The thriller subgenre featuring airplanes has received renewed interest thanks to the recent success of *Carry-On*, and now a drama series is poised to further engage audiences. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and scripted by T.J. Fixman, *Carry-On* revolves around a TSA officer who finds himself coerced into permitting a nerve agent aboard a flight on Christmas Eve. The film stars Taron Egerton, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Jason Bateman, and it has made a significant impact since its premiere, topping various records on Netflix. Notably, it achieved the best launch for a 2024 movie.
By early 2025, *Carry-On* had shattered records to become the fifth-most-watched English-language Netflix Original of all time. This accolade is expected to be corroborated by Nielsen’s upcoming streaming charts. The early critical and audience reception indicates that this holiday-themed thriller has resonated with viewers. Another airplane-centric narrative, *Departure*, is now garnering attention from subscribers, albeit four years after it first launched on a competing service.
*Departure*: A Growing Global Phenomenon on Netflix
Plot Overview: The Disappearance of Flight 716
Watch the Trailer
*Departure*, created by Vince Shiao, emerged as a global success on Netflix, following its initial release on the U.S. Peacock streaming service. The six-episode inaugural season centers on the mysterious vanishing of passenger plane Flight 716. Investigator Kendra Malley (played by Archie Panjabi from *The Good Wife*) and her mentor, Howard Lawson (Oscar winner Christopher Plummer), are charged with unraveling the truth amid competing interests that threaten their investigation’s integrity.
According to Netflix’s Global Top 10, *Departure* was the most-watched English-language series during the week of December 30 to January 5, accumulating 3.6 million views and logging 43.4 million viewing hours. In the standings, it fell just behind other hits including *Virgin River* Season 6 and *Missing You*, landing in the #4 position. Notably, the show’s second season concurrently made the list at #10, achieving 6.7 million hours viewed.
Furthermore, *Departure* has consistently ranked in the Top 10 across 40 countries, with notable mentions in Brazil, France, and Belgium. The first season boasts an impressive 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although audience reactions have been more varied. The subsequent two seasons have yet to accumulate enough reviews to establish a definitive rating.
Our Perspective on *Departure*’s Recent Surge in Popularity
Netflix’s Strategic Advantage
*Departure* is a co-produced Canadian series initially commissioned by the broadcaster Global. Upon its entry into the Peacock lineup, the service was still in its infancy and lacked the extensive reach it possesses today. This renewed success after moving to Netflix underscores the platform’s ability to connect viewers with thrilling content. Given the rising popularity of *Carry-On*, it’s likely that subscribers are being shown *Departure* as a comparable option, tapping into the current appetite for suspenseful narratives surrounding aviation.
For more details, visit Netflix’s Top 10.
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