The Most Popular Series on Showtime, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the series you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:48
In the world of television, where new series are constantly released and competing for attention, having a clear list of what's most popular can guide viewers to quality viewing experiences. On Showtime, a myriad of series spanning various genres are available, but it can be overwhelming to sift through them all without guidance. A ranking of the most popular series helps to streamline this selection process, directing enthusiasts to highly regarded content.
When you participate by voting for your preferred shows, you contribute to a dynamic and community-driven ordering of series. This not only aids new viewers in making informed choices but also brings together a community of fans who share similar interests. By engaging with this list, you have a direct influence on what is considered top-tier, making the viewing experience more tailored and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What Is the Most Popular Series on Showtime?
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162votesA critically acclaimed crime drama about a blood-spatter analyst who leads a double life as a serial killer. (IMDb: 8.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 72%)
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239votesA political thriller about a CIA officer who becomes convinced that a prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaeda and is planning a terrorist attack. (IMDb: 8.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%)Homeland is a thrilling and intense TV show that follows the story of Carrie Mathison, a brilliantly talented CIA officer who suspects that an American prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaeda. As she investigates the case, she faces numerous challenges and personal demons, including her battle with bipolar disorder. Homeland showcases the intricacies of modern-day espionage, political corruption, and the psychological toll it takes on individuals striving to protect their country.
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Country of origin: United States
- Original language(s): English
- No. of seasons: 8
- No. of episodes: 96
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333votesA dramedy about a dysfunctional family struggling to make ends meet in Chicago's South Side. (IMDb: 8.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 83%)Shameless is a popular series on Showtime that revolves around the dysfunctional Gallagher family, led by alcoholic patriarch Frank Gallagher. Set in the South Side of Chicago, the show explores the everyday struggles, relationships, and wild antics of the Gallagher siblings as they navigate poverty, love, and survival.
- Genre: Comedy-drama
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Number of Episodes: 134
- Average Episode Runtime: 55 minutes
- Main Cast: William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White
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426votes
Ray Donovan
Ann BidermanA crime drama about a professional "fixer" who solves problems for the rich and famous in Los Angeles. (IMDb: 8.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 75%)Ray Donovan is a drama television series that premiered on Showtime in 2013. It follows the life of Ray Donovan, a professional fixer in Los Angeles who is sometimes referred to as the 'fixer for the stars'. He handles the dirty and secretive issues of the rich and famous, making problems disappear. As he navigates his demanding job, Ray also wrestles with his own troubled family and personal issues.- Genre: Crime drama
- Original release: 2013-2020
- Number of seasons: 7
- Total episodes: 82
- Main cast: Liev Schreiber, Paula Malcomson, Eddie Marsan
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57votes
The Affair
Lee ChildA drama about the emotional and psychological effects of an extramarital affair between a novelist and a waitress. (IMDb: 7.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 77%)The Affair is the sixteenth book in the Jack Reacher series, written by Lee Child. It was published in 2011 and is considered one of the most popular books in the series. The story is set in 1997 and serves as a prequel to the rest of the series, taking place during Reacher's time as a Major in the United States Army. In this book, Reacher is sent to Mississippi to investigate the murder of a young woman. As he delves deeper into the case, Reacher unravels a conspiracy that threatens to expose corruption at the highest levels. The Affair is a thrilling and action-packed novel that showcases Reacher's intelligence, combat skills, and his unwavering pursuit of justice.- Publication Year: 2011
- Series Number: 16
- Setting: Mississippi, USA
- Time Period: 1997
- Protagonist: Jack Reacher
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66votesA dark comedy about a suburban mother who becomes a marijuana dealer to support her family after her husband dies. (IMDb: 8.0/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 76%)Weeds is a dark comedy-drama television series that aired on Showtime from 2005 to 2012. It follows the life of Nancy Botwin, a widowed mother who turns to selling marijuana to support her family in the fictional suburb of Agrestic, California.
