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Yesterday β€” 31 December 2024Main stream

The 10 biggest Netflix premieres of 2024

31 December 2024 at 15:11
Stills from "The Perfect Couple," "Squid Game" season 2 and "Bridgerton" season 3
Some of Netflix's biggest hits this year were "Squid Game" season 2, "Bridgerton" season 3, and "The Perfect Couple."

Netflix

  • "Squid Game" season 2 broke records with its premiere in December.
  • New shows like "The Perfect Couple" and "Nobody Wants This" were also among Netflix's biggest hits in 2024.
  • Only one non-fiction title made the list: the true-crime docuseries "American Nightmare."

Netflix has been dominating the streaming game in 2024 and wrapped up the year with a record-breaking hit.

Its latest premiere, "Squid Game" season 2, just broke the record for most views during its first week of release than any other series in the streamer's history. That record was previously held by "Wednesday" season 1, which skyrocketed to success in 2022.

Even before the highly anticipated premiere of "Squid Game," the streamer had plenty of instant hits this year across genres including romance, drama, comedy, true crime, mystery, and thriller.

Samba TV, a tech company that gathers viewership data from customers with Samba TV-enabled smart TVs, provided Business Insider with a list of the most-watched Netflix premieres in 2024, looking at what shows had the most households viewing them within the first four days of release.

Check out the full list, from least to most-watched, below.

Note: Numbers below only include data collected from Samba TV-enabled devices. Actual viewership totals are much higher.

"Nobody Wants This," season 1
adam brody and Kristen bell as noah and joanne in nobody wants this. they're standing outdoors and are looking lovingly into each others eyes, with joanne's arms wrapped around noah's shoulders
Adam Brody and Kristen Bell as Noah and Joanne in "Nobody Wants This."

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Viewership: 1,087,328 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "Nobody Wants This" within the first four days of its premiere

The sizzling chemistry between Adam Brody and Kristen Bell took over social media and led to a major influx of viewers heading to the streamer for some good old-fashioned romantic angst.

Netflix ordered a second season weeks after the premiere, and it's expected to film in 2025.

"Avatar: The Last Airbender," season 1
aang in a fighting stance on netflix's live-action "avatar" series
Gordon Cormier starred on the live-action series.

Netflix

Viewership: 1,122,268 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "Avatar: The Last Airbender" within the first four days of its premiere

The latest live-action adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon got middling reviews from critics, but the popularity of its IP trumped any issues with quality.

Fans turned out to watch Netflix's take on "Avatar: The Last Airbender," leading to a quick season 2 renewal.

"Fool Me Once"
Richard Armitage as Joe, Michelle Keegan as Maya in "Fool Me Once."
Richard Armitage as Joe and Michelle Keegan as Maya in "Fool Me Once."

Vishal Sharma/Netflix

Samba viewership: 1,252,392 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "Fool Me Once" within the first four days of its premiere

"Fool Me Once" is the latest in Netflix's ongoing partnership with bestselling author Harlan Coben to adapt his popular novels.

It quickly topped charts upon its release on the first day of 2024, and currently sits at No. 8 on Netflix's list of the top 10 most popular shows of all time with 98.2 million views to date.

The success of the mystery thriller, about a woman investigating the apparent reappearance of her dead husband, bodes well for the success of the upcoming series "Missing You," another Coben adaptation coming in January 2025.

"Monsters: the Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"
Two men in a large room holding black shotguns. The man on the left is wearing a short-sleeved pink polo shirt, and the man on the right is wearing a a green and white striped shirt.
Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch in "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."

Netflix

Viewership: 1,282,179 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" within the first four days of its premiere

It's no surprise Ryan Murphy's latest based-on-a-true-story drama was a mega-hit for the streamer. Despite (or maybe thanks to) backlash and criticism from the real-life Menendez brothers, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" was prime watercooler entertainment when it premiered in September.

The show follows in the footsteps of the crime anthology series' also-controversial first season, "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story", which still sits at the No. 3 spot on Netflix's list of most-watched series ever.

A third season, starring Charlie Hunnam as the serial killer Ed Gein, is coming to the streamer.

"No Good Deed"
Lisa Kudrow as Lydia and Ray Romano as Paul  in "No Good Deed."
Lisa Kudrow as Lydia and Ray Romano as Paul in "No Good Deed."

Netflix

Viewership: 1,340,483 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "No Good Deed" within the first four days of its premiere

Sheer star power may have been enough to drive eyes to "No Good Deed" earlier this month.

