Queen Charlotte and Young Sheldon surge in popularity on Netflix

If you take a look at the top 10 shows on Netflix in the United States, and possibly some additional territories, right now, you will see both Queen Charlotte and Young Sheldon taking up residence. In the week of May 20, the hit series have re-entered the top 10 ranking at No. 9 and No. 10 respectively, but that shouldn't come as a surprise to fans of these series.

On May 16, Netflix released new episodes of Bridgerton, the series which inspired the prequel spinoff Queen Charlotte. The release of Bridgerton season 3 part 1 shot the series straight to the peak of the top 10 ranking, even with just four episodes. However, fans are clearly rewatching the first two seasons and the spinoff in order to get their Bridgerton fix before season 3 part 2.

As for Young Sheldon, the beloved CBS sitcom signed off with its two-part series finale on May 16, the same day as Bridgerton season 3 part 1's premiere. While the seventh and final season of The Big Bang Theory prequel isn't yet available on Netflix (though we're hopeful it will be), fans in mourning have obviously started rewatching the show from the beginning. Get those laughs after such a bittersweet ending!

On the surface, these two shows couldn't have less in common. 18th century-era romantic drama series about the origins of a queen, while the other is a family sitcom set in the late '80s and early '90s. Still, they do have something strange in common: They're both prequel spinoffs that became super popular in their own right. And who would have guessed Sheldon would end on the day Polin bloomed?

While Queen Charlotte's reappearance in the top 10 isn't entirely unexpected given its proximity to a new Bridgerton season's drop, it's another piece of evidence for Netflix to look at regarding a second season. Although it's a limited series, creator Shonda Rhimes recently opened up about thinking of ideas for a potential season 2, which Netflix seems interested in. But she wants to get it right.

And when it comes to the Big Bang-verse, it's continuing to expand. Young Sheldon's own spinoff, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, will premiere on CBS in the fall of 2024. Montana Jordan and Emily Osment will continue their roles as Georgie Cooper and Mandy McAllister as they become young parents and get married. Another Big Bang series is also in the works at Max.

Of course, this is all a way to say that proven hits will continue to prove that they are hits as consumers organically seek them out. Netflix demonstrates its dominance in times such as these. Young Sheldon also streams on Max, but it's not in the streamer's top 10 (as of May 20). Netflix is just consistently where people go to watch TV shows, from historical romances to family comedies.

Stay tuned for more news and updates from Netflix Life!