Apple TV+ Breaks Into the Most-Watched Streaming Shows of 2025
In a major win for Apple’s streaming ambitions, Apple TV+ has officially joined the ranks of the most-watched streaming shows of 2025 with its critically acclaimed series Severance. According to fresh data from Nielsen, Severance Season 2 racked up over 9.2 billion viewing minutes, earning it the fifth spot among the top 10 original streaming titles in the U.S. for the first half of the year. This marks the first time Apple has secured a place in the top five, a sign that its original content strategy is finally resonating with mainstream audiences. With streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount+ all battling for viewer attention, Apple’s breakthrough indicates a realignment in audience preferences and streaming dominance.
Severance Propels Apple Into the Spotlight
At the heart of Apple’s leap into the top tier of most-watched streaming shows in 2025 is the success of Severance Season 2. The series, known for its innovative storytelling and psychological depth, captivated audiences with its return this year. Garnering 9.275 billion minutes viewed, it joined heavyweights like Squid Game, Reacher, and The Night Agent, which continue to dominate on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. While Severance trailed behind Netflix’s Squid Game, which topped the charts with over 15 billion minutes, Apple’s placement among such established hits signals a shift in its streaming influence. The show’s growing popularity reflects how audiences are increasingly drawn to high-concept, original narratives—something Apple TV+ has doubled down on since its inception.
Streaming Market Shifts: Apple TV+ Rises, Netflix Slides
Apple's entry into the upper echelon of streaming success comes during a period of significant transformation in the industry. Just four years ago, Netflix held over 80% of the top titles in the U.S. Today, its share has dipped below 50%, according to Nielsen. The most-watched streaming shows of 2025 now feature titles from a broader mix of platforms including Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, and Max. Notably, while Netflix still holds multiple spots in the top 10—such as Ginny & Georgia and The Night Agent—newer players are claiming their share. Apple’s breakthrough shows that its investment in quality storytelling and cinematic production is starting to pay off in both viewership and industry clout.
What This Means for the Future of Apple TV+ and Streaming in 2025
Apple’s rise isn’t just a milestone—it’s a signal of where the streaming world is headed. With Severance anchoring its success, Apple TV+ is likely to see continued growth as more viewers seek out content beyond the traditional Netflix catalog. The trend also points to a fragmentation of viewership as audiences spread their attention across a wider range of platforms. Disney+, notably absent from this year’s top 10, shows that big brand names alone aren’t enough—viewers are gravitating toward platforms that deliver standout, original programming. As we move through 2025, the race for the next breakout hit is wide open, and Apple’s position among the most-watched streaming shows is proof that it’s ready to compete at the highest level.
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