Top 10 Most-Watched TV Series of 2024 and Their Marketing Masterstrokes

As 2024 winds down, the streaming world has seen a slew of powerhouse releases that not only racked up impressive viewership but also showcased unique marketing strategies to attract audiences worldwide. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 most-watched series of 2024 and a look at the ingenious marketing tactics that helped make each one a hit.

1. Fool Me Once 

This thriller series, released on Netflix in January, captivated audiences with its suspense-driven narrative and high-stakes twists. Marketing for Fool Me Once honed in on its edge-of-the-seat moments through cryptic teaser trailers and social media ads that dropped enough hints to keep viewers guessing without revealing too much. The result was a massive viewership that peaked in record time​.

2. Bridgerton: Season 3 

Romance returned with its third season in May, and Netflix left no stone unturned in generating buzz. Promotional strategies highlighted the beloved characters, with social media campaigns featuring short, enticing video clips of favorite couples. Additionally, Bridgerton leaned into social media “fandom culture” with behind-the-scenes reels and romance-focused posts, which kept the series trending well beyond its release.

3. Baby Reindeer

This limited series arrived in April and quickly turned heads. Known for its dark, psychological undertones, Baby Reindeer took a less traditional approach by creating mystery around the show with immersive social media clues and cryptic posts, encouraging viewers to piece together elements of the story before it aired. This intrigue-focused tactic paid off, making it one of the most-watched limited series of the year​. Not to mention, the extreme controversy that followed this show, viewers have never been more intrigued. 

4. The Gentlemen: Season 1

Based on the popular 2019 film by Guy Ritchie, The Gentlemen television adaptation premiered in March and was an instant hit. Netflix’s marketing highlighted the series' links to Ritchie’s original, emphasizing the gritty, crime-action elements that fans loved. The streaming giant also leaned into visual storytelling with high-impact trailers that showcased its blend of suspense, humor, and action, drawing both film fans and new viewers alike​.

5. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

This limited series on Peacock tells the true crime story of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. The series explores both the shocking details of the crime and the complex family dynamics that led to it. Marketing for Monsters focused on creating a suspenseful viewing experience, with trailers highlighting the brothers’ tumultuous childhoods and intense courtroom drama. Social media campaigns engaged audiences by posing ethical questions and encouraging debates about family, justice, and the impact of trauma. This approach kept viewers invested in each episode and sparked widespread discussion across social platforms.

6. Griselda

This gritty crime drama, based on the life of drug lord Griselda Blanco, premiered in January and quickly amassed a large audience. The promotional push focused on the intense, real-life backstory of the main character, which was teased in the trailers and echoed in a series of crime-focused podcasts and social media deep-dives that invited viewers to delve into Blanco's world. The series' marketing appeal lay in its promise of a dramatized, biographical look at one of the world’s most notorious figures​

7. American Nightmare: Season 1 

With crime and thriller series experiencing a resurgence in popularity, American Nightmare struck a chord with its focus on dark, episodic storytelling. Released in April, the show employed a cross-platform strategy that included social media content, true-crime podcast tie-ins, and chilling previews on YouTube, all of which helped build a strong and dedicated audience​

8. 3 Body Problem: Season 1 

Sci-fi lovers eagerly awaited the release of 3 Body Problem, which aired in February. Netflix’s marketing played heavily on the show’s advanced CGI and ambitious plot, drawing in viewers with visually arresting trailers and an interactive website where fans could explore elements of the show’s universe. This visually immersive approach proved successful, attracting a dedicated sci-fi fanbase​

9. The Bear: Season 2 

The much-anticipated second season of The Bear returned this summer, bringing with it a fan base that was already in love with its unique blend of culinary drama and high-tension storytelling. Social media was flooded with viral posts, behind-the-scenes clips of chef collaborations, and even partnerships with culinary influencers to bring the show’s flavors to life off-screen. This grassroots approach amplified the season’s reach, especially on TikTok​.

10. Tell Me Lies 

Tell Me Lies has remained popular since its initial release, with additional seasons and episodes keeping audiences tuned in throughout 2024. Marketing for the show leaned into its realistic portrayal of romance and young adult drama, releasing relatable scenes on social media that resonated with viewers looking for authenticity. Clips capturing the highs and lows of love, paired with active engagement on social platforms, helped the series maintain its audience​.

A Show for Everyone

Each of these top 10 shows of 2024 has seen incredible success, partly due to the masterful marketing campaigns that complemented the unique appeal of each story. From crime thrillers to fantastical re-imaginings, the tactics ranged from nostalgia-focused throwbacks to immersive, mystery-driven teasers that kept audiences coming back for more. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, these shows set a high bar, not only for storytelling but also for creative, genre-specific marketing strategies that capture and keep viewers engaged.

‍