What everyone streamed, watched, and obsessed over in 2024

This year has delivered unforgettable cultural milestones, from Barry Keoghan’s infamous bathtub scene in Saltburn in January to Rachael “Raygun” Gunn’s controversial breakdancing routine at the 2024 Paris Olympics in August.

Not to be outdone, TikTok brought us the Man in Finance jingle, and Moo Deng, the pink-hued hippo, stole our hearts. And who could forget “Glicked,” the buzzworthy showdown between Wicked and Gladiator II as they premiered on the same day?

These moments shaped global conversations, inspired internet trends, and cemented their place in our collective memory. 

As 2024 comes to an end, we’re looking back at the year’s biggest pop culture moments. These stories kept us talking and shaped the entertainment world from blockbuster films to the most-streamed shows.

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January to March 2024
What we streamed
What we watched and talked about
April to June 2024
What we streamed
What we watched and talked about
July to September 2024
What we streamed
What we watched and talked about
October to November 2024
What we streamed
What we watched and talked about
December 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

January to March 2024

What we streamed

In early 2024, streaming services gave us plenty to binge, with major premieres and returning favorites keeping everyone glued to their screens. From epic adventures to heartfelt dramas, these shows had viewers tuning in nonstop.

Netflix’s big hitters

Netflix dominated the charts with 3 Body Problem, a visually stunning sci-fi adaptation that drew  11 million viewers in its first four days. This eagerly awaited drama quickly became the most-streamed title in the U.S. during its debut week.

Crime fans were captivated by Griselda, starring Sofia Vergara as the infamous Colombian drug lord. With its gripping performances and intense storytelling, the series proved Netflix’s continued strength in crime dramas.

Disney+ makes history

Disney+ catered to diverse audiences with Shogun, a sprawling historical epic that not only captured viewers’ attention but also swept the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards with 18 wins, including Outstanding Drama Series.

On the lighter side, Bluey remained a household favorite, continuing its reign as one of Disney+’s most-streamed shows.

Prime Video and action-packed hits

Prime Video kept adrenaline high with Reacher (Season 2), which delivered explosive action and fresh drama. Meanwhile, Mr. & Mrs. Smith gave the classic action-comedy a modern update, securing its place among Prime’s top-performing titles.

Timeless favorites hold strong

Familiar series like Grey’s Anatomy and Suits showed their staying power, with consistently high viewership numbers across platforms. Meanwhile, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action adaptation captured the imaginations of new and old fans alike.

What we watched and talked about

The first few months of 2024 set the tone for a year filled with captivating stories and unforgettable moments. From viral controversies to blockbuster hits, here’s what everyone was talking about from January to March.

That bath scene in Saltburn 

Saltburn became a cultural phenomenon in January 2024 when it premiered on Prime, thanks to its stark portrayal of privilege, mental health, and class divides. Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi’s strong performances made waves on social media, where clips amassed over 4 billion TikTok views. The infamous bathtub scene inspired memes and even a line of soy wax candles cheekily titled Jacob Elordi’s Bathwater (below). While the film didn’t stand out during awards season, its cultural resonance was undeniable.

Jo Koy’s comedic misfire at the Golden Globes

Meanwhile, comedian Jo Koy’s hosting debut at the 81st Annual Golden Globes sparked mixed reactions. His awkward delivery—particularly jokes about the Barbie movie—fell flat. Despite the criticism, his hosting stint drew 2.8 million YouTube views, proving that even missteps can capture attention.

Taylor Swift vs. AI: A digital dilemma

Swifties were outraged in January when explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift circulated online. Even the White House stepped in, condemning the misuse of AI and sparking urgent calls for stricter regulations. The incident highlighted both the dangers of unregulated AI technology and the vulnerabilities of high-profile figures in the digital age.

Dune Part 2 dominates the box office

Dune: Part 2 swept into theaters and immediately staked its claim as 2024’s sci-fi juggernaut. With outstanding visuals and action, and Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya’s electric performances, Denis Villeneuve’s epic sequel exceeded expectations. Fans packed theaters for repeat viewings, propelling the film to over 714.4 million USD in global box office revenue.

Willy Wonka’s not-so-magical disaster

After the success of the hit Wonka, the Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow promised a whimsical, immersive adventure. Instead, attendees found themselves in a sparsely decorated warehouse far removed from the AI-generated fantasy advertised online. The event’s underwhelming execution sparked a wave of complaints, media mockery, and viral comparisons to infamous festival flops like Fyre Festival and DashCon.

Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow did not live up to expectations. (Credit: TikTok)

TikTok’s congressional hearing

In March, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before the House Committee for Energy and Commerce to address questions about the platform’s data privacy practices and its relationship with parent company ByteDance. The hearing drew significant attention online, with creators sharing clips of Chew’s responses and discussions about the proceedings. 

April to June 2024

What we streamed

Spring 2024 delivered an exciting lineup of fresh stories and returning fan favorites, showcasing the growing diversity of streaming content. Platforms pulled out all the stops, offering everything from record-breaking premieres to sleeper hits.

Netflix’s addictive lineup

Netflix delivered a feast of content, with Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, and Scandal pulling back the curtain on one of the most controversial dating sites in history, while Supacell introduced viewers to a new kind of superhero drama. Fan favorites like Bridgerton (Season 3) continued to shine, adding new characters and storylines. Just like previous seasons, this new season of Bridgerton became one of the most-watched series on Netflix, earning the sixth spot on Netflix’s most-watched English-language shows of all time.  

Hulu’s chart-topping premieres

Hulu offered something for everyone, from the chaos of The Bear (Season 3) to the dark mystery of Under the Bridge. Season 3 of The Bear broke records when it was streamed by 5.4 million viewers in its first four days, making it Hulu’s largest scripted series premiere, the third biggest debut, and the top FX on Hulu season launch.

Prime Video brings the action

Prime Video delivered another explosive season of The Boys (Season 4) that entertained 55 million viewers worldwide, a 20% increase from the previous season. Over at Max, House of the Dragon (Season 2) continued to reign supreme, and Hacks delivered its signature blend of sharp wit and emotional depth.

Older hits hold their ground

Programs with strong earlier showings continued to hold in the rankings, such as Bluey, Love Is Blind, and NCIS. Other shows that continued to dominate include Grey’s Anatomy and Young Sheldon. 

What we watched and talked about

This season brought headline-grabbing moments and viral sensations that extended far beyond the screen. From a chaotic album launch that defined the summer to debates over AI’s role in marketing and a TV adaptation sparking real-life drama, the cultural pulse of 2024 kept us guessing. 

It’s a Brat summer

Brat Summer took over in 2024, all thanks to Charli XCX’s vibrant and rebellious album Brat. Featuring chaotic fun and a bold lime green aesthetic, the album cover became highly meme-able on social media. The phrase “brat summer” became a rallying cry for living boldly, even earning “brat” the title of Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year. 

Baby Reindeer sparking real-life drama 

The TV adaptation of Richard Gadd’s autobiographical play, Baby Reindeer, became a critical success, earning 11 Primetime Emmy nominations and winning six. The series follows Gadd as he becomes the target of an obsessive admirer after a seemingly harmless act of kindness, leading to a harrowing experience of harassment. However, the show has led Gadd’s real-life stalker to sue Netflix for 170 million USD for defamation, emotional distress, and other claims.

Looking for a man in finance

Looking for a Man in Finance, or simply Man in Finance, is the satirical brainchild of Megan Boni, known on TikTok as @girl_on_couch. Shared on April 30, the 19-second clip paired an upbeat tune with the caption: “Did I just write the song of the summer?” The off-the-cuff creation quickly went viral, racking up over 26 million views in three weeks and sparking countless remixes after Boni invited DJs on TikTok to make it a full track. The song’s success led her to quit her job, sign with a music label in Germany, and release the official single, Man in Finance (G6 Trust Fund), with songwriting duo Billen Ted.

Civil War’s marketing backlash

The release of Civil War, a gritty, dystopian film exploring America’s descent into chaos, came with a marketing strategy as controversial as its subject matter. The studio leaned on AI-generated content to promote the film on social media. Fans and industry insiders were quick to cry foul, accusing the studio of cutting corners and undermining human creatives, especially after the SAG-AFTRA and Writer’s Guide of America strikes in 2023. While the movie earned praise for its performances and themes, its reliance on AI left a sour taste for many.

How Inside Out 2 brought the feels

Pixar’s Inside Out 2 proved that revisiting your emotions is always a good idea. The long-awaited sequel returned to Riley’s world, navigating adolescence’s chaos and introducing new characters and emotions. The movie struck gold at the box office with heartfelt storytelling and relatable moments, raking in 1.7 billion USD worldwide. Fans praised its relatable themes and clever humor, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time. 

July to September 2024

What we streamed

As summer heated up, so did streaming platforms with more drama and stories that kept audiences glued to their screens.

Netflix’s mythic and true-crime hits

Netflix again dominated with a mix of true crime and reality TV shows. Kaos brought a fresh, edgy twist to Greek mythology, while Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story captivated true crime enthusiasts with its chilling retelling of the infamous case. 

