The #1 Best Show on Netflix: What to Watch Right Now (2025 Guide)
Jul, 27 2025
Every week, a new must-watch show seems to take over Netflix. Last year’s obsession fades overnight as something new grabs everyone’s attention. But with so many series fighting for your spare hours, which one actually stands out as the #1 best show on Netflix in 2025? Forget the hype from fleeting TikTok trends or last month’s viral drama. There’s one show that’s more than just buzz — it’s become a genuine cultural touchstone, the kind of series that gets people talking at lunch tables, on Reddit, and even in industry boardrooms. Let’s dig into what makes Netflix’s current king of original programming such a phenomenon, and why you should probably start watching (if you haven’t already).
All Eyes on "Nocturne City": The Reigning #1 Netflix Show
Let’s not dance around it: the single most-watched, most-talked-about Netflix series as of summer 2025 is “Nocturne City.” Yes, the gritty, supernatural noir that hit Netflix in late spring is the real deal. In its first week, it pulled in an eye-watering 160 million views across the globe, putting it neck-and-neck with the launch numbers for “Squid Game” and racing past “Bridgerton” and “Wednesday.” Drawing inspiration from equal parts "Blade Runner," "Stranger Things," and "Sin City," "Nocturne City" centers on Detective Lin Navarro, played by the quietly brilliant Amara King, as she unravels crimes in a metropolis where daylight never breaks and everyone seems to have something to hide. It’s smart, stylish, and unafraid of bold risks. Creator Julian Mercado, previously best known for indie sci-fi hits, has truly leveled up with this high-budget production. The reviews back up the numbers. Variety called it “the most addictive Netflix mystery in years,” while Empire referred to its first season as “a modern sci-fi masterpiece with real emotional weight.” The show’s sleek look was dreamed up by Oscar-winning cinematographer Lila Suzuki, and the soundtrack — you’ll recognize the moody synths within seconds — went viral on Spotify within a week of release. Every detail, down to the glowing signage and the costuming that’s already inspired fashion lines, adds to its atmospheric punch.
Now, why are people actually watching "Nocturne City?" For starters, it doesn’t talk down to you. Each episode trusts you to piece together big plot points without spoon-feeding, so you end up glued to the screen, trying to untangle who’s dangerous and who just looks dangerous. The writing doesn’t shy away from tough moments, either — this is a show that dives into broken families, corrupt systems, and uneasy alliances. Fans will tell you: the jaw-dropping twists in episodes four and seven? Nobody saw those coming. And unlike earlier Netflix hits, “Nocturne City” doesn’t stall out midway through its season. The pacing is relentless but never rushed, and every subplot pays off (yes, even the weird bit with the immortal bartender!).
The numbers tell the story. Take a look:
| Show | Launch Month | Week 1 Viewership (millions) | Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nocturne City | May 2025 | 160 | 92% |
| Squid Game | Sept 2021 | 111 | 94% |
| Bridgerton S2 | March 2022 | 85 | 82% |
| Wednesday | Nov 2022 | 60 | 72% |
But what cements "Nocturne City" at the top isn’t just the ratings. It’s the way word of mouth has exploded. Social media is awash with memes, fan theories, and—no joke—recipes for that haunting blue cocktail Lin orders in nearly every episode. If you search #NocturneCity on TikTok, you’ll see everything from cosplay to quick-fire scene breakdowns and more than a few earnest debates about which episode hit hardest.
Storytelling That Hits Different: Why "Nocturne City" Works
At its core, "Nocturne City" is a story-driven show that isn’t afraid to mess with the formula. The series follows a classic detective structure: each week, a new mystery unfolds, but these aren’t your usual “killer-of-the-week” episodes. Each case plugs straight into the city’s labyrinthine, corrupt infrastructure — think criminal syndicates, rogue AI conglomerates, and haunted nightclubs. Lin Navarro and her crew aren’t superheroes, either. Every win leaves scars, both physical and emotional. Plenty of fans praise how the show doubles down on real consequences, echoing the "Game of Thrones" ethos of “no one is safe.”
One thing that sets "Nocturne City" apart: the world-building. You’d swear the city was real. Neon back alleys, rain-slicked rooftops, subway lines that vanish into darkness — the production design is off the charts, and frankly, it makes most network TV look like a high school play by comparison. The showrunner brings in authentic details, like the city’s own invented slang, music genres, and even advertisements that run in the background (there are already fake in-universe brands selling t-shirts online). The writers consulted real detectives and criminal psychologists to get investigative details right; one scene-stealing tip: when a suspect tells you what you want to hear, Navarro’s trick is to ask for their version in reverse order, a move borrowed from actual police interrogations. Smart stuff that keeps you guessing. Here’s a wild fact: the show's script bible clocks in at over 200 pages — that’s double the length of what most streaming series draft before shooting.
But above all, the heart of the show is Lin Navarro. She’s quietly complex, wrestling with a dark past and still finding moments of hope and humor. Unlike cardboard-cutout heroes, Lin is a mess in the best way possible. She’s fiercely loyal but doesn’t trust easily, and the bond with her adopted family of detectives is the real emotional throughline. Critics agree: “Lin Navarro is the most compelling TV detective since Rust Cohle,” raved The Guardian.
