Netflix dominates with "A Family Affair" despite mixed reviews

The latest viewership results for streaming platforms in the United States leave no doubt about which platform has the most active users. In early July, only three of the top ten most popular VOD titles were not Netflix productions.

According to the latest information, Netflix serviced nearly 270 million paying users worldwide at the end of March. In the first three months of the year, their number increased by 9.3 million. This increase pleasantly surprised investors, who expected a result half as high. Regarding users, Netflix's advantage over other platforms is enormous, so it's no surprise that its productions generate the best viewership results.

Unfortunately, quantity does not equate to quality. The most popular VOD title in the first days of July was the romantic comedy "A Family Affair." The film depicts a rather unusual love triangle. Zara (Joey King) quits her job as an assistant to Hollywood heartthrob Chris Cole (Zac Efron), which leads to a chance meeting between Chris and Zara's mother, famous writer Brooke (Nicole Kidman). Despite the significant age difference, Brooke and Chris quickly realize there's a spark between them, leading to comical consequences.

"A surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity," reads the film's description. Western critics, however, point out that "A Family Affair" is merely an unfulfilled promise of an exciting starting point. The rest is built from clichés mechanically used in most romantic comedies.

Repetitiveness, predictability, and formulas seem to be a way to achieve commercial success. High on the hit list are titles like "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," the series "Supacell," and "Trigger Warning" starring Jessica Alba. The series "The Bear," which American viewers watch on Hulu, receives much better reviews. At the beginning of this year, "The Bear" won three Golden Globes – for best comedy series, actress (Ayo Edebiri), and actor (Allen White).

1. "Family Affair" (Netflix) – 1.4 billion hours watched.

2. "The Bear" (Hulu) – 1.2 billion hours.

3. "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" (Netflix) – 646 million hours (in the first two days).

4. "Worst Roommate Ever" (Netflix) – 630 million hours.

5. "Supacell" (Netflix) – 600 million hours.