FX’s Shogun has set a new record on Hulu and Disney Plus, but it’s not the one you’d expect

A fantastic start, until you dig into the data

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Shōgun, theGame of ThronesandSuccession-like historical epic, is off to a flyer following its record-breaking premiere on Disney’s two streaming platforms.

The series, which debuted on FX (viaHulu) in the US andDisney Plusinternationally, chalked up an impressive nine million views in the first six days following its premiere. That figure was, according to a Disney press release, enough to make it the most-watched scripted General Entertainment series globally of all time on Disney’s streaming services. Here’show to watchShogunfrom anywhere.

Stateside,Shōgunis also now the most-streamed TV premiere for an FX-developed show. The Feudal Japan-set series has climbed aboveThe Bearseason 2, which previously held top spot. Overseas,Shōgunmoved pastThe Kardashiansseason 1 to take the number one spot in the General Entertainment series category, too.

‘SHOGUN’ has become FX’s most-viewed premiere on Hulu with 9M views, passing ‘THE BEAR’. pic.twitter.com/b1vtqMHfg5March 6, 2024

For those unfamiliar withShōgun, it’s based on James Clavell’s best-selling novel of the same name, which is a fictionalized retelling of real-world events. Set in the 16th century, it follows three primary characters – Hiroyuki Sanada’s Lord Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis' John Blackthorne, and Anna Sawai’s Toda Mariko – as they navigate the increasingly tense geopolitical situation during the late Sengoku period. As their enemies close in around them, the trio are forced to unite in a bit to prevent all-out war erupting across Japan.

In myShōgunreview, I called it a “sublime historical epic whose ambitious scope and scale has paid off” and “the kind of character-driven prestige TV” that Disney Plus and Hulu are lacking in their repertoires. I, for one, then, am unsurprised by its success on two of the world’sbest streaming services.

An impressive start, but Marvel and Star Wars still reign supreme

With its politically-charged plot, complex cast of characters, and bloodstained and fiery action, coupled with its impressive debut viewing figures, it’s clear thatShōgundeserves a spot on ourbest Disney Plus showsandbest Hulu showsguides.

That said, there’s an argument to be made that its success isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. For starters, its nine million views haul is a cumulative one, meaning the figure is representative of its performance on Hulu and Disney Plus combined. Without a full breakdown of how many people tuned in to watch it on each platform, I can’t confirm if there was even audience split between them, or if one service dominated over the other.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

Then there’s the murkiness surrounding what an actual ‘view’ is. LikeNetflix, Disney defines a view as the “total stream time divided by runtime”. Essentially, that means Disney totted up how many millions of hours were watched overShōgun’s first six days post-release before dividing that total by 70 minutes. However, despite debuting on both platforms with a two-episode premiere, Disney has only takenShōgunepisode 1’s 70-minute runtime into account. In doing so, it’s further doctoring the show’s viewership data.

Even with its manipulated viewership data,Shōguncan’t hold a candle to the most-watched TV episodes on a Disney-owned streamer. In December 2023,Percy Jackson and the Olympianspulled in 13.3 million views in its first six days on Disney Plus and Hulu – a record for the opening entry of a Disney-owned original program.

However, even the hit fantasy show, whose premiere was one of the five biggest across all streaming services last year, failed to match the might of Disney’s two biggest franchises –MarvelandStar Wars– on Disney Plus. In August 2023, Disney confirmed thatStar Wars: Ahsoka’s first episode attracted over 14 million people on its primary streamer.Lokiseason 2was a big hit for Disney Plus, too, with theMarvel Phase 5series luring in 10.9 million viewers. Yes, that figure is smaller thanPercy Jackson’s but, given the latter was released simultaneously on two platforms, and the fact that we don’t have a complete breakdown of where people streamed it, the performance onLoki’s second season on Disney Plus is far more noteworthy on this specific service.

So yes,Shōgunis off to a terrific start audience-wise, and it’s likely to see a gradual increase in views as the weeks go on as more people recommend it to their friends and family. Compared to other Disney-owned shows and properties, however, it’s got a ways to go before it can considered a true streaming powerhouse.

You might also like

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.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

4 spy shows on Prime Video with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes

We just learned more about Max’s password-sharing crackdown – and more price hikes are coming too

Lego will let you build Sir Ernest Shackleton’s iconic lost ship, the Endurance, in its next Icons set