‘Defending Jacob’ Is Shaping Up As An Apple TV+ Breakout As Some Viewership Data Emerges

In reporting Apple’s Q2 earnings last week, CEO Tim Cook revealed “an all-time record in Services,” noting that Apple TV+ was doing well as more people watched content while under lockdown. The streamer’s latest original scripted series, Defending Jacob, might be a prime example.

Apple is known for closely guarding information, and, like other streamers, Apple TV+ has not released viewership data, with only a few snippets surfacing last fall about how viewers consumed the service’s offerings during its November launch weekend. Apple TV+ debuted four original live-action scripted series at launch, led by flagship The Morning Show, the service’s most award-recognized show, which also is believed to be its most popular original.

Apple TV+ appears to have had its biggest debut since then with the new limited series Defending Jacob, starring Chris Evans. According to sources, Defending Jacob ranks among the top three series premieres for Apple TV+, logging a big opening weekend with viewership continuing to build in Week 2 and the audience growing by five times in its first 10 days (April 24-May 3) to rank among the two fastest-growing series premieres for Apple TV+. The platform’s series typically debut with their first three episodes put out on premiere weekend, followed by a weekly release of the remaining episodes.

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