The mystery about a couple trying to sell their home after a tragedy, from "Dead to Me" creator Liz Feldman, featured a stacked ensemble cast from Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano to Luke Wilson and Linda Cardellini.

Interestingly, there's no word yet on whether Netflix is granting it a second season.

"American Nightmare"
A still from "American Nightmare" showing a blonde woman sitting on a chair.
Denise Huskins gives new interviews in "American Nightmare."

Courtesy of Netflix / Courtesy of Netflix

Viewership: 1,490,545 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "American Nightmare" within the first four days of its premiere

The horrifying story at the center of "American Nightmare" captivated true-crime fans.

Denise Huskins' boyfriend reported her kidnapping, telling police he'd been bound by an intruder who took Huskins.

When Huskins turned up not long after, authorities became convinced she'd staged the abduction herself β€” a real-life "Gone Girl" case.

Huskins was later vindicated when the real kidnapper, Matthew Muller, was found and arrested.

"Griselda"
Sofia Vergara as Griselda Blanco in "Griselda"
Sofia Vergara plays Griselda Blanco.

Netflix

Viewership: 1,721,965 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "Griselda" within the first four days of its premiere

Netflix's streak of based-on-a-true-story dramas started off strong in 2024 with the premiere of "Griselda," starring Sofia Vergara as the titular Colombian drug lord.

Despite an initial legal scuff-up with the real Griselda Blanco's sole surviving son (later settled in court), the show was a big hit as viewers turned out in droves to watch Vergara utterly vanish into the role, prosthetics and all.

"Bridgerton," season 3
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington and Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton in season three, episode seven of "Bridgerton."
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington and Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton in season three, episode seven of "Bridgerton."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Viewership: 1,958,636 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "Bridgerton" season 3 within the first four days of its premiere

"Bridgerton" season 3 might have angered some fans who took issue with the way Penelope and Colin's long-awaited romance played out onscreen (and a significant change to a newly introduced character from the books who will be prominent in a later season), but that anger didn't stop them from gobbling it all up after the premiere.

The third installment ranks No. 6 on Netflix's most popular shows list, with 106 million views to date (besting Kanthony's season 2 total of 93.8 million but falling short of season one's 113.3 million views).

Season four is already coming, this time focusing on second-eldest brother Benedict Bridgerton.

"The Perfect Couple"
Sam Nivola as Will Winbury in "The Perfect Couple."
Sam Nivola as Will Winbury in "The Perfect Couple."

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Viewership: 2,151,316 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "The Perfect Couple" within the first four days of its premiere

"The Perfect Couple" didn't exactly premiere to critical acclaim, but it still managed to rope in viewers.

Some of them may have been fans of the original Elin Hilderbrand book it was based on, though plenty probably tuned in just to see Nicole Kidman's latest wig. In any event, the by-the-numbers mystery thriller proved to be a hit.

"Squid Game," season 2
lee byung-hun as the front man in squid game. he's wearing an angular black face mask, and a black jacket with a hood that conceals his identity
The Front Man in season 2 of 'Squid Game."

Netflix

Viewership: 2,237,637 total households opted-in to Samba TV watched "Squid Game" season 2 within the first four days of its premiere

In a surprise to absolutely no one, the long-awaited return of "Squid Game" tops the list of biggest Netflix premieres this year. It even broke records with its debut. According to the streamer, the Korean series raked in 68 million views in the few days since its premiere on December 26, toppling the record for most views for a show in its premiere week previously set by "Wednesday" season 1 in 2022 (50.1 million views).

That number also puts it at No. 7 on Netflix's most popular non-English shows of all time (a list where "Squid Game" season 1 still leads by a wide margin with 265.2 million views). It's also the quickest a show has ever broken the most popular list.

The good news is that fans won't need to wait long for its conclusion, as the thriller is already set for a season three return in 2025.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Before yesterdayMain stream

25 things turning 25 in 2025

29 December 2024 at 06:37
Split Image: Jennifer Lopez at the Grammys in 2000; Gabrielle Union posing at the premiere of "Bring It On" in 2000; and Chris Martin of Coldplay performing in 2000.
The year 2000 was huge for pop culture.

Jeff Vespa/Contributor/WireImage/Getty Images; Online USA/Getty Images; Jeff Kravitz/Contributor/FilmMagic/Getty Images

  • As 2025 approaches, it's hard to believe it's been almost 25 years since the turn of the century.
  • Famous songs like Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" and NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" were released in 2000.
  • The camera phone and eHarmony are turning 25, too.

In the year 2000, no one could've predicted the impact Jennifer Lopez's green Versace dress, "American Psycho," or Coldplay would have on pop-culture history.

