WandaVision and Loki top the list of the most pirated shows in 2021. In an annual list that has been routinely dominated by HBO’s Game of Thrones, the rankings have indicated global television viewers have a particular penchant for epic fantasy and sci-fi series that generate a lot of discussion and speculation, and theorizing. And, since the epic George R. R. Martin adaptation went off the air, last year’s rankings were topped by The Mandalorian, The Boys, and Westworld, respectively.

But, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanding into Disney+ with a handful of shows, each with their different selling points, the MCU has been a significant part of the television discourse in 2o21. WandaVision, as the first show out of the gate, debuting in January, still ranks among many fans as the best example of what a Disney+ Marvel show is capable of accomplishing – it deepened audiences understanding and connection to its winning leads and attempted to do something a bit different than typical Marvel fare. Loki carried that mantle forward, solidifying Tom Hiddleston’s titular antagonist as something of a tragic hero and proving to be a more consistent viewing experience overall than its predecessors.

Related: MCU Phase 4 Shows All Have The Exact Same Villain Problem

WandaVision and Loki are both well-represented in the list of the most torrented shows of the year, as revealed by TorrentFreak. In a ranking dominated by Marvel’s Disney+ projects, The Witcher comes in third. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, and What If…? make up the subsequent spots. Foundation, Rick and Morty, Arcane, and Wheel of Time close out the list.

For those raising a brow at the absence of Squid Game, arguably the biggest show of 2021, the website does note that it makes its calculations based on single-episode downloads rather than season packs. Had those been taken into account, both Squid Game and Money Heist would have cracked the top ten. This is particularly notable of Squid Game, a rapid word-of-mouth hit that likely had curious viewers rushing to download season packs after receiving recommendations. Other notable omissions from the top 10 include buzzy hits like Succession, Mare of Easttown, and Ted Lasso. All three series generated major fandom online and significant award buzz.

One way to look at the rankings is that Marvel, having dominated the big screen, has also continued that successful streak into television. But another reading is that network executives and streaming heads are correct to chase that Game of Thrones. Nearly every series on that pirated list, with the possible exception of Rick and Morty, had an element of mythologizing and mystery which hooked fans to watch more. WandaVision, with its Mephisto teases, and Loki with its secretive villain, certainly participated in the trend as well.

More: Every WandaVision Question Agatha Harkness' Spinoff Can Answer

Source: TorrentFreak

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