Stranger Things 3 has broken viewing records for Netflix, becoming the most watched film or series in the first four days of release in the streaming service’s history.
Over 40 million households tuned in to watch the first episode of the third season of the 80s-set fantasy drama between its launch on Thursday and Sunday, according to Netflix viewing figures, while 18 million households finished all eight episodes of the season in the same time frame.
The figures shared by Netflix have not been independently verified, but the company says that views are only counted if at least 70% of an episode or film has been watched.
.@Stranger_Things 3 is breaking Netflix records!
— Netflix US (@netflix) July 8, 2019
40.7 million household accounts have been watching the show since its July 4 global launch — more than any other film or series in its first four days. And 18.2 million have already finished the entire season.
Netflix has historically shown reluctance to share viewing data, but has begun to release selective information, including monthly top 10 lists. Its first chart in January was topped by post-apocalyptic drama Bird Box, which recorded 45m household views over its first week of release.
Last month Netflix announced that the Adam Sandler-Jennifer Aniston comedy Murder Mystery had broken the platform’s opening weekend viewing record, with 30.9m households tuning in over three days. Netflix have not released comparable three-day figures for Stranger Things.
Stranger Things has long been regarded as Netflix’s flagship series, becoming a word-of-mouth hit when it launched in 2016, and making stars of actors Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour. The show has proved a profit-winner for the streaming giant, generating an estimated 75 brand tie-ins for its third season, including deals with H&M, Burger King and Coca-Cola.
Stranger Thing’s third season has received largely positive reviews from critics, with praise for its 80s period detail and gripping set-pieces. In her Guardian review, Lucy Mangan said that the third season was a “real and joyful return to form” for the show.
