Big news: Americans spent ≈ 15M years (7.9T minutes) streaming movies and TV shows in 2021.

Big question #1: What were the most popular shows and movies?

Top original streaming shows of 2021 according to Nielsen:
1) Lucifer (Netflix)
2) Squid Game (Netflix)
3) Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
4) Virgin River (Netflix)
5) Bridgerton (Netflix)

Top acquired streaming shows of 2021 according to Nielsen:
1) Criminal Minds (Netflix)
2) CoCoMelon (Netflix)
3) Grey’s Anatomy (Netflix)
4) NCIS (Netflix)
5) Heartland (Netflix)

Top streaming movies of 2021 according to Nielsen:
1) Luca (Disney+)
2) Moana (Disney+)
3) Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney+)
4) Frozen II (Disney+)
5) Red Notice (Netflix)

Big question #2: Did people spend more time streaming in 2021 vs. 2020?

Quick answer: Unclear. Nielsen reports streaming has held steady at 28% since May.

Outstanding questions:

1) What will the first YoY number (May-22) for Nielsen Gauge look like for streaming?  Has streaming been flat in fall/winter due to popular linear content like college/NFL football, or is it something else?