Netflix plays a big role in our lives. Its movies entertain us at home, its TV shows become talking points among friends, and the range of stories and characters can inspire the decisions we make in life.
But how great is Netflix’s influential impact? Between clothes, furniture, food, and travel, could Netflix really change how we want to live? Could a TV show convince us to buy a women’s long sleeve top or move to a different country?
New data from GAP explores the trends inspired by Netflix shows and if these moments of pop culture can stay in the mainstream.
The analysis compared UK Google searches before, during, and after the premiere of Netflix shows, identifying key trends and their popularity. By assessing these search scores, we can see the true impact of these much-loved series.
Here to stay
The data revealed key trends that have not only risen as a cause of a Netflix show but continue to be popular even now when compared to before the show’s premiere. These included:
Mullets
If you thought your lockdown haircut was unique, think again. The Tiger King himself, Joe Exotic, sported a mullet which reignited an ‘80s trend that continues even two years after the first season’s premiere.
Searches for ‘mullets’ increased by 92% in the month after the season one premiere compared to the month before. Three months later, searches were still up by 45% compared to before we knew about the rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. In the most recent month, searches are up 129% since its premiere.
Mullets are now more popular than they’ve ever been in UK Google searches, proving Joe Exotic’s influence beyond the big-cat world.
Live in Paris
Emily in Paris is the escapist series that will make anyone long to live in the City of Lights. But it appears that some people are acting on this desire to do more than visit the French capital; they want to live like Emily and live in Paris.
Searches for ‘live in Paris’ rose by 450% in the month after the show’s premiere compared to the month before. Since then, searches have stayed up. Three months later, searches were still up 69%. In the most recent month, searches were up 123% compared to before the show (streamed). If you see yourself as a future fashion superstar, Paris may be the city for you.
Varsity jackets
The setting of Sex Education is deliberately ambiguous. A mix of British and American influences, while mobile phones are used in a strangely ‘70s setting, this coming-of-age series spoils viewers with unique and characterful fashion choices: namely, varsity jackets.
Searches for the unofficial American school uniform jumped up 15% after its premiere, maintaining searches above its pre-release level even three months later. Since then, searches have steadily risen, in the most recent month, now 77% above levels before the show came out.
Sex Education is also responsible for some other long-lived trends. Searches for ‘fish net tights’ increased by 492% three months after its premiere. Searches for ‘leather jacket’ also increased after and since the show’s release.
Candy searches
Squid Game shook the world with its depiction of brutal competition. But its unique aesthetic and unusual games certainly made a lasting impression on audiences. While the honeycomb-like dalgona candy was relatively unknown in the UK before the show’s release, searches spiked immediately after.
In the month before Squid Game, there were no searches for ‘dalgona’, but in the month after its premiere, it achieved 60 searches per week on average. Three months later it still achieved 12.25 weekly searches on average, while it continues to have some popularity in the most recent month with 4.75 searches per week. It’s one trend that people in the UK have found out about and kept in their minds since.
Squid Game also saw a rise in the ‘green tracksuit’, with searches above its pre-release score a month after (up 44%), three months after (up 64%), and in the most recent month (6%).
Short-lived trends
While some trends are enjoying a long life thanks to Netflix shows, others have only seen brief moments of popularity before sinking back below their pre-premiere score.
Tiger print
While mullets remain popular, it seems that Tiger King has not maintained all of its trends. Searches for ‘tiger print’ spiked 27% and 28% in the month after and three months after its premiere. However, Carole Baskin’s stylings did not last long, with searches falling 4% below their pre premier level in the most recent month.
This was similar for ‘flower crowns’, where searches briefly jumped up by 12% after Baskin sported the floral band, but searches were 38% lower compared against its pre-premiere score in the most recent month.
80s fashion
Stranger Things is often hailed as part of Netflix’s expansive success, quickly becoming one of its most popular shows. A feast of ‘80s paraphernalia, searches for ‘80s fashion’ jumped up by 11% three months after its season one premiere but fell 55% in the most recent month.
However, other ‘80s trends have seen popularity since. Searches for ‘scrunchies’ and ‘shearling jacket’ are currently up 489% and 752% against the average searches before Stranger Things was released.
Bandana
Action-adventure series Outer Banks was responsible for a spike in searches for ‘bandana’, with fans seeking the accessory sported by John B.
While searches for ‘bandana’ increased by 101% and 111% a month after and three months after the show’s premiere, in the most recent month, searches are now 16% below what they were in the month before Outer Banks was released.
Beret
While some may still want to live in Paris thanks to Emily’s escapades, her fashion choices may not be catching on. Searches for the iconic ‘beret’ jumped up by 19% and 45% in the month and three months after the release of Emily in Paris. However, in the most recent month, searches are now 5% below their pre-premiere level.
Netflix is responsible for many changing trends, inspiring fashion and lifestyle options. With continual releases set for 2022, who knows what future trends Netflix shows will inspire.
