Netflix Updates Its Most Popular TV Show Seasons List

Netflix is rolling out a new system to track its viewership. Per Polygon, the streaming giant will begin tracking viewer numbers based on the number of hours a show or movie has been watched. The update comes amid its reporting for the third quarter. It's intended to give subscribers a better idea of what's trending on the platform. 

Previously, Netflix did not give many details regarding how many viewers tuned in to a specific program. Currently, the data provides an "account view" when a subscriber watches just two minutes or more of a show or movie. The new metric hopes to be more reflective of repeat viewings, as opposed to counting each account one time. 

An example given shows that the old metric favors programs that attracted lots of unique viewers. The new metric favors time a subscriber actually spends watching a program. With the new system, it relies on what's sticking versus temporary trends. 

The change is also intended to make Netflix's numbers more clear in future earnings announcements. The streaming service also announced that it would be revealing viewer data for its original programming more often in the future.  

The report notes a chart featuring what was most popular with the previous metric system versus the new one being implemented. Some of the same shows are on both lists.