The Staggering Number Of Hours Netflix Subscribers Have Spent Watching The Watcher's Debut

Netflix's "The Watcher" only just premiered on October 13, 2022, but it's already become one of the most successful streaming shows of the year–despite lackluster reviews.

Co-created and co-written by mega-producer Ryan Murphy, the story follows the Brannocks, a well-off New York City family who think they've found their dream home when they move into a house in Westfield, New Jersey. The Brannocks' dream turns into a nightmare when they begin receiving mysterious typewritten letters from someone who claims to be watching their house. As the Brannocks try to discover the identity of "the Watcher," nearly everyone becomes a suspect–and not just their overbearing neighbors, but actual members of the Brannock family. Most chilling of all, "The Watcher" is based on a true story. 

Reviewers haven't been impressed. On Rotten Tomatoes, just 31% of critics had positive things to say about the series. Meanwhile, only 41% of the audience reviewed the series favorably. But the actual viewership numbers tell a much different story.