Disney+ once again solidifies its reputation as the streaming giant with the impressive debut of Loki’s second season. As per recently released internal data, the premiere episode of this eagerly awaited Marvel series has managed to capture the attention of millions worldwide, leading to smashing viewership records.
Loki Season 2: By The Numbers
Within just three days of its debut, Loki Season 2 garnered an astonishing 10.9 million views. This measurement, provided by The Hollywood Reporter and calculated using the industry-standard method (total viewing time divided by runtime), indicates that fans across the globe were glued to their screens. Considering the episode’s 47-minute runtime, this translates to a whopping 512 million minutes or approximately 8.54 million hours of viewing. To put this into context, the show premiered at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Oct. 5 in North America and a day later, on Oct. 6, in the majority of international territories.
In comparison, Disney+’s Star Wars series, Ahsoka, which made its debut in August, drew 14 million views over a span of five days. With Loki’s pace, it’s anticipated that it will quickly eclipse Ahsoka’s five-day viewership numbers. What’s more, 2023 has seen Loki secure the second spot in terms of premiere viewership for the Disney+ series, right behind The Mandalorian’s third season opener in March.
Don't miss the timeline-breaking show everyone's talking about.
Watch #Loki Season 2, only on @DisneyPlusUK. pic.twitter.com/oYaZT5awof
— Marvel UK & Ireland (@MarvelUK) October 18, 2023
Looking Back at Loki Season 1’s Triumph
The spectacular premiere of Loki Season 2 doesn’t come off as a shocker, especially when one recalls the record-breaking success of its predecessor. As per Nielsen figures, during its run in June and July of 2021, the show’s first season emerged as the top contender among all Marvel series on Disney+. Averaging about 872 million minutes of viewing every week, it overshadowed The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which settled with an average of 692 million minutes per week.
The Journey Ahead: What’s in Store for Loki?
Eric Martin, the head writer for Loki Season 2, offers some insights into the protagonist’s journey and the impact of the previous season on him. Reflecting on Season 1, Martin mentioned, “Loki had witnessed his own demise and comprehended the insignificance of even the infinity stones in this new realm. This forced him to introspect and rediscover himself.”
As the character navigates through this personal evolution, fans can expect to see a mix of the old and the new. Martin adds, “Season 2 strikes a balance. While Loki still embodies the hero, his true essence, the ‘God of Mischief’, is making a comeback. He’s channelling those very talents but with a heroic touch.”