Another cool touch: every episode drops an “Easter egg” — a subtle callback to classic detective stories, like a shot resembling a famous noir still, or dialogue that echoes Raymond Chandler or Philip K. Dick. Reddit threads are overflowing as fans compete to spot each one. It’s the sort of show you’ll want to re-watch because, let’s face it, you missed half the best clues the first time.
Don’t just take my word for it. Netflix’s own chief content officer said in a recent interview:
“Nocturne City” is more than just our biggest hit this year. It’s a model for where high-quality, ambitious streaming storytelling goes next. The audience engagement is extraordinary.
— Bela Bajaria, Netflix CCO, interview with Deadline, June 2025
If you’re the type who usually skips opening credits, don’t — fans have already decoded hidden messages hinting at next season’s major twists in the first 30 seconds. Trust me, it’s worth a close watch.
What Sets "Nocturne City" Apart from Past Netflix Hits?
You might be wondering: okay, so “Nocturne City” is hot right now, but Netflix has churned out plenty of binge-worthy shows over the years. What really makes this one stand out from the wild success of series like “Stranger Things,” “The Witcher,” or “Squid Game?”
One word: depth. Those old hits were great rides, but “Nocturne City” builds a universe you can actually get lost in, layered with secrets that don’t give themselves up on a first pass. Everything, from the graffiti in alleyways to coded names in text messages, means something. Hardcore fans have already assembled online “encyclopedias” to catalog every piece of the puzzle. It’s also a show that respects its audience. “Nocturne City” doesn’t rely on cheap cliffhangers or forced romances. Instead, it balances pulse-pounding action scenes with moments of genuine vulnerability, like Lin’s awkward dinner with her estranged father or her tense partnership with the city’s only honest news reporter.
Another reason? Representation. The show boasts one of the most diverse casts Netflix has ever greenlit, from cast regulars to directors and even guest writers. Disabilities, multiple cultures, and messy relationships are front and center—not a token in sight—prompting The Washington Post to call it "a new template for genuine ensemble storytelling." Gen Z and millennial audiences are really noticing; they’re turning to message boards and fan accounts not just to dissect plot, but to celebrate seeing themselves reflected on screen with nuance rather than stereotypes.
Let’s talk about longevity. Too many streaming hits burn out after a single season or two. This one’s different. As of July 2025, Netflix has already officially renewed “Nocturne City” for two more seasons, something they rarely do. The writers’ room teased “major shocks and a totally new antagonist” for Season 2, so the investment seems serious — and insiders say the budgets are off the charts. That means better effects, bigger sets, and, no doubt, more watercooler moments.
If you’re the sort who worries about spoilers: mute your keywords now. Script leaks and unauthorized teasers have been circulating for weeks, prompting Netflix to double security on future scripts. If you love dissecting “theories” with friends, this is the show to be watching — everyone has a favorite hunch, and everyone’s gotten at least one theory wildly wrong already.
Finally: it’s fun. Even if you don’t fall down the theorist rabbit hole, there’s real entertainment here, whether you’re here for the slick fight scenes, the killer soundtrack, or the quirky side characters (shout-out to the hologram cat running the underground casino in episode 6).
Pro Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Watching "Nocturne City"
If you want to experience what everyone’s talking about, a little prep goes a long way. “Nocturne City” is packed with detail, so it’s not the kind of show you half-watch while scrolling through Instagram. Here’s how to savor every minute:
- Watch with subtitles on. The city’s invented slang and rapid-fire dialogue can be hard to follow otherwise. Bonus: you’ll catch hidden jokes and clues.
- Resist binging in one go.
- The creators hid subtle connections between episodes — giving yourself time to think will help you piece stuff together.
- For mega-fans: seek out the official Netflix companion guide. As of July 2025, there’s a new digital “making-of” packed with behind-the-scenes interviews, annotated scripts, and more details on the show’s music and design.
- Hosting a watch party? Mix up the official “Nocturne Blue” cocktail (lemonade, butterfly pea flower tea, and a spicy sugar rim) or grab a fake city mug — Etsy has a dozen.
- If you love music, fire up the Spotify playlist curated by the show’s music supervisor. It’s never just background noise — some episode clues are actually hidden in the lyrics.
- Dive into episode-specific forums after watching, but beware spoilers! TikTok recaps can help spot Easter eggs or plot threads you missed.
- For those who care about future-proofing: Season 2 drops early December 2025. Mark your calendar — teaser trailers all but confirm some returning (and a few missing) faces.
Netflix Originals have always had a way of sucking you in, but “Nocturne City” is the rare series that rewards patience, close attention, and, honestly, a little nerdiness. Whether you’re here for pulse-racing mysteries, lush visuals, or just to see what the internet is freaking out about, it has something for you. So if you haven’t fired it up yet, you’re missing the moment. Because for now, at least, the answer to the question everyone’s asking — what’s the #1 best show on Netflix? — is easy: it’s best Netflix show “Nocturne City.”