Netflix Hits New Streaming Record With 'Stranger Things' Season 5: Will Q1 Revenue Also Hit New Highs?

Core Viewpoint - Netflix has achieved a new record with the fifth season of "Stranger Things," which has garnered significant viewership, contributing to a strong fourth-quarter content lineup [2][3]. Viewership Records - The fifth season of "Stranger Things" recorded 59.6 million views in its first partial week, making it the top premiere week for any English-language show on Netflix, surpassing "Wednesday" [2][3]. - The show achieved 284.2 million hours viewed and ranked first in 90 out of 93 territories, remaining in the top 10 across all territories [3]. - The viewership for the fifth season increased by 171% compared to the fourth season's premiere week, which had approximately 22 million views and 287 million hours watched [4]. Financial Expectations - Analysts project Netflix's fourth-quarter revenue to reach $11.96 billion, an increase from $10.25 billion in the same quarter last year and from the previous record of $11.51 billion in the third quarter [6]. - The third quarter of this year saw record revenue, advertising revenue, and viewership, which are expected to be surpassed in the fourth quarter [7]. Upcoming Content and Events - The fifth season of "Stranger Things" will be released in three parts, with episodes premiering on December 25 and December 31, including theatrical showings [9]. - Netflix's fourth-quarter content slate includes titles such as "The Diplomat," "Nobody Wants This," and "Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2," which the company anticipates will excite subscribers [12]. - The company is also expected to benefit from increased advertising revenue due to NFL games and a potential rise in subscribers for its ad-supported plans [13].