Netflix Won’t Release Ratings on ‘Lilyhammer,’ Ted Sarandos Explains

Netflix content officer Ted Sarandos explains that streaming the series just isn’t like watching television

Netflix has decided not to release ratings for its first original streaming series, "Lilyhammer," which debuted on Monday, the company said. 

In a statement, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos explained why, claiming: "Some members have loved the show so much that they’ve already watched the entire eight-episode first season; we put all the episodes up at once for that reason."

In other words, Netflix ain't like television. (Sounds a little like HBO, no?)

"We have over 23 million streaming members and they’ll have the opportunity to discover Lilyhammer not just yesterday, today or this week, but over the course of several years," Sarandos said.

All eight episodes debuted simultaneously on the streaming service this week. The show stars Steven Van Zandt as an American mobster who finds himself in Norway.

It is the first of several original series that Netflix will launch this year, including a reboot of the cult TV series, "Arrested Development." David Fincher is also directing a Washington-based series, "House of Cards." 

Also read: Steven Van Zandt: Why I Went 'Gangster-in-the Snow' for 'Lilyhammer'

Here is the full statement: 

"Many of you have asked us to disclose day-after viewership numbers for our new original series “Lilyhammer,” which Netflix members in the U.S., Canada and Latin America could watch instantly beginning yesterday.  Let me explain why we won’t.

"We have over 23 million streaming members and they’ll have the opportunity to discover Lilyhammer not just yesterday, today or this week, but over the course of several years.  Some members have loved the show so much that they’ve already watched the entire eight-episode first season; we put all the episodes up at once for that reason. Over time, other members will hear about Lilyhammer from their friends or discover it through our recommendation engine, based on the shows and movies they’ve enjoyed in the past.

"At Netflix, we are all about giving people choice in the way they enjoy TV shows and movies. They can watch one episode or all eight back-to-back. They can start in the living room on their Smart TV and end in the bedroom on their iPad. We don’t show commercials so we don’t have to deliver audience numbers to advertisers. We do have to deliver a great experience to our members.

 "We’re confident Lilyhammer will build a sizeable audience on Netflix and we’re excited to be at the forefront of change in the way consumers get their entertainment.

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