The streaming wars are off to a roaring start in 2026, with both new and returning television dramas capturing audiences and critical acclaim alike. Barely two weeks into the new year, platforms like HBO Max and Netflix are setting the tone for what is shaping up to be a landmark year for streaming entertainment. While Netflix made headlines with the conclusion of its blockbuster series Stranger Things and the debut of the mystery hit Run Away, HBO Max is making its own waves with the triumphant return of Industry and the continued dominance of The Pitt.
According to ComicBook.com, HBO Max’s Industry has made an immediate impact with the premiere of its fourth season, climbing to the #3 spot among TV series streaming on the platform as of January 14, 2026. This ranking is especially impressive considering the fierce competition from other high-profile shows. The only series currently ahead of Industry are The Pitt—which has become a breakout fan favorite—and the latest season of Primal from Adult Swim. Just one day prior, Industry was sitting at #2, a testament to its staying power and the loyalty of its viewers.
But what’s fueling this surge in popularity for Industry? The answer appears to be a combination of critical acclaim and the show’s compelling portrayal of high-stakes investment banking in London. The series, anchored by the dynamic performances of Ken Leung and Myha’la Herrold, has consistently impressed critics since its debut. As of January 14, 2026, the fourth season of Industry boasts a remarkable 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 32 reviews, and holds the coveted “Certified Fresh” distinction. This level of acclaim isn’t a fluke: Season 3 scored an even higher 98%, while Season 2 also landed at 96%. Only its inaugural season lagged behind, with a still respectable 76% approval rating when it premiered in 2020.
The show’s steady rise in both viewership and critical regard can be attributed to several factors. As noted by ComicBook.com, Industry initially faced an uphill battle, lacking the familiar faces that often draw in casual viewers. However, the core cast’s fiery performances quickly won over fans, and later seasons introduced more recognizable talent, including Game of Thrones star Kit Harington, Stranger Things’ Charlie Heaton, comedian Kal Penn, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’s Kiernan Shipka. This blend of fresh and established actors has helped the series broaden its appeal while maintaining the intense, character-driven storytelling that has become its hallmark.
Set against the backdrop of London’s cutthroat financial sector, Industry doesn’t shy away from the complexities of investment banking. While some of the jargon may go over the heads of viewers unfamiliar with the financial world, the show’s emotional stakes and interpersonal drama keep audiences engaged. As streaming subscribers increasingly worry about the premature cancellation of promising series, Industry’s ongoing success is a reassuring sign that quality storytelling can still find a loyal audience.
Meanwhile, HBO Max’s other heavyweight, The Pitt, continues to dominate both ratings and awards circuits. On January 12, 2026, The Pitt took home the Golden Globe for Best TV Drama Series, as reported by Collider.com. The competition was fierce, with other nominees including The Diplomat, Pluribus, Severance, Slow Horses, and The White Lotus. The win was hardly a surprise for those who have followed the show’s meteoric rise since its debut, and it cements The Pitt’s status as the must-watch drama of the season.
This Golden Globe victory is part of a broader trend in which streaming originals are increasingly recognized by major awards bodies. Alongside The Pitt, the Golden Globes also spotlighted other standout dramas from 2025, such as Andor, Paradise, and Severance. The recognition of these series underscores the shifting landscape of television, where traditional networks are now sharing the spotlight with streaming platforms, and where new voices and unconventional stories are finding both critical and commercial success.
It’s not just the awards that are turning heads; it’s the numbers, too. According to Flix Patrol, Industry’s high placement in HBO Max’s Top 10 signals a growing appetite for smart, character-driven dramas. The fact that its viewership remains strong even after a slight dip in ranking suggests that the show’s audience is both engaged and expanding. With only one episode of the new season available as of mid-January, there’s every indication that Industry could climb even higher in the coming weeks as word of mouth continues to spread.
Netflix, for its part, is not sitting idle. The streaming giant ended 2025 on a high note with the series finale of Stranger Things, which has now cemented its place among the platform’s all-time top 10 shows. The debut of Run Away, a new mystery series, has also captured viewers’ attention, quickly becoming a hit in its own right. And with an extensive slate of movies and shows planned for release throughout 2026, Netflix is making it clear that it intends to remain a major player in the streaming space.
As the battle for viewers intensifies, the success of shows like Industry and The Pitt highlights the importance of both critical recognition and audience engagement. Awards like the Golden Globes bring prestige and visibility, but it’s the sustained interest of viewers—reflected in streaming rankings and social media buzz—that ultimately determines a show’s longevity. In an era where even highly praised series can be axed before their time, the resilience of these dramas is a hopeful sign for fans and creators alike.
Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Industry can maintain its momentum and perhaps even challenge The Pitt for the top spot. With its strong start, critical acclaim, and growing cast of familiar faces, the show is certainly well positioned. But as new contenders emerge and viewer tastes continue to evolve, the only certainty is that the competition will remain fierce—and the quality of television, higher than ever.
For now, audiences can relish the embarrassment of riches streaming platforms have to offer, knowing that the bar for great television continues to rise with every passing season.
