Until the rise of streaming services, the pitching season for new series focused on the late spring and early summer of each year. And while companies such as Netflix are listening to pitches for new series the year round, 75% of all revenue from television series still comes from network and cable broadcasting companies. In fact, many popular shows on streaming services started out on cable or on broadcast networks.
Considering the number of television series produced by streaming services such as Amazon and Netflix, far more are being developed on the more traditional broadcast and cable platforms. Therefore, it makes little sense to ignore three-quarters of the market when pitching your television series. Getting your series off the ground requires access not only to contacts within streaming services, but to broadcast and network sources as well.
Hottest Trends in Scripted Television
The two trends that are currently rising above the rest in terms of interest from audiences are light dramas with plenty of humor and dramatic comedies. While the two seem to be the same on the surface, there are significant differences between the two trends. And today, many production companies are gearing their efforts towards creating such works as they are what most audiences want.
That does not mean other genres are off-limits, it’s just that the demand right now is for shows that provide a mixture of comedy and drama. We understand what network, cable, and streaming services are looking for in their programming. Our goal for our own TV series project is to maximize the chances of series is picked up while retaining its unique characteristics that make it special.
Reality Show Trends for 2021
Image source: 90 Day Fiancé
Reality shows have advantages over scripted television when it comes to budgets, but more importantly they can be pitched the year-round. That’s because many broadcast and cable networks are looking for off-season replacement series with reality shows fitting the bill quite nicely.
However, the current trend of consolidation of reality shows to certain venues is causing some issues with pitching new series. Most notably, Discovery along with a few other notable channels are currently overloaded with reality programming. Add in the current situation with Warner Media and bringing in new reality shows for the next year or two will be difficult.
Future of Streaming Services
One of the most interesting trends is how many streaming services are taking on the characteristics of broadcast and cable networks. Add to this the rising trend of Advertiser- based Video on Demand or AVOD, and you have a place for advertisers to put their money.
While the trend of AVOD seems to run counter to what streaming services are all about, namely audiences avoiding having commercial interruptions, the truth is that such advertising helps build revenue for many streaming services.
In other words, now is the time for those who have both scripted and reality series at the ready to pitch them to broadcast, cable, and streaming networks.
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