While Andor: A Star Wars Story has garnered significant praise from critics and fans alike, its viewership numbers tell a different tale. In contrast to traditional TV networks, where ratings have historically been the key metric of success, streaming platforms like Disney+ rely on a different set of criteria. The rise of streaming has altered how shows are measured for success, making it clear that viewership alone doesn’t capture the full picture of Andor’s impact.
How TV Ratings Used to Work — and How Streaming Has Changed Everything
For decades, television networks relied on viewership ratings to gauge a show’s popularity. The higher the ratings, particularly in targeted demographics, the more networks could charge advertisers for commercial time. This advertising revenue was essential for covering production costs. Cable channels used ratings as well, but their revenue was also partly derived from subscription fees.
Even before the advent of streaming, high ratings didn’t always correlate to long-term success. Shows like Full House or Twin Peaks became cultural landmarks, while others, such as Grand Slam or Brothers & Sisters, were quickly forgotten. Long-running shows like Grey’s Anatomy maintained steady viewership without necessarily ranking high in ratings, leading to consistent renewals. As consumer habits evolved, even before platforms like Netflix and Disney+ entered the scene, the way people watched TV began to shift.
When Lost premiered in 2004, its ratings were impressive. However, as on-demand viewing, DVRs, and digital downloads gained popularity, traditional Nielsen ratings struggled to keep up. The show, often among the most-recorded and downloaded programs, seemed to lose momentum according to Nielsen, but its actual popularity was being captured elsewhere. The growth of streaming services further complicated how third-party companies could measure success, as viewers no longer had to watch shows at specific times or on specific channels.
The Power of In-House Data for Disney+ and Other Streaming Services
Today, services like Disney+ have access to more granular data than ever before. However, interpreting this data effectively is a challenge.
Instead of focusing solely on metrics like viewership or ratings, streaming platforms track “minutes watched.” This shift has advantages, as it allows platforms to measure engagement in a more comprehensive way. For Andor, the release of episodes on a weekly schedule kept viewers coming back for more, contributing to a steady stream of minutes watched. The show’s debut amassed 721 million minutes of viewing time, with that number rising to 821 million by May 4. According to Variety’s “Bright Seasons” tracker, which measures similar data, Andor’s debut garnered 714 million minutes. However, by late May, the viewership had dropped to 326 million minutes.
Despite this drop-off, Andor’s first season performed better than previous Star Wars-related shows, including The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew. Shows like The Mandalorian or The Book of Boba Fett, which had fewer episodes, also saw similar drops, but Andor’s performance was relatively strong for a series with its episode count and runtime. While third-party data can provide some insights, Disney likely holds much more detailed information on the show’s audience and engagement, information that isn’t fully captured through external tracking.
Streaming Alters How Audiences Engage with Content
One of the most notable changes brought about by streaming is the ability for viewers to watch content on their own terms. With platforms like Disney+, viewers are no longer constrained to watch shows at a specific time. They can binge entire seasons or watch episodes at their convenience over an extended period. The ease of rewatching shows, a behavior traditional broadcast networks didn’t often account for, further complicates viewership data.
For Disney+, the push for immediate satisfaction may not be as crucial. For instance, Lost, which initially premiered on Hulu before being licensed to Netflix, now boasts over a billion minutes of streaming time despite having aired 20 years ago. Fans of Star Wars who initially watched Andor are likely to revisit the series in the future, extending its lifespan and relevance. As with many Star Wars films, Andor has the potential for continuous, long-term engagement, which is difficult to quantify with traditional metrics.
Andor and Its Long-Term Cultural Impact
Though Andor might not be the most-watched Star Wars show at present, its long-term success could be measured in more profound ways. Much like the Star Wars films, which see repeat viewership over time, Andor may maintain its significance in the Star Wars franchise for years to come. Furthermore, if viewers sign up for Disney+ specifically to watch Andor and fail to cancel their subscriptions, the company benefits from a recurring revenue stream. FlixPatrol’s analysis even shows that Rogue One, which is closely tied to Andor, saw a surge in views on Disney+ after the series concluded.
Andor Sets a New Precedent for Star Wars
While Andor may not have garnered the highest viewership, it has been widely celebrated as one of the most successful Star Wars stories in recent years. Its mature tone, complex characters, and political narratives have resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise. This marks a significant departure from the typical Star Wars storytelling, adding depth and nuance to a universe that often leans on spectacle.
The series has demonstrated that Star Wars can still innovate and offer fresh, meaningful narratives to its vast audience. Whether Disney+ continues to create more Star Wars content based on Andor’s success remains to be seen, but its impact on the franchise and its cultural legacy is undeniable.
Full episodes of Andor: A Star Wars Story are available on Disney+, alongside other films and series in the Star Wars franchise.