In the nearly 25 years since, Lopez has remained in the public eye, Austin Butler is set to star in an "American Psycho" remake, and Coldplay has gone on to release a slew of popular songs from "Viva la Vida" and "Clocks" to "A Sky Full of Stars."

Though the year 2000 may seem like it wasn't that long ago β€” especially with Gen Z's attempts to revive Y2K fashion β€” daily life looked significantly different: The average tank of gas cost $1.52, movie tickets cost $5.39, and Instagram was a decade from invention.

So, with 2025 just around the corner, here's a look back at some of the music, books, film, TV, tech, and newsworthy events that first captured our attention 25 years ago and have held on ever since.

NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" was released on January 17, 2000.
Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Justin Timberlake of NSYNC attended the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2000.
"Bye Bye Bye" was released in January 2000 as the lead single from NSYNC's third album, "No Strings Attached."

Bob Riha Jr./Contributor/Getty Images

In January 2000, boy band NSYNC released "Bye Bye Bye" as the lead single for their album "No Strings Attached."

The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and the music video became a cultural phenomenon, staying in first place on "Total Request Live" for 25 days. It was even nominated for Video of the Year at MTV Video Music Awards.

Ricky Martin's hit single "She Bangs" is turning 25.
Ricky Martin performing in Paris in 2000.
Ricky Martin released "She Bangs" in 2000.

Pool BENAINOUS/SCORCELLETTI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Twenty-five years ago, Ricky Martin released "She Bangs," and the single climbed the charts. It reached 12th place on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 18 weeks.

"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack was also released 25 years ago.
Lee Ann Womack performing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on August 17, 2000.
Lee Ann Womack's song "I Hope You Dance" won the Country Music Award for single of the year.

Paul Drinkwater/Contributor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

When Lee Ann Womack released her country single "I Hope You Dance" in 2000, it became a hit. It reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and she earned a Country Music Association Award for single of the year.

Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out" also turns 25 this year.
Members of Baha Men posed at the nominations for the 43rd annual Grammy Awards.
Baha Men released "Who Let the Dogs Out" in 2000.

Richard Corkery/Contributor/NY Daily News via Getty Images

When Baha Men first released "Who Let the Dogs Out," it flopped, barely reaching the top 40. But slowly, the single gained popularity in the early 2000s, as the catchy lyrics and tune caught on.

Bon Jovi carried their career into the new decade with "It's My Life," released May 8, 2000.
A close-up of Bon Jovi performing at Party in the Park 2000.
Bon Jovi released "It's My Life" in 2000.

Sven Hoogerhuis/Contributor/BSR Entertainment via Getty Images

In the '80s and '90s, Bon Jovi released massive hits like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name," but the band released another hit single in 2000: "It's My Life." The song eventually climbed to the top of the charts, carrying the band into another decade of success.

Coldplay's debut album, "Parachutes," was released in July 2000.
Chris Martin of Coldplay performing at Cardiff University in October 2000.
Coldplay released their debut studio album, "Parachutes," in 2000.

Western Mail Archive/Mirrorpix/Contributor/Getty Images

Bandmates Chris Martin, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland, and Guy Berryman released their debut studio album, "Parachutes," in July 2000 under the name Coldplay.

The album featured the song "Yellow," which remains a fan-favorite.

The fourth book in the "Harry Potter" series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," was released in July 2000.
A young child wearing a wizard hat and glasses gets "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" as another child looks on.
J.K. Rowling released "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" in 2000.

Erik S. Lesser/Liaison/Contributor/Getty Images

Following the success of her three other books in the "Harry Potter" series, JK Rowling published her fourth book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," in the summer of 2000.

In 2020, Screen Rant reported that the book has sold about 65 million copies, making it the second-most popular book in the series.

Twenty-five years since the book's release, the franchise is still extremely successful, with a film series, amusement rides at Universal Studios, a show on Broadway, and an upcoming TV series.

However, Rowling herself has been the subject of controversy in recent years.

It's been nearly 25 years since Julia Quinn released the first two books in the "Bridgerton" series, "The Duke and I" and "The Viscount Who Loved Me."
The cast and crew of "Bridgerton" posed at the season three world premiere in 2024.
Quinn released "The Duke and I" in 2000; the show released its third season in 2024.

Kristina Bumphrey/Contributor/Variety via Getty Images

In the nearly 25 years since their release, Quinn's books have become the source material behind one of Netflix's most popular series to date: "Bridgerton."

