Imagine putting "The X-Files," "Freaks and Geeks," "Twin Peaks," "Super 8," "It Follows," and "E.T." in one big giant blender. What comes out is Netflix's newest original series "Stranger Things."

In theory, a show that draws so blatantly from such iconic movies and television should feel cheap and regurgitated, but "Stranger Things" doesn't rely on those references too heavily.

Yes, it takes place in the 1980s, characters can regularly be spotted wearing lightwash high-waisted jeans, and there's a sequence in which people search through archives of microfiche, but "Stranger Things" smartly employs these references, never exploiting them or turning them into nostalgia porn.

Instead, the show just uses those influences to add color and flavor to what's otherwise a totally solid, wonderfully written thriller with amazing performances from its ensemble cast.

At the heart of the story is Will Byers, a young boy who goes missing early in the first episode after fleeing from some kind of creature in the woods near his house — he's our equivalent of Laura Palmer, if "Twin Peaks" is a reference point for you.

This one incident spins off into multiple parallel storylines: The first centers around Will's mother (played by Winona Ryder) who's constantly teetering on the edge of a full-fledged mental breakdown as she attempts to sort through whether her seemingly supernatural experiences are to be fully trusted.

At the same time, we follow Will's ragtag group of friends as they deal with losing him. Their endearing presence keeps the show light, imbuing it with a "Goonies" or "Stand By Me" quality. They use their nerdy "Dungeons and Dragons"-centric brains to try to solve the mystery of his disappearance, all the while trying to avoid school bullies and deal with the presence of a new — gasp — girl in their lives.

The show employs all the familiar tropes of its aforementioned influences, but it manages to do so with perfect balance: The nostalgic setting is perfectly counteracted by its pulsing, synthy score, and the overarching government conspiracy storylines are offset by drama between a bookish, high-school-aged girl and her romance with the school's resident bad boy.

But to say anything more about the show's plot would do you a disservice, because the experience of getting small bits of information from each story thread and slowly piecing them together is wonderful.

If for nothing else, watch "Stranger Things" so I can talk about it with someone. Please. All eight hour-long episodes of the series are currently streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Another tech CEO is speaking out against Donald Trump — but he took out a full page ad to do it

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NOW WATCH: The 8 best science movies and shows on Netflix

Netflix started as a DVD-rental-by-mail service. It drove physical rental chains like Blockbuster out of business. Then it began to focus more heavily on streaming online video, and in 2012 began commissioning original shows.

These original shows are the key to Netflix's future, CEO Reed Hastings has repeatedly said, and Netflix is pouring major resources into them. 

That drive seems to be paying off. As this chart from Statista shows, in 2016, Netflix passed the three major networks in primetime Emmy nominations, and trailed only slightly behind FX. Only HBO, which has long been known for top-rated TV series, scored ahead of Netflix. 

SEE ALSO: Before you get too excited about Line's IPO, check out this chart

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NOW WATCH: You may have Amazon credits waiting for you — here's how to check

Netflix missed huge on domestic and international subscriber additions in its Q2 earnings on Monday.

"We are growing, but not as fast as we would like or have been," Netflix said in a letter to shareholders.

The stock plunged over 15% immediately following the news.

Netflix also gave guidance for Q3 that was well below what Wall Street was hoping for in domestic and international additions.

Here are the numbers:

• Q2 EPS (GAAP): $0.09 versus Wall Street forecasts of $0.02, and Netflix guidance of $0.02.
• Q2 Revenue: $2.1 billion, up 31% year-over-year, and in line with Wall Street forecasts of $2.11 billion.
• Q2 US subscriber growth (net additions): 160,000 versus Wall Street forecasts of 509,000, and Netflix guidance of 500,000.
• Q2 international subscriber growth (net additions): 1.52 million versus Wall Street forecasts of 2.15 million, and Netflix guidance of 2 million.
• Q3 subscriber growth guidance (domestic): Guidance of 300,000, versus Wall Street forecasts of 695,000.
• Q3 subscriber growth guidance (international): Guidance of 2 million, versus Wall Street forecasts 2.54 million.

Cancellations

Netflix blamed some of the trouble on people canceling at a higher rate than expected.

