'Wednesday' beats 'Stranger Things Season 4' to become Netflix's most-watched English show

Netflix's changing metrics have shaken things up

In a significant shift in Netflix's reporting methodology, Wednesday has surpassed the highly popular Stranger Things Season 4 to become the most popular English-language series of all time on the streaming platform. Deadline reports that this development comes as Netflix adopts a new metric for reporting viewership, emphasising average viewership instead of total hours viewed.

Stranger Things Season 4, known for its whopping 13-hour runtime, was widely anticipated to retain its crown as the most popular English-language series. However, Wednesday's shorter length and impressive viewership propelled it to the top spot, surpassing the fan-favourite sci-fi series. This accomplishment is a testament to the captivating storyline and the Addams Family series' enduring popularity, even in a highly competitive landscape.

Netflix's decision to shift from total hours viewed to average viewership as the primary metric for reporting reflects a desire to provide a fairer representation of a series' popularity, irrespective of its runtime. Previously, longer dramas enjoyed an advantage due to their extended episodes, making it challenging for shorter series or films to compete for top spots. By considering average viewership, Netflix aims to assess the impact of content across all genres and formats more accurately.

The change in Netflix's viewership reporting method disrupts established rankings and presents new opportunities for diverse content. Half-hour comedies, which typically faced disadvantages in the previous system, now have a better chance to shine under the new metric. This shift provides a more level playing field for content creators and offers viewers a broader range of programming to explore.

Despite the change in reporting, Squid Game remains Netflix's most popular series ever. Dahmer held onto its position in third place, showcasing the sustained interest in this true-crime series. However, Bridgerton Season 1 overtook its successor, Season 2, for fourth place on the most popular list. The new reporting metric also welcomed some fresh faces to the most popular list. The Watcher and The Queen's Gambit made their mark, capturing the attention and engagement of viewers.

With the expanded measurement window of 91 days, Netflix aims to give films and shows ample time to grow and gain momentum. This change particularly benefits programs that need more intellectual property (IP) backing, allowing them to build a loyal audience over an extended period. By affording more time for content to resonate with viewers, Netflix hopes to cultivate a diverse catalogue that appeals to a wider audience base.

While the new average viewership metric brings more balance to Netflix's rankings, it does have its limitations. By assuming that viewers watch content from start to finish, unique views may be inflated, as some users may watch multiple times or not complete the series at all. Nevertheless, average viewership enables meaningful comparisons between streaming and linear television, aligning Netflix's reporting with industry standards and facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of audience preferences.

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