From ‘Sistas’ to ‘The Idol,’ These US Shows Are More Popular Overseas | Charts

In the ever-evolving world of American television, hundreds of shows are produced every year with the aim to captivate domestic viewers. However, with the global expansion of the entertainment sector, an intriguing pattern has surfaced: some American TV series are becoming immensely popular overseas, sometimes even outperforming their U.S. demand. A show that might receive a lukewarm reception in the U.S. could become a sensation in regions like Europe, Asia or South America.

The rise of global streaming services and improved internet accessibility means international audiences now have unprecedented access to American content, just as Americans can more readily explore international shows. Based on Parrot Analytics demand data, we’ve identified several U.S. TV productions that have resonated more profoundly outside the states. It’s important to consider that this data takes into account consumer research, streaming, downloads and social media, among other consumer engagement, and it’s not affected by the availability of platforms in each region.

For instance, Russian viewers frequently consume US series, particularly those featuring Russian characters. ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” boasted a demand that was 25.2% higher in Russia than in the US in the previous quarter. This spike was partly due to the character Irina in its 6th season. Another example is Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit“, a chess-centric series. The show, which also highlights Soviet chess players, was 30% more in demand in Russia than in the domestic market, given the nation’s rich chess history.

Apple TV+ has also found significant traction in Russia. Their thriller “Shantaram” saw twice the demand in Russia compared to the US. It narrates the journey of a heroin addict who flees to Bombay and encounters the city’s dark underbelly, including Russian mobsters. Another Apple TV+ hit in Russia is “Black Bird“.

Netflix’s new show “Fubar,” featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, has seen significant demand in Germany. The title, which is also German slang, could be a factor in its local appeal. Interestingly, the US version of “The Bachelor” has garnered a following in the Netherlands. The absence of a recent Dutch iteration might be driving viewers to the American version.

Shifting gears, Brazilian audiences have shown sustained interest in the antics of Charlie Harper from “Two and a Half Men.” The CBS show was 6.9% more in demand in Brazil than in the US last quarter, showing the interest in American TV comedies by Brazilian audiences.

A couple of American productions have been very successful with African audiences. Tyler Perry’s BET comedy “Sistas”, aimed at African-American viewers, has found a broader audience in Africa. The show is notably popular in other African countries like Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. Similarly, the market where “Scandal” is most popular is South Africa, with 139% of the demand in the US market.

Daniel Quinaud is a senior data analyst at Parrot Analytics, a WrapPRO partner. For more from Parrot Analytics, visit their website. 

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