The fifth and final season of Stranger Things unfolded like a meticulously crafted symphony of horror and nostalgia, released in staggered volumes across November and December 2025. Eleven, Hopper, and the gang faced mind-bending battles, Upside Down wormholes, and Henry Creel’s terrifying evolution into Vecna, all while the younger generation carved their own heroics. 

Critics applauded the season’s daring stakes and emotional payoffs, yet despite the epic battles, shocking twists, and a finale that tied the Hawkins universe together, it did not bag the number one spot on Netflix’s chart.

Stranger Things may have battled Vecna and the Upside Down, but Netflix’s crown for the latter half of 2025 belongs to a supernatural mystery comedy.

Netflix just dropped its jaw-dropping Most Watched TV Shows list for July to December 2025, and the numbers are wild. Wednesday Season 2 dominated with 124 million views, leaving Stranger Things Season 5 and Untamed Season 1 trailing at 94 million and 93 million. 

Squid Game Season 3 captured 79 million, while the original Stranger Things and Monster: The Ed Gein Story secured 57 million and 56 million. These figures prove Netflix still rules binge culture worldwide.

At number seven, Sean Combs’ The Reckoning draws a massive 51 million viewers, showcasing his magnetic presence on screen. Following closely at eight, Wednesday Season 1 captivates 47 million fans with its dark, quirky humor. 

Ms. Rachel Season 1 also hits 47 million, delighting children and parents alike with its educational charm. Finally, Stranger Things 2 remains a fan favorite with 45 million viewers. While these hits rake in millions, another fan-favorite show is being canceled.

‘Wednesday’s’ Thing Holds a Secret That Could Change Everything We Know About the Addams Family

Boots dominated Netflix from July to December 2025, topping viewership charts, yet the series faces cancellation. Behind the numbers lies a surprising story of streaming strategy and shifting priorities.

Netflix’s semi-annual What We Watched report reveals surprising cancellations for freshman dramas Boots and The Waterfront. Boots, Norman Lear’s final series, premiered on October 9 and amassed 30.7M views over 12 weeks, ranking No. 23, outperforming several high-profile shows like Nobody Wants This Season 2, which had 30.4M in 10 weeks. 

The Waterfront, just outside the July–December window, also faced the axe. Despite strong numbers and critical acclaim, both freshman series were cut, leaving analysts puzzled over Netflix’s strategy.

Following the cancellations of Boots and The Waterfront, Netflix’s broader July–December 2025 report shows other series with varied fates. The Witcher Season 4 ranked No. 29 with 25.4M views, while The Diplomat Season 3 landed at No. 41 with 20.8M, performing on par with its prior season. 

A few mid-ranked shows, including House of Guinness and The Abandons, remain undecided. Despite some cancellations and fluctuating streaming numbers, Netflix’s ever-growing vault continues to be dominated by juggernauts, with Stranger Things Season 5 in the second spot.

Why is 'Wednesday' Season 2 Clearly Not As Good As Season 1? The Falling Off of Addams' Family

What do you think about Stranger Things losing its top spot to Wednesday? Let us know in the comments below.