Netflix: Nielsen claims to have streaming service viewing figures

Netflix says they are wrong but won't release the actual numbers

Less is more: 'The Defenders' swapped character development for action set-pieces

Netflix has consistently remained very tight-lipped over viewership numbers, refusing to publicly reveal how many people watch each of their shows.

Yesterday, some surprise as the streaming service officially revealed which shows are binge-watched the most within 24 hours of being uploaded, The Defenders topping the UK list.

Now, TV measurement firm Nielsen are claiming to have accurate audience data, their ‘Subscription Video On Demand Content Ratings’ service selling their data on Netflix to rival networks.

In a statement, Netflix has already said the data “is not accurate, not even close” adding how it “does not reflect the viewing of these shows on Netflix”.

However, eight studios and TV networks — including Lionsgate, Warner Bros., and NBC — have signed up for Nielson’s service, which allows them to apparently see US rating on 12,000 Netflix assets. The company also claim to be working on bringing Hulu and Amazon Prime into the service.

Neilson has offered some disparate data on a couple of Netflix originals, House of Cards, The Defenders, and Fuller House drawing the largest audiences, comparable to top-rated TV shows.

As reported by Time, House of Cards and Fuller House both averaged about 4.6 million viewers each after debuting earlier this year. The Defenders — which saw Marvel’s four Netflix properties combine — managed 6.1 million viewers during the first week.

While these numbers can’t match the number of viewers watching various Cable shows — The Big Bang Theory managed to bring in 14 million last week — Netflix has previously pointed out how subscribers often leave weeks before finally catching up on TV shows.