Streaming Ratings: A New Era of TV Viewing

Streaming Ratings: A New Era of TV Viewing

For the first time in its four-year history, Nielsen’s weekly streaming rankings have seen a remarkable shift. No original series or movie has managed to secure a spot in the top 10 titles. This unprecedented occurrence has sent ripples through the streaming industry, prompting questions about the future of original content and the evolving preferences of viewers.

The Olympics’ Impact

The Olympics undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the streaming landscape during the week of July 29-August 4. Peacock, the streaming service that aired the games, experienced a surge in viewership. However, for other streamers, the Olympic effect was less pronounced.

The Enduring Popularity of Classics

While original content took a backseat, classic shows and movies continued to captivate audiences. “House of the Dragon,” the Game of Thrones prequel, maintained its strong position on Max, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-established franchises. Additionally, shows like “Prison Break” and “Lost” made a triumphant return to the top 10 after joining Netflix.

Key Takeaways from the Nielsen Ratings

• The Olympics Dominate: Peacock’s streaming numbers soared during the Olympics.
• A Shift in Viewer Preferences: The absence of original series in the top 10 suggests a potential shift in viewer preferences.
• Classic Content Endures: Shows like “House of the Dragon,” “Prison Break,” and “Lost” continue to attract large audiences.
• Nielsen’s Limitations: The ratings only measure TV set viewing, excluding computer and mobile device usage.

Top Streaming Titles for July 29-August 4

Overall

1. House of the Dragon (Max)
2. Bluey (Disney+)
3. Grey’s Anatomy (Hulu/Netflix)
4. Family Guy (Hulu)
5. Prison Break (Hulu/Netflix)
6. Criminal Minds (Hulu/Paramount+)
7. Bob’s Burgers (Hulu)
8. All American (Netflix)
9. NCIS (Netflix/Paramount+)
10. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (Netflix/Paramount+)

Original Series

1. The Boys (Prime Video)
2. Love Island (Hulu/Netflix/Peacock)
3. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Netflix)
4. Cobra Kai (Netflix)
5. Unsolved Mysteries (Netflix)
6. Evil (Netflix/Paramount+)
7. Futurama (Hulu)
8. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)
9. Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+)
10. The Bear (Hulu)

Acquired Series

1. House of the Dragon
2. Bluey
3. Grey’s Anatomy
4. Family Guy
5. Prison Break
6. Criminal Minds
7. Bob’s Burgers
8. All American
9. NCIS
10. Lost (Hulu/Netflix)

Movies

1. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
2. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)
3. Trolls Band Together (Netflix)
4. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Netflix)
5. Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (Netflix)
6. Tarot (Netflix)
7. Land of Bad (Netflix)
8. The Man From UNCLE (Netflix)
9. Moana (Disney+)
10. Deadpool (Disney+/Max)