'Wednesday' season 2 struggles to top charts amid Netflix’s split-release strategy

Wednesday season 2 has returned on Netflix nearly three years after its premiere, but the show’s popularity appears to be affected by the platform’s latest release strategy. Despite positive reviews, the series is not topping global charts as expected.

Netflix released the first four episodes of season 2 on August 6, with the remaining four due on September 3. This split-season format follows a wider trend adopted by the streaming platform, but some fans have voiced frustration.

According to FlixPatrol, Wednesday currently ranks fourth on Netflix’s global TV chart, with Unspeakable Sins leading, followed by Untamed and Beyond the Bar.

In the United States, the show entered the charts in tenth place on August 3 and moved up slightly to eighth by August 6. As of August 7, it had not risen higher, recording a number one spot only in Lebanon and appearing in the Top 10 in multiple other regions.

Fans rewatched season 1 ahead of the release, but the timing of the new season—launched on a Wednesday—might have impacted viewership, as Netflix traditionally schedules major releases later in the week. 

Critically, the show performed well. Wednesday season 2 holds an 83% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, up from 73% in season 1, and maintains an 86% audience rating.

Netflix has already confirmed season 3 is in development, with creators aiming for a shorter gap between seasons.