Netflix has been able to keep its ratings secret for a long time, and accurate data about the streaming giant remains a mystery to even top-level Hollywood executives outside of the Netflix realm. However, according to IndieWire, that’s starting to change, and more services are trying to figure out Netflix’s ratings.
One, called Parrot Analytics, has made headlines recently with its “Demand Expressions” metric, which looks at multiple factors in order to determine a digital program’s popularity. According to a new study released to IndieWire, the new show Ozark, starring Jason Bateman, was the highest ranked among all streaming shows over the past 90 days.
“Demand Expressions” measures audience demand for a title, including “streaming, social media, blogging, file sharing, blogging, comments and other sources,” according to IndieWire.
Meanwhile, Nielsen, which is known as the “granddaddy of all ratings services,” according to IndieWire, also released new data this week. According to Nielsen, the first episode of the Marvel series The Defenders averaged 6.1 million viewers during the first week it was released (Aug 18-25), reports IndieWire. The first episode of Fuller House season 3 meanwhile, had 4.6 million viewers between Sept. 22-29 and the premiere episode of House of Cards season 5 had 4.6 million viewers from May 30-June 6.
Nielsen uses people meter boxes, which are also used to measure broadcast and cable ratings.
Netflix is always quick to dismiss the numbers any company gives out, and this time was no different.
“The data that Nielsen is reporting is not accurate, not even close, and does not reflect the viewing of these shows on Netflix,” said a Netflix spokesperson, according to IndieWire.
Of course, Netflix could be correct. Previous ratings information has been considered wildly inconsistent. According to IndieWire, even though Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and CBS All Access refuse to share viewership information, studios need that information to assess the value of their content and set license fees, and actors and creators need to know in order to negotiate deals. Plus, the media would like to know in order to gauge audience interest in different shows or news.
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