The top-trending TV show on Google this year was a Netflix series about teen suicide — here's the full list

Netflix

Google has released its "year in search" for 2017, and the top-trending TV show in the US was a controversial teen drama from Netflix.

This year, the top TV shows included ABC's "Bachelor in Paradise," which had a scandalous shut down over the summer; The CW's teen drama and mystery series "Riverdale;" and ABC's new ratings hit "The Good Doctor."

Topping the list was Netflix's "13 Reasons Why," a drama about a teenager who kills herself and leaves notes for those she's left behind, and those who have wronged her. The series sparked controversy for allegedly glorifying suicide, especially given its vulnerable teenage audience. But Netflix maintained that it helped promote an honest dialogue between parents and children.

According to Google, here are the TV shows that had the highest spike in traffic over a sustained period in 2017 as compared to 2016:

With a huge budget and big names including Ian McShane, Crispin Glover, Kristin Chenoweth, Pablo Schreiber, and Gillian Anderson, "American Gods" had a lot of hype, especially since it's based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. It was well-received, but unfortunately showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green won't be returning for season two. 

"Big Little Lies" featured strong, supportive female friendships, a non-linear storytelling structure, and a storyline about a victim of domestic abuse, played by Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, in what is probably her best performance ever. The originally one-season limited series was so popular that HBO picked it up for season two, with Kidman and Reese Witherspoon returning.

Netflix's "Santa Clarita Diet" is about a woman named Sheila, played Drew Barrymore, who becomes a zombie. The show had an interesting marketing campaign that matched the fun but grossly violent comedy. Sheila's teenage daughter and husband adjust to life with a zombie, and go to great lengths to cover it up.

ABC's "The Good Doctor" premiered in the fall and quickly rose up to top CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" in the ratings. The show is about an autistic surgeon played by Freddie Highmore. Highmore was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role.

Even if you've never seen "Bachelor in Paradise," you probably know why people were searching it in 2017. In July, production on the ABC reality show that is a spin-off of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" was abruptly shut down amid allegations of sexual misconduct on set. The alleged incident involved contestants Corinne Olympios and DeMario Jackson. Eventually the show returned, without Olympios and Jackson. 

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