Netflix has a new all-time most popular movie: as of yesterday, KPop Demon Hunters is the service’s best performer ever. And the timing could be especially great for Apple TV+ and its new series KPOPPED.
Apple’s new KPOPPED series could benefit from Netflix’s latest phenomenon
Yesterday Netflix announced that KPop Demon Hunters has officially become its all-time most watched movie. The previous top performer was Red Notice, which packed the star power of Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, and Dwayne Johnson.
Netflix’s new top movie revolves around a very different trio: three animated K-pop characters with the dual gifts of singing talent and secret powers.
As I write this article, KPop Demon Hunters has 236 million views—a staggering number.
Why is this good news for Apple TV+? Because Apple just so happens to be launching a new K-pop TV series this week.
KPOPPED debuts this Friday, August 29 on Apple TV+ with its full eight-episode season.
The show is a brand new reality series—a genre Apple has mostly left untapped, save 2023’s My Kind of Country. It’s hosted by PSY and Megan Thee Stallion.
Here’s Apple’s official summary:
In each episode, Western icons reimagine one of their biggest hits, collaborating with top-tier K-pop idols to deliver spectacular battle performances, with a live Seoul-based audience picking the winner of the best new K-popped song.
Reality series are often wildly successful for other streamers, so Apple’s minimal efforts in the genre so far is surprising. Though I suppose reality shows may not fit the streamer’s ‘prestige’ reputation.
My Kind of Country didn’t appear to make much of a dent with viewers when it debuted. But Apple TV+ had a much smaller subscriber base back then.
Perhaps with the current heightened TV+ awareness, and fortunate timing with KPop Demon Hunters’ success, KPOPPED can prove a hit.
Do you think Apple TV+ should offer more reality series, or leave the genre to other streamers? Let us know in the comments.
Apple TV+ is available for $12.99 per month and features hit TV shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.
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