The Umbrella Academy also returned for its climactic final season, blending superpowers with high stakes and family drama. The cult hit dominated as the most-watched streaming original in the U.S. from August 9 to 15, racking up 863.1 million minutes viewed in its first full week. The excitement even reignited interest in earlier seasons, with Season 1 climbing back into the top 10 with 176.1 million minutes watched. Meanwhile, Selling Sunset delivered its signature mix of luxury real estate and spicy drama, proving guilty pleasures are alive and well.

Disney+ expands beloved universes

Disney+ thrilled audiences with Agatha All Along, a magical WandaVision spin-off that opened with 9.3 million views in its first week on Disney+. At the same time, The Acolyte expanded the Star Wars universe with a dark, gripping narrative set in the High Republic era. Over at Hulu, Only Murders in the Building kept audiences guessing with another season of comedic whodunit brilliance, while Secret Lives of Mormon Wives turned heads with its scandals.

Prime Video delivers epic escapism

Prime Video’s Rings of Power continued to enchant fantasy fans with its stunning visuals and expansive lore, which Amazon says reached 40 million viewers in 11 days.  

What we watched and talked about

The summer of 2024 was filled with unexpected viral moments and cultural touchpoints that sparked lively discussions. Olympic highlights, viral TikTok phrases, and headline-grabbing events defined the season in unforgettable ways.

Olympic glory and controversy

The 2024 Paris Olympics featured many meme-worthy moments, especially from Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn. In the breaking event, she faced three opponents in round-robin matches but received no points, losing 18–0 each time, attracting significant online criticism.

 
Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen gained viral attention for expressing his love of chocolate muffins in the Olympic Village. Four of his videos on TikTok accumulated over 10 million views, significantly increasing his follower count from 3,000 to more than half a million. Although he did not win at his long-distance swimming events, Christiansen’s new identity as the Olympic Muffin Man has led to brand partnerships and newfound fame on TikTok.

 
Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec and South Korean athlete Kim Ye-ji became social media sensations after their unique shooting styles went viral on TikTok and Instagram. Dikec stood out by wearing standard glasses and a team T-shirt, often with his left hand casually in his pocket. In contrast, Kim resembled a sci-fi assassin in her zipped-up hoodie, baseball cap, and wire-rimmed shooting glasses. Fashion magazine GQ even dubbed her a style star at the Games.

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Very demure, very mindful

TikTok again gifted us a new buzzphrase that took the platform by storm. Content creator Jools Lebron went viral with her catchphrase “very demure, very mindful,” providing her 1.2 million followers with guidance on navigating various stressful situations. True to the spirit of TikTok, the word “demure” quickly caught the attention of several major brands, including CVS, Elf Cosmetics, and Delta. In November, “demure” became the word of the year on Dictionary.com. 

Drama on It Ends With Us

The adaptation of It Ends With Us captivated audiences with its emotional storytelling and star-studded cast. Blake Lively, who not only portrayed Lily but also produced the film, was at the center of both the praise and speculation. Reports of behind-the-scenes creative differences, including edits influenced by Lively’s vision, created some pre-release talking points, which seemed to fuel rather than detract from its momentum. The film debuted to a strong 80 million USD domestically in its first three days, far exceeding its 25 million USD budget. 

Moo Deng steals hearts

(Credits: WikiCommons)

Summer 2024’s cutest viral sensation was Moo Deng, a pink-hued baby pygmy hippo from Thailand who charmed the internet with her playful antics. From splashing in pools to waddling into hearts worldwide, Moo Deng joined the ranks of other adorable animal icons, including Pesto the penguin and Hua Hua the panda, proving that sometimes, the internet just wants something pure and delightful. Her charm resonated globally, leading to a massive social media following, with over 2.6 million followers on TikTok alone. Moo Deng has even inspired makeup trends featuring fresh pink hues.

October to November 2024

What we streamed

As the leaves turned and the year’s final months approached, streaming platforms brought a mix of comfort and innovation. Familiar favorites continued to dominate viewership charts, while fresh releases kept audiences intrigued. From nostalgic returns to gripping new series, fall 2024 had something for everyone.

Netflix dominates with Arcane and Outer Banks

Netflix maintained its momentum with the animated series Arcane, which resonated well with its dedicated League of Legends fanbase. However, Season 2 didn’t perform as well as Season 1, with viewership down by at least 13%. Despite this decline, the show remained at the top of Netflix’s streaming charts for several weeks. 

Meanwhile, Outer Banks evoked nostalgic summer vibes with its teen drama and dominated the charts. After the first half of Season 4 debuted atop the list following its October 10 premiere with 15.5 million views, the show maintained its hold on the most-watched Netflix English TV series list with 8.8 million views during the week of October 14. The buzz also reignited interest in the first season of Outer Banks, which climbed to the eighth spot with 2.2 million views.

