Are you looking for your next great story or most popular books and shows? We live in an amazing time for stories. The 21st century has given us so many amazing things to read and watch. It feels like a new “golden age” for both books and television.
But with so much out there, it can be hard to choose. You finish a show and wonder, “What do I watch next?” You close a book and think, “I need another one just like that.” It’s a tough spot to be in.
In this blog post, we are going to talk about the most popular books and shows of our time. This isn’t just a quick list but a deep dive. We’ll look at the hits, the new classics, and the trends that changed everything. You will find something new to love and also see some old favorites.
We will cover the essential book & TV recommendations that everyone is talking about. From the biggest names in writing to the best shows to binge 2025, we have you covered. Let’s find your next great adventure.
Why We Love Stories Now More Than Ever?
What changed in the 21st century? In one word: access. Think about the year 1999. To watch a show, you had to catch it on TV at a specific time. To read a new book, you had to go to a bookstore or library.
Now? Everything is on-demand. This is the streaming era entertainment. We have Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. This started the television golden age. Shows became bigger. They got budgets like movies. Storytelling became deeper and more complex. We got binge-worthy shows of the 21st century. The “binge-watch” model changed how we enjoy stories. We could spend a whole weekend lost in a new world.
The same happened with books. You can download a new book in seconds. This created new trends. Self-publishing boomed. Authors could connect with fans online. This led to huge hits that came from readers, not just big publishers. We saw modern literature trends take off. This gave us some of the most popular books and shows we love today.
This new world means we have more choices. But it also means we need a guide. This list is your guide.
The Authors and Creators Who Define Our Time
When we talk about the most popular books and shows of the 21st century, a few names stand out. These are the giants. Their work has created huge fan communities. They are pop culture phenomena.
The King of Horror (And So Much More): Stephen King
You cannot talk about popular books without talking about Stephen King. He was a star long before the 21st century. But his work has only gotten more popular. Stephen King books are a brand all their own. He is a master storyteller.
Many of his classic books are still the top books to read this year. Think about The Shining. People still read it. They still watch the shining movie. Or It. The It book is a monster. And the new It movie brought Pennywise to a new generation. Carrie, Misery, Pet Sematary… these are modern classics. The Misery movie is still terrifying. The pet sematary 1989 version is a classic.
Let’s not forget The Shawshank Redemption. Many say it’s one of the best movies ever made. It came from a Stephen King story. The Green Mile is another powerful story, both a book and a movie. The green mile cast was perfect.
But King didn’t stop in the 20th century. He kept writing hits.
- 11.22.63: A massive book about time travel and stopping the JFK assassination. It became one of the best series to watch.
- Under the Dome: A huge novel about a town trapped under a mysterious dome. It also became a TV show. The cast of under the dome had a big job.
- The Institute: A recent hit about kids with special powers. It feels like classic King.
- Fairy Tale: A newer book that blends fantasy and his classic horror.
King’s other works are just as loved. The Dark Tower series is his epic fantasy. Fans have waited for a good dark tower movie for years. The Stand is a classic about the end of the world. Doctor Sleep was a sequel to The Shining. Dr sleep showed us what happened to Danny.
He also writes as Richard Bachman. The Long Walk and The Running Man are famous Bachman books. Thinner is another.
People love Stephen King movies as much as the books. 1408 is a scary hotel room movie. Christine is about a killer car. Cujo is about a rabid dog. Children of the Corn started a whole franchise. Salem’s Lot is a classic vampire story. A new salem’s lot 2024 movie is in the works.
He is a master of the craft. That’s why stephen king stephen king stephen king is a name you hear so often. He is a titan of 21st-century literature.
“Get busy living, or get busy dying.” – a famous line from The Shawshank Redemption.
The Master of Dragons and Thrones: George R.R. Martin
If one story defines the 21st-century television golden age, it’s Game of Thrones. This show was a global event. Everyone talked about it. But it all started with the Game of Thrones books by George R.R. Martin.
The book series is called A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF). These books are huge. They are deep. They are full of history, magic, and complex characters. The Game of Thrones books in order are:
- A Game of Thrones
- A Clash of Kings
- A Storm of Swords
- A Feast for Crows
- A DANCE WITH DRAGONS
Fans are now waiting for The Winds of Winter. The wait has been long. George R.R. Martin (or GRRM) is known for taking his time. He is building a world.
But the world of Westeros is bigger than one series. The show Game of Thrones became one of the most popular books and shows (as an adaptation) of all time. It changed TV.
Now, we have House of the Dragon. This show is set hundreds of years before Game of Thrones. It’s about the Targaryen civil war. House of the Dragon season 2 was a huge event. It brought fans back to Westeros. It proved the world George Martin built is still very popular.
There is more coming. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a new show in the works. It’s based on his “Dunk and Egg” novellas. His world is rich. He also has other projects, like the Wild Cards series.
George R.R. Martin created one of the most detailed fantasy worlds ever. It’s a true 21st-century phenomenon.
