Netflix CEO: WWE Raw Drawing Double Its Traditional TV Audience

One Big Thing

Netflix’s investment in WWE Raw is paying immediate dividends, with the show reaching approximately 5 million viewers in its streaming debut – double its previous linear TV audience.

Why It Matters

This early success signals Netflix’s potential to transform WWE’s global reach, similar to how they elevated Formula 1’s popularity through “Drive to Survive.”

By the Numbers

• 5 million viewers for the Netflix debut
• 25% increase in next-day viewing
• Highest U.S. viewership for Raw in 5 years

Key Details

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos shared these insights during the company’s Q4 earnings call:

• International markets seeing strong growth, especially in the UK, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Brazil
• Next-day viewing grew 25% outside U.S. time zones
• Press coverage has increased significantly since the Netflix partnership began

The Big Picture

Netflix aims to:

• Expand WWE’s international presence
• Leverage WWE’s unique blend of sports and storytelling
• Maintain profitable economics while growing the audience

Notable Quote

What excited us about WWE at the beginning, it’s the inverse of Formula 1, which is it was very well distributed in the U.S. and very little known outside of the U.S.,” – Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO

What’s Next

Netflix will focus on growing WWE Raw’s international audience while maintaining its strong U.S. viewership numbers. The streaming platform sees potential in WWE’s combination of sports entertainment and scripted storytelling.

What do you think about WWE Raw’s future on Netflix? Share your thoughts in the comments below.