- Genre: Dark comedy-drama
- Original Network: Showtime
- Original Release: 2005-2012
- Total Seasons: 8
- Total Episodes: 102
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712votes
Viles, Edward · Public domainPenny Dreadful
John LoganA horror series that weaves together classic literary characters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray in Victorian London. (IMDb: 8.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 77%)Penny Dreadful is a popular drama horror series on Showtime, set in Victorian London. It weaves together various iconic characters from classic literature, such as Dracula, Dorian Gray, and Frankenstein, into a dark and atmospheric narrative. The show is known for its complex characters, intricate storytelling, and stunning visuals.- Genre: Drama, Horror
- Setting: Victorian London
- Creator: John Logan
- Main Cast: Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Billie Piper
- Number of Seasons: 3
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811votesA dark comedy-drama about a nurse who struggles with addiction and personal issues while trying to do her job. (IMDb: 7.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 76%)Nurse Jackie is a drama-comedy series on Showtime that follows the life of Jackie Peyton, a skilled emergency room nurse. The show explores the challenges and complexities she faces professionally and personally while working at a busy New York City hospital.
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Original Network: Showtime
- Original Release: June 8, 2009 – June 28, 2015
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 80
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97votes
Masters of Sex
Michelle AshfordA period drama about the pioneering researchers who studied human sexuality in the 1950s and 1960s. (IMDb: 7.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 86%)Masters of Sex is a critically acclaimed American drama series that aired on Showtime from 2013 to 2016. It is based on the biography of Thomas Maier and explores the lives of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, pioneers of the science of human sexuality. The show portrays their research, personal relationships, and struggles in a conservative society.- Genre: Drama, Biographical
- Original Network: Showtime
- Original Release: September 29, 2013 – November 13, 2016
- No. of Seasons: 4
- No. of Episodes: 46
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1012votesA dramedy about a troubled novelist who struggles with writer's block, relationships, and addiction in Los Angeles. (IMDb: 8.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 72%)Californication is a song by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was released as the title track and third single from their seventh studio album, 'Californication,' in 1999. The song is a commentary on the excessive influence of popular culture and media in California, particularly in Los Angeles. It reflects on the contradictions and artificiality of the entertainment industry and its impact on society. Musically, Californication features a blend of rock, funk, and alternative rock elements, characteristic of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' style.
- Album: Californication
- Release Date: June 8, 1999
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Funk Rock
- Length: 5:29
- Writers: Anthony Kiedis, John Frusciante, Flea, Chad Smith
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular series
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Viewership NumbersThe number of viewers who watch each episode is a major factor in determining a show's popularity. Higher viewership numbers generally indicate a more popular show.
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Critical AcclaimThe amount and quality of reviews from critics can significantly impact a show's popularity. Series with high critic ratings are more likely to be popular among viewers.
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Awards and NominationsWinning prestigious awards such as Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, or Screen Actors Guild Awards can greatly boost a show's reputation and popularity.
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Audience EngagementA show with highly engaged fans, manifested through social media engagement, fan clubs, online forums, and fan-created content, can be considered more popular.
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LongevityLong-running shows with multiple seasons and episodes can indicate popularity, as they have had the chance to build a dedicated fan base over time.
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Subscription NumbersThe number of subscribers specifically drawn to the network for a particular series can be a solid indicator of its popularity.
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Cultural ImpactPopular shows often have a significant impact on popular culture, influencing trends, fashion, and commonly used phrases.
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Merchandise SalesPopular shows often have higher merchandise sales, such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and licensed products like clothing and collectibles.
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International AppealShows that are popular in multiple countries and have a diverse audience often indicate a higher level of popularity.
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Spinoffs, Adaptations, and SequelsA popular show may lead to the creation of spinoff series, film adaptations, or sequels, which can serve as an indicator of its success and popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular series on Showtime. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or series is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3954 views
- 203 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each series once every 24 hours. The rank of each series is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular series on showtime
Showtime is a premium cable and streaming network that has been entertaining audiences with its original programming for over three decades. From gritty dramas to biting comedies, Showtime has consistently delivered some of the most talked-about and critically acclaimed series on television. With a focus on bold storytelling and fearless exploration of taboo subjects, Showtime has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on television, making it a favorite among viewers looking for something outside of the mainstream. In this article, we take a closer look at the most popular series on Showtime, exploring what makes them so appealing to audiences and why they continue to be must-watch television.
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