It’s that time of week again, folks! For all you avid TV planners out there, Netflix has just dropped its latest viewing figures, giving us a clear picture of what Australians have been glued to over the past seven days. From sweeping historical romances to eye-opening nature documentaries, there’s a diverse smorgasbord of content capturing our attention. So, grab your cosiest PJs and get that favourite takeaway ordered, because we’re diving into the top 10 shows that have dominated our screens. Will the swashbuckling adventure of One Piece continue its reign, or has a new contender sailed into the number one spot?
The Top 10 Netflix Shows This Week
Here’s the rundown of what’s been making waves:
Bridgerton: Season 4 — 3,200,000 views
It’s been a month since the latest batch of Bridgerton episodes landed, and fans have clearly been devouring them. For anyone who’s somehow missed out (perhaps you’ve been living under a very large, period-drama-proof rock?), this season centres on the burgeoning romance between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett. Their paths cross at a masquerade ball, but their contrasting backgrounds – Sophie from a working-class family and Benedict from the highest echelons of society – present a significant hurdle for their budding relationship. The series continues to explore the complexities of love, class, and societal expectations within the opulent Regency era.
The Dinosaurs: Season 1 — 3,400,000 views
From the acclaimed creators of Our Planet and with executive producer Steven Spielberg at the helm, this fascinating nature documentary series is narrated by the legendary Morgan Freeman. The Dinosaurs embarks on an epic journey through the history of these magnificent ancient reptiles. It traces their lineage from their emergence in the Triassic period right up to their dramatic extinction during the Cretaceous–Paleogene event. This four-part series meticulously reimagines life for these colossal creatures, charting their “rise and fall” over an astonishing 170 million-year span, offering viewers an unparalleled glimpse into a lost world.
Radioactive Emergency: Season 1 — 3,800,000 views
This gripping new drama plunges viewers into a high-stakes race against time. Physicists and medical professionals are in a desperate battle to contain a catastrophic radiological disaster and prevent the loss of thousands of lives. The series draws its inspiration from a real-life event: the 1987 Goiânia radiation accident in Brazil, one of the most severe radiological incidents in the country’s history. This devastating event was inadvertently triggered by two scrap collectors who dismantled a medical radiotherapy device containing caesium-137, a highly dangerous radioactive fission product. The substance unfortunately spread throughout a densely populated neighbourhood, exposing numerous individuals to severe health risks. The show delves into the crucial response of emergency services while also highlighting the profound personal stories of those directly impacted by the disaster.
That Night: Limited Series — 4,400,000 views
This compelling Spanish-language drama, adapted from the novel by British author Gillian McAllister, focuses on the intricate lives of three sisters. The narrative takes a sharp turn when the youngest sister, a single mother, accidentally kills a man with her car while in the Dominican Republic. This tragic event throws her older siblings into a profound moral crisis. They are faced with an agonizing decision: do they attempt to shield their sister from legal repercussions, thereby sparing her daughter the trauma of growing up without a mother, or do they uphold the truth? Regardless of their choice, the consequences are far-reaching and inevitably lead to further complications.
One Piece: Season 1 — 4,400,000 views
The initial season of Netflix’s beloved adventure series, One Piece, made its grand debut on August 31, 2023. Almost three years later, fans are still buzzing, with the recent release of the second season prompting many to revisit the first instalment. This surge in viewership for Season 1 is entirely understandable as audiences prepare for or recap the ongoing saga. For those new to the narrative, it follows the audacious Monkey D. Luffy and his motley pirate crew. Their quest? To unearth the ultimate treasure across a fantastical world brimming with exotic islands and vast, untamed oceans, all with the ambition of becoming the next Pirate King.
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: 1st STAGE — 4,700,000 views
If you’re looking to dive into the vibrant world of Japanese anime, then STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: 1st STAGE is clearly capturing the audience’s attention. Set in the United States in the year 1890, the story follows Johnny Joestar, a gifted jockey who, after being paralysed from the waist down, finds himself in a high-stakes, cross-continental horse race. His mission is to pursue the notorious outlaw Gyro Zeppeli, making for a thrilling and visually spectacular competition.
Beauty in Black: Season 2 — 5,300,000 views
Created, directed, and executive produced by the prolific Tyler Perry, Beauty in Black continues to draw viewers in with its second season. The first season introduced us to Kimmie, a struggling stripper who became entangled with the wealthy Bellarie family, who ran a cosmetics empire as a front for a sinister sex trafficking operation. In the latest instalment, Kimmie has now officially joined the Bellarie family through marriage and is stepping into the shadowy underworld as the new matriarch, navigating the dangerous complexities of her new role.
Virgin River: Season 7 — 7,700,000 views
Since its debut in 2019, Virgin River has steadily built a loyal following, and it continues to captivate audiences. The series centres on Melinda (Mel) Monroe, a nurse practitioner who seeks a fresh start by relocating from the bustling city of Los Angeles to a remote town in Northern California. However, she quickly discovers that the idyllic charm of small-town life is far more complex and eventful than she ever anticipated, thanks to the quirky inhabitants and unfolding dramas of Virgin River. The show is based on the popular book series of the same name by Robyn Carr. In the current season 7, viewers will see Mel and Jack embark on the journey of adopting a baby, while new parents Lizzie and Denny grapple with the challenges of postpartum anxiety.
One Piece: Season 2 — 11,100,000 views
One Piece has made a triumphant return with its second season, propelling Luffy and his intrepid crew onto the legendary Grand Line. This fabled stretch of sea is renowned for the constant presence of danger and wonder around every corner. According to Netflix’s official synopsis, their voyage through this unpredictable realm in pursuit of the world’s greatest treasure will lead them to encounter a host of bizarre islands and a formidable array of new adversaries. Get ready, because this season promises to be a fast-paced, action-packed adventure.
BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG — 13,100,000 views
Slamming straight into the top spot this week is BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE. The iconic K-pop supergroup makes their monumental return to the stage with a performance of their latest (and sixth) studio album, Arirang, broadcast live from Seoul’s historic Gwanghwamun Square. Filmed exclusively for Netflix, this concert marks the band’s first performance together in nearly four years, following a hiatus for mandatory military service. Interspersed with the electrifying music from their homecoming show, each member shares personal reflections on their time away and the profound significance of being back on stage together.
