Media

Netflix: International subscribers show huge interest in black films, TV shows

by Joe Concha - 06/09/20 12:55 PM ET

More than 31 million households worldwide watched a Netflix miniseries about the 1989 Central Park Five case, “When They See Us,” in its first four weeks of release, according to the streaming entertainment service giant, with more than half of its audience coming from outside the United States.

Netflix, which boasts more than 183 million paid memberships in more than 190 countries, is increasingly dependent on exporting series to its international audiences. Overall, about 65 percent of its subscribers exist in other countries.

“American Son,” the story of a missing black teenager starring “Scandal” star Kerry Washington, was watched in 17 million homes worldwide in its first month. Of those who watched the Washington-produced series, 46 percent of viewers existed outside the U.S.

“Raising Dion,” the story of a black child with superpowers, attracted 32 million households, including 60 percent of those watching internationally.

Channing Dangey, the first black president of a major broadcast television network, says the numbers dispute the myth that black programs and films aren’t exported well.

“When people say that diverse content doesn’t travel, I say that they’re wrong,” Dungey told The Associated Press. “What we have found is that great storytelling transcends race. Great storytelling transcends gender. Great storytelling transcends religion.”

The 2018 Oscar-nominated film “Black Panther” grossed more than $1.3 billion dollars domestically and internationally, placing in the top 10 grossing films of all time.

Netflix was founded in 1997 and went public in 2002. Company revenue exceeded $20 billion last year.

Tags Black Panther George Floyd George Floyd protests Kerry Washington Netflix streaming services