HBO Max is having a moment. The streaming platform, already home to a roster of critically acclaimed and popular series, has seen its medical drama, “The Pitt,” unexpectedly rise to the top of the streaming charts. According to the latest report from Samba TV, “The Pitt” dethroned “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” this week, marking the first time the series has claimed the number one spot.
What makes this ascent particularly noteworthy is the show’s trajectory. Unlike some streaming hits that explode onto the scene, “The Pitt” has been a slow burn. Its first season in 2025 consistently appeared in the lower half of the Samba TV chart, but a strong awards season – including both the Emmy and Golden Globe for best TV drama – generated significant buzz leading into its second season. That momentum has continued, with the show steadily climbing the rankings week after week.
The success of “The Pitt” speaks to a shift in how audiences are discovering and engaging with content. In an era saturated with new releases, word-of-mouth and critical recognition are proving to be powerful drivers of viewership. The show’s ability to build a dedicated following over time, rather than relying on immediate hype, is a testament to its quality and storytelling.
The streaming landscape remains fiercely competitive, with Netflix consistently holding strong positions on the charts. This week is no exception. “The Lincoln Lawyer” remains a solid performer at number two, with Samba TV data revealing that a remarkable 19% of viewers binged the entire season within 48 hours of its release. This highlights the continued appeal of procedural dramas and the power of binge-watching.
Netflix also occupies the third and fifth slots with “Joe’s College Road Trip” and the stand-up special “Katt Williams: The Last Report,” respectively. While “Joe’s College Road Trip” had a strong debut, reaching 4.9 million households in its first four days, it didn’t quite match the viewership of other recent Tyler Perry projects on the platform, such as “Straw” and “Madea’s Destination Wedding.” This suggests that even established names and proven formulas aren’t guaranteed success in the crowded streaming market.
HBO Max continues to demonstrate its strength in prestige television. While “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has slipped to fourth place, the platform’s ability to nurture a hit like “The Pitt” is a clear indication of its strategic focus on quality programming. The show’s global success, as reported by Collider, extends beyond the United States, topping charts in multiple countries and even appearing on PVOD charts in regions where HBO Max isn’t directly available.
Beyond the top contenders, Netflix continues to diversify its offerings. The German-language spy thriller “Unfamiliar” landed in sixth place, showcasing the streamer’s commitment to international content. The theatrical release “How to Train Your Dragon” also found a new audience on Netflix, attracting more viewers than it did during its initial run on Peacock. This demonstrates the value of content licensing and the potential for older films to find renewed popularity on streaming platforms.
Peacock entered the top ten this week with “The ‘Burbs,” an adaptation of the 1989 Tom Hanks film. The series’ debut at number eight suggests a potential audience for darkly comedic reboots of classic properties. Meanwhile, Disney+ and Hulu saw “Predator: Badlands” land at number nine, indicating continued interest in action franchises.
Rounding out the top ten is the return of “Love Is Blind” for its tenth season on Netflix. The enduring popularity of reality dating shows underscores their ability to consistently attract and engage viewers. The show’s consistent performance highlights the value of established franchises in the streaming era.
On the linear television front, “American Idol” continues to dominate, topping the chart for the third consecutive week. “Will Trent” represents the only scripted show in the top ten, coming in at sixth place. The remainder of the chart is largely populated by syndicated classics like “Wheel of Fortune,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” and “Jeopardy!,” demonstrating the enduring appeal of familiar, comforting content.
The current streaming landscape is a complex interplay of factors: critical acclaim, awards recognition, binge-worthy content, international appeal, and the enduring power of established franchises. “The Pitt’s” rise to the top is a compelling example of how a slow-burn hit can capture the attention of audiences and solidify a platform’s position in the increasingly competitive streaming wars. It’s a reminder that quality storytelling, coupled with strategic marketing and a bit of patience, can still break through the noise.
