In a surprising turn of events, Netflix’s “Squid Game” has been unseated from its top position by a new contender: WWE Monday Night RAW. This development marks a significant shift in viewer preferences on the streaming platform.
“Squid Game,” the South Korean dystopian thriller, captivated audiences worldwide with its intense narrative and social commentary. Its second season, released on December 26, 2024, continued to draw massive viewership, with 58.2 million views in its first week, making it the second most-viewed non-English Netflix series of all time.
However, the debut of WWE Monday Night RAW on Netflix has shifted the dynamics. The premiere episode, featuring appearances by wrestling icons like The Rock, spans over three hours and includes traditional commercial breaks—a departure from Netflix’s usual ad-free model. This acquisition is part of a decade-long deal reportedly worth over $5 billion, signaling Netflix’s foray into live content.
The introduction of WWE Monday Night RAW has not only dethroned “Squid Game” but also set a precedent for weekly live content on Netflix. This move could indicate a strategic shift for the streaming giant as it explores new content formats to engage its audience.
Despite this shake-up, “Squid Game” maintains a strong presence on the platform. The series is on track to surpass its first season’s success, with a third and final season scheduled for release in June 2025.
The current top 10 list on Netflix reflects a diverse range of content, from crime dramas like “Missing You” to romantic series such as “Virgin River.” This variety underscores Netflix’s commitment to catering to a broad spectrum of viewer interests.
The ascent of WWE Monday Night RAW to the top spot highlights the evolving landscape of streaming content and audience preferences. As Netflix continues to diversify its offerings, it will be intriguing to observe how traditional live programming coexists with original series in the battle for viewers’ attention.