"Gross additions were on target, but churn ticked up slightly and unexpectedly," the company wrote.

The company said that competition from the likes of Hulu and Amazon did not contribute to the miss.

Netflix also said that it did not believe that the market in the US was saturated, even though its domestic subscriber growth continued to slow.

Netflix's international plan

There has been concern from Wall Street analysts that Netflix hasn't been faring well in international markets, where much of the population doesn't speak English.

While Netflix doesn't comment on this particular point in the letter, the company said that it will "localize Netflix in Poland and Turkey with the addition of local language in the user interface, subtitles and dubbing. Localization in other markets will take place over time as economically prudent."

Netflix also put a damper on any hope for investors on an imminent entry into China.

The company wrote:

"Unfortunately, this year the regulatory climate in China for our service has become more challenging. Disney's streaming service, launched in conjunction with Alibaba, was closed down, as was Apple's movie offering. We continue to explore options and, in the meantime, have plenty of work to do in our newly opened markets."

SEE ALSO: Even Hollywood stars were impressed by Jeff Bezos' entourage when he came to film a cameo in the new 'Star Trek' movie

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NOW WATCH: How to find Netflix’s secret categories

The past couple of years have been huge for podcasts.

Episodes of true-crime series "Serial" were downloaded more than 80 million times, President Barack Obama visited comedian Marc Maron's garage for his "WTF" podcast, and leading Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had a candid chat with "Another Round" hosts Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton.

With new series coming out every week, it can be difficult to determine which are worth your time, but we've got you covered if you're looking to learn something new.

Here are our top picks for stretching your brain during your next commute, workout, or laundry run.

SEE ALSO: 23 books Mark Zuckerberg thinks everyone should read

'This American Life' provides a deep look into American society.

"This American Life" has become a byword for oral storytelling.

Beyond being a place for moving and often hilarious stories, "This American Life" does staggering levels of reporting; few outlets made the financial crisis as human and understandable as Ira Glass and the gang.

It lives up to the hype.

Find it here »

'Reply All' immerses you in the weird world of the internet.

You probably use the internet every day, but Alex Goldman and PJ Vogt will give you more insight into its effects on our culture than you were ever aware of.

They've covered great stories like the ways ISIS uses social media and how an Orthodox Jew ultimately left his family behind because of the world he discovered online.

And Goldman and Vogt's goofy rapport will keep you hooked episode to episode.

Find it here »

'Fresh Air' will give you an intimate look at your favorite writers, celebrities, and journalists.

NPR's "Fresh Air" host Terry Gross has been on the air for more than four decades, and her interviewing skills have earned her accolades like the Peabody Award, the Columbia Journalism Award, and a spot in the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Gross may have a smooth, relaxed speaking style, but the way she digs deep into her interview subjects will keep you engaged throughout the conversation, whether it's about Jake Gyllenhaal's acting process or what a writer learned from covering Mexican drug cartels.

Find it here »

AMC Networks is expected to offer voluntary buyouts to about 200 employees, an individual with knowledge of the situation told Business Insider.

The company is expecting that about 10% to 15% of those who are offered buyouts will take them, which would amount to about 20 to 30 jobs eliminated.

Though it isn't clear how much AMC is looking to save, other companies have moved from buyout offers to involuntary employee layoffs in order to meet spending goals.

According to Deadline, which first reported the buyouts, the cuts are partially driven by AMC's weakening ratings for its cornerstone show, "The Walking Dead," and the low turnout for new shows, including "Preacher."

For season six, "The Walking Dead" averaged 13.2 million total live viewers and earned a 6.5 rating in the audience most attractive to advertisers, according to Nielsen. That's an 8.5% drop from the previous season in total viewers and a pretty big 11.9% drop in the advertiser rating.

The numbers also aren't heavenly for "Preacher," which got good word of mouth. Its current season is averaging just 1.7 million viewers and a low 0.62 ratings score.

In turn, these weak ratings are affecting the stock price of AMC Networks, which owns the channel. The Hollywood Reporter reported that its stock is down 20% this year.

