American Gods tops Amazon’s summer streaming smash hits
David Farnor | On 27, Jul 2017
In the world of streaming, data is the most important thing – but it’s also the most closely-guarded secret. Subscription platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and MUBI don’t release their viewing figures to anyone, never letting on which of the shows has been a success or a flop. As Netflix begins to cancel original productions to balance its budget and prioritise those with bigger audiences and lower costs, the lack of numbers is more noticeable than ever.
While Netflix gives hints in its quarterly reports as to what has performed well, Amazon has announced its own list of popular Prime Video titles as part of its Summer 2017 Trends Report. The report covers everything on the online behemoth, from clothes and hardware to food and books. In the world of TV, American Gods and Sneaky and Pete are ruling the roost, leading the list of most-watched titles by Amazon Prime Video subscribers this summer.
Here’s the list:
Most watched fantasy: American Gods
“Following a slew of production attempts over the years, including an HBO incarnation and at least one stab at a feature film, Neil Gaiman’s 2001 novel American Gods, a phantasmagorical journey through the immigrant experience and soul of America, finally receives the television treatment… Ostentatious, impressive, timely, beautiful. This adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel has been more than worth the wait.” Read our review.
Most watched drama: Sneaky Pete
“The pilot episode of Sneaky Pete, released in August 2015, was a modestly pleasing crime drama, but, had it not been for the cliffhanger reveal that the series’ villain was Bryan Cranston, buzz for the Amazon original series might not have been so high. Has the wait for the rest of the series been worth it? On the basis of these three new episodes, the answer is yes… With characters that are great company and a story that zips along, the strong finish to Sneaky Pete’s first season leaves you wanting more.” Read our review.
Most watched kids: Just Add Magic
Three friends find a magical cookbook in Just Add Magic. The Great British Bake Off meets Buffy? That proved just the right mix for the first season of Amazon’s live-action kids’ series, which blended humour and heartfelt morals with charming performances and a whole lot of cakes. Season 2 is just as deliciously entertaining for all ages.” Read our review.
Most watched unscripted: The Grand Tour
|One of The Grand Tour’s biggest problems – and this is a season that has had problems – has been its indulgent streak. The extravagance of its finale in the United Arab Emirates, though, makes Clarkson, Hammond and May look like masters of restraint. Clarkson’s opening monologue, like his strongest introductions this season, focuses less on his controversial opinions and more on the place where the show’s tent has pitched up. In this case, we’re told about vending machines that dish out actual gold and insanely expensive police cars. It seems to inspire a renewed self-deprecating sense of humour in the trio, who are at their most effective when being British and middle-aged and knowingly pathetic, rather than smug and irritating… A final drag race between the Bugatti Veyron and Porsche 918 Spyder has an entertaining, surprising winner, a reminder that The Grand Tour knows how to do car telly well.” Read our review.