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North Road Company Achieves Dual Top Rankings on Netflix Global Charts with Film and Series

Peter Chernin's North Road Company has made a significant impact on Netflix's global streaming charts, securing the top positions for both a film and a series. This achievement marks a first for an independent studio on the platform, according to Variety.

5/6/2026, 8:31:14 PM

North Road Company, under the leadership of veteran Hollywood producer Peter Chernin, has reportedly set a new benchmark on Netflix's international viewing rankings. For the first time, an independent production house has simultaneously held the number one spot for both a feature film and a streaming series, as reported by Variety. The successful projects driving this accomplishment are "Apex," starring Charlize Theron, and the drama series "Man on Fire." "Apex" garnered substantial attention, accumulating 40.2 million views during its second week available on the platform. The film initially debuted in the top five and then ascended to the leading position, demonstrating sustained audience engagement. "Man on Fire," meanwhile, captivated audiences with its narrative, becoming the most-watched series globally. Across its six episodes, the drama attracted 14.8 million views, solidifying its place at the pinnacle of Netflix's non-feature offerings. This dual success highlights North Road Company's effective strategy in content creation and distribution within the competitive streaming landscape. The firm's portfolio encompasses a range of production entities, contributing to its diverse output. Among these are Red Arrow Studios, which includes Kinetic Content, known for popular unscripted programs like "Love is Blind," and the production company Wild Road Pictures. Chernin's career prior to establishing North Road Company included a prominent role as chairman of News Corp., providing him with extensive experience in media and entertainment. This background has likely informed the strategic decisions that led to the company's current streaming triumphs. The viewership figures for both "Apex" and "Man on Fire" underscore the power of compelling storytelling and established talent in attracting a global audience on major streaming platforms. This record-setting performance by an independent studio introduces a new dynamic into the industry, signaling potential shifts in how major streaming services source and promote their most popular content.

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