The latest crop of streaming series has arrived, and Rotten Tomatoes critics have spoken. Forbes unveils the ten best new shows currently streaming, ranked by their critical scores—a mix of breakout hits from Netflix, Apple TV+, HBO Max, and more. For viewers overwhelmed by endless options, this curated list offers a shortcut to the most acclaimed new content.
Streaming platforms continue to invest heavily in original programming, with hundreds of new series premiering each month. In this crowded landscape, Rotten Tomatoes scores have become a crucial shorthand for quality, guiding subscribers toward the shows most likely to satisfy. The Forbes list, updated weekly, aggregates these scores to highlight the ten highest-rated new series across all major services.
Among the top performers is a gripping Apple TV+ drama that debuted with a 98% critic score, praised for its intricate storytelling and powerhouse performances. Netflix counters with a taut thriller series at 92%, while HBO Max’s latest limited series earned a 95% for its revelatory documentary style. The list spans genres—from sci-fi to historical drama—ensuring something for every taste. Shows must have at least 20 critic reviews to qualify, ensuring statistical reliability.
Industry observers note that high Rotten Tomatoes scores increasingly drive viewership, with a 10% increase in critical scores correlating to a 15% bump in first-week streams. For creators, the pressure to earn the “Fresh” tomato is enormous. Yet some argue that algorithm-driven aggregation oversimplifies nuance.
Looking ahead, the streaming wars will only intensify. As new platforms like Paramount+ and Peacock compete, such lists will remain essential for cutting through noise. Forbes plans to update this ranking weekly, reflecting the fast-paced release schedule. For now, these ten shows represent the best of what streaming has to offer—a reliable guide for your next binge.
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The 10 Best New Rotten Tomatoes Scored Shows Streaming Right Now
Here are the ten best new shows on streaming according to their Rotten Tomatoes criti
Paul Tassi, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
3/10
Key Takeaways
- The top show on Forbes' list, an Apple TV+ drama, debuted with a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score from 45 critic reviews.
- Netflix's latest thriller series earned a 92% score, becoming the most-streamed new release on the platform within its first week.
- HBO Max's limited documentary series scored 95%, its highest-rated original since 2023.
- Six of the ten shows come from streaming services that have invested over $500 million in original content this year.
- The average Rotten Tomatoes score across the top ten is 91.2%, the highest recorded for a Forbes list in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest-rated new show on Forbes's list was an Apple TV+ drama that scored 98% on Rotten Tomatoes from 45 critic reviews. It was praised for its intricate storytelling and performances.
Rotten Tomatoes scores are calculated by aggregating critic reviews and dividing the number of positive reviews by total reviews. A score of 60% or above earns a 'Fresh' rating. Shows must have at least 20 critic reviews to be eligible for Forbes's list.
Netflix and Apple TV+ each had three shows in Forbes's top 10 list, reflecting their heavy investment in original programming. HBO Max had two, while Hulu and Prime Video had one each.
Forbes updates its list weekly to reflect new releases and changing Rotten Tomatoes scores. The ranking considers only shows that have been streaming for at least two weeks to ensure score stability.
The top 10 includes a mix of drama, thriller, limited series documentary, sci-fi, and historical drama. This variety ensures options for different viewer preferences.
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www.forbes.com
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