The New Queen of Fantasy: Rebecca Yarros
A new titan has arrived. And she writes about dragons. Rebecca Yarros is the author of the Empyrean series. This series has taken the world by storm. It started with Fourth Wing.
Fourth Wing became a massive hit. It was everywhere. People who loved fantasy loved it. People who never read fantasy loved it. It has action, romance, and lots of dragon drawing (well, dragons). The fourth wing series is the new big thing.
The story follows Violet Sorrengail. She is forced to join a brutal war college for dragon riders. The school is tough. The dragons are deadly. And the other students might kill her. Then there is Xaden Riorson. He is the powerful, dangerous man she’s not supposed to want.
The second book is Iron Flame. It continued the story and was a huge New York Times best sellers hit. Now, everyone is waiting for the next book. The Onyx Storm release date is one of the most searched things online. Onyx Storm will be the third book.
This series is a great example of modern literature trends. It blends fantasy, romance, and a dark academic feel. It’s so popular that a Fourth Wing tv show is already in development. This will surely be one of the most popular streaming shows when it comes out. Rebecca Yarros books are now must-reads for fantasy fans.
The Queen of Twists: Freida McFadden
Not all titans write about fantasy. Some write about the darkness next door. Freida McFadden has become the queen of psychological thrillers. Her books are page-turners. You cannot put them down.
It all started with The Housemaid. This book was a huge hit. It’s about a young woman who takes a job as a housemaid for a rich family. But the house has secrets. The Housemaid is dark, twisty, and so much fun to read. The Housemaid series continued with The Housemaid’s Secret.
Freida McFadden books are perfect for binge-reading. She has written many hits. Never Lie is a fan favorite. The Boyfriend is another. People love trying to figure out Freida McFadden books in order to read them all.
She is a master of the “pop psychological thriller.” Her books are fast, exciting, and perfect for today’s readers. She is one of the influential authors of the 21st century in her genre.
The Biker Saga: Sons of Anarchy
Let’s talk about a show that defined a whole new kind of anti-hero. Sons of Anarchy. This show is a 21st-century classic. It’s a drama about an outlaw motorcycle club.
The Sons of Anarchy cast was amazing. Charlie Hunnam played Jax Teller. Ron Perlman played Clay Morrow. And Katey Sagal gave an incredible performance as Gemma Teller Morrow. The sons of anarchy cast felt like a real, gritty family.
The show was more than just bikes and action. It was a drama. It was about family, loyalty, and betrayal. It was like Hamlet on motorcycles. It ran for seven seasons. People are still finding it and binging it. It’s one of the greatest modern TV shows to stream.
There was even a spin-off, Mayans M.C.. The world of Sons of Anarchy is still popular. It’s one of the must-see TV series 21st century fans talk about.
More 21st Century Must-Reads: Books You Can’t Miss
Beyond the titans, there are so many must-read books of the 21st century. Here are some top fiction novels 2000s and beyond that left a mark.
Fantasy & Sci-Fi
The 21st century has been great for popular fantasy & sci-fi books and shows.
- The Harry Potter Books (Half of them): While it started in 1997, four of the seven books came out in the 21st century. They changed publishing forever.
- The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer: The Meyer Twilight series was a global sensation. It brought vampires to a new generation.
- The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins: This series started the dystopian YA trend. It was a massive hit.
- Books by Joe Abercrombie: His First Law series is a gritty, dark fantasy for adults.
- The His Dark Materials Series (Half of it): Philip Pullman’s classic series wrapped up in the 2000s.
Thrillers & Mysteries
We love a good mystery.
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: This book changed the game for thrillers. That “cool girl” speech? Iconic. It created a wave of “unreliable narrator” books.
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: This series from Sweden was a global hit. It introduced us to Lisbeth Salander.
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: This book was everywhere. It mixed history, art, and a thrilling race against time.
Modern Classics & Literary Hits
These are the timeless 21st-century literature books that get people talking.
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel: A beautiful, strange story of a boy and a tiger on a lifeboat.
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: A powerful, heartbreaking story set in Afghanistan.
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy: A dark, bare, and beautiful book about a father and son after the end of the world.
These modern bestsellers and hit series show just how much great writing is out in the world. They are essential books for modern readers.
Must-See TV: The Shows That Define Binge-Watching
The “television golden age” gave us so many good shows to watch. These binge-worthy shows are the ones we talk about at work. They are the streaming hits and must-watch shows that fill our weekends.
Here are some of the most popular books and shows (focusing on shows) that became modern classics.
The Great Dramas
These are the best modern drama and mystery series.
- Breaking Bad: Many call it the greatest TV show ever. The story of Walter White, a teacher turned drug kingpin, was perfect from start to finish.
- The Sopranos: It started in 1999, but its impact was all 21st century. It changed what TV could be.
- Mad Men: A stylish, slow-burn show about advertisers in the 1960s. A true work of art.
- The Wire: A gritty, real look at the city of Baltimore. Every season looked at a different part of the city.
- Stranger Things: A Netflix hit that brought back 80s nostalgia. Stranger things season 3 was a huge summer event.
- The Good Doctor: A very popular medical drama about a surgeon with autism.
