The Netflix Effect: How 14 Series Shaped Canadians’ Hobbies and Interests
Understanding the Netflix Effect: Beyond Binge-Watching
Netflix doesn’t just entertain—it often sparks trends and inspires real-world behaviors among its viewers. This phenomenon, often dubbed the “Netflix Effect”, describes how the streaming giant’s original content influences viewers’ choices, from binge-watching habits to unexpected surges in new hobbies. But which Netflix original shows and documentaries have made the biggest impact on Canadians? By analyzing Google Trends search data, we can spotlight the titles that encouraged people across Canada to pick up new skills and passions.
Top 14 Netflix Originals That Ignited New Passions in Canada
Infographic showing the influence of Netflix series on Canadian hobbies
From sporting activities to creative arts and language learning, Canadian viewers have developed a range of new interests thanks to Netflix’s diverse programming. Here’s a closer look at which series and documentaries stirred the most curiosity—and the search terms that followed.
– The Queen’s Gambit led the way as the most influential series. Upon its release in 2020, Canadians drove breakout search growth for chess. Queries surged for “how to castle in chess,” “chess moves cheat sheet,” “instant chess,” “lego chess set,” and “chessboard.” This interest shows the nation’s eagerness to become chess aficionados.
– Cheer brought competitive spirit into the limelight. Canadians weren’t just inspired to learn the stunts—they started searching for “summer camp,” “cheer jumping,” “cheerleading gyms,” and “cheerleading movies”, all with dramatic increases in search volumes.
– Physical: 100, a Korean competition show, prompted more Canadians to look into physically demanding sports like “mixed martial arts,” “wrestling,” and “competitive bodybuilding.” Interestingly, viewers also showed increased interest in the “Korean – spoken language.”
– The Tinder Swindler, although centered on the risks of online dating, indirectly spurred curiosity about dating apps. Canadians ramped up searches for “Tinder app download,” “Tinder gold promo code,” “best pickup lines for Tinder,” and “Tinder account verification.”
– 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible inspired many to explore mountaineering, with searches for “mountaineering sport,” “Rocky Mountains,” and “crampons” all trending notably after the documentary aired.
From Viewers to Participants: Uncommon Sports Take Center Stage
Infographic depicting how Netflix sports content encouraged Canadians to try new athletic activities
From 2019 to 2023, Netflix’s growing catalog of docuseries and sports documentaries transformed many Canadian viewers into active participants in new and sometimes unconventional sports.
– In 2019, Formula 1: Drive to Survive shifted attention toward racing, leading Canadians to seek out nearby driving simulators.
– The year 2020 brought Cheer, The Speed Cubers, and The Queen’s Gambit to the forefront. This trio encouraged Canadians to try their hand at cheerleading, speedcubing (solving Rubik’s Cubes at high speed), and exercising their strategic thinking through chess.
– By 2021, documentaries like 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible pushed fans to explore the world of mountaineering, despite the sport’s challenging nature and steep learning curve.
– Blown Away (2022) captured viewers’ imaginations with the art and intensity of glassblowing, prompting spikes in searches for “glassblowing workshops” and “glassblowing classes.”
– The arrival of new releases in 2023—Break Point, Physical: 100, and Full Swing—encouraged exploration of tennis, golf, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and bodybuilding. Tennis-related queries such as “tennis skirts and dress” and “tennis balls” leapt by 450% after Break Point aired, while Full Swing encouraged interest in pursuing a professional golf career.
The Rise of New Leisure Activities Sparked by Streaming
Netflix’s stories didn’t just draw viewers into sports or arts. Some shows highlighted digital hobbies and lifestyle trends, including online dating and even growing interest in certain languages and crafts. Whether seeking mental stimulation, physical activity, or creative expression, Canadians discovered new ways to enhance their free time—all thanks to their latest binge-watch.
Methodology: How Netflix’s Impact Was Measured
To identify the Netflix shows and documentaries most influential among Canadians, researchers turned to Google Trends. By analyzing the spikes in Google search queries during each show’s release, the list of 14 titles was compiled according to the volume and variety of “breakout” searches—those terms that saw dramatic increases. This data, collected in June 2023, reflects Canadian-specific search patterns and does not represent global viewing trends or pop culture popularity.
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