The Witcher is no longer Netflix’s biggest original series

(Image credit: IMDb)

It’s official: corsets, cravats, and a whole lot of sex is a bigger draw than Geralt slaying monsters. Bridgerton is now the biggest Netflix original series of all time, toppling the likes of The Witcher and Stranger Things in the process.

Bridgerton has been ‘watched’ (Netflix’s official metric for what constitutes watching a show is decidedly ambiguous) by 82 million people since its streaming launch on Christmas Day (H/T Deadline).

Previously, The Witcher held that crown. The adaptation of Andrej Sapkowski’s novels and short stories arrived in December 2019 to the tune of 76 million viewers in its first 28 days. The Witcher season 2 is already on the way and is currently filming.

Netflix has seen its numbers soar elsewhere. Recent French sensation Lupin, which saw early reactions herald it as an early contender for 2021’s best show, is already projected to reach 70 million households. Anya Taylor-Joy-led chess drama The Queen’s Gambit was also a surprise success with 62 million views.

But it’s Bridgerton they all have to beat. Its next biggest contender… might be itself. Season 2 has been confirmed by Netflix, with actor Nicola Coughlan already hinting at costume fittings taking place.

It’s not just on television that Netflix is looking to dominate in 2021 and beyond. The streamer has announced plans to release a new movie every single week this year, with some of the biggest names in Hollywood – such as Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Gal Gadot – all showing up.

If you’re already one of the 82 million, check out what else is on offer with the best Netflix shows.

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.