HBO MAX Passes PARAMOUNT+ in New US Streaming Rankings as NETFLIX Stays First

HBO MAX has moved ahead of PARAMOUNT+ in Parks Associates’ annual ranking of US subscription streaming services, according to research released November 10 at 8:41 a.m. ET. Netflix retained the top spot, followed by Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+ and Peacock.

The new list ranks services using Parks Associates’ estimates of US subscribers through September 2026. It is not a direct accounting of disclosed subscriber totals from each streaming company.

The 2026 Top Ten

1. Netflix
2. Prime Video
3. Hulu
4. Disney+
5. Peacock
6. HBO Max
7. Paramount+
8. Apple TV
9. YouTube Premium
10. ESPN Select

The leading five services held their positions. The notable movement further down the list was HBO Max climbing past Paramount+ to become sixth.

What the Numbers Mean for Subscribers

Parks Associates estimates Netflix now reaches 67% of US internet households, compared with 64% a year earlier. It also estimates Apple TV’s household reach at 22%, up from approximately 20% in the third quarter of 2025. Household reach is a different metric from paid subscriber counts.

The firm’s report arrives as Skydance outlines plans to offer HBO Max and Paramount+ together in a bundle before further technical integration. The ranking describes the services’ estimated pre-integration positions and does not predict the size or success of a future combined streaming product.

A Crowded Market

Parks Associates says its tracker identifies hundreds of subscription and advertising-supported video services. Its analysts argue that pricing, content offerings, advertising and customer retention remain central to competition.

For audiences, the findings offer a snapshot of a fragmented streaming market. They do not establish that any particular service has better programming, a stronger financial position or higher viewer satisfaction.

Sources: Parks Associates’ November 10 original release; TV Tech’s November 10 reporting.