The latest addition to the Marvel universe, X-Men ’97, seems to have stumbled out of the gate on Disney+ if the ratings are anything to go by. This setback comes as a significant letdown for fans eagerly anticipating the revival of the beloved animated series.
Concerns arose when Samba TV, known for its alternative ratings system to Nielsen, remained silent on the show’s viewership numbers. Traditionally reliable in gauging audience engagement, the absence of data from Samba TV suggests a lackluster response to X-Men ’97.
This isn’t the first time Samba TV has withheld ratings for Disney or Marvel content. Instances like Doctor Who on Disney+ and Marvel’s Echo raised similar red flags, with the UK’s figures for Doctor Who painting a bleak picture of viewership. Even though Echo initially made it onto Samba TV’s weekly ratings list, the absence of concrete numbers and its subsequent disappearance from the charts post-premiere week hint at a concerning trend.
As speculation mounts and disappointment looms, Marvel and Disney may need to reassess their strategy to ensure the success of their streaming endeavours. Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor the evolving landscape of Marvel content on Disney+.
X-Men ’97 Viewership Numbers: A Closer Look
Variety recently shed light on the viewership figures for X-Men ’97, revealing that the series garnered 4 million views within its first five days on Disney+. However, upon closer inspection, this figure corresponds to the combined total for the first two episodes, released simultaneously on March 20, 2024. This averages out to roughly 2 million views per episode.
Comparisons to previous premieres raise interesting questions. While Disney touted X-Men ’97 as the “most-watched Season 1 premiere for a full-length animated series since Marvel’s What If…? debuted in 2021,” it’s worth noting that What If…? Season 1 premiered with only one episode. The fact that X-Men ’97’s two-episode debut didn’t surpass the viewership of What If…? Season 1’s single episode premiere suggests a more nuanced perspective.
Additionally, Disney highlighted that X-Men ’97 outperformed Iwájú and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. However, the relative obscurity of these shows raises questions about the significance of this achievement, particularly considering the esteemed status of the X-Men and Marvel franchises.
Moreover, Variety’s report excludes certain animated shorts like Star Wars: Visions, I Am Groot, and Zootopia+ from the viewership count. The rationale behind this exclusion prompts speculation about the comparative success of these shorts and their potential impact on Disney’s animated content landscape.
As discussions around X-Men ’97’s performance continue, it’s clear that the series has sparked interest and scrutiny within the realm of animated entertainment on Disney+. Stay tuned for further analysis and insights into the evolving viewership trends on the streaming platform.
More Disappointment on Disney+
Amidst high anticipation fueled by nostalgia for the beloved ’90s series, X-Men ’97 faced significant hurdles in the lead-up to its debut. The announcement of a change in showrunner just days before its release, coupled with controversial character adjustments, including the introduction of a non-binary character, stirred debate among fans.
Despite these challenges, initial viewership data revealed a promising 92% Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score from Marvel enthusiasts who tuned in. However, with Nielsen ratings not expected for another month, the true extent of the show’s success remains to be seen.
A deeper trend seems to be emerging within the Marvel fandom. Disillusionment following Phase 4 and Phase 5 disappointments, coupled with perceived shortcomings of the Disney+ streaming service, has led to waning enthusiasm among fans. Many attribute declining viewership not only to dissatisfaction with recent Marvel offerings but also to a broader fatigue with Hollywood’s perceived missteps.
As the saga of X-Men ’97 unfolds, its fate will likely hinge on word-of-mouth momentum and the resilience of Marvel’s dedicated fan base. Stay tuned for updates as the story continues to evolve in the coming weeks.
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