What Netflix’s Stranger Things has done is nothing short of remarkable. The show first aired in 2020, and has grossed over $1 billion since its release. That's huge, as many hit TV shows haven't been able to hit these kinds of numbers in global streaming revenue.
You might be thinking — how did Stranger Things make headlines in the TV streaming world? If you look beyond the marketing involved, you'd realize that the show has an amazing storyline. It involves kids fighting monsters in a small town. The show’s thrilling and captivating nature has attracted over two millions people to subscribe to Netflix. Wowza!
The world of TV streaming functions a lot like industries that are built on excitement and engagement. When a release is good and gets super popular, loyal audiences will keep coming back to it, boosting its appeal in the long run. This approach to building a base of customers is also prevalent in different entertainment sectors. This includes the iGaming industry where expert reviews of the top online canadian casinos analyze patterns that are used to secure loyalty. When people connect with something, they'd come back for more; it doesn't matter whether it involves watching their favorite TV shows or trying out new adventures.
Stranger Things is proof that creating something that resonates with people will result in them watching it time and time again. Little wonder every new season has millions of viewers at the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next. This immense viewership means that the show is super successful; in fact, its final episode will be coming to theaters. Netflix rarely does this, which is testament to the show’s greatness.
We've just shown you how great Stranger Things is, both in terms of revenue and views. Now, let's take a look at other popular TV shows that could hit and eclipse the $1 billion global streaming revenue mark.
Four Shows That Could Break Stranger Things’ Revenue Record
So, which of Netflix's TV shows has what it takes to surpass the amount of money that Stranger Things brought into the company? The following are contenders that could break that $1 billion global streaming revenue record:
#1 Wednesday
One of the biggest superstars in the Netflix world at the moment is Wednesday Addams. The show themed around her is called “Wednesday.”
It's about a creepy girl who goes to Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts, after getting suspended from her previous (normal) school because of a Piranha incident. If this story appeals to you, here's where you can watch Wednesday online in 2025.
According to Parrot Analytics, Wednesday has generated over $360 million in advertising and subscription revenue since its release on Netflix. With a third season scheduled for 2027, Wednesday, if it can keep its fascinating storyline, will be on course to surpass the $1 billion revenue mark.
#2 Squid Game
Squid Game ranks as Netflix's biggest international since its creation. This Korean show is about people who decide to play deadly games for a chance to win a life-changing amount of money. That said, it ranks among Netflix's most popular non-English shows with its first season getting over 262 million views. Its second and third seasons also got over 192 million and 145 million views, respectively.
Netflix originally estimated that this show would deliver revenue numbers reaching $900 million. The show's third season made its debut back in July 2025. And since it has the same thrill and suspense as the first two, it'll go above the $1 billion revenue point.
This show was so popular that even celebrities had something to say about it. One of the most popular was from Billie Eillish. For context, she said: “I watched Squid Game in just 2 days.”
#3 Bridgerton
Shonda Rhimes, the producer of Bridgerton once said: “Every week, the ratings would go up and up and I had no idea what that meant because I'd never worked in TV before.”
Ella Houghton, a gambling expert who doubles as a movie reviewer, says that this quote shows how big Bridgerton has been since its release. For context, its first and third seasons have a spot in Netflix’s top 10 most popular shows with more than 113 and 106 million views, respectively.
How about revenue numbers? While there aren't any official numbers, Bridgerton has made Netflix hundreds of millions in revenue. Its fourth season is expected to hit the streaming platform in 2026, and will most likely be the season that makes Bridgerton a billion-dollar franchise.
#4 The Witcher
The Witcher breathes life into fantasy adventures. As it progresses, you'll come across epic battles, acts of magic, and monster hunting. The show is based on revered Witcher books authored by Andrzej Sapkowski. Little wonder it's adored by many.
The TV show starred Henry Cavill as the Geralt of Rivia, a warrior that has the ability to ward off dangerous creatures. However, Liam Hemsworth replaced him in the third season. Although this brought about some backlash, viewers have warmed up to the new Geralt.
Overall, the show has gathered tens of millions of views. And according to TheWrap, Netflix has earned over $930 million from The Witcher. The show's fourth season was released just months ago; as such, there's a chance that the steaming giant could make over a billion from it.
Parting Shot
Stranger Things set the bar high for Netflix shows with over $1 billion in revenue. While this is an incredible achievement, shows like Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton, and The Witcher have got what it takes to have similar numbers. Only time will tell if they'll be able to hit this milestone