Southern Screen Time: A Recap of 2025's Top Streaming Trends and Pop Culture Moments
The South dominated screen time this year, with Mississippi leading the pack in viewing hours per capita, followed by Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, and West Virginia. Roku's data from over 90 million streaming households showed that binge-watching sessions lasting eight hours or more were common, especially in January. The top streaming weekend of the year occurred after Thanksgiving, highlighting the perfect combination of a full belly, holiday leftovers, and a good show.
In 2025, original horror movies gained popularity, with titles like Sinners generating significant search volume and contributing to a 20% growth in the genre. Notable actors like Adam Sandler and Ariana Grande were the most-searched on Roku, thanks to their successful projects like Happy Gilmore 2 and Wicked. The year also saw various pop culture moments unfolding on TV screens, keeping viewers engaged and entertained.
Overall, the South's enthusiasm for streaming content and the rise of original horror films and star-studded projects made 2025 a memorable year for entertainment. Whether it was hibernating with long binge-watching sessions or enjoying post-Thanksgiving streaming marathons, viewers across the country found comfort and joy in their favorite shows and movies.