From courtroom cunning to high-stakes law enforcement operations, this list of the top 10 best drama series on TV right now will help TV show lovers find the next best thing to watch.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest drama shows so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From Yellowstone to The Good Doctor, this list will help TV fans stay up to date on the most popular drama series available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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TOP 10 DRAMA SERIES TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending drama television series TV-lovers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘Yellowstone’
↑ 1 vs. Prior Week
Yellowstone takes us to the breathtaking and sprawling Montana landscape and the trials and tribulations of the family that owns the largest ranch in America. Starring Kevin Costner, this engaging modern-western family drama follows the raw, unfiltered life on America’s largest ranch, the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
As the patriarch, Costner’s John Dutton III fights to preserve his land and family from those who aim to seize control, including aggressive land developers. Beneath the picturesque landscape lies a fierce battle for power and land ownership, dark secrets, political maneuvering and intense family dynamics.
2. ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’
↓ 1 vs. Prior Week
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit pits the justice system against the most heinous of crimes. Led by seasoned detectives like Olivia Benson, the series brings viewers into the high-intensity world of the New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
With intense storylines and compelling performances, it powerfully illuminates relevant social issues within the framework of an emotionally captivating crime drama.
3. ‘Chicago Fire’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Chicago Fire is one of the hottest shows on TV right now, and for good reason! A typical procedural drama with a twist, this show follows the lives and careers of the brave women and men working at the Chicago Fire Department.
Led by Chief Wallace Boden, the team navigates inferno-filled days, while at the same time attempting to manage their own lives. This adrenaline-fueled drama promises heart-stopping action and emotional undercurrents, providing unparalleled insights into the lives of firefighters.
4. ‘9-1-1’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Experience heart-stopping drama with 9-1-1, a TV drama series that provides an unflinching view of the frantic world of first responders. Each episode follows a group of first responders working in Los Angeles and the unexpected, challenging and dangerous situations they encounter when they’re called. Full of suspense, raw emotion and the untold stories of real-life superheroes who risk their lives every day.
5. ‘Chicago Med’
↑ 3 vs. Prior Week
Another series from the acclaimed Chicago franchise, Chicago Med is a dynamic and exciting show that follows the courageous doctors working the bustling Emergency Department at Chicago’s newest hospital. Fans of Grey’s Anatomy will love watching as Dr. Will Halstead and the team face high-stakes decisions, grapple with demanding medical situations and deal with the emotional turmoil in their personal lives all at the same time.
6. ‘Criminal Minds’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
Enter the dark and intense world of FBI profilers with Criminal Minds. Follow special agent Aaron Hotchner and his elite team of experts, known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit, as they delve into the twisted minds of dangerous perpetrators, interrupting violent crime sprees across America. The training and psychological prowess of these dedicated agents unravel even the most intricate criminal puzzles. The engrossing, high-tension drama that showcases human behavior at its most sinister makes this show a must-watch for all thriller and crime-drama enthusiasts.
7. ‘Heartland’
↑ 12 vs. Prior Week
Venture into the sprawling landscapes of Alberta, Canada in the heartwarming series, Heartland. Sisters Amy and Lou heroically tackle the demands and rewards of life on a horse ranch. Together with their wise and ruggedly charming grandfather Jack, they weather the trials and tribulations of family, relationships and their enduring love for horses. Embrace the rustic charm and riveting personal dramas of Heartland, a touching tale of family and the ties that bind us.
8. ‘Superman & Lois’
↑ 13 vs. Prior Week
Fly into the captivating world of Superman & Lois, a fresh take on the lives of the world’s most famous superhero, The Man of Steel, aka Clark Kent, and renowned journalist Lois Lane. Premiering in 2021, the show introduces a relatable twist to their story, showcasing how they grapple with their greatest challenge yet: being working parents in today’s world.
It’s a nail-biting blend of alien action, intense human drama and familial bonds that gives an unprecedented spin to the iconic Superman mythology. This riveting mix of power dynamics, parenting and superhuman responsibilities is sure to keep audiences glued to their screens.
9. ‘Outlander’
↑ 19 vs. Prior Week
Outlander is a time-traveling mystery and romance like no other. The year is 1945, and Claire Randall, a combat nurse, is honeymooning in Scotland when she is inexplicably transported back to the harsh reality of 1743. Trapped between two radically contrasting lives, Claire is torn between her husband in one era, and Jamie Fraser, a gallant Scottish warrior in another century.
Join Claire in this fascinating journey, brimming with historical depth, romantic entanglement and epic storylines, as she navigates the raw, unpredictable landscape of 18th-century Scotland. Watch the past and present interlace in the thrilling show, Outlander.
10. ‘The Good Doctor’
↑ 39 vs. Prior Week
The Good Doctor features Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. Murphy’s unique medical skills help him save lives and challenge skepticism inside the hospital. The show provides a fresh perspective on the challenges and genius of a doctor who sees the world differently.
And there you have it: the top 10 dramas to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
- Top 20 Movies to Stream Right Now
- 20 Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- 10 Best Limited Series to Watch
- The Most Thrilling Suspense Shows to Watch
- The Most Gripping Docudramas to Stream
- Top Medical Shows to Obsess Over Today
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular drama series on TV?
Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, 9-1-1.
What is the most watched drama series ever?
Game of Thrones
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