At the same time, the industry as a whole is experiencing and examining ways to cope with lower live-viewing numbers. For AMC's part, it has four of the most-watched shows on cable TV, including "The Walking Dead," its after-show "Talking Dead," the spin-off "Fear the Walking Dead," and "Into the Badlands."

AMC had no comment.

SEE ALSO: AMC's 'Into the Badlands' is the surprise highest-rated series debut of the season

DON'T MISS: 'Walking Dead' star Norman Reedus was bitten by a fan who 'lost her mind'

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Matt Damon probably didn't have a hard time remembering lines for his upcoming "Jason Bourne" movie. After all, he had only about 25 of them.

In a new interview with The Guardian, Damon and director Paul Greengrass spoke about the title character's silence throughout the series.

Damon said:

"Well, I've done it three times. In the first movie, the Marie Kreutz character [Bourne's girlfriend, played by Franka Potente] is still alive, so Bourne has a sounding board and he's more confused about who he is and a lot more chatty. Once she dies in the first act of the second movie, it's really a very lonely character.

"And we talked about that mostly on the second one. I remember [scriptwriter] Tony [Gilroy] writing me an email saying, 'You do realize what this means? You do realize you're not going to talk in this movie.' I said, 'No, I love that.'"

Guess there's no room in the Bourne universe for that rich Boston accent.

SEE ALSO: Matt Damon says that he'll do a superhero movie, but on only one condition

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NOW WATCH: 9 ways Matt Damon sciences the s--- out of Mars in 'The Martian'

Fox News Channel's parent company responded on Monday to a report claiming that News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch and his sons had come to a decision to force Roger Ailes out at Fox News.

"This matter is not yet resolved and the review is not concluded," 21st Century Fox said in a statement provided to Business Insider.

Fox News did not have an additional comment.

Gabriel Sherman, a New York magazine reporter who authored a book critical of Ailes, reported on Monday afternoon that Murdoch and his sons had concluded that the longtime Fox News chairman and CEO needed to be removed from his post amid an explosive sexual-harassment lawsuit from former host Gretchen Carlson.

Sherman reported that Carlson's lawsuit had prompted an investigation into Ailes' management style, and interviews were being conducted outside of the News Corp. building over fear that rooms could be bugged.

One of the cable-news network's host, however, told Sherman that those loyal to Ailes had been reporting back to him.

"They're scared to death," the Fox News host told Sherman. "The mood is bleak."

The allegations in Carlson's lawsuit have been heavily disputed by Ailes, and several Fox personalities have come out to express support for him.

Host Neil Cavuto wrote an op-ed for Business Insider on Tuesday about "the character of Roger Ailes." In it, he called the allegations against his longtime boss "sick." Host Kimberly Guilfoyle echoed that sentiment in an interview with Business Insider on Friday, saying that Ailes had displayed "professionalism" in dealing with women.

SEE ALSO: Fox News is locked in a brutal war of words with Gretchen Carlson, and it shows no signs of ending soon

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NOW WATCH: Watch Trump go head-to-head with a reporter and attack Megyn Kelly for being a ‘lightweight reporter’

The case for Netflix allowing offline viewing keeps getting stronger.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said during the company's earnings call Monday that adding offline viewing wouldn't add a significant material cost for the company, since that capability is factored into most content licensing deals.

Before, some speculated that Netflix may have to negotiate new deals with content providers before allowing offline streaming.

Hastings also said that cellular data networks overseas are getting faster, which would make it easier for customers there to download videos for offline viewing.

In the past, Netflix was adamant that it would only allow online streaming. Even as recently as last fall, the company's official line was that it would never allow users to download videos to watch offline. But that line started changing this year as Netflix expanded to nearly every country in the world.

"We're open-minded about it as we've expanded globally," Hastings said on the earnings call Monday, referring to offline viewing.

In June, a report in the networking industry publication Light Reading quoted some scuttlebutt that Netflix would introduce offline viewing this year.

Some of Netflix's streaming competitors, most notably Amazon Video, allow offline viewing. However, there are some restrictions like time limits. For example, Amazon Video only gives you 48 hours to watch a downloaded video before it disappears from your device.

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NOW WATCH: How to find Netflix’s secret categories

On Monday, Netflix turned in dismal results for Q2 in domestic and international subscriber additions, well behind its own forecasts as well as those of Wall Street.

