Netflix has found yet another big hit show in its new original sci-fi thriller Stranger Things, according to the latest data from TickerTags. TickerTags monitors several social media sites to identify trends by the search for phrases and words that appear together in social media content like tweets.
Netflix struck new programming gold
Netflix’s new original sci-fi thriller is set in a small Indiana town in 1983 and stars Winona Ryder. The peak social conversations about Stranger Things have, in fact, topped peak social mentions of hit documentary series “Making a Murderer” — also from Netflix — by 37%.
In addition, social media mentions of this sci-fi thriller are roughly on-par with mentions of other hits from the streaming giant, including Jessica Jones and House of Cards. However, so far, peak mentions of Stranger Things have not reached the peak levels hit by Orange is the New Black, Fuller House, and Daredevil, which are Netflix’s most discussed shows. However, it does appear as if the streaming service has struck programming gold with its new series.
Stranger Things beats shows on traditional TV in online buzz
Pacific Crest Securities analyst Andy Hargreaves said Stranger Things is doing better than major new shows on traditional TV in online buzz, including The Night Of on HBO, Preacher on AMC, Animal Kingdom on TNT, and Billions on Showtime.
“We believe this highlights the power of scale in online distribution and the overall value of Netflix’s model,” the analyst noted.
Hargreaves said that according to Internet search volumes, the sci-fi thriller is the biggest TV series to debut this year. Stranger Things is already one of Netflix’s most-searched-for original shows ever, he said in a research report late Monday.
Hargreaves added that they often get questions from investors like, “What is going to happen when ‘House of Cards’ ends?” or statements like, “I tried Netflix, but didn’t like the content.” But they believe the performance of Stranger Things emphasizes the efficiency of Netflix’s model as the dynamic nature of the service over time and a broad distribution platform. Hargreaves has an Overweight rating on the stock with a price target of $125.
This hit original sci-fi thriller might be just what the streaming giant needs to take attention off its disappointing second quarter subscriber growth numbers and declining share price. On Tuesday, Netflix shares closed down 0.86% at $93.56. Year to date, the stock is down almost 20%, while in the last year, it is down more than 18%.
