History's Best Selling TV Shows of 2016

Revisiting 2016 presents a grand parade of tv history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Stranger Things, Fleabag, and Atlanta took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like The Duffer Brothers and Phoebe Waller-Bridge led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Stranger Things

   Released in 2016 by The Duffer Brothers, Netflix

   On July 15, 2016, Netflix released the entire first season of 'Stranger Things' to a global audience. Unlike many shows that build hype over months, it arrived with relatively modest promotion, relying instead on the platform's binge-watching model to find its audience. This release strategy proved immensely successful. Over that summer weekend, word-of-mouth spread like wildfire on social media, as viewers became captivated by the mystery of Hawkins, Indiana. The show's debut marked a pivotal moment for Netflix, demonstrating its ability to launch a massive, original cultural phenomenon that could dominate the popular conversation and define a new era of streaming-first television blockbusters.

2. Fleabag

   Released in 2016 by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, BBC Three, BBC One

   On July 21, 2016, a daring new voice emerged in television with the premiere of 'Fleabag' on BBC Three. At the time, BBC Three had recently transitioned to an online-only platform, making the show's debut a relatively quiet one. Adapted from Phoebe Waller-Bridge's acclaimed one-woman stage play, the series was initially a cult favorite, championed by critics for its sharp wit and unflinching honesty. This date marks the first time audiences were introduced to the unnamed protagonist's chaotic inner world, laying the groundwork for what would become a global cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its unique blend of comedy and tragedy and for redefining the female-led narrative in modern television.

3. Atlanta

   Released in 2016 by Donald Glover, FX

   On September 6, 2016, television witnessed the arrival of a singular and transformative new voice with the premiere of 'Atlanta' on FX. Created by and starring Donald Glover, an artist already known for his work on 'Community' and as the musician Childish Gambino, the series was his highly anticipated passion project. This date marked a pivotal moment in modern television, introducing a show that would defy genre conventions and offer an authentic, surreal, and often profound look into the lives of young Black men in its titular city. The first two episodes, 'The Big Bang' and 'Streets on Lock,' immediately established the show's unique tone, blending slice-of-life realism with moments of unexpected absurdity, signaling that 'Atlanta' was not just a new comedy, but a groundbreaking cultural event.

4. The Good Place

   Released in 2016 by Michael Schur, NBC

   On September 19, 2016, NBC aired a special one-hour premiere of 'The Good Place,' a series that would redefine the network sitcom. Coming from Michael Schur, the co-creator of 'Parks and Recreation' and 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' the show arrived with high expectations. Its debut immediately set it apart from its peers, introducing a high-concept premise centered on ethics, morality, and the afterlife. In a television landscape crowded with familiar formats, the premiere of 'The Good Place' felt like a breath of fresh air, promising a serialized, philosophical journey that was as intelligent and surprising as it was funny, setting the stage for one of the most acclaimed comedies of the 21st century.

5. The Crown

   Released in 2016 by Peter Morgan, Netflix

   On November 4, 2016, Netflix released the first season of 'The Crown', an ambitious and lavish production that marked a new era for the streaming giant. At the time, it was one of the most expensive television series ever made, signaling Netflix's intent to compete directly with premium cable networks by producing high-end, prestige drama. The show's debut was a major cultural event, arriving at a time of peak fascination with both the British royal family and the burgeoning world of streaming content. It promised an unprecedented, multi-decade look into the life of Queen Elizabeth II, a figure of immense global interest, and its premiere set the stage for one of the most acclaimed and talked-about series of the 21st century.