The countdown to Christmas is on, and for many, that means a frantic dash to finish gift shopping and, crucially, plan the perfect holiday viewing schedule. Netflix is, as always, a central hub for festive entertainment, but the streaming landscape is fiercely competitive. Will a returning favorite dominate, or will a new release steal the show?
The recent arrival of the fifth season of *Stranger Things* sent shockwaves through the charts, resurrecting previous seasons alongside it. But with compelling new documentaries and comedic adventures entering the fray, could the Hawkins crew be dethroned? The numbers reveal a fascinating battle for the top spot.
At number ten, *Stranger Things: Season 2* captivated 4.7 million viewers. Returning to 1984, the season plunges back into the unsettling mysteries surrounding Will Byers’ disappearance and the looming threat of the Upside Down. The initial intrigue continues to draw audiences in, even years later.
Close behind, at number nine, is the season that started it all: *Stranger Things: Season 1*, also with 4.7 million views. The story of Will Byers’ vanishing in 1983, the discovery of a secret lab, and the emergence of Eleven, a girl with extraordinary abilities, remains a powerful draw for viewers.
*Stranger Things: Season 4* secured the eighth position, attracting 4.8 million viewers. This installment expands the scope of the story, taking the action to California and the Soviet Union while the horrors of the Upside Down resurface in Hawkins. The season’s soundtrack, featuring Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” also experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity.
Season three of *Stranger Things* landed at number seven, with 4.8 million viewers. Set in the summer of 1985, the story unfolds amidst the backdrop of Hawkins’ new Starcourt Mall, but the peace is short-lived as the Mind Flayer once again threatens the town.
Breaking the *Stranger Things* streak, *Record of Ragnarok: Season 3* entered the charts at number six, garnering 5.3 million views. This Japanese manga adaptation presents an epic tournament where historical figures battle gods, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.
The Korean thriller *The Price of Confession* claimed the fifth spot, with 5.7 million viewers. This tense narrative follows an art teacher caught in a web of suspicion after her husband’s murder, and a mysterious offer that demands an unthinkable price for her freedom.
The Western series *The Abandons: Season 1* held strong at number four, attracting 7.6 million viewers. Starring Lena Headey, the show depicts the brutal conflicts and dramatic struggles of outlaw groups in the 1850s American West.
While *Stranger Things: Season 5* may have relinquished its hold on the top spot, it remains a massive draw, landing at number three with 11.2 million views. The final chapter of the series sees Eleven once again in hiding, and Holly Wheeler facing a terrifying new threat. The anticipation for the remaining episodes, due to arrive on Christmas Day and January 1st, is palpable.
At number two, *Sean Combs: The Reckoning* continues to generate significant attention, with 17.9 million viewers. The documentary explores the rise and fall of the music mogul, arriving shortly after his recent legal battles and fueled by a long-standing rivalry with 50 Cent.
Finally, claiming the number one position with an impressive 19.1 million views is *Man Vs Baby*. This comedic offering, from the creators of *Man vs Bee*, stars Rowan Atkinson as a divorcee unexpectedly tasked with caring for an abandoned baby during the festive season. It’s lighthearted, chaotic, and perfectly suited for post-Christmas relaxation.