And Netflix blamed a surprising source: media chatter about the "un-grandfathering" of Netflix accounts.

The price hike

In May 2014, Netflix began to raise the price of its standard-streaming plan for new subscribers, first to $8.99 a month, then to $9.99 a month last October. Existing subscribers, however, were grandfathered in at $7.99 a month for the two-stream, "HD" quality plan.

That began to change in June, when Netflix started to move the "over 22 million" subscribers with grandfathered accounts up to $9.99. Netflix said on Monday that this process was about half finished.

But before the process began, in early April, there was a run of media reports warning subscribers of the upcoming changes to pricing. A JPMorgan survey at the time found that about 80% of those who could be "un-grandfathered" from May onward didn't know that the price hike was coming.

"People don't like price increases, we know that," CEO Reed Hastings said on the earnings call on Monday.

And people were not happy about this one.

Beginning around April, Netflix experienced higher rates of cancellations, which the company blamed on the press focus on the price increases.

Netflix said in its quarterly letter to investors:

"Churn ticked up slightly and unexpectedly, coincident with the press coverage in early April of our plan to un­grandfather longer tenured members and remained elevated through the quarter. We think some members perceived the news as an impending new price increase rather than the completion of two years of grandfathering."

So why is Netflix so sure that the media-coverage uptick was to blame?

Hastings went through a few other possible explanations on the call, and explained why Netflix dismissed them:

• First, Hastings said that "competition" probably wasn't a factor because Netflix saw similar increases across a bunch of markets, like Canada, that have very different competitive landscapes.
• Second, Hastings said that it likely wasn't because of market saturation, since that would involve a hit to how many people were signing up for Netflix, versus what the company actually saw, which was a rise in cancellations.

But the most basic reason Netflix gave was simply the timing, around early April, which didn't seem to line up with anything other than a spike in chatter about the price increases.

SEE ALSO: Netflix whiffed big on earnings, and the stock is crashing

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NOW WATCH: How to find Netflix’s secret categories

Earlier this year, Snapchat paid more than $100 million to purchase Bitstrips, makers of comic-style illustrations called Bitmoji, and now the purchase is bearing fruit.

On Tuesday, Snapchat announced that it's integrating Bitmoji features into the main Snapchat app.

Bitmoji is a sticker app that lets users create cartoon avatars that looks like themselves. The Bitmoji app was first launched in 2014, but Bitmoji had found traction before then with its first product, called Bitstrips, which used the same customized sticker concept.

Users will have to download the Bitmoji app separately — the feature won't be totally integrated into Snapchat. But once your settings are linked, you can send Bitmoji stickers in chat or stick them on snaps.

Here's how it works:

Here's Bitmoji's first screen. You'll have to download a separate app.

The first thing you do after downloading Bitmoji is design an avatar that looks like you.

Bitmoji was a keyboard at first, but today we're hooking the app up to a Snapchat account.

Ian Bremmer told us July 18, why he was excited to hear Scott Baio talk at the Republican National Convention.

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After opening its "Ghostbusters" reboot over the weekend with a modest $46 million at the domestic box office, Sony plans to make the female-led comedy into a franchise.

"While nothing has been officially announced yet, there's no doubt in my mind it will happen," Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution at Sony, told The Wrap.  

The movie — which stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones as the hunters of the supernatural in New York City — came in second place at the box office over the weekend but has the largest opening of a comedy so far this year.

With a budget of around $140 million and a reported advertising spend of over $100 million, however, the movie needs to have a good stretch at the box office for Sony to recoup its investment. 

The movie has been a hot-button topic since it was announced that the studio would make a female-focused remake of the classic 1984 comedy, which starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson and has gone on to become the top-grossing comedy of all time (adjusting for inflation). 

The internet was flooded with backlash against the remake plans, which led to the movie's trailer becoming one of the most disliked ever on YouTube, people giving the remake low ratings on its IMDb page, and most recently Jones calling out people who have posted racially hateful things to her on Twitter since the movie has come out.

But Sony is standing behind the project and seems to want to drown out the naysayers.

