**Pluribus: A New Achievement for Apple TV+**
In December, Apple revealed that its original series *Pluribus* had emerged as the most viewed TV show in the history of the Apple TV streaming platform. While specific viewership numbers were not revealed, the show’s acclaim was further supported by its inclusion in Nielsen’s US streaming report for the week starting December 8, where it secured the ninth position among the top 10 streaming originals.
Despite its recent achievements, *Pluribus* did not appear on the Nielsen chart during November, making its debut in the December report. The top 10 originals list for the week of December 8-14 featured popular titles like *Stranger Things* and *Percy Jackson & the Olympians*, with *Pluribus* accruing a total of 360 million minutes viewed.
In contrast, Apple TV+ was absent from the overall streaming chart, which encompasses both acquired and original content. The lowest entry in that chart was *IT: Welcome to Derry*, with 660 million minutes viewed. For reference, *Stranger Things* led the list with more than 3 billion minutes viewed during the same timeframe.
Several elements contribute to *Pluribus*’s ranking. Firstly, the streaming industry is known for being secretive regarding viewership metrics, making it challenging to verify the accuracy of claims made by streaming platforms. Apple has not disclosed the viewer count for *Pluribus* or the total number of paying subscribers for its platform.
Secondly, Nielsen’s chart focuses on US streaming data, whereas Apple likely bases its viewership assertions on global figures, considering that Apple TV+ is accessible in over 100 countries. Moreover, Apple TV+ remains a relatively minor player in the streaming landscape, with its most popular shows frequently eclipsed by Netflix’s offerings.
Interestingly, *Pluribus* is a new series with merely seven episodes available as of the week of December 8, which restricts its potential viewing minutes when compared to established titles like *Severance* or *Ted Lasso*, which boast larger back catalogs. For example, *Severance* had nine episodes available at the time it gained traction, allowing for greater cumulative viewing time.
Despite these obstacles, *Pluribus* has proven to be a success for Apple, with a second season already greenlit and expected to start production next year, aiming for a release in 2027. As Apple continues to grow its streaming service, the success of *Pluribus* may herald a bright future for original content on Apple TV+.