Tag: Squid Game Season 2

K-dramas rank second on Netflix, just behind US content: Ampere research

MUMBAI: South Korean content is delivering knockout streaming figures for Netflix, now accounting for a whopping 17 per cent of the platform’s top 500 non-US shows and films, according to fresh research from Ampere Analysis.

The streaming giant’s Seoul-mates now rank second only to American content for total viewing hours, a relationship that’s proving rather lucrative as Netflix pursues its ad-tier strategy and battles subscriber churn.

In the latter half of 2024, viewers devoured 7.7 billion hours of Korean content—roughly 8 per cent of all Netflix viewing—outpacing entertainment heavyweights like the UK, Japan and Spain. Squid Game Season 2 topped global charts with a staggering 619.9 million streaming hours, while romance drama Love Next Door and cooking competition Culinary Class Wars also cooked up impressive numbers.

The streaming service isn’t playing hard to get, either. Netflix has pledged a cool $2.5 billion to Korean content between 2024 and 2028, having already established relationships with local broadcasting titans CJ ENM, JTBC, KBS, SBS and MBC. Meanwhile, local production capacity continues to expand with facilities like Studio 139 and Samsung Studio now operational.

Korean media powerhouse CJ ENM is riding this global Hallyu wave with gusto, earmarking $818 million for content in 2025 while eyeing international expansion through Netflix exposure, partnerships with global studios, and potentially launching its streaming platform Tving worldwide.

“Korean content plays a pivotal role in Netflix’s international success, driving both breakout hits and sustained viewing time,” notes Ampere Analysis research manager Orina Zhao. “South Korean content owners are well-positioned to capitalise on the global Hallyu phenomenon, maximising worldwide audience reach through strategic distribution and collaborations.”

As the Hallyu wave shows no signs of crashing, Netflix’s Korean romance appears set for quite the happy ending.

April 14, 2025
Streaming Wars 2024: Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+ Hotstar capture viewer eyeballs, Ormax Report Reveals

MUMBAI: Prime Video and Netflix led India’s streaming landscape in 2024, capturing significant viewership across Hindi originals, while Disney+ Hotstar excelled in Tamil and Telugu content, according to Ormax Media’s Streaming Originals in India – The 2024 Story.

The Hindi language space saw Prime Video’s Mirzapur Season 3 topping the list with 30.8 million viewers, followed by Panchayat Season 3 (28.2 million) and Netflix’s Heeramandi (21.5 million). Both platforms secured five entries each in the top 15 Hindi web series.

In Hindi direct-to-OTT films, Netflix dominated with 11 of the top 15 spots, including Do Patti (15.1 million viewers), Sector 36 (13.9 million) and Sikandar Ka Muqaddar (13.5 million).

The Hindi non-fiction space saw JioCinema’s Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 come out trumps and emerge as the most-watched unscripted show with 17.8 million viewers. Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show followed with 15.7 million. Then came the great Indian start up hunt show SonyLiv’s Shark Tank India Season 3 which garnered 12.5 million viewers.

Disney+ Hotstar reigned supreme in Tamil and Telugu streaming. Save The Tigers Season 2 (five million viewers) and Inspector Rishi (4.9 million) led their respective categories. The platform secured four Telugu and seven Tamil entries in the top 10 lists.

Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2 became the most-watched international series with 19.6 million viewers, setting a new all-time record in India. Prime Video’s Road House led among international films with six million viewers.

The report highlighted the growing demand for regional and franchise-driven content, supported by a robust subscriber base across platforms. Ormax Media’s methodology estimated unique viewership based on primary research, reflecting India’s expanding streaming audience.

You can download the report here

January 22, 2025
Which of Netflix’s shows, films scored the most with viewers in Q4 2024?

MUMBAI: Which were the most watched digital originals and films that were watched on Netflix during Q4 2024?

Well you probably guessed correctly with the heavyweight champion Squid Game Season 2 from south Korea.

But which was the next most watched show?

Which was the top movie?

And which comedies regaled audiences the most?

With over 300 million paid memberships representing an estimated 700 million viewers worldwide, the streaming giant delivered hits across diverse genres, languages, and regions.

Its letter to its shareholders gave the deets. And we are sharing them with you. Please go ahead and have a good time with the most watched pecking order of Netflix’s finest in Q4 2024.

Top TV Shows in Q4 2024
1. Squid Game Season 2 (Korea)
o Views: 165.7M
o The much-anticipated follow-up to the global phenomenon became the most-watched Netflix series of the quarter, cementing its place in the cultural zeitgeist.
2. Black Doves (UK)
o Views: 46.8M
o This gripping drama resonated strongly with audiences worldwide, solidifying its popularity.
3. Outer Banks Season 4 (US)
o Views: 36.8M
o The adventure series continued to draw large audiences with its high-stakes storytelling and engaging characters.
4. The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 (US)
o Views: 33.9M
o This legal drama returned with a riveting third season, captivating fans of courtroom intrigue.
5. Virgin River Season 6 (US)
o Views: 27.5M
o The heartwarming series maintained its position as a fan favorite.

