In a landscape dominated by streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ has emerged as a formidable contender. Apple’s foray into the world of streaming content has been met with both critical acclaim and audience adoration. Recent reports indicate that Apple TV+ is making significant strides in terms of viewership, with several of its original shows and movies setting records.
One of the most noteworthy achievements for Apple TV+ has been the premiere of the Mark Wahlberg-starrer “The Family Plan.” The film’s debut on December 15 became the most viewed movie ever for the service, and it now holds the title of the most viewed movie in Apple TV+ history. This accolade is a testament to the growing popularity and reach of the platform.
The success of Apple TV+ extends beyond standalone movies, with its original series also capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. “The Morning Show,” starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, takes the crown as the service’s series record holder. The show’s recent season saw a remarkable 20% increase in viewership compared to its previous season, driven by growth in key markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, France, and India.
Other series that have contributed to Apple TV+’s rising viewership figures include Brie Larson’s “Lessons in Chemistry,” Messi Meets America, Gary Oldman’s “Slow Horses,” and Ron Moore’s “For All Mankind.” Together with this year’s standout releases like “Silo,” starring Rebecca Ferguson, and “Hijack,” starring Idris Elba, these shows have propelled Apple TV+’s audience numbers up by an impressive 42% year over year in 2023, spanning across more than 100 countries. Moreover, the total hours consumed on the streaming service have doubled in this period, further solidifying Apple TV+’s position in the competitive streaming landscape.
Documentaries and unscripted sport series have also found a place of prominence on Apple TV+. The Lionel Messi docu-series, “Messi in America,” has quickly made its mark, poised to become the biggest unscripted sport series for the service since its premier on October 11. Audiences from Australia, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina have been particularly drawn to this captivating exploration of the soccer superstar’s journey.
What sets Apple TV+ apart from its competitors is its emphasis on forging strategic partnerships with theatrical studios. Instead of solely relying on streaming releases, Apple has recognized the value of theatrical runs to maximize exposure and audience engagement. This approach has led to groundbreaking collaborations with major studios like Sony and Paramount.
Notably, Skydance partnered with Apple on the release of “The Family Plan” and Sony secured theatrical distribution deals for two significant Apple Original Film projects: “Wolfs” directed by Jon Watts and starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, and “Project Artemis” starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. The move to prioritize theatrical releases for these high-profile films has proven lucrative, as product-starved theaters eagerly welcome the opportunity to showcase these blockbuster titles. Additionally, with studios contributing to the marketing and advertising expenses, these films become even more valuable when they eventually arrive on the Apple TV+ streaming platform.
With the success of its current partnerships, Apple TV+ is already eyeing its next big venture. The untitled Formula One film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, is generating significant anticipation. Despite a temporary shutdown due to strikes, the film is set to resume production, taking advantage of the remaining Formula One races in the season to capture the thrilling action that fans crave.
Apple TV+ has proven its mettle in the competitive streaming space. Through engaging content and strategic collaborations, the streaming service has successfully carved out a niche for itself. As Apple continues to expand its library of originals and explore new avenues for growth, it is poised to leave an indelible mark on the streaming revolution.
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