"Squid Game" Leads Summer Streaming Surge, Hallmark's "Christmas in July" Shines

The summer of 2025 has been a dynamic time for the TV industry, with a mix of reality series, dramas, and action shows captivating audiences across various platforms.

Leading the charge is the highly anticipated third season of the Netflix sensation "Squid Game," which has shattered records with 134.7 million views to date, rivaling the all-time viewership of other hit shows. This summer's biggest streaming hit, "Squid Game" has solidified its status as a global phenomenon.

Hallmark Channel has also made a strong impression, with its annual "Christmas in July" special reaching 12.6 million total viewers and ranking as the top entertainment cable network on weekends throughout July. The network's new original movie premieres have also dominated the cable landscape, further cementing Hallmark's position as a go-to destination for feel-good programming.

In the realm of sports, the WNBA has continued to see a surge in viewership, with a July 27 matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky scoring 1.5 million viewers, a 17% increase from last year's regular-season average on ABC. This game ranks as the sixth most-watched regular-season game on the network, underscoring the growing demand for women's professional basketball.

While the summer months typically bring a slowdown for broadcast networks, unscripted series have managed to keep audiences engaged. Shows like "America's Got Talent," "Celebrity Family Feud," and "Big Brother" have all maintained strong viewership, with the latter reaching nearly 26 million viewers across CBS and Paramount+.

As the summer of 2025 progresses, the TV landscape continues to evolve, with a diverse array of content captivating viewers and shaping the industry's trajectory.