Yes. You read that right. Otakus just beat sex. Well, Sex Education, that is.
In an industry where the success of a series is measured by its ability to captivate and retain an audience, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of one of the most popular anime and manga in the world has achieved a remarkable feat.
Transcending expectations and breaking the live-adaptation curse, One Piece has stolen the hearts of anime fans and a lot more casual audiences across all the four seas, consistently outperforming other popular titles on the popular streaming platform, including a fan-favorite original, Sex Education.
One Piece, the brainchild of Eiichiro Oda, is a cornerstone in the realm of anime and manga. The transition to the small screen as a live-action show on Netflix has not only honored the original material but also expanded its reach, which it used to amass over 475 million hours of viewing time, equivalent to 63.6 million viewers who have seen the entirety of Season 1. It reached this staggering viewership numbers in just two months. But, that’s not all – it continues to rank among the Top 10 Most Popular TV Shows globally on Netflix, ten weeks post-release.
Netflix’s financial commitment to the series has bore fruit. With a reported budget of $18 million per episode, One Piece stands as one of the most expensive shows ever made ever, not just by Netflix, surpassing even the numbers required to produce other hits like Game of Thrones, See, and The Mandalorian. This investment has paid off, as evidenced by the show’s early renewal, with the showrunners prepared to support it for even more seasons, and its consistent performance week after week.
In contrast, Sex Education, despite its initial success and critical acclaim, is experiencing a decline in its final season. The changes to its writing staff and the challenges in navigating the commitments of its now-famous cast has resulted in a failure to deliver a proper and fitting finale. The last season felt disjointed and unfocused on the core characters, eventually justifying Netflix’s decision to end the show.
One Piece, however, continues to captivate its audience with the adventures of the Straw Hat Crew. The narrative, which is faithful to Oda’s original storyline, promises to introduce new characters and arcs in the upcoming season. With the Straw Hats set to face the Baroque Works criminal syndicate and delve deeper into the lore of the One Piece universe, many can’t wait for Season 2 to come. The addition of beloved characters from the manga, such as Tony Tony Chopper and, possibly even Nico Robin, and the potential casting of high-profile actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis, only add to the excitement.
The success of One Piece is a reflection of Oda’s masterful storytelling and the universal appeal of the series. It has not only withstood the test of time but has also successfully adapted to new formats. The live-action adaptation on Netflix has introduced One Piece to a wider audience, ensuring that the legacy of the Straw Hat Pirates continues to thrive in popular culture.
It’s clear that One Piece has resonated with viewers on a scale that few other series have managed. Its dominance over other Netflix titles highlights the enduring appeal of Oda’s creation and the successful translation of the anime into a live-action phenomenon.
With its blend of adventure, compelling characters, and rich storytelling, One Piece sets a new benchmark for success on the streaming platform, captivating audiences worldwide and securing its place as a timeless classic.
Fingers crossed, Netflix’s other live-action anime adaptation endeavors will enjoy as much success, starting with Yu Yu Hakusho in December.