“The 'Ghostbusters' world is alive and well,” Bruer told The Wrap. “I expect 'Ghostbusters' to become an important brand and franchise.”

SEE ALSO: Here's everything we know so far about "Star Wars: Episode VIII," the sequel to "Force Awakens"

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NOW WATCH: Adnan Syed from the podcast 'Serial' has been granted a new trial

One of the most anticipated movies of the fall is actor Nate Parker's powerful directorial debut, "The Birth of a Nation." 

It's a passion project Parker has been trying to get off the ground for years, which looks at an 1831 slave rebellion led by Virginia slave Nat Turner (played by Parker). At the Sundance Film Festival in January, the movie screened to sold-out crowds and received standing ovations. The movie ended up receiving the festival's audience award and grand jury prize.

Leading up to the movie's release, Parker tweeted out one of the movie's posters, a powerful image of Turner with an American flag noose around his neck. 

Here's the poster:

The movie is receiving a lot of award-season buzz. See if it's worthy of the hype when it opens in theaters October 7.

SEE ALSO: The next "Star Trek" movie isn't even out yet and another sequel has been announced

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NOW WATCH: Kit Harington explains why he showed up to his 'Game of Thrones' audition with a black eye

Normally, you wouldn't expect "Tinder" and "romantic comedy" to appear in the same sentence unless it also involved the phrase "Netflix and chill", but there's a movie in the works that blends the two. 

The film, dubbed "Worst Tinder Date Ever," has been picked up by Warner Brothers, according to the The Hollywood Reporter.

The two guys behind the film will be Keith Merryman and David Newman, the writers who brought us "Friends with Benefits" and "Think Like a Man." 

The story will center around a pair on a date facilitated by the popular location-based dating app that lets users swipe right or left after seeing a few pictures of potential matches. Their night will take a few wrong turns towards disaster while they find themselves falling for one another. The cast has yet to be set. 

Last year, Warner Brothers reportedly lost the bid for an emoji movie to Sony. The emoji film comes after the "Angry Birds" movie, which was a successful movie adaptation of the popular mobile game and furthered the success of films about the mobile lives of consumers. 

So who knows, maybe in a few years you'll find yourself on a Tinder date to see "Worst Tinder Date Ever."

SEE ALSO: Governments are demanding more data from Google than ever before

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NOW WATCH: The most desired man on Tinder in New Jersey reveals how guys can be successful on Tinder

Stephen Colbert welcomed two big guests to Monday's "Late Show" coverage of the Republican National Convention. And former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart wasn't even the main attraction.

Colbert left the "Late Show" stage to find the retired Stewart out in the forest. He had grown his beard out, had begun making his own jerky, and still believed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush would be the Republican nominee in 2016.

"Jon, it's not Jeb. I'm going to tell you who the candidate is," Colbert told Stewart.

After asking if he could take a drink before hearing the name, Stewart predictably spit it out upon hearing that Donald Trump had somehow captured the nomination.

Stewart then yelled, "What! The guy from 'The Apprentice'? The guy who did a McDonald's commercial with the Grimace? The guy who filed for bankruptcy in 1991?"

"And '92," Colbert added.

"And 2004," Stewart responded.

"And 2009," Colbert said.

"That guy," said Stewart, who also serves as an executive producer on the "Late Show."

After doing a round robin of Trump insults, Colbert said, "So you can see why I'm here. You can see what I'm asking for."

And voila! Colbert's old "Colbert Report" version of himself appeared in the doorway. When he found out Bush wasn't the nominee, Colbert sprang into action.

After taking a seat at the "Late Show" desk as the audience cheered, Colbert said, "Hello, nation. Did you miss me? I did. It's time to say 'aloha' to Stephen Colbert and say 'aloha' to Stephen Colbert."

It's easy to see how such a stunt made sense for the "Late Show." First, it brings more attention to the planned two weeks of live shows during the national conventions. And second, it could provide a much-needed boost for the show. Continually behind NBC's Jimmy Fallon, Colbert and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel battle each week for second place in late-night TV.

To confront the ratings problem, CBS hired a new showrunner and began retooling the show in May. It's unclear how often the "Late Show" will feature Colbert's previous Comedy Central character, but fans should enjoy him for now.