6. The Cage (France)
o Views: 24.4M
o A psychological thriller that drew audiences with its intense storyline.
7. The Diplomat Season 2 (US)
o Views: 21.4M
o The political drama showcased strong performances and complex narratives.
8. The Empress Season 2 (Germany)
o Views: 21.0M
o This historical drama continued to intrigue viewers with its portrayal of 19th-century European royalty.
9. Senna (Brazil)
o Views: 16.2M
o A tribute to the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, capturing the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts.
10. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Colombia)
* Views: 11.2M
* The adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece attracted literary fans worldwide.

Top Films in Q4 2024
1. Carry-On (US)
o Views: 160.1M
o Starring Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton, this action-packed thriller became a massive global success.
2. Our Little Secret (US)
o Views: 84.4M
o A suspenseful drama that captivated viewers with its twists.
3. That Christmas (US/UK)
o Views: 63.8M
o Richard Curtis’s festive romance became a holiday favorite.
4. The Six Triple Eight (US)
o Views: 54.5M
o Directed by Tyler Perry, this historical drama celebrated the heroism of WWII’s all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit.
5. Family Pack (France)
o Views: 43.5M
o A charming comedy that resonated with audiences.

Comedy and Stand-Up Specials
* A Man on the Inside (US)
o Views: 24.0M
o Starring Ted Danson, this new comedy series quickly gained acclaim.
* Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…
o Views: 12.1M
o A standout addition to Netflix’s stand-up lineup.
* Mr. Plankton (Korea)
o Views: 10.9M
o A light-hearted comedy from Korea that delighted global audiences.
* The Manny Season 2 (Mexico)
o Views: 8.8M
o The return of this heartwarming series proved to be a hit.

January 22, 2025
Netflix soars higher and higher in Q4 2024; FY 2024

MUMBAI: It’s netted a financial performance like never before. Global streamer Netflix concluded 2024 on a high note, achieving significant financial milestones and operational growth. With a focus on re-accelerating revenue, expanding membership, and delivering record-breaking content, the company also outlined its strategic priorities for 2025.

2024 Financial Performance
1. Revenue Growth:
o Total revenue for 2024 reached $39 billion, a 16 per cent increase year-over-year.
o Growth was supported by strong membership additions and successful content.

2. Operating Metrics:
o Operating income surged to $10.4 billion, marking the first time the company surpassed this threshold.
o Operating margins improved by six points, closing at 27 per cent.

3. Membership Expansion:
o Global paid memberships rose to 302 million, with a record annual net addition of 41 million subscribers.

4. Content Success:
o Netflix dominated engagement metrics, achieving more viewing hours than its competitors combined.
o Top content included Squid Game Season 2, Carry-On, and the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight—the most streamed sporting event ever.

Q4 2024 Highlights
1. Quarterly Revenue:
o Revenue for Q4 increased 16 per cent year-over-year to $10.2 billion, or 19 per cent on a currency-neutral basis.
2. Net Membership Additions:
o Added 19 million net paid subscribers, marking the highest quarterly growth in Netflix’s history.
3. Profitability:
o Operating income rose by 52 per cent year-over-year to $2.3 billion.
o Earnings per share (EPS) doubled, reaching $4.27 compared to $2.11 in Q4 2023.
4. Content Performance:
o Blockbusters like Squid Game Season 2 and holiday NFL games drove record viewership.

2025 Strategic Outlook
Netflix is poised for continued growth, focusing on content innovation, monetization, and global expansion.
1. Revenue and Profitability:
o Projected revenue: $43.5-$44.5 billion, reflecting 12 per cent-14 per cent growth.
o Operating margin forecast: 29 per cent, up from 27 per cent in 2024.
2. Content Plans:
o Return of fan-favorites like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Ginny & Georgia.
o New live programming, including FIFA Women’s World Cup rights and NFL Christmas Day games.
o Expansion of gaming, with the successful Squid Game: Unleashed and cloud gaming trials.
3. Advertising Strategy:
o The ad-supported tier accounted for 55 per cent of sign-ups in ad-available countries in Q4.
o Planned rollout of first-party ad-tech in the U.S. by Q2 2025 to enhance targeting and engagement for advertisers.
4. Free Cash Flow and Debt Management:
o Expected free cash flow: ~$8 billion.
o Reduction of $1.8 billion in bonds due in 2025 using proceeds from 2024 debt offerings.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that the company is eyeing streaming of sports in the near future. (Do we expect some amount of cricket rights competition heating up going forward? Sarandos said; “Right now, we believe that the live events business is where we really want to be, and sports is a very important part of that, but it is a part of that expansion.”

The company also unearthed new price points with the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will costing $17.99, up from $15.49; the Standard monthly package with ads will rising from $6.99 to $7.99; 4K video quality subscriptions will be priced at $24.99 as compared to $22.99 now. This new price will first roll out in north America and will be followed by Europe and Apac later.

The hope is that the price increase will push customers towards the ad supported tier which will mean higher ARPUs for Netflix.

January 22, 2025