Netflix's What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report Reveals Top Shows of 2023

The Unveiling of Netflix's Viewing Figures

In a surprising move, Netflix has chosen to reveal detailed insights into the viewing figures of their TV shows and movies with the release of the What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report. This marks a significant departure from the streaming platform's notoriously tight-lipped approach to sharing specific viewing data. The report, set to be released twice yearly, offers a comprehensive look at Netflix viewers' watch habits, shedding light on the most-watched shows and the hours clocked for each. This transparency has provided a fascinating glimpse into the viewing preferences of audiences around the world.

Love Is Blind Season 4 cast left to right: Micah, Paul, Irina, Zack

The report not only showcases the obvious hits but also unveils some unexpected top shows that have captured the attention of viewers. It's evident that the most popular TV shows on Netflix encompass a wide array of genres and formats, from reality TV and comedy series to teen dramas and non-English language programming. This diverse range of content reflects the varied tastes and preferences of Netflix audiences, demonstrating the platform's ability to cater to a global viewership with its compelling and engaging shows.

kaleidoscope characters with the episode colors

A Closer Look at the Top Shows

The top 10 most-watched TV shows on Netflix for the first half of 2023 offer a captivating mix of captivating narratives, thrilling adventures, and innovative storytelling. From reality TV to action-comedy and non-English language telenovelas, the diversity of content reflects the platform's commitment to offering a wide range of entertainment options to its global audience. Let's take a closer look at some of the standout shows that have captured the hearts and attention of viewers worldwide.

Kaleidoscope cast with Giancarlo Esposito as Leo Pap / Ray Vernon

Love is Blind, the dating show where couples decide to get married sight unseen, continued to enthrall audiences in its fourth season, ranking as the seventeenth most-watched choice on Netflix with 229,700,000 hours clocked in the first half of the year. The experiment of falling in love based on connections in the pods proved to be as compelling as ever, captivating viewers with its unique premise and dramatic twists.

Jai Courtney smiles in Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope, a limited series with an interactive twist, drew viewers in with its innovative structure, allowing episodes to be watched in any order. With 252,500,000 hours viewed, Kaleidoscope ranked as the twelfth most popular choice on the streaming platform, sparking debates about the best order to experience the series and showcasing the audience's willingness to engage with experimental storytelling.

Stan Loomis looks shocked in Kaleidoscope

FUBAR, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first leading role in a scripted television series, offered a mix of action and comedy that resonated with audiences, ranking number 10 in Netflix's viewership ratings with 266,200,000 hours watched. The show's fun callbacks to Schwarzenegger's golden years as an action star proved to be a hit, leading to its renewal for a second season, much to the delight of fans.

Paz Vega points a gun in Kaleidoscope

Captivating Narratives and Global Appeal

The top shows on Netflix for the first half of 2023 not only entertained audiences but also showcased the global appeal of captivating narratives and non-English language programming. La Reina del Sur, a Spanish language telenovela based on a novel by Arturo P\u00e9rez-Reverte, emerged as the seventh most-watched choice on the platform, amassing an impressive 429,600,000 hours viewed. Despite not being available globally, the series captivated viewers with its enthralling story and compelling characters, highlighting the universal appeal of engaging storytelling.

Arnold Schwarzenegger on the poster for FUBAR

The Glory, a South Korean series about a schoolteacher seeking revenge on her childhood bullies, captured the attention of audiences worldwide, ranking as the third most popular choice on Netflix with 622,800,000 hours watched. The murder mystery filled with twists and turns showcased the willingness of viewers to engage with non-English language series, further emphasizing the platform's ability to cater to diverse linguistic and cultural preferences.

Outer Banks Sarah and John B together in Outer Banks season 3 and Ward injured

Ginny & Georgia, the story of mother and daughter Ginny and Georgia Miller, struck a chord with audiences, ranking as the second most watched option on Netflix with 665,100,000 hours clocked in. The strong parent-child relationship reminiscent of Gilmore Girls resonated with viewers, reflecting the universal themes and emotions that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Teresa from La Reina del Sur Season 3