Watch Stewart usher the old Stephen Colbert back onto TV:

SEE ALSO: Trevor Noah is 'hoping' there's a coup at the Republican convention, and he's ready for violence

DON'T MISS: Stephen Colbert crashed the RNC stage to insult Trump, then got kicked off

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NOW WATCH: 'The Art of the Deal' coauthor says Trump could 'end civilization as we know it'

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump first appeared onstage at the Republican National Convention on Monday to a fittingly bombastic song, Queen's "We Are the Champions." 

Supporters at the convention were ecstatic as Trump, bathed in blue light and the sounds of Freddie Mercury, took the podium to introduce the next speaker, his wife Melania Trump.

Not everyone was cheering the song choice, though. 

Last month, Queen protested Trump's use of "We Are the Champions" at an appearance, and after the song reappeared at the convention on Monday night, many pundits took to social media to criticize the businessman for continuing his seemingly unsanctioned use of the song.

In June, Brian May, a founding member of Queen, addressed the issue after receiving an "avalanche of complaints" from fans.

"I can confirm that permission to use the track was neither sought nor given," May wrote on his website. “Regardless of our views on Mr Trump’s platform, it has always been against our policy to allow Queen music to be used as a political campaigning tool."

It is unclear, however, if the Trump campaign or the RNC licensed the Queen song, even if the band didn't approve.

Though May has yet to comment on the song's latest use at the convention, it's safe to say that his sentiments are in line with the many voices who went on to denounce the choice on Monday.

 Watch the moment below:

SEE ALSO: 28 celebrities who are taking a strong stand against Donald Trump

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NOW WATCH: Watch Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone dance and sing in the first trailer for 'La La Land'

"Full Frontal with Samantha Bee" kicked off its coverage of the Republican National Convention with a quick preview of what to expect, including a look at Donald Trump's newly announced running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence.

"'So who is Mike Pence?' asked 86% of the country," host Samantha Bee said. "Mike Pence was loaned out by Republican central casting to play the governor of Indiana, a state known primarily for its stupid number of time zones. It's 10:30 in Indianapolis, 9:30 in Gary, and 1952 everywhere thanks to Pence."

According to Bee, Pence is very against women's reproductive rights. He attempted to pass a law that would require funerals for fetuses after an abortion or miscarriage. And under his administration, a woman claiming she had a miscarriage was sentenced to prison for 20 years for feticide.

"If you're a lady Hoosier, you may recognize him as the governor who inspected your reproductive organs every 30 days to make sure you weren't using them in ways that would make Jesus sad," Bee said.

A conservative politician and supporter of the Tea Party movement, Pence has also been behind the state's anti-LGBT laws. Last year, he signed the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which allowed business owners to refuse service to LGBT customers citing their religious beliefs.

There is one bright side for Indiana citizens, though, Bee offered.

"Indiana voters hate Pence as much as Indiana Jones hates snakes," she said. "And so, 'Full Frontal' would just like to say, 'Congratulations, Indiana! You just got rid of one of the worst governors you've ever had.'" 

Watch the segment below:

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart reunited to unleash an even more special guest

DON'T MISS: 'Full Frontal with Samantha Bee' boss reacts to Emmy nominations: 'We're feeling the love'

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NOW WATCH: We dug up everything you need to know about Trump’s VP pick

New episodes of "Making A Murderer" are in production. 

According to a release from Netflix on Tuesday, the next chapter of the Emmy-nominated docuseries that focuses on convicted murderer Steven Avery will focus on the post-conviction process as well as the the toll it has taken on all involved. 

The episodes will offer exclusive access to Avery’s new lawyer Kathleen Zellner and co-defendant Brendan Dassey’s legal team, led by Laura Nirider and Steve Drizin, as well as intimate access to the families and characters close to the case, according to the Netflix release. 

“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous response to, and support of, the series. The viewers’ interest and attention has ensured that the story is not over, and we are fully committed to continuing to document events as they unfold,” creators Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos said.

The true-crime series became a huge hit when it premiered on Netflix. Its examination of the murder of Teresa Halbach and the case against Avery has since sparked endless theories on why Avery may be innocent.