Apple TV+ stands out with variety

Apple TV+ stood out with a strong lineup, including Shrinking, a heartfelt dramedy about grief and connection, and Slow Horses, which returned to its sharp, suspenseful espionage roots. Silo captivated sci-fi fans with its dystopian twists, cementing Apple TV’s growing reputation for innovative storytelling. While Apple hasn’t revealed viewership numbers, these shows appeared on the list of Nielsen’s Top 10 most-streamed shows throughout October and November. 

Max delivers epic storytelling

On Max, Dune: Prophecy brought epic battles and intricate world-building to the small screen, continuing the saga for a new generation. Paramount+ delivered with, a gritty drama that showcased Sylvester Stallone’s star power in a tale of crime and redemption. According to Paramount Global, the Season 2 premiere made an explosive debut, amassing 5.4 million active subscriber households within its first seven days. On its premiere day alone, the episode drew 2 million global views, setting an all-time record for the series.

Prime Video captivates with drama

Meanwhile, Prime Video’s Cross gave viewers a gripping detective series filled with twists and emotional depth. The first season surpassed 25 million viewers within the first few days of its release. 

What we watched and talked about

Joker: Folie à Deux bombs at the box-office

Joker: Folie à Deux was anticipated to be another success in the dark comic book genre. However, the sequel to the 2019 hit Joker has turned out to be a box-office disappointment. As of November 30, the film has earned 58.3 million USD domestically and 206.4 million USD worldwide, significantly lower than its predecessor, which grossed 335.5 million USD domestically and 743.5 million USD internationally. Entertainment publication Deadline Hollywood suggested that the lack of enthusiasm for the film may be attributed to fans’ reluctance to see a musical.

Remembering Liam Payne

In October, the world mourned Liam Payne’s tragic passing at 31. News of the former One Direction star’s death trended globally, with #LiamPayne generating over 1.5 million mentions within 48 hours. Fans revisited his music, leading to a 300% surge in One Direction YouTube searches. During the MTV Europe Music Awards, Rita Ora also paid tribute to Payne, with her speech reaching 6.8 million live viewers and sparking heartfelt online discussions about his legacy. 

Andrew Garfield charms on Chicken Shop Date

Andrew Garfield made a memorable and entertaining appearance on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date. They covered various topics during their conversation, from Garfield’s days as Spider-Man to his passion for deep-fried chicken. Fans were delighted by the chemistry between the two, and clips from their episode quickly gained popularity. The video of their date has since gathered over 9.1 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched episodes of Chicken Shop Date.  

Look-alike contests take over the world

From Timothée Chalamet to Harry Styles and even Jeremy Allen White, 2024 was the year of the doppelgänger. Look-alike contests in Paris, London, Dublin, and Chicago popped up everywhere. A Chalamet contest in New York went viral on social media when the Wonka star crashed the event and posed for pictures with his doppelgängers during his brief appearance.

A knockout Netflix event

Boxing purists and pop culture enthusiasts came together for the most surreal fight of 2024: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, streamed live on Netflix. The fight featured over-the-top entrances, lively commentary, and a thrilling finish. Ultimately, Paul defeated Tyson unanimously after both fighters went head-to-head for eight full rounds. This bout became the most-streamed global sporting event on Netflix, attracting 65 million live concurrent streams and 108 million live viewers worldwide.

“Glicked” mania

“Glicked” shaped up to be a cultural and box office event reminiscent of 2023’s “Barbenheimer”. Released on the same day, Wicked and Gladiator II went head-to-head, offering moviegoers a stark yet exciting contrast between Oz’s enchanting world and ancient Rome’s gritty drama.

Wicked opened with a global box office of 164.2 million USD, surpassing Les Miserables for the largest opening weekend for a Broadway musical adaptation. Gladiator II, on the other hand, opened to 106 million USD globally. While Wicked may have outperformed Gladiator II at the box office, the Glicked phenomenon continues to thrive on social media, with fans starting a trend to watch both films back to back.

Streaming: December 2024 and looking ahead to 2025 

As we close the chapter on 2024, the world of streaming continues to captivate audiences. December has already delivered plenty of exciting releases, including long-awaited finales and surprise hits. But 2025 promises even more.

New seasons of blockbuster shows like The White Lotus, Stranger Things, and The Last of Us are set to dominate screens. Meanwhile, platforms are doubling down on live events, as seen with Netflix’s success streaming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. The lines between traditional broadcasting and streaming will continue to blur, offering even more opportunities for audiences to tune into live sports, concerts, and global moments.

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