While Netflix faces increasing competition in the streaming landscape, it remains a dominant force in the entertainment industry. The summer of 2024 saw a plethora of captivating shows grace the platform, leaving viewers wanting more. To discover the true champions of the season, we delve into the top 5 most-watched Netflix shows, based on their publicly available weekly top 10 lists. These shows captivated audiences for multiple weeks, accumulating impressive viewership numbers.
5. American Murder: Laci Peterson — 27.1 million viewers
While fictional television shows reigned supreme in the top five, ‘American Murder: Laci Peterson’ demonstrated the enduring fascination with true crime narratives, particularly those presented in documentary format. This captivating docuseries revisits the chilling case of Laci Peterson, a pregnant woman who vanished without a trace. The case, which garnered extensive media attention at the time, is examined in detail, shedding light on the victim’s story and offering a perspective often absent in initial coverage.
4. Cobra Kai season 6 — 30.8 million viewers
The debut of the first part of ‘Cobra Kai’s’ sixth and final season was an expected ratings juggernaut. This once unassuming YouTube Original series has evolved into a major force on Netflix. Despite limited critical acclaim, the show’s enduring popularity is undeniable, with viewers eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this beloved story. Notably, the first part of the final season’s release in July only represents a portion of the complete season, suggesting even more impressive viewership numbers are likely in the future.
3. Supacell season 1 — 33.4 million viewers
Emerging as a surprise hit, the U.K. series ‘Supacell’ dominated the streaming charts despite competing with heavyweights like ‘Bridgerton.’ The show follows a group of ordinary individuals who unexpectedly develop superpowers. The common thread among these strangers is their Black ethnicity, and they must unravel the mystery behind their newfound abilities and their intended purpose. ‘Supacell’ achieved widespread success, becoming one of the few Netflix debuts this year to virtually guarantee a second season.
2. Emily in Paris season 4 — 41.3 million viewers
The continued popularity of ‘Emily in Paris’ is undeniable, with the fourth season achieving remarkable viewership despite its late August debut. While the peak of the show’s popularity may have passed, the season is expected to surpass its current viewership of 41 million. ‘Emily in Paris,’ despite its divisive characters, remains a compelling and addictive series. The show’s enduring popularity, evidenced by the impressive viewership numbers of its fourth season, suggests its longevity on the platform is assured.
1. Bridgerton season 3 — 76.4 million viewers
‘Bridgerton’ reigns supreme as the undisputed champion of the summer, amassing over 90 million views and securing its place among the most-watched shows in Netflix history. The third season, released in two parts, dominated viewership throughout the summer, proving the enduring popularity of period costume dramas with a modern twist. The strategic release strategy, dividing the season into two parts, further fueled viewers’ anticipation and engagement, solidifying its position as one of Netflix’s most successful releases of the year.
