Despite the growing availability of legal streaming options, piracy statistics show that infringement has remained a real concern. Pirated video material gets over 230 billion views a year. More than 80% of global online piracy can be attributed to illegal streaming services. Digital video piracy is costing the US economy between $29.2 and $71 billion each year.
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The Resurgence of Piracy
The convenience of piracy is a significant factor in its resurgence. For instance, to legally watch and rewatch popular shows like The Crown, Game of Thrones, and The Handmaid's Tale, viewers must pay for three streaming services: Netflix, HBO, and Hulu. This can lead to skyrocketing monthly expenses. In contrast, illegally downloaded movies and TV shows are free.
The "Last of Us" Tops the Piracy Charts
The "Last of Us", a popular TV series that premiered in 2023, has unfortunately found itself at the top of the piracy charts. The show's popularity and the high costs associated with legal streaming services have made it a prime target for illegal downloads and streaming.
While the exact number of illegal downloads for "The Last of Us"' is not available, the show's high rating of 8.8/10 on IMDb and the general trend of increased piracy suggest that it was widely pirated. This highlights the ongoing struggle of content creators and distributors in combating digital piracy.
Here are the top 10 most pirated shows of 2023:
- The Last of Us (HBO)
- The Mandalorian (Disney+)
- Loki (Disney+)
- Ahsoka (Disney+)
- Secret Invasion (Disney+)
- Silo (Apple TV)
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Apple TV)
- Tulsa King (Paramount+)
- Gen V (Amazon Prime Video)
- Ted Lasso (Apple TV)
While the entertainment industry continues to grow and produce high-quality content like "The Last of Us", piracy remains a significant challenge.
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