A recent report from CNN declared that Korean drama Squid Game would overtake last year's period piece Bridgerton as the streamer's biggest original title ever. The show garnered a staggering 111 million views during its first 25 days, surpassing Bridgerton's previous record of 85 million.
With this feat, Netflix cements its place as the undisputed king of streamers. Indeed, besides Squid Game, the service has plenty of other original series that became unexpected hits among audiences. These shows showed promise, but it was still a pleasant surprise to see how successful they became on the pioneering streaming platform.
Squid Game
Netflix's most recent and biggest hit is Squid Game. The Korean drama follows a group of cash-strapped individuals who compete in a deathly competition inspired by several children's games. The show debuted on Sept. 17, receiving critical acclaim and becoming an instant hit for the streamer.
As previously mentioned, Squid Game accumulated 111 million views during its first 25 days. The show's mix of high-stakes drama, brutal violence, and poignant social commentary made it irresistible for worldwide audiences. Squid Game did attract intense reactions for its bad English dub, but the series continues the trend of Western audiences embracing Eastern hits.
Bridgerton
Before Squid Game debuted, regency drama Bridgerton held the title of Netflix's biggest show ever. Based on Julia Quinn's book series, Bridgerton follows the competitive world of debutantes during 19th-century London. Season 1 follows Daphne Bridgerton's blossoming romance with the Duke of Hastings, a notorious womanizer. Season 2 will shift the focus to Daphne's older brother, Anthony, and his romance with newcomer Kate Sharma.
Upon its debut, Bridgerton amassed 82 million views on its first 28 days, beating other Netflix titles with more name recognition like The Witcher and Stranger Things and setting a record at the time. The show's luxurious production values and unique take on a racially integrated London proved perfect alternatives for viewers looking for some good old-fashioned escapism.
Virgin River
Virgin River is a romantic drama series based on Robyn Carr's novels of the same name. The show follows Melinda Monroe, a midwife who moves to the remote North Carolina town of Virgin River, looking for a fresh start after a painful past.
Despite lacking the same level of mainstream acclaim as other Netflix hits, Virgin River is a consistent performer for the streamer. In fact, Netflix already renewed it for seasons 4 and 5, a strong showing of support from a company notorious for axing its low-performing series. Fans already know what they want from Virgin River season 4, but they'll have to wait a little longer to see it on their screens.
Money Heist
Spanish hit Money Heist took the streaming world by surprise when it debuted in late 2017. The show follows two carefully planned heists planned by the Professor and told from the perspective of Tokyo, one of the robbers.
Although initially planned to be a limited series told in two parts, the show's success inspired Netflix to greenlit four more chapters, the last of which will premiere on December 2021. The show has garnered international acclaim, even winning an International Emmy award for best drama series. English-speaking audiences embraced the show, welcoming its fresh take on the heist genre and helping turn it into a worldwide sensation.
Tiger King
Debuting during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tiger King is a true-crime documentary about ex-zookeeper and convicted felon Joe Exotic. The series also follows other big cat conservationists, such as Carole Baskin, who accused Exotic of exploiting and abusing wild animals.
In recent years, true crime has become one of the most popular genres on television. However, documentaries hardly ever attract massive audiences, making Tiger King's staggering success even more impressive. Nielsen reported that 34 million viewers tuned in during the show's first ten days, making it a bonafide hit. The show's story might be morally reprehensible, but the sensationalist aspect of it all might be enough reason to justify its success, especially considering its release window.
Sex/Life
Sex/Life debuted in June 2021 and follows a married woman settled in a pleasant suburban life who longs for her youthful and highly sexual relationship with a former lover.
The show received mostly negative reviews, with criticism aimed at the gratuitous sex scenes and lack of development for its often frustrating characters. Despite the pessimistic reaction from critics, audiences embraced the show's guilty pleasure nature, making it a surprise hit for Netflix. According to Deadline, it garnered 67 million views during its first four weeks of release and earned a second season renewal in September.
Lupin
French drama Lupin premiered on January 2021 and became an instant sensation. A mystery thriller set in France, Lupin tells the story of Assane Diop, a gentleman thief who styles himself after the fictional character Arsene Lupin and sets out to avenge his father's death.
The show, anchored by French star Omar Sy, became the first French series to rank among the Top 10 in the USA. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lupin became the most-watched Netflix original during the first quarter of 2021, with 76 million viewers tuning in worldwide. Logically, Netflix announced an upcoming third part for the story and signed Sy for a multi-year movie deal.
Emily In Paris
Sex and the City creator Darren Star entered the streaming world with Emily in Paris. The show stars Lily Collins as the titular ingenue who receives the opportunity to spend a year working in a Parisian Marketing firm after her boss becomes pregnant.
Unlike many other Netflix hits, Emily in Paris received scathing reviews from critics, who criticized its casual racism, glamorization of ignorance, and promotion of materialistic values. Still, the show proved an instant hit, watched by 58 million households during the first four weeks of its release, according to Variety.
Who Killed Sara?
Mexican drama Who Killed Sara? arrived on March 2021, bolstering solid numbers from the get-go. The show follows Álex Guzmán, a man recently released from prison after taking the blame for his sister's murder. He sets out to get revenge on the Lazcano family, who he believes are the real culprits.
Part 2 of the show debuted in May, with a planned third chapter set to be released in the near future. In April, several outlets reported the show became Netflix's most successful foreign-language show in the US. Thanks to a mix of soapy drama and a compelling mystery, 55 million viewers tuned in within the show's first four weeks of release. There's no release date yet, but fans already know what they want to see in season 3 of Who Killed Sara?
Ginny And Georgia
Taking notes from the now-iconic show Gilmore Girls, Ginny and Georgia follows the complicated relationship between 15-year-old Ginny and her immature, 30-year-old mother, Georgia.
Like Sex/Life, Ginny and Georgia received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Audiences also had a divisive response, and the show attracted several controversies. However, it still proved to be a hit for the streamer, thanks to the chaotic relationships between its central characters. According to Deadline, Ginny and Georgina attracted 52 million views within its first 28 days, prompting Netflix to renew it for season 2.