Since its release on August 31, the live-action adaptation of One Piece on Netflix has been a strong contender, garnering both critical acclaim and a massive fan following.
However, the tides have turned since September 5, when a new comedy show took over the top spot on Netflix’s charts.
Netflix heavily promoted the One Piece live-action series, and the investment paid off. Within the first four days of its release, the show astonishingly racked up 18.5 million views and 140 million watch hours.
While these numbers may seem small compared to other hit shows like “Wednesday” (341 million hours watched) and “Stranger Things Season 3” (286 million hours), One Piece still ranks 11th among Netflix’s most-watched debut week shows.
In the U.S., which is a significant revenue source for Netflix, One Piece has lost its top spot. This shift is concerning, especially considering that strong viewership in the U.S. is crucial for the show’s renewal for a second season.
So, what’s the show that has outperformed One Piece in the U.S.? It’s Shane Gillis’s comedy special, “Shane Gill’s Beautiful Dogs.” Available on Netflix, this stand-up show covers a broad spectrum of topics, from personal stories to cultural commentary.
Shane Gillis is renowned for his bold and unfiltered comedic style, tackling various subjects like relationships, historical figures, and even his experiences with bullying.
Also Read: Chopper Will Be the Biggest Challenge for One Piece Live-Action Season 2
Implications for One Piece’s Future
Believe it or not, the U.S. is a major market for Netflix. A show’s success here often indicates its overall performance. The fact that One Piece was dethroned just five days after its premiere is not a good sign for those hoping for more seasons of the live-action series.
However, Netflix’s co-CEO, Greg Peters, has declared the One Piece live-action series a success, stating, “It’s a high bar to meet, adapting a renowned manga into an English-language, live-action series. Despite the skeptics, the show has been a global success, which is truly remarkable.”
Still, if One Piece doesn’t maintain strong viewership numbers in the coming weeks, it could be challenging to justify its high production costs, especially with an even bigger budget expected for future seasons to accommodate new actors and larger sets, particularly for the Alabasta Arc.
While One Piece’s live-action adaptation has had a strong start, its position on Netflix’s top charts is not guaranteed.
With new shows like “Shane Gill’s Beautiful Dogs” entering the fray, it remains to be seen whether One Piece can reclaim its top spot and secure a future on the streaming platform.
Also Read: All Anime Characters That Were Left Out of One Piece Live Action