The ongoing battle for streaming dominance has found a new champion in Disney+’s acclaimed series Star Wars: Andor. The show’s recent finale has not only captivated audiences but also propelled the Star Wars franchise back to the forefront of streaming popularity, according to the latest Nielsen data.
Andor’s Meteoric Rise and Record-Breaking Finale
The final episodes of Andor’s second season, released on May 13, have driven the series to achieve unprecedented viewership milestones. For the week spanning May 12 to 18, 2025, Andor topped Nielsen’s streaming charts, logging a staggering 931 million minutes of viewing—an increase of 101 million minutes compared to the previous week. This marks the fourth consecutive week that Andor has set new records for audience engagement, highlighting its sustained momentum and expanding fan base.
The Disney+ original series chronicles the gripping story of Cassian Andor, a key figure in the Star Wars universe, whose journey from disillusioned rebel to hero has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The show’s complex narrative, combined with high production values and strong performances, has elevated it beyond typical franchise fare to critical acclaim and broad appeal.
Disney+’s Streaming Dominance Extends Beyond Andor
In addition to Andor’s commanding presence, Disney+ also secured another top spot on Nielsen’s streaming rankings with the popular animated series Bluey, which garnered 922 million minutes of viewing during the same week. This dual success underscores Disney+’s strength in offering content that appeals across diverse demographics—from the action-packed world of Star Wars to family-friendly animation.
The platform’s ability to simultaneously attract devoted fans of sprawling sci-fi epics and younger viewers seeking lighthearted entertainment demonstrates its versatile programming strategy in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.
Cross-Platform Synergy: Rogue One Benefits from Andor’s Popularity
Interestingly, Andor’s success has had a ripple effect across the franchise, boosting interest in the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which takes place in the same timeline. The movie re-entered Nielsen’s streaming movie chart, tying for ninth place with 179 million minutes viewed during the week. This resurgence illustrates the power of interconnected storytelling in encouraging viewers to explore related content across different media, strengthening the overall Star Wars brand.
Competitors Struggle to Keep Pace
While Disney+ dominated the streaming charts, Netflix and Hulu maintained strong but comparatively subdued positions. Netflix’s comedy series The Watcher, which had previously topped the charts, fell out of the overall top ten but remained the most-watched original scripted series with 549 million minutes streamed. Hulu’s nonfiction series Secrets of the Mormon Wives also made an impact, ranking third in original scripted content with 680 million minutes viewed, and placing ninth overall.
An industry expert noted, “The diversity of content that manages to strike a chord with viewers is encouraging, reflecting evolving audience tastes and the growing appetite for both scripted drama and nonfiction storytelling.”
Netflix’s Film Category Stronghold: Nonnas’ Continued Success
In the film sector, Netflix’s comedy Nonnas held the number one position for a second straight week, amassing 848 million minutes of viewing—a notable 11% increase over its debut week’s figures. Streaming analysts attribute this sustained popularity to the film’s heartfelt humor and relatable storytelling, which have clearly resonated with viewers looking for genuine and uplifting content.
Limitations and Insights of Nielsen Data
It is important to contextualize these figures: Nielsen’s streaming data tracks viewership exclusively from televisions within the United States and does not include audiences watching on mobile devices or international viewers. Despite these limitations, the data provides a valuable snapshot of what content is capturing the attention of U.S. streaming audiences and shaping the current market landscape.
Conclusion
The week of May 12 to 18, 2025, represents a defining moment in the streaming wars. Disney+ demonstrated formidable strength by leveraging the momentum of Andor and other beloved titles to capture broad viewership. Meanwhile, Netflix and Hulu continue to cultivate loyal audiences with diverse offerings, ensuring that competition remains fierce.
As streaming platforms evolve, the ability to deliver both franchise-driven spectacles and innovative original content will be critical to attracting and retaining viewers in an increasingly fragmented market. For now, Star Wars: Andor has firmly reclaimed the spotlight, signaling a new chapter for one of entertainment’s most enduring universes.
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