If you’ve been snoozing on Netflix lately, it’s time to shake off the cobwebs and take a look at what’s been making waves over the past month. From epic shows to blockbuster movies, let’s dive in and see what’s worth your time (and possibly a few bowls of popcorn).
Top Shows: Drama, Laughs, and a Squid-tacular Return
Clear Winner: Squid Game: Season 2
The show that gave us anxiety over playground games is back, and it’s a beast. With 487.6 million hours viewed over the last four weeks, Squid Game: Season 2 isn’t just popular — it’s a phenomenon. To put it in perspective, that’s over 55,600 years of continuous viewing. If you’re not part of this cultural moment, are you even watching Netflix?
Runner-Up: La Palma: Limited Series
A gripping new entry clocking in at 37.4 million hours viewed, this limited series is perfect for those craving an intense binge without the season-long commitment.
What Else to Watch:
- When the Phone Rings: Limited Series brings mystery with over 50 million hours viewed.
- The Manny: Season 2 delivers laughs and heartfelt moments with 12.1 million hours logged.
Top Movies: The English vs. Non-English Faceoff
English Language Winner: Carry-On
With a staggering 110.2 million hours viewed, this two-hour thriller leads the pack. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat cinema.
Non-English Language Winner: Lucky Baskhar
This surprise hit has captured global audiences with 16.3 million hours viewed and a charming runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes.
Honorable Mentions:
- English: The Six Triple Eight (50.4 million hours) and That Christmas (29.2 million hours).
- Non-English: The Children’s Train racked up 14 million hours, perfect for drama lovers.
What’s More Popular: English or Non-English?
English shows and movies are leading in sheer numbers, but non-English content is holding its own, especially with global hits like Squid Game. Netflix continues to show that quality storytelling knows no borders.
How Does Netflix Stack Up Against Other Streamers?
While Netflix dominated with Squid Game and Carry-On, competitors are still in the game. Amazon’s Red One pulled 2.1 billion minutes (35 million hours) on Prime Video, and Disney+ continues to charm families with Bluey. Hulu’s Grey’s Anatomy also proves its staying power after 439 episodes.
The Big Question: What Should You Watch First?
If you’re strapped for time, here’s the verdict:
- One Movie: Watch Carry-On. It’s the most buzzworthy, and you’ll see what everyone’s talking about.
- One Show: Squid Game: Season 2. No contest. Dive in before spoilers get to you.
Fun Facts and Tidbits
- Cultural Impact: Squid Game has inspired everything from Halloween costumes to viral TikTok trends. Is it art? For fans, absolutely.
- Actors to Watch: Carry-On features rising stars whose performances will stick with you long after the credits roll.
- Viewer Reach: With 68 million views for Squid Game and 55.1 million for Carry-On, these titles likely reached over 10% of the world’s Netflix users.
AI Art Prompt
“An impressionist painting of a lone figure sitting on a playground swing under a moonlit sky, evoking tension and mystery, inspired by the global phenomenon of Squid Game: Season 2. Subtle hues of red and black dominate the scene, with soft brushstrokes blending light and shadow.”
If you’ve loved what you’ve read, don’t forget to follow me for more pop culture takes! Share your thoughts — what are you watching, and what did we miss? Let’s chat in the comments!