2026 Diverse Intelligence Series
The AANHPI
effect: Content
and Fandom
Asian talent, stories and culture are taking center stage, and driving real engagement across U.S. audiences.
Two chapters of audience intelligence on AANHPI consumers in 2026.
Chapter 1
The Crossover Effect
AANHPI
Audiences x Content
Asian-led titles are resonating with all audiences.
Chapter 2
The Fandom Effect
AANHPI
Audiences x Sports
AANHPI fandom shows up in the biggest moments on the sports calendar.
Chapter 1
The Crossover Effect
AANHPI Audiences x Content
AANHPI audiences stream more, cord-cut earlier, and respond more to advertising that reflects them. Inside this chapter:
- The ad supported opportunity for a streaming-first audience
- What AANHPI audiences are watching
- Anime’s mainstream audience
- K-content takes center stage
- Key takeaways for brands and media buyers
What the data shows about AANHPI audiences and content.
61%
of AANHPI ad supported TV time is spent with streaming.
Nielsen National TV Panel + Streaming Platform Ratings, 4Q25
5.2B
minutes viewed across the top 10 anime series, in just two months of 2026.
Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings, Jan – Feb 2026
20.5B
minutes viewed for KPop Demon Hunters in 2025.
Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings, 2025
Chapter 2
The Fandom Effect
AANHPI Audiences x Sports
Sports is one of the most important places where appointment viewing still wins big audiences. Inside this chapter:
- Tuned in: Football, basketball, and the postseason over-index
- Global Games: FIFA World Cup opportunity and Cricket as an early-mover for LA28
- Growing the game: 2026 World Baseball Classic, historic brand partnerships and record MLB engagement
- Key takeaways for brands and media buyers
What the data shows about AANHPI audiences and content.
91
of the top 100 broadcast programs for AANHPI viewers in 2025 were sports events.
Nielsen National TV Ratings, Panel, Live+7, 2025
80%
growth in AANHPI viewership of the 2026 World Baseball Classic vs. 2023.
Nielsen National TV Ratings, Live+SD, Big Data + Panel for 2026
26.7M
viewers tuned in for Alysa Liu’s Olympic gold.
Nielsen National TV Ratings, Panel, Live+SD, all simulcasts combined
Quick read
Top 10 AANHPI Audience Trends
The whole series, distilled into 10 stats you can share, screenshot, or send to your team.
