3 Body Problem enjoys belated Netflix success as season 2 hopes get a rocket-fueled boost

Inviting more people to the watch party

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After a lackluster debut, Netflix’s3 Body Problemhas seemingly overcome its viewership issues to become the streamer’s most popular show of the week.

Releasing its latest internal weekly viewing figures yesterday (April 2),Netflixrevealed that3 Body Problemperformed better in its second week on the platform. PerNetflix’s Top 10 TV chart, the expensive sci-fi series, whose 11 million views in its first four days post-launch was a disappointing return for everyone involved, posted a far healthier 15.6 million views for the week running March 25 to 31. That’s 2.1 million more than its nearest rivalTestament: The Story of Moses, and almost four million more views than3 Body Problemachieved between March 18 and 24 (NB:it wasn’t released until March 21).

In total, Netflix users streamed 115.6 million hours of3 Body Problem– a figure two times larger thanThe Story of Moses' 57.4 million hours during the same six-day period.The Gentlemen, which surprisingly saw off3 Body Problem’s top spot challenge  last week, finished third with 7.8 million views and 51.9 million hours streamed.

Shooting for the season 2 stars

3 Body Problem’s belated success will come as a relief to Netflix. The world’sbest streaming servicehad high hopes for its first project fromGame of Thrones' TV creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff, but its sluggish start is sure to have worried Netflix executives. Indeed, the show’s underwhelming 11 million views in its first weekwas a galactic misfire for Netflix, but it appears to have found some unused rocket fuel to boost its standing among Netflix’s global fanbase.

Increasing its viewership by a third in just seven days certainly improves its chances of securing a second season, too.Weiss, Benioff, and3 Body Problem’s other creators are already working on season 2, which would adaptThe Dark Forest– the second novel in Liu Cixin’s3 Body Problembook series – for the streaming titan. Netflix hasn’t commented on the show’s prospects of being renewed, but an uptick in viewers will strengthen3 Body Problem’s case for another outing. WithGoT’s TV creators crafting a mind-boggling sci-fi show with a surprising amount of heart, I’m sure many fans would be disappointed if it’s cancelled after a single season.

That all said, it remains to be seen if3 Body Problemcan continue to dominate the streamer’s TV chart. With new Netflix shows, including the Andrew Scott-starring thriller seriesRipleyand dark comedyBaby Reindeerset to arrive on April 4 and April 11 respectively,3 Body Problemmight not be able to hold onto top spot for much longer. If you’re unsure whether it’s worth watching, you’ll want to check out my3 Body Problemreviewfirst – and if you’re not sold after reading that, you can find plenty more suggestions for series to stream in mybest Netflix showsguide.

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As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

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