SBS’s new sports reality series “Rising Eagles” is off to a blazing start. Less than a day after its premiere, the show cracked Netflix’s Top 10 series in Korea, while views on the team’s official Rising Eagles YouTube channel are skyrocketing.
As of November 30, the series entered Netflix Korea’s Top 10. It’s a rare feat for a broadcast variety title to hit the rankings within a day of its OTT rollout, fueled by buzz around its nation-versus-nation global format and strong word of mouth after the premiere.
“It’s unusual to see a new unscripted series spike this fast on a streamer,” said one industry insider, adding, “The first episode’s polish and pull clearly drove the early response.”
Momentum is spilling over to YouTube. Videos on the Rising Eagles’ official channel surged past 260,000 views within a day of launch, pushing total cumulative views past 1.9 million. Highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes clips released alongside the broadcast are drawing heavy traffic.
The November 29 premiere introduced the cast and featured an in-house evaluation game ahead of final team formation. KBL legend Lee Sang-min, head coach of Busan KCC Egis, and star guard Heo Hoon observed the action, giving the scrimmage near-pro game intensity.
One-on-one faceoffs, a full-speed 5-on-5 evaluation, and head coach Seo Jang-hoon’s unexpectedly upbeat, encouraging sideline presence lit up social media, with viewers praising the show for its high-level play despite being a variety series. Comments ranged from “The basketball level is no joke for TV” to “Seo Jang-hoon’s smile is an unexpected healing point” and “If Episode 1 is this fun, I’m in for the long run.”
The cast matched the moment in front of active coaches, showing sharper focus and better execution than expected while keeping the entertainment factor intact ― a balance of sport and show that viewers applauded. Ratings opened solid as well: 1.6% among households in the Seoul Capital Area, per Nielsen Korea, notable in a crowded time slot.
“Rising Eagles” follows Seo ― a “national treasure” center in his playing days ― as he coaches the celebrity squad Rising Eagles against teams from across Asia. The first road trip takes the team to the Philippines, where basketball is a national passion, and their showdown with a local celebrity team has already drawn significant local attention. Producers tease that the players’ growth and evolving team chemistry will be key storylines in upcoming episodes.
An SBS spokesperson added, “From streaming to online buzz to linear ratings, the show is connecting out of the gate. Expect even bigger thrills and heart as the season unfolds.”
“Rising Eagles” airs Saturdays at 5 p.m. KST on SBS and streams simultaneously on Netflix.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)