'Outer Banks' sails to Netflix's top spot

Final season opens with 9.4 million views despite dip

'Outer Banks' ended its five-season run on a strong note, debuting at No 1 on Netflix's most-watched television list with 9.4 million views during the week of Aug 17, although its opening figures fell short of the previous season's first-part launch.

The final season's performance nevertheless gave the popular series another ratings milestone, marking its fourth consecutive No 1 debut on Netflix. The result also ensured that the drama remained ahead of its television competition as it brought its central story to a close.

Season 5's 9.4 million views were lower than the 15.5 million recorded when Season 4, Part 1 launched in October 2024. The second part of Season 4 attracted 8.6 million views, although comparisons are complicated by the different release formats.

Unlike Season 4, which was split into two parts, the fifth season was released as a binge-watch offering. That difference makes a direct comparison between the launches less straightforward, even as the latest figures demonstrate continued interest in the franchise.

The strong debut could also provide momentum for the planned expansion of the 'Outer Banks' universe. A prequel series is reportedly in development from creators Josh Pate, Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke, potentially extending the story beyond the recently concluded main series.

Behind 'Outer Banks' Season 5, 'My Brilliant Career' Season 1 ranked second on Netflix's television chart with 4.7 million views. 'My Life With the Walter Boys' Season 3 followed in third place, collecting 4.3 million views during its third week on the list.

Another notable performer was Shane Gillis' 'Tires', which reached No 5 with 2.8 million views. The result represented the show's highest-ever position on the Netflix television chart, giving the comedy a fresh ratings milestone of its own.

On the film side, Sunny Sandler-led 'Don't Say Good Luck' claimed the top position with 12.8 million views. The film narrowly edged out 'The Last House', which recorded 12 million views in its third week and settled for second place.

Documentary 'Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing' occupied third place on the film chart with 4.7 million views, while Kevin Hart's comedy '72 Hours' ranked fourth after drawing four million views in its fifth week.

For 'Outer Banks', however, the latest figures represent more than another chart-topping debut. After five seasons of treasure hunts, romance, rivalries and adventure, the series has managed to maintain its position as one of Netflix's reliable performers, ending its original run at the top.

With a prequel already in the works, the No 1 debut suggests that the world created by the Pate brothers and Burke still has an audience willing to follow it. For now, 'Outer Banks' closes its main chapter with another place at the summit of Netflix's weekly rankings.