Image: 13 Reasons Why, Netflix
Pay TV measurement and SVOD content measurement are both based on Demand Expressions, a metric established by Parrot Analytics’ demand measurement system capturing demand for TV content across markets. In this article, we investigate which streaming TV series, as well as pay TV, broadcast and linear TV series, are currently the most in-demand in the American domestic market. As each week, our charts are powered by Parrot Analytics demand data.
Season two of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why is the most in-demand digital series ranking No. 9 overall in the United States, with slightly more demand than Cobra Kai. The teen-oriented series increased in demand by 8% while the YouTube Premium series had a 12% decrease in demand compared to last week.
There’s no denying that 13 Reasons Why is a divisive show, especially its second season which premiered on May 18. Showrunner Brian Yorkey has extended the narrative beyond the story of teenage Hannah Baker (played by actor Katherine Langford), following her death by suicide. Digging further into the aftermath of Hannah’s death, especially its impact on her friends, family, and school community, the plot has divided critics upon the show’s return.
Also in the top half, The Handmaid’s Tale (respectfully ranked at No. 3), continues to air weekly on Hulu with 1.3 times more demand compared to Arrested Development; the Netflix comedy series lost the most demand compared to the prior week out of all nine Digital Original series.
Elsewhere in the chart, 13 Reasons Why wasn’t the only digital series where new seasons were announced: Both Lost in Space (the second season is premiering in 2019; the series lost 11% in demand compared to the previous week) and Dear White People from Netflix (ranked No. 7), also got renewed. Lastly, Sense8 (ranked No. 6), has reappeared in the chart after it debuted its final season trailer on May 17. The modern science-fiction series had 13% more demand compared to Orange is the New Black – both series are on hiatus. It is interesting to note that Stranger Things just ranked outside the top ten this week, coming in at No. 11.
For American linear network broadcasters, May Sweeps is an annual pre-summer event filled with dramatic character exits, special guest stars, and unexpected plot twists: Certainly, our overall chart reflects this. For the first time, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy is ranked No. 1 in the domestic chart, followed by Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants, AMC’s The Walking Dead, and The CW’s The Flash as the 2nd, 3rd and, 4th most demanded shows in the US overall list.
Meanwhile, NBC’s Saturday Night Live (ranked No. 5) had 7% more demand compared to ABC’s American Idol. The institutional sketch series recently finished its 43rd season with a parade of stars and funnies. Also, on the back of the news that Brooklyn Nine-Nine was cancelled by FOX, and then resurrected by NBC only 30 hours later, the police-themed comedy attracted 1.14 million more Demand Expressions than ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The former was previously ranked No. 15 on prior week’s chart whilst the latter ranked No. 20 in the prior week.