The announcement did not give a date for when the new episodes will be available on Netflix. 

SEE ALSO: Tevor Noah is "hoping" there's a coup at the Republican convention, and he's ready for violence

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We took a ride around NYC in the new ‘Ghostbusters’ car which is actually a 1984 Cadillac hearse

Update:

Delayed viewing numbers are brightening up the ratings story for the second season return of "Mr. Robot."

According to Nielsen, 2.25 million total viewers watched the season-two return within the first three days of its premiere. That's a 116% improvement on the live viewing audience.

Furthermore, that included 1.21 million viewers in the age group most important to advertisers, 18-to-49-year-olds. That number translates into a 123% increase in the advertiser demographic.

Those numbers also beat the USA Network drama's three-day viewing numbers from season one's premiere episode.

As live viewership has been on the decline, all shows experience a jump from delayed viewing online, streaming, and on DVR.

For "Mr. Robot," the increase is particularly dramatic. Its hacker storyline appeals to younger viewers, who are more likely not to watch live and are more likely to watch on DVR or on other platforms. The premiere earned a 46% increase in the younger 18-to-34 crowd compared to last year's delayed viewing audience for three days. Its current median age is 44.6 years old.

Previously: 

The season-two return for "Mr. Robot" banked the hacker drama's smallest live audience of the show's run.

According to Nielsen, the USA Network show's two-hour premiere was watched by just 1.04 million total viewers on Wednesday. That's the show's smallest viewing audience ever and about 200,000 viewers less than its series premiere last summer.

In the demographic most important to advertisers, adults between the ages of 18 and 49 years old, the second-season premiere earned a 0.43 rating. That's tied with last season's fourth episode for the second-lowest rating of its run.

To give the premiere's numbers some context, season one averaged 1.39 million viewers and a 0.48 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

"Mr. Robot" did have some tough competition on Wednesday night with ABC's broadcast of The Espy Awards. Plus, USA Network may have cannibalized some of the show's live audience by leaking the first hour of the premiere online for a few hours on Sunday night. 

The ratings fall had some cushioning this week with the good news that "Mr. Robot" nabbed USA's first Emmy nomination for a series, and a lead actor nom for its star, Rami Malek. So all is not lost.

This article has been updated based on information provided after the original publication.

SEE ALSO: Here's how 'Mr. Robot' pulled off a surprising 'cameo' from President Obama

DON'T MISS: A 'Mr. Robot' star reveals what it's really like behind the scenes of the hacker drama

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NOW WATCH: 'Detective John Munch' has appeared on 10 different TV shows across four networks

Netflix's stock is down 13% on Tuesday, after the streaming video service's new subscriber additions came in way below expectations in the second quarter.

Netflix added 160,000 U.S. subscribers in the second quarter, compared to Wall Street's forecast of 509,000, and its international growth also missed targets.

The company blamed the lack of subscriber growth on the media's coverage of the "'un-grandfathering' of Netflix accounts" that resulted in price hikes for many subscribers. 

Analysts cut their price targets for the stock, though many are still bullish.

Here are some of the key takeaways from analysts who cover the stock:

SEE ALSO: Peter Thiel just joined the board of a startup that's secretly raised $50 million over the last three years

Macquarie: NEUTRAL

Rating: Neutral

Price Target: $85 (cut from $110)

Comment: "The irony is Netflix is beating EPS estimates due to its higher pricing. But higher pricing hurt sub levels in 2011 and subs are what matters for this stock."

Nomura: BULLISH

Rating: Buy

Price Target: $110 (cut from $115)

Comment: "As we had warned on 6/20/16, Netflix's international subscriber growth is beginning to slow as the company laps launch quarters for major markets. That being said, we believe the market underappreciates the revenue growth the company is showing from recent price increases. Moreover, Netflix reported contribution profit and operating income above expectations due to revenue growth exceeding expense growth."

Bank of America Merrill Lynch: BULLISH

Rating: Buy

Price Target: $

Comment: "Expect a volatile 2H16 as Bears are emboldened on negative news and Bulls reevaluate long term sub targets. Reiterate Buy; Increased churn limited to FY16 and higher APRU should help fund future content spend."