‘Stranger Things’ Finale Crushes Competition as Netflix and CBS Reign Supreme in 2025-26 Multi-Platform Ratings

The battle for television supremacy has never been more fragmented—yet the winners are clear. Netflix’s Stranger Things season 5 has cemented its place as the undisputed heavyweight of the 2025-26 season, while CBS proves that linear broadcast still packs a punch in a streaming-dominated world. According to fresh Nielsen data covering roughly 83% of the season (through April 12), the Duffer Brothers’ sci-fi phenomenon averaged a staggering 32.9 million viewers across 35 days of multi-platform viewing—a figure that leaves every other scripted series in the dust.

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5: A Final Bow for the Ages

Netflix’s crown jewel didn’t just win—it dominated. The final season scored 7.3 million more viewers than the runner-up, Apple TV+’s His & Hers (25.6 million). Even more impressive: when measured over a shorter 28-day window, Stranger Things had already drawn 30.6 million pairs of eyeballs. The extra week of measurement added another 2.3 million viewers, a sign of the show’s remarkable staying power and the pent-up demand for the Hawkins crew’s swan song.

This marks the second consecutive year Netflix has claimed the top series. Last season, Squid Game led the pack with 27.14 million viewers. The streamer’s ability to consistently produce cultural touchstones is no accident—it’s a strategic masterclass in event programming.

CBS: The Broadcast Blueprint That Won’t Quit

While Netflix rules the streaming roost, CBS continues to anchor the broadcast ecosystem. The network’s freshman drama Marshals ranks third overall with 20.7 million cross-platform viewers, making it the most-watched broadcast series of the season. Fellow CBS staple Tracker (16.4 million) and ABC’s High Potential (16 million) also cracked the top 10, proving that network originals—especially those bolstered by streaming on Paramount+ and Hulu—can still compete in a crowded field.

In fact, eight of the top 25 series across all platforms (excluding live sports) originated from CBS, with their digital siblings on Paramount+ amplifying reach. This marks a slight dip from previous years, as the network’s overall primetime ratings slipped, but its multi-platform strategy has kept the brand relevant. NBC’s Sunday Night Football would have topped the charts with 23.5 million viewers if included, but scripted programming remains the true battleground.

The Streaming Landscape: Netflix vs. The Pack

Netflix placed seven shows in the top 15 of the multi-platform rankings—a commanding lead. But other players are carving out niches. Prime Video and Paramount+ each contributed two originals to the top 25, while HBO Max and NBC/Peacock managed one apiece. ABC (with Hulu and Disney+ bolstering its numbers) secured four spots. The takeaway: no single streamer can match Netflix’s library depth, but the gap is closing, especially on the broadcast side.

This season’s data also reveals a key trend: the “35-day” measurement window is now the industry standard, capturing not just live or week-one viewing but the long-tail binge behavior that defines modern TV consumption. Shows like Paramount+’s Landman gained 900,000 additional viewers in that extended window, highlighting the importance of sustained availability.

Why This Matters for the Industry

The 2025-26 ratings snapshot offers critical insights for networks, streamers, and advertisers alike. First, event series—whether it’s the finale of a beloved hit or a buzzy new drama—still drive outsized engagement. Second, linear broadcast networks are not dead; they’re evolving into hybrid models that lean on both traditional airings and digital platforms. CBS’s success proves that a strong IP library, combined with smart streaming integration, can keep a legacy network in the game.

For fans, the data confirms what many suspect: the era of “appointment viewing” is giving way to “wherever, whenever” consumption. Yet the shows that break through—like Stranger Things—do so because they create a shared cultural moment that transcends platform or time slot.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Multi-Platform Dominance?

As the 2026-27 season looms, all eyes are on Netflix’s next potential blockbuster (could Wednesday season 2 replicate the magic?) and whether CBS can maintain its broadcast edge amid shrinking linear audiences. Meanwhile, competitors like Apple TV+ and Amazon are doubling down on prestige dramas, and Disney’s Hulu bundle continues to power ABC’s top performers. The race for viewer attention is only getting more complex—but one thing remains certain: the shows that command the biggest audiences will be the ones that feel unavoidable, whether on a 75-inch screen or a smartphone.

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