Lights, camera, streaming! It's time to dive into the mesmerizing world of Squid Game: The Challenge. While it may not command the same level of buzz as its predecessor, the competition series has made quite a splash. Netflix's unscripted spin-off of its record-breaking show has stormed its way into the Nielsen streaming rankings for Thanksgiving week, and boy, did it make an impressive entrance.
According to Nielsen, Squid Game: The Challenge raked in a staggering 1.42 billion minutes of viewing in the United States during the week of November 20-26. Claiming the top spot among streaming series, it triumphantly defeated Disney+'s Bluey, which garnered 1.17 billion minutes, and settled for second place overall behind Adam Sandler's animated movie Leo with 1.53 billion minutes. Talk about a heavyweight battle!
The Crown, which had reigned supreme the previous week, gracefully slid to second place in the originals category. With a viewership of 835 million minutes, it experienced an 11.5 percent decline from the previous week. Fear not, though, as it doesn't seem like the royals will be relinquishing their crown anytime soon.
'Tis the season to be streaming! The holiday spirit was alive and well in the streaming world, with The Santa Clauses making a triumphant return to the top 10 original series list. It garnered an impressive 408 million minutes of viewing on Disney+. With half of the top 10 movies consisting of Christmas films, the jingle bells were definitely ringing.
In a surprising twist, Young Sheldon, the spin-off of the beloved sitcom The Big Bang Theory, made its Netflix debut on November 24 and instantly won the hearts of viewers. It accumulated a combined total of 963 million minutes of viewing on Netflix and Max. Meanwhile, its parent show, The Big Bang Theory, secured its own spot on the charts, boasting 590 million minutes of watch time exclusively on Max.
Netflix also scored big with its acquisition of the former BET+ show, First Wives Club. The series recorded a commendable 755 million minutes of viewing, solidifying its place among the elite. While BET+ may not be included in Nielsen's weekly rankings, this steamy drama proved its streaming prowess.
It's important to note that Nielsen's streaming ratings only cover TV sets and don't include minutes watched on computers or mobile devices. Furthermore, the rankings are solely based on U.S. audiences, omitting the international viewership. Nonetheless, these impressive statistics highlight the popularity and influence of streaming platforms in today's entertainment landscape.
So, if you're craving some captivating content and craving it hard, look no further than Squid Game: The Challenge. With its addictive premise and competitive edge, it's no wonder viewers are diving headfirst into this thrilling series. As the streaming wars continue to heat up, it's safe to say that this squid may just be a formidable contender in the game of binge-watching.
Now, grab your popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and get ready to immerse yourself in the streaming extravaganza that has captured the nation's attention. Happy streaming, and may the challenges be ever in your favor!