Which Netflix Shows Led People To Watch The ‘Defenders’ And Marvel Series?

It’s easy for superhero fans to get caught up in the Universes, the Phases, and how it’s #AllConnected. But for the average Netflix viewers, they’re just trying to find something to fill up their Friday nights.

So how does the Netflix audience end up watchingThe Defendersif they haven’t been following every series leading up to it starting withDaredevil? Netflix has released some rare streaming data that shows how non-fans — or even fans who aren’t watching in order — make their way through the Marvel-Netflix shows.

With the oversaturation of original Netflix series — a far cry from when it was justArrested Development, House of Cards,andOrange is the New Blackdominating the internet waves — how do people who aren’t fans of Marvel make their way to the superhero series that build up to therecently released miniseries,The Defenders?

USA Todayreported on Netflix’s streaming data, saying that there’s a formula to how people move on fromThe Walking DeadtoLuke Cage, for example:

In addition to garnering interest from fans of the 1980s supernatural throwbackStranger Things,Luke Cagealso appealed to those into explorations of the dark side of society such asBlack Mirror,The Walking Deadand the documentaryAmanda Knox. And viewers who binged coming-of-tales, including13 Reasons Why,LoveandThe 100checked outIron Fist.

This haphazard viewing of Marvel series, out of order and without the world-building ofDaredevil, sounds confusing, but USA Today says that most audiences don’t follow the perceived order of the series in which they were launched, fromDaredeviltoJessica JonestoLuke CagetoIron Fist. The outlet writes:

Instead of going chronologically, Netflix found that much of its audience wanted to meet its resident butt-kicking woman first: The most popular viewing order starts withJessica Jones, then moves toDaredevil,Luke Cageand finally,Iron Fist. (One in eight Marvel watchers is new to comic-based content before diving into their first superhero show, according to Netflix.)

Those who watchDaredeviloften move on toJessica Jonesnext, and vice versa, whileLuke Cageis frequently paired withIron Fist. This may be because Luke Cage and Iron Fist are often paired in the comics, though it’s curious that there isn’t more of a connection betweenLuke CageandJessica Jonessince the former was introduced in the private detective series.

This was a rare instance of Netflix releasing some streaming data, perhaps in an attempt to drum up interest inThe Defendersminiseries, whose viewing numbers aren’t mentioned. The data was reportedly culled from 1,300 “taste communities” around the world.

But even when Netflix releases streaming data, we still don’t get a sense of the success of whetherThe Defenders, or any of the solo series, were successful. Or whetherDefendersmade enough of an impact to be renewed for a second season, especially with Netflix’snew practice of canceling more shows.Deciderdoes a great deep dive into the decisions that go into Netflix renewing its show using interest through Google trends, finding thatOzarkdid surprisingly well globally and in the late summer season — which resultedin its renewaloverthe equally critically-pannedGypsy.

So as long asTheDefendersis well-received in more than one state, it should be fine.