‘This Is Us’ vs. ‘Cloverfield Paradox’: Did the Netflix Surprise Steal NBC’s Numbers?
While some viewers were more preoccupied with the actual Super Bowl, many TV fans were looking forward to the crucial This Is Us episode following the big game—until Netflix threw a wrench in that plan.
During the game, the streaming network dropped the trailer for the highly-anticipated Cloverfield prequel, The Cloverfield Paradox—and that wasn’t the only announcement. In the action packed spot, they also revealed that the film would be available to watch directly after the Super Bowl. Talk about pulling a Beyoncé!
The shocking development lead to a tense debate of “what to watch,” following the Philadelphia Eagles’ win. Some were enticed by the sci-fi offering, while others stuck to their convictions and tuned in for the NBC family drama. Either way, based on the below Twitter reactions, it was a touch choice.
This might be the disagreement that leads to divorce. My wife wants to watch This Is Us after the game. I want to watch The Cloverfield Paradox.
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) February 5, 2018
So Super Bowl yada yada yada, but THIS IS US?!? AND …. THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX?!?!? NOW I’m watching TV.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) February 5, 2018
Everyone: This is us is about to start! Me: omg there is a cloverfield paradox!?!?!
— Chrys Stars (@Chrystinastarrs) February 5, 2018
Dystopian novel about how America split into two factions on Feb. 5, 2018: Those who watched Jack die on “This Is Us” vs those who watched “The Cloverfield Paradox”
— Rachel Piper (@RachelTachel) February 5, 2018
i wish i didn’t like this is us because i am so ready for the cloverfield paradox but i gotta see how my mans dies first
— loren aboumourad (@luhren_) February 5, 2018
So what did this mean for This Is Us‘ “Super Bowl Sunday” episode? Going by the ratings, the death of Jack Pearson didn’t have any trouble keeping eyes glued to the screen—when they weren’t filled with tears.
The big episode garnered the highest post-Super Bowl ratings in six years, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But this all boils down to you, what did you choose when it came time to make the big decisions post-game? Let us know below!
This Is Us, airs Tuesdays, 9/8c, NBC
The Cloverfield Paradox, streaming now, Netflix
