Lucky Number 23: Netflix Says ‘The Last Dance’ Was Streamed by Over 23 Million International Households
Decades after Michael Jordan retired from the NBA, it seems the number 23 still holds its charm. According to Netflix, “The Last Dance” — the hit documentary chronicling the NBA superstar and the ’90s Chicago Bulls — was streamed by over 23.8 million households outside the U.S.
23 was always his lucky number!
— Netflix (@netflix) May 20, 2020
23.8 million households outside the US checked out The Last Dance in its first four weeks on Netflix pic.twitter.com/xS4GCR1uzU
“The Last Dance” was co-produced by Netflix and ESPN. The documentary simultaneously launched in the U.S. on ESPN and internationally on Netflix on April 19. According to Variety, the series’ ratings also skyrocketed on ESPN. “The Last Dance” received an average 5.6 million viewers across all 10 episodes, making it the most-viewed documentary ever for the sports programmer.
The series, which aired over the course of five weeks, follows the team as they navigate their way through the tumultuous 1997-98 season and takes viewers back to Jordan’s childhood, chronicling how the decorated basketball player became who he is. Viewers got an in-depth look at his journey from the 1984 draft, the Bulls’ standing before Jordan arrived as well as the struggles that led to the team’s first championship.
“The Last Dance” will make its Netflix U.S. debut on July 19. In the interim, ABC will re-air episodes beginning Saturday, May 23, with two weekly episodes over five weeks.