forbes.com
WWE's RAW Debuts on Netflix: High Initial Viewership, Then Squid Game Reclaims Top Spot
WWE's RAW debuted on Netflix with 4.9 million global views (2.6 million U.S. households), a 116% increase from its 2024 average, initially reaching the number one spot on Netflix's U.S. top ten before Squid Game reclaimed the top spot by week's end.
- What was the immediate impact of WWE's RAW debut on Netflix, and how did its viewership compare to previous averages and other shows?
- WWE's flagship show, RAW, debuted on Netflix with 4.9 million live views globally and 2.6 million U.S. households, a 116% increase from its 2024 average. This led to RAW reaching the number one spot on Netflix's U.S. top ten list immediately after its debut, surpassing Squid Game. However, by week's end, Squid Game reclaimed the top spot.
- What are the long-term prospects for WWE on Netflix, considering the apparent conflict between live-event viewing and on-demand consumption?
- The WWE's move to Netflix presents a complex dynamic between live viewership and on-demand consumption. While RAW initially dominated Netflix's top ten, its eventual decline shows the challenges of retaining audience for time-sensitive content on an on-demand platform. Future success may depend on adapting to this new environment and potentially leveraging Netflix's global reach to grow its audience.
- How does RAW's viewership pattern on Netflix compare to the viewing habits of traditional sports programming, and what accounts for the difference?
- RAW's success on Netflix highlights the shift from scheduled broadcasts to on-demand viewing for sports entertainment. The initial high viewership of the live broadcast demonstrates the 'appointment viewing' nature of WWE events, mirroring traditional sports. However, the drop in viewership later in the week reveals the limitations of this model on a platform like Netflix which offers shows anytime.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the WWE's move to Netflix and the debut of RAW as a massive success story, emphasizing the high viewership numbers and the show's immediate rise to the top of Netflix's charts. The headline, although not explicitly provided, would likely focus on the success of the debut, reinforcing this positive framing. The Rock's quote, prominently placed, further contributes to this celebratory tone. This positive framing is maintained throughout the article, focusing heavily on the positive impact of the move to Netflix while downplaying potential drawbacks or challenges. While the article acknowledges that RAW's viewership declined over the rest of the week, this is presented as a secondary concern, overshadowed by the initial success of the live broadcast. The language employed suggests that round one has been won even though the weekly rankings show that it did not remain at the top.
Language Bias
The article uses language that leans toward positive framing of the WWE's move to Netflix. Terms like "transformational development," "whipped into a frenzy," "heavy hitters," and "big impact" create an enthusiastic and celebratory tone. While not explicitly biased, these terms could influence readers' perception of the event's importance. More neutral alternatives could include: Instead of "whipped into a frenzy," use "enthusiastically received"; instead of "heavy hitters," use "popular wrestlers"; and instead of "big impact," use "significant increase in viewership.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the success of WWE's RAW debut on Netflix, highlighting positive metrics like viewership increases. However, it omits potential counterpoints, such as critical reviews or analyses of the show's content beyond the star power involved. The article doesn't explore the broader implications of WWE's move to a streaming platform, such as its impact on traditional television viewership or the potential loss of revenue for previous broadcast partners. Additionally, the article lacks diverse perspectives from different audience segments or experts on the future of sports entertainment streaming. While brevity might explain some omissions, the absence of these alternative viewpoints limits a comprehensive understanding of the event's significance.
False Dichotomy
The article sets up a somewhat false dichotomy between live viewing and on-demand viewing, implying that only live viewing truly matters. While it acknowledges that viewers can watch on demand, the emphasis remains heavily on the live broadcast's success, suggesting that the on-demand option is less crucial for engagement and viewership. This overlooks the possibility that on-demand viewing plays a significant role in overall viewership, particularly in accumulating total hours viewed over the week. The comparison between RAW and Squid Game also implies a simplistic contrast between live event viewership and on-demand, timeless content. It does not thoroughly analyze the nuances of different viewing habits and audience preferences.
Sustainable Development Goals
The partnership between Netflix and WWE makes wrestling more accessible to a wider audience, potentially reducing inequalities in access to entertainment. This is particularly relevant in areas with limited access to traditional broadcasting.