Netflix Reveals Viewing Data for First Half of 2023
Netflix has released a massive amount of streaming data, revealing the viewing totals for over 18,000 movies and TV shows for the first half of 2023. The data shows Netflix's ability to engage its large subscriber base, but it's important to note that these totals are based on hours viewed, not the metric used for the weekly top 10 lists. Here are some key takeaways from the data.
A Very Diverse Top 25
Of the top 25 titles on the list, six feature Latinx lead or co-lead actors, while nine others include people of color in lead or co-lead roles. This means that 60% of the biggest titles on Netflix from January to June star individuals from the global majority.
Additionally, six of the top 25 titles are in languages other than English, although dubbed versions are available as well.
Cancelled Shows with High Viewership
The most watched show that ended up being cancelled is Sex/Life, which had 175.5 million hours of viewing for its second season. Despite a 45% drop in viewing time compared to the first season, both seasons ranked in the top 70 titles from January to June.
The fantasy drama Shadow and Bone, which was also cancelled by Netflix, accumulated 292.4 million hours of viewing across its two seasons.
Selected Shows in the Rankings
At the 50th spot is The Recruit with 146.9 million hours of viewing. It comes in 30% below the 20th ranked title and 82% less than the top-ranked show.
That '90s Show, a sequel to That '70s Show, sits at 100th place with 95.1 million hours of viewing.
Season four of Suits, which premiered in the US in June but has been available in other territories for years, ranks 200th with 64.2 million hours of viewing.
The French animated show Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, with 21.4 million hours of viewing, and the British movie '71, which is the first of 302 titles with 1 million hours of viewing, are listed further down in the rankings.