The show, and its spinoff series, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," attracted 189 million views in the first half of 2024, with season three of "Bridgerton" accounting for 92 million in less than two months following its releases in May and June.

Season four is currently in the works.

"Erin Brockovich," starring Julia Roberts, came out in 2000.
Julia Roberts attended the premiere of "Erin Brockovich" in March 2000.
Roberts won the Academy Award for best actress for her role in "Erin Brockovich."

Munawar Hosain/Fotos International/Contributor/Getty Images

"Erin Brockovich" is a biographical film about the real-life woman β€” played by Julia Roberts β€” who battled a California power company after it was accused of polluting a city's water. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture. Roberts took home the Oscar for best actress.

The movie "Almost Famous" is turning 25.
Kate Hudson attended the premiere of "Almost Famous" in September 2000.
Kate Hudson starred as Penny Lane in "Almost Famous."

Steve Eichner/Contributor/Getty Images

"Almost Famous" became a cultural juggernaut when it came out in 2000. The movie follows a high schooler who's writing an article for Rolling Stone about a new rock band.

It features an all-star cast, including Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Anna Paquin, and Zooey Deschanel. The film went on to be nominated for four Academy Awards, but it only took home one for best original screenplay.

Christian Bale took on the iconic role of Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho," released in April 2000.
Christian Bale on the set of "American Psycho."
Christian Bale played Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho."

Eric Robert/Contributor/Sygma via Getty Images

Twenty-five years ago, a then 26-year-old Christian Bale starred as Patrick Bateman, a banking exec who moonlights as a psychopathic killer, in "American Psycho." The movie quickly became a cult classic β€” in 2013, the film was even turned into a Broadway musical.

The first "Scary Movie" was released in July 2000.
Ana Faris as Cindy in "Scary Movie."
Anna Faris played Cindy in "Scary Movie."

Dimension Films

In the summer of 2000, "Scary Movie" was released to parody the most popular horror films of the time, including "Scream," "Sixth Sense," and "The Blair Witch Project." It went on to be a success, launching Anna Faris' acting career and sparking multiple sequels.

In October 2024, Marlon, Shawn, and Keenan Wayans announced they're returning to the franchise for "Scary Movie 6."

It's been nearly 25 years since Russell Crowe played Maximus in Ridley Scott's "Gladiator."
Russell Crowe as Maximus in a fight scene from "Gladiator."
"Gladiator" was released in 2000.

Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images

In 2000, Russell Crowe starred as Maximus, a vengeful Roman general, in "Gladiator." The following year, the film was nominated 12 times at the Academy Awards, winning best picture. Crowe also took home the trophy for best actor.

Its sequel, "Gladiator II," was released in 2024 and starred Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington.

In August 2000, "Bring It On" was released.
Gabrielle Union as Isis in "Bring It On."
Gabrielle Union played Isis, captain of the East Compton Clovers, in "Bring It On."

Universal Pictures

In 2000, Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union starred as rival cheerleading captains Torrance and Isis in the hit teen movie "Bring It On."

The success of the film prompted several sequels in the following years.

"Survivor" made its debut in May 2000.
The 16 contestants from the inaugural season of "Survivor" posed for a photo in Los Angeles before leaving for filming.
"Survivor" has aired for 47 seasons since its debut in 2000.

Monty Brinton/Contributor/CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images

"Survivor" premiered on CBS on May 31, 2000. In the reality TV competition, strangers are placed in a remote and isolated location, then they have to find food and shelter, while also competing in challenges.

Each contestant is voted off the island one by one until there's only one standing survivor. That person wins $1 million. Over the last 25 years, "Survivor" has had 47 seasons, all of which have been hosted by Jeff Probst.

Another CBS show, "Big Brother," also debuted 25 years ago.
Julie Chen Moonves posed at the Us Weekly and Pluto TV's Reality TV Stars of the Year event in October 2024.
Julie Chen Moonves has hosted all 26 seasons of "Big Brother."

Jon Kopaloff/Stringer/Getty Images

After "Survivor," CBS premiered another hit reality competition show in July 2000: "Big Brother."

The series follows a group of strangers who are forced to live together in a house while under constant surveillance. They compete in challenges and, in the end, one person wins $500,000.

Through the years, the show became increasingly popular, prompting spin-offs like "Celebrity Big Brother." So far, there have been 26 seasons, all hosted by Julie Chen Moonves.

The world's first camera phone was introduced 25 years ago.
Yuko Ozawa displayed a third-generation mobile phone in 2002.
A 2002 version of the J-phone.

YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

Although camera phones are common today, the first phone for sale with a camera was released in 2000. The phone was called J-SH04, and it had just a 0.1-megapixel resolution.

A 2002 version of the J-Phone is pictured above.

The popular dating website eHarmony launched in 2000.
An eHarmony log-in page on a cell phone.
eHarmony was created in 2000.

Ted Soqui/Contributor/Corbis via Getty Images

Before there was Tinder or Bumble, clinical psychologist Dr. Neil Clark Warren created eHarmony, a website designed to help you meet your perfect match.

The site initially had users answer more than 450 questions to help them better enter long-term relationships. Since then, the site has cut down its questions, but remained one of the top online dating services. In 2017, for example, eHarmony had 750,000 paid subscribers and 10 million active users.

The first "The Sims" game is turning 25, too.
Electronic Arts executive producer Rod Humble introduced "The Sims 3" in 2010; the first "The Sims" came out in 2000.
"The Sims" was introduced in 2000.

Michal Czerwonka/Stringer/Getty Images

The popular computer game, "The Sims," made its debut on February 4, 2000, and since then, the franchise has sold 200 million game copies, according to The Washington Post.

One of the most recent editions of the game, "The Sims 4: Life and Death," was released on October 31, 2024.

The teen clothing brand Hollister opened in 2000.
The Hollister store sign, circa 2024.
Hollister opened in 2000.

Peter Dazeley/Contributor/Getty Images

In 2000, Abercrombie & Fitch launched a new brand called Hollister, geared toward teenagers. The clothing store markets itself as laid-back attire, inspired by California's relaxed lifestyle.

Today, there are more than 500 Hollister stores worldwide.

2025 will also be the 25th anniversary of Jennifer Lopez's iconic sheer green Versace dress.
Jennifer Lopez wore a sheer tropical-print Versace dress to the 2000 Grammys.
Lopez wore this sheer, green, printed Versace dress to the Grammys in 2000.

J. Vespa/Contributor/WireImage/Getty Images

In a February 2024 "Life in Looks" interview with Vogue, Lopez said that her stylist at the time, Andrea Lieberman, asked her not to wear the dress.

"My stylist was like, 'Please don't wear it. Somebody else has worn it,''" Lopez said, adding, "I was like, 'Well, you bought it, and it looks the best, so I'm going to wear it.' And so I did. And it caused quite a stir."

Lopez isn't wrong β€” the world has her and that dress to thank for Google Image Search, according to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

It's also the 25th anniversary of the 2000 World Series β€” dubbed the "Subway Series" β€” as the Yankees took on the Mets.
Mariano Rivera jumped into the air after the Yankees won game five of the 2000 World Series.
The New York Yankees beat the New York Mets in the 2000 World Series.

Ken Sawchuk/Contributor/Newsday LLC/Newsday RM via Getty Images

In the end, the Yankees became champions, winning its third consecutive World Series four games to one.

Venus Williams will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of her first Wimbledon women's singles final win.
Venus Williams smiled and held her Wimbledon trophy after defeating Lindsay Davenport in the women's singles final in 2000.
Venus Williams won her first Wimbledon single's title in 2000.

Clive Brunskill/Staff/ALLSPORT/Getty Images

At just 20 years old, Venus Williams lifted the Wimbledon trophy for the first time in her career after defeating Lindsay Davenport.

Williams went on to win the Wimbledon singles' trophy four more times. She also has won six Wimbledon doubles titles.

It's been 25 years since the legendary 2000 presidential election, which ended with a Supreme Court case.
Then presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush shook hands after their first debate in October 2000.
Al Gore and George W. Bush ran for president in 2000.

DON EMMERT/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

Twenty-five years later, it's easy to forget how close the 2000 presidential election was.

Democratic nominee Al Gore and Republican nominee George W. Bush went head to head, but on election night, it was unclear who won.

With the votes so close in Florida, the state ordered a recount. After a slew of legal fights around the recount in Florida, the Supreme Court decided that the initial results would be counted, giving Bush the election. He won by a .009% margin, or 537 votes.

The International Space Station is also celebrating a 25-year milestone: Its first live-in crew arrived in 2000.
The International Space Station floating in orbit on September 18, 2000.
The first crew to reside on the ISS arrived in 2000.

NASA/Newsmakers/Handout/Getty Images

Although President Ronald Reagan ordered NASA to build the International Space Station in 1984, it wasn't until 2000 that people actually lived on it.

Bill Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko, and Sergei Krikalev became the first three to reside on the ISS and live there for several months. Since then, more than 270 people from over 20 countries have visited the ISS, according to NASA.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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