After its resurgence in popularity last year, there was little denying that Avatar: The Last Airbender remains a beloved animated series. And the data confirms it, as the Nickelodeon show tops The NPD Group’s list of children’s programming viewed on Netflix in 2020, beating out newer series like Boss Baby: Back in Business and even the classic Shonen anime Naruto.
Since the final season of The Last Airbender aired for the first time back in 2008, it says a lot about the series that it’s managed to stay relevant. Nearing the 20th anniversary of its premiere, the show still has a dedicated fanbase. In fact, Netflix is in the process of producing a live-action remake.
“The original ‘Avatar’ series ran for three seasons on Nickelodeon between 2005 and 2008, proving that even older TV shows can have tremendous staying power with younger audiences,” said John Buffone, executive director and industry analyst at The NPD Group.
As if to drive home the love for The Last Airbender, sequel series The Legend of Korra also made the Top 10 list, landing at No. 8. Although the follow-up to Aang’s story has received mixed reviews over the years, it seems fans are still eager to remain in this world.
The Last Airbender landed above these nine popular series
The NPD Group’s ranking of Netflix’s most-watched kids series is determined based on the number of minutes each show was viewed over the course of the year.
In order of popularity, the complete Top 10 list for 2020 includes:
- Avatar: The Last Airbender
- The Boss Baby: Back in Business
- Naruto
- Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
- PJ Masks
- The Garfield Show
- Johnny Test
- The Legend of Korra
- Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
- Cocomelon
In its statement revealing the Top 10 series, The NPD Group pointed out that three of the most-watched series — The Last Airbender, Naruto, and The Legend of Korra — are either anime or utilize anime-style animation. Whether this hints at a new trend for the future of children’s television remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that anime is here to stay.
Nine of the 10 series — with Johnny Test being the odd man out — also had licensed toys available on the market, perhaps indicating that younger fans are more likely to become absorbed in a world they can enjoy off the screen as well.
Whatever the reasons for its popularity, The Last Airbender is clearly a series that transcends generational divides. Its availability on Netflix seems to be proving that point — and the show is likely to gain even more traction once its live-action reboot arrives.
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