Peacock‘s The Paper and Paramount+‘s NCIS: Tony & Ziva were both off to very strong starts last week, per new streaming data from Luminate. The shows, which both premiered on September 4, were among Luminate’s Top 10 streaming series from September 5 to 11 — quite an impressive feat, especially considering the available runtime for each and the competition they were up against.
The Paper landed in third place with more than 9.3M hours watched (561M+ minutes) across its 10 episodes. NBCUniversal made a last minute decision to drop all episodes at once rather than opt for a weekly release, which seems to have paid off in the sense that it got viewers to engage for much longer than with series at launch. As for Tony & Ziva, it was clear well before premiere that there was a huge appetite for this NCIS spinoff given that the trailer broke the franchise’s record for most views in a week with a whopping 93M. Now we have even more proof that the show has a strong early audience. With four of the show’s 10 episodes available within the measurement period, it still managed 6.8M hours viewed. That was enough to put it in seventh place, per Luminate.
It should not come as a shock that Wednesday was at the top of the leaderboard, since new episodes of Season 2 came available on September 3. The second season racked up more than 30M hours viewed last week. Season 1 was also in the Top 10 with nearly 4M hours viewed, which further illustrates the power of this series.
With only two days of streaming within this interval, Charlie Sheen’s new two-part Netflix documentary also put up a pretty strong performance. aka Charlie Sheen posted 4.6M hours viewed, making it No. 8 on Luminate’s Top 10. Makes sense, given Sheen’s no-holds-barred approach to the doc that surely intrigued audiences.
Streaming platforms are buzzing right now, and two shows—‘The Paper’ and ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’—have taken center stage. Both series stormed into Luminate’s Weekly Streaming TV Top 10, proving that audiences crave gripping storytelling, nostalgia, and fresh takes on beloved franchises. But what exactly made these shows shine, and why are fans flocking to them in droves? Let’s dive in.
The Streaming Boom in 2025
The competition in streaming has never been fiercer. With new shows launching almost daily, only the best of the best break into the top 10. For ‘The Paper’ and ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’, hitting Luminate’s chart wasn’t just luck—it was the result of timing, audience demand, and standout performances.
What Is ‘The Paper’ About?
A Fresh Take on Drama
‘The Paper’ isn’t your typical drama—it’s a layered, character-driven series that pulls viewers into the world of journalism, ambition, and moral dilemmas. Think of it as a modern-day mix of Spotlight and Succession.
Why It Resonates With Audiences
Viewers love shows that reflect real struggles, and ‘The Paper’ nails that. It blends power dynamics, ethical conflicts, and workplace drama into a binge-worthy package.
The Return of Tony & Ziva
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Spin
For years, NCIS fans begged to see Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David back on screen. Their dynamic, chemistry, and unfinished love story left a gap in the franchise. ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ finally fills that void.
Why Fans Are Hooked
This isn’t just fan service—it’s a continuation of a story that feels authentic. The characters have evolved, the stakes are higher, and the global espionage theme makes it feel modern yet true to NCIS roots.
Breaking Into Luminate’s Weekly Top 10
The Power of Data
Luminate tracks what people are actually watching. Landing in the top 10 means audiences aren’t just sampling these shows—they’re sticking around, rewatching, and spreading the word online.
Social Media Buzz
Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram are flooded with reactions. Memes, fan edits, and spoiler threads are fueling the hype, pushing these shows further into mainstream conversation.
Comparing ‘The Paper’ & ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’
Different Genres, Same Success
One’s a hard-hitting drama, the other’s a franchise spin-off with global stakes. Yet both shows managed to resonate because they tap into human connection—whether through workplace politics or rekindled relationships.
Audience Overlap
While their fanbases differ, there’s surprising crossover. Viewers who came for Tony & Ziva’s romance are also checking out the intense drama of ‘The Paper,’ and vice versa.
The Role of Strong Storytelling
Great performances can’t save a weak script, and that’s why both series shine. The writing is sharp, layered, and filled with twists.
-
‘The Paper’ thrives on dialogue-heavy, tension-driven scenes.
-
‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ balances action with emotional storytelling.
The Power of Star Power
Familiar Faces
The return of Michael Weatherly (Tony) and Cote de Pablo (Ziva) was a huge draw. Fans tuned in for nostalgia but stayed because the chemistry is still electric.
Breakout Performances
‘The Paper’ has fresh talent making waves, with breakout stars delivering raw, authentic performances that critics are already praising.
Critical Reception
Both shows didn’t just win over fans—they impressed critics too. Early reviews highlight strong writing, standout acting, and the ability to balance fan expectations with originality.
How Streaming Changed the Game
In the old days, premieres lived or died by TV ratings. Today, success is measured by engagement—rewatches, social shares, and binge speed. Both shows benefited from this streaming-first model.
Why Timing Matters
Releasing in a relatively quiet month for blockbusters gave both shows breathing room. Instead of competing with massive releases, they became the trending conversation.
Fandom Power
Let’s be real—NCIS fans are some of the most loyal in TV history. Their campaigns, hashtags, and watch parties undoubtedly boosted the show. Meanwhile, ‘The Paper’ built buzz through word-of-mouth, critics’ recommendations, and viral clips.
The Future of Both Shows
Renewal Potential
With numbers this strong, renewal odds are high. Streaming platforms thrive on loyalty, and both shows already have the fanbase to justify multiple seasons.
What Comes Next?
-
‘The Paper’ could expand its universe, exploring deeper ethical dilemmas in journalism.
-
‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ might pave the way for crossovers with the wider NCIS world.
Lessons for Streaming Success
If there’s one takeaway, it’s that audience connection is king. People don’t just want flashy sets or famous names—they want stories that make them feel something.
Conclusion
‘The Paper’ and ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ aren’t just successful premieres—they’re proof that great storytelling, nostalgia, and strong character arcs still win in the streaming era. By landing in Luminate’s Weekly Streaming TV Top 10, both shows set themselves up for long-term success, leaving fans hungry for more.
