viewers a unique blend of entertainment and introspection.

Stranger Things

The Boys

The Umbrella Academy

South Park

American Horror Story

Rick and Morty