YouTube comedian Liza Koshy‘s series Liza on Demand garnered more views for its season 2 debut than any other original series on the video platform. YouTube says the numbers prove the success of the platform’s plan to reduce budget, focus on shows likely to do well, and make premium content free.
YouTube made all episodes of Liza on Demand’s first season available for free in August in the hopes of attracting new fans. Season 2 is also ad-supported and free to watch.
“The success of Liza on Demand is proof that our [ad-supported video-on-demand] strategy is working,” Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s head of original content, told Variety. “Liza is an amazing talent who’s successfully built a home on YouTube as both a creator and the star of her own hit original.”
The season 2 premiere “Naked” finds Koshy’s character accidentally nude in public through a series of unfortunate events. She later strips down in the attempt to prove she isn’t hiding anything.
Among episode 1 debuts for YouTube’s original shows, Liza on Demand placed first with 25 million views in its first week. Season 2 of Karate Kid spinoff Cobra Kai previously held YouTube’s seven-day record with 21 million views for its April debut.
Watch the first episode of Liza on Demand here.
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