“It all started with the big bang.” Much like the real Big Bang, which is infinitely expanding across the cosmos, the hit sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, continues to grow in popularity, despite coming to an end six years ago. The Big Bang Theory followed four geeky scientists; Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Jim Parson), Raj (Kunal Nayyar), and Howard (Simon Helberg), and the new neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco), and their science and comic book-based antics. The series first aired in 2007, and ran for 12 incredibly successful seasons, before coming to an end in 2019.
According to a new report from Nielsen (per Deadline), The Big Bang Theory continues to expand, and was the “most-binged title” on streaming in 2024. The report looked at The Big Bang Theory’s viewing figures on the Max streaming service. While the series wasn’t the most viewed show of the year, it was the most “binged.” Max subscribers watched an average of 265.5 episodes each, with the show running for a total of 281 episodes. This figure was taken by dividing the average individual viewing time by the average length of an episode. Even 6 years after its finale, the sitcom accrued viewing figures most shows can only dream of. The Big Bang Theory was watched for a total of 29.1 billion minutes (38.5 million hours) in 2024 alone.
In second place in Nielsen’s report was the Seth McFarlane created American Dad!. American Dad! currently streams on Hulu, with subscribers averaging 175.3 episodes each. A statement found in the report, commented on the current streaming and binging habits of viewers, saying, “while half-hour programs tend to be more binge-able, the level of dedication from audiences in viewing to programs across the board was astonishing.”
What Was the Most Viewed Streaming Show in 2024?
The Nielsen report was an annual wrap-up of our 2024 TV and streaming habits. The report outlined the three most popular titles on streaming last year, and it may (or may not, if you have children) surprise you. The iconic kids cartoon, Bluey, Netflix’s period/romance drama, Bridgerton, and Disney’s beloved animated movie, Moana, were the three most popular streaming titles last year.
Prime Video’s hit video game adaptation, Fallout, took home the unofficial award for most streamed new original drama last year. Meanwhile, Netflix’s Nobody Wants This was the most popular new original comedy. The report didn’t just look at contemporary shows. As well as endlessly re-watching The Big Bang Theory, or diving headfirst into Fallout’s wasteland, we also re-watched some “legacy” titles, as the report calls them. The 1974 TV adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book series, The Little House on the Prairie was the joint most-streamed “legacy” series last year, alongside the James Arness and Dennis Weaver-led TV western, Gunsmoke.
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s hard to predict which show will come out on top as the most popular. HBO could have a dominant run with Season 3 of The White Lotus, Season 2 of The Last of Us, and the new Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Meanwhile, Daredevil is finally getting his own standalone series in the MCU in Daredevil: Born Again. Alternatively, the most viewed show of 2025 could be an original series that hasn’t been announced yet.
