Netflix’s ‘RAW’ Dethrones ‘Squid Game’ in Top 10 Streaming Rankings

Netflix‘s latest acquisition, the wrestling show ‘RAW,’ has dethroned the global phenomenon ‘Squid Game‘ from the top spot on the streaming platform’s Top 10 list in the U.S. The debut episode of ‘RAW,’ which aired on January 7, 2025, clocked in at 183 minutes and featured appearances by wrestling icons like The Rock. The show’s arrival marks a significant shift in Netflix’s live content strategy, as it is set to air weekly for the next decade under a $5 billion deal.

‘Squid Game,’ which premiered its second season to record-breaking viewership, remains a powerhouse for Netflix. The Korean drama series garnered 58.2 million views in its first week, bringing its total to 126.2 million views in just 11 days. This makes it the second most-watched non-English Netflix series of all time. Despite its success, ‘Squid Game’ was unable to hold onto the No. 1 spot in the U.S. as ‘RAW’ surged ahead.

Netflix’s deal with ‘RAW’ includes traditional commercial breaks, a departure from the platform’s usual ad-free model. The show’s weekly format and long-term commitment are expected to reshape Netflix’s approach to live programming. ‘RAW’ has already reached 1,650 episodes, with hundreds more planned for its Netflix run.

Meanwhile, ‘Squid Game’ continues to dominate globally, ranking No. 1 in 91 countries and appearing in the Top 10 in 93 countries. The series is set to return for a third season in 2025, alongside other highly anticipated releases like ‘Stranger Things‘ season 5 and ‘Wednesday‘ season 2.

Other notable entries on Netflix’s Top 10 list include the crime drama ‘Missing You,’ which held strong at No. 2, and the thriller ‘Carry-On,’ which became the fifth most-watched Netflix original movie ever with 149.4 million views in four weeks. The disaster series ‘La Palma‘ and the Queen Latifah-led ‘The Equalizer‘ also made appearances on the list.

As Netflix continues to expand its live content offerings, the competition for the top spot on its rankings is expected to intensify. With ‘RAW’ poised to dominate weekly viewership, the streaming giant is entering a new era of programming that could redefine its place in the entertainment industry.