Netflix Finally Releases Most-Watched Movies and Shows: Audiences Flock to New Originals
After years of keeping its viewership numbers shrouded in secrecy, Netflix has finally pulled back the curtain. On Tuesday, the streaming giant issued its first ever “What We Watched” engagement report, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the most popular titles on its service.
Bucking Industry Norms to Build Trust
The report covers the January to June 2023 time period and reveals the top movies and shows globally based on total hours viewed. It encompasses over 18,000 titles representing 99% of Netflix viewing and 100 billion streaming hours.
Speaking on a press call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos explained the motivation behind sharing the data, saying past secrecy created “mistrust over time” among content creators. The report, issued twice annually moving forward, aims to build transparency.
Sarandos also noted the success of Netflix titles hinges on more than just raw viewership totals. But the new metrics offer valuable insights into subscriber tastes.
A Clear Frontrunner Emerges
So which brand new Netflix original production captivated audiences more than anything else in early 2023? That honor goes to The Night Agent, an action thriller series that racked up a staggering 812 million viewing hours to nab the top spot.
The Gabriel Basso-led show, following an FBI agent caught in a dangerous conspiracy, debuted on January 12, 2023. Strong critical reviews and urgent topical themes around national security elevated The Night Agent into a surprise hit.
Other Top Titles Demonstrate Range of Content
Slotting into second place was season two of family drama Ginny & Georgia, underscoring Netflix’s advantage in the scripted originals space. The show generated 665 million hours viewed upon its January 5 global release.
K-dramas also surged in popularity. Third place went to Korean title The Glory, which drove 623 million hours of engagement. This demonstrates how Netflix increasingly caters content for local international audiences.
The wildly popular Addams Family offshoot Wednesday ranked fourth with over 500 million hours viewed in just three months. And capping off the top five was Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story at 503 million hours, highlighting the staying power of Shonda Rhimes’ period drama universe.
Beyond the Hourly Figures
While the raw data provides valuable viewership benchmarks, Sarandos noted success means more than sheer total hours. Factors like a show’s relative audience size and content costs also come into play.
Still, the report pulls the curtain back on a previously opaque data set. It offers content creators and audiences a transparent look into the titles resonating on a global scale, helping to foster informed conversations around Netflix’s evolving content strategy.
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