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Is online streaming the future of modern television? Recent analytics found that in it’s first week after it’s July 15th release Netflix’s Stranger Things became the most popular digital TV series in the US. It’s interesting to note that Stranger Things was rejected over fifteen times by a range of television networks, with some executives citing the four child leads as a reason why it wouldn’t work as an adult TV show and fail in ratings. Clearly the growth of Netflix, and other online streaming services prove a gradual departure from conventional television.
So what changes can we expect in television in the next decade? The end of scheduling and everything on demand? On demand would mean TV when you want it and how you want it. This could lead to subscription run channels dominating the market. The advantage is they won’t be limited by the responsibility to please or offend, and this would result in braver content. Strategic programming won’t matter anymore. Currently success is measured by whether a show wins it’s time slot. This will mean less as ratings become a thing of the past. With shorter online content, and the popularity of crowdfunding, shows could bypass broadcast TV altogether and going straight to the net. And with more venues and more choices there’s more room for personalized niche content. Binge watching could become the norm, people will watch content much like they sit down to read several chapters of a novel. And another thought, new technology may just take us away from our TV sets and devices entirely and into the world of virtual reality.
Ultimately how will these changes affect the content being created? We’re more likely to see bigger and more expensive dramas like Game Of Thrones and a decline in reality TV. The demand and variety will lead to more diversity on screen. More roles for minorities and women, and less ageism, there will be more roles for people over 35. And that diversity extends to writers and directors as well. There will be a global effect too as co-productions between countries results in more international programing. The new tax credit incentives in TV production are giving production companies the freedom to be bolder and more cinematic, even attract high profile names. But is there a downside? Will the broadcast streaming competition lead to more variety and distinctive shows, or have the opposite effect and create all star big-budget franchises?
Whatever the future of television one thing is certain and will never change- and that’s the human need and desire for good stories.
We want to hear from you. Where do you think the television industry is headed?
So what changes can we expect in television in the next decade? The end of scheduling and everything on demand? On demand would mean TV when you want it and how you want it. This could lead to subscription run channels dominating the market. The advantage is they won’t be limited by the responsibility to please or offend, and this would result in braver content. Strategic programming won’t matter anymore. Currently success is measured by whether a show wins it’s time slot. This will mean less as ratings become a thing of the past. With shorter online content, and the popularity of crowdfunding, shows could bypass broadcast TV altogether and going straight to the net. And with more venues and more choices there’s more room for personalized niche content. Binge watching could become the norm, people will watch content much like they sit down to read several chapters of a novel. And another thought, new technology may just take us away from our TV sets and devices entirely and into the world of virtual reality.
Ultimately how will these changes affect the content being created? We’re more likely to see bigger and more expensive dramas like Game Of Thrones and a decline in reality TV. The demand and variety will lead to more diversity on screen. More roles for minorities and women, and less ageism, there will be more roles for people over 35. And that diversity extends to writers and directors as well. There will be a global effect too as co-productions between countries results in more international programing. The new tax credit incentives in TV production are giving production companies the freedom to be bolder and more cinematic, even attract high profile names. But is there a downside? Will the broadcast streaming competition lead to more variety and distinctive shows, or have the opposite effect and create all star big-budget franchises?
Whatever the future of television one thing is certain and will never change- and that’s the human need and desire for good stories.
We want to hear from you. Where do you think the television industry is headed?
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