Data suggests Netflix's 'The Crown' season 4 is by far its most popular yet, and it could get even bigger as the series approaches the present day

• "The Crown" season four peaked at 83 times more "in demand" than the average series in the US, according to Parrot Analytics.
• The first three seasons were never more than 50 times more in demand than the average series.
• The series has surged in popularity, likely thanks in large part to the introduction of Diana, Princess of Wales.
• "As the series approaches contemporary times, the demand for season four could bode well for future seasons as more viewers have personal memories of the events depicted," Parrot Analytics said.

Netflix's "The Crown" has surged in popularity in its fourth season.

New data from Parrot Analytics shows that the new season, which debuted November 15, is far ahead of its predecessors in "audience demand." The research company measures "demand expressions," which account for the engagement, desire, and viewership of a series weighted by importance.

Demand for "The Crown" season four peaked at 83 times that of the average TV series in the US. The first three seasons never reached 50. The chart below illustrates the huge difference between season four and the rest of the series.

Parrot Analytics said that demand for "The Crown" in the week after season four's release was 85% higher than the same time period after season three, "incredible year-on-year growth for an already very popular series."

Netflix has canceled many original titles after three or fewer seasons. But "The Crown" is already set for two more seasons (up to season 6), as was the original plan for the show.

The biggest factor aiding this season of "The Crown" is likely the introduction of the late Diana, Princess of Wales (played by Emma Corrin). She captured headlines throughout the 1980s and 1990s and her story will continue in the next season, when she'll be played by Elizabeth Debicki.

"As the series approaches contemporary times, the demand for season four could bode well for future seasons as more viewers have personal memories of the events depicted," Parrot Analytics said.

Season four is also the show's most critically acclaimed, with a 97% Rotten Tomatoes critic score.

"'The Crown' observes that the royals' failures can more often than not be self-inflicted — and in doing so, the show produces its most thrilling and biting season yet," Shirley Li wrote for The Atlantic.