Audiences have spoken – and they prefer licensed content over original programming. Nielsen's newly released Top 20 streaming charts for the first half of the year reveal this clear preference, with acquired shows dominating the rankings.
The beloved children's series Bluey dominated the overall charts with an astonishing 25.1 billion minutes viewed between January and June. Even the lowest-ranking show on the list – Comedy Central's controversial South Park – achieved an impressive 10.5 billion viewing minutes in 20th place.
The Original Programming Standouts
Only three original series cracked the overall chart: Netflix hits Squid Game and The Night Agent, along with Prime Video's Reacher. Notably, Squid Game – which went viral after its 2021 debut and maintains strong viewership ahead of its final season – was the sole original program in the top 10, racking up over 15 billion viewing minutes.
These statistics only reflect viewership following Season 2's January release and exclude its first few streaming days – meaning actual numbers are likely substantially higher. The data also doesn't account for Season 3's late June premiere.
Rewatch Culture Shines Through
The streaming originals chart presents intriguing findings, particularly regarding Stranger Things. The Netflix favorite landed at No. 17 with slightly over 5 billion viewing minutes – a seemingly modest figure until considering the show hasn't released new episodes in three years. This strong performance demonstrates fans eagerly rewatching the series ahead of its final season premiere later this year.
While the streaming landscape continues evolving, one truth remains constant: viewers consistently return to their favorite content, whether new releases or nostalgic rewatches.
