Streaming Trends for Early 2025
Throughout the first half of 2025, Gunsmoke has surprisingly outperformed many of Disney’s costly new productions on streaming platforms, accumulating more viewing minutes than the newer content released by Disney+.
Nielsen recently published its list of the top 20 streaming programs for the first half of this year, and Disney+ managed to feature only one title—a bit amusing since it wasn’t even an original Disney creation. The show, blue, comes from Australia and has been well-received as a charming animated kids’ series, even taking the top spot in the rankings.
Aside from that, Disney’s recent offerings found little success.
Despite pouring billions into various Star Wars projects, none of these shows made it onto the top 20 list. Instead, many older series dominated the chart. For instance, Gray’s Anatomy stood at #2, followed by NCIS at #3, Family Guy at #4, and Spongebob at #6. Even classics like Criminal Minds and Gunsmoke were present, ranking at #13 and #18, respectively.
This trend isn’t just a one-time occurrence. The popularity of Gunsmoke, which hasn’t been produced in decades, has surprisingly remained strong over the past six months.
Gunsmoke first emerged in 1952 as a radio drama, later transitioning to TV in 1955 and running until 1975, amassing 635 episodes. The main cast included James Arness as Sheriff Matt Dillon in a classic Western setting.
Current versions of Westerns, particularly on Disney+, seem to lack the depth and richness that Gunsmoke offers. The show creates a relatable narrative, filled with challenging moral decisions and well-developed characters. It resonates with audiences, showcasing universal themes that often feel absent in much of today’s Disney+ content, which tends to focus on identity politics and other more recent issues.
Despite the substantial investment Disney has made in shows like She Hulk, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and others, the appeal of a show like Gunsmoke, which is now over 70 years old, is a testament to its timeless storytelling and likable characters.
In contrast, newer shows often feel less impactful, lacking the compelling narratives that elevate a viewer’s experience.