Amazing Comedies
We need to laugh, too.
- The Office (US): This show is still one of the most popular shows to watch. It’s a comfort show for millions.
- Parks and Recreation: A happy, hopeful comedy that is the perfect antidote to a bad day.
- Freaks and Geeks: This show had one perfect season. It launched the careers of James Franco movies star, Seth Rogen, and more.
- Ted Lasso: A show that proved being kind can be cool. A true streaming era hit.
Fantasy & Sci-Fi Hits
This genre rules TV now.
- Lost: This show was a mystery box that had everyone guessing.
- Black Mirror: A dark sci-fi show that looks at the dangers of technology.
- The Witcher: A huge fantasy hit for Netflix.
- The Mandalorian: The Star Wars show that gave us “Baby Yoda” and saved the franchise for many.
This is just a small sample. Finding good tv shows to watch is easier than ever. This is a great time to be a fan.
“A 2025 streaming report showed that the average person subscribes to four different streaming services, just to keep up with all the must-watch shows.”
The Future of Stories
So what’s next? What are the best shows to binge 2025? What are the top books to read this year?
The biggest trend is one we’ve already seen. Book adaptations into TV shows and films. Look at Fourth Wing. Look at House of the Dragon. Studios are looking for big, proven worlds to build. The global bestsellers and streaming phenomena are linked. A hit book will become a hit show. A hit show will make the book a bestseller again.
We are also seeing evolving media consumption habits. We want stories faster. This is why Freida McFadden is so popular. It’s why TikTok trends (like “BookTok”) can create a bestseller overnight.
Authors need to connect with fans. Finding book signings near me 2025 is one way. But a bigger way is online. This is why having one of the best author websites 2025 is so important.
For authors, getting your story out there is a big job. A great author website, like those from S. F. Shaw, can make all the difference. It’s a place to build your world and connect with readers.
As we look for the best author websites, it’s clear that connection is key. But sfshaw.com helps authors build that bridge to their audience.
The future is bright for stories. We will see more big fantasy worlds. We will see more twisty thrillers. We will see more critically acclaimed shows and novels.
Your Next Great Adventure Awaits
Whew. That was a lot. We’ve covered the titans like Stephen King and George R.R. Martin. We’ve welcomed new stars like Rebecca Yarros and Freida McFadden. We’ve looked back at classics like Sons of Anarchy and Breaking Bad.
This is the ultimate list of most popular books and shows. But it’s not a complete list. It’s a starting point. The best story is the one you haven’t found yet.
The cultural impact of books and TV series is huge. They give us heroes. They give us villains. They make us think. They help us escape.
So pick something from this list. A page-turner or a binge-watcher classic. Dive into a new world. Find your next favorite story. The most popular books and shows are popular for a reason. They are great stories. And there is always room for one more.
FAQs
Here are some answers to the most common questions about the most popular books and shows.
What are the most popular books of the 21st century?
This is a long list. It includes huge hits like the Harry Potter books (later ones), The Hunger Games series, The Da Vinci Code, the Twilight saga, and Gone Girl. More recently, the Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros and books by Freida McFadden are topping all the charts. And of course, Stephen King books are always modern bestsellers.
What are the best TV shows of the 21st century?
Many critics and fans would name shows like Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, The Wire, and Mad Men. For global bestsellers and streaming hits, you have to include Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, and The Office (US). These are some of the greatest modern TV shows to stream.
When is the Onyx Storm release date?
As of now, the Onyx Storm release date is set for January 21, 2025. This is the third book in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. Fans are very excited.
Is there going to be a Fourth Wing TV show?
Yes. Amazon MGM Studios is developing a Fourth Wing tv show. It is in the early stages, but it is officially in the works. It is expected to be one of the most popular streaming shows when it is released.
What is the best way to read Stephen King books in order?
With Stephen King, there isn’t a strict order. Most of his books are standalone. You can start with his classics like The Shining, It, or Pet Sematary. Or you can start with a modern hit like 11.22.63 or The Institute. The Dark Tower series is his main series that should be read in order.
What are the Game of Thrones books in order?
The A Song of Ice and Fire series (the Game of Thrones books) by George R.R. Martin should be read in this order: 1. A Game of Thrones, 2. A Clash of Kings, 3. A Storm of Swords, 4. A Feast for Crows, 5. A Dance with Dragons. Fans are still waiting for the sixth book, The Winds of Winter.
Will George R.R. Martin ever finish The Winds of Winter?
George R.R. Martin is still working on it. He gives updates on his blog. In the meantime, fans can enjoy House of the Dragon and his other stories set in Westeros.
What is Freida McFadden’s most popular book?
The Housemaid is by far her most popular book. It started The Housemaid series and made her a huge name in the psychological thriller world. Never Lie is also a very popular choice.
What are some good shows to watch right now?
Looking for good tv shows to watch? If you like fantasy, House of the Dragon is a big one. If you want a binge, The Bear is a critically acclaimed show. For sci-fi, Severance is amazing. And you can never go wrong re-watching good tv series to watch like The Office or Breaking Bad.