Streaming television is witnessing a transformative era, marked by a growing emphasis on franchises, spinoffs, and sequels. This shift, led by major platforms like Netflix and Amazon, reflects a strategic move from original content to leveraging existing popular series.
Expanding Beyond the Addams Family: Netflix’s Broader Strategy
While Netflix’s expansion of the Addams Family universe is noteworthy, its strategy doesn’t stop there. The platform is exploring a potential TV show set in the world of the action-movie franchise “Extraction.” This move signals Netflix’s intention to create a broader universe around its successful film properties.
Additionally, Netflix is diving into the world of “Peaky Blinders” with two proposed spinoffs. One spinoff is set to take place in Boston during the mid-20th century, a few decades after the events of the original series. This show aims to explore new narratives and characters while maintaining the essence of the beloved series. Another spinoff is planned around Polly Gray, the formidable matriarch of the criminal Shelby clan. Focusing on such a central character promises to delve deeper into the Peaky Blinders universe, offering fans a different perspective on the story.
The Industry-Wide Trend Towards Franchises
Netflix’s approach is a microcosm of a larger trend in the streaming industry. Major players are increasingly relying on established franchises to draw and retain audiences. This trend mirrors the practices of traditional Hollywood studios, which have long depended on sequels, prequels, and reboots.
HBO is creating spinoffs of its hit series “Game of Thrones” and a sequel to “Sex and the City.” Disney is also on board with plans for a new version of “X-Files.” These moves illustrate a shift in content strategy across the industry, underscoring the growing importance of franchises in the competitive streaming landscape.
Reflections of Past TV Trends and Future Implications
The current focus on spinoffs and sequels harkens back to the golden age of TV in the 1970s, reminiscent of shows like “All in the Family” and “Happy Days,” which spawned numerous successful spinoffs. However, unlike the past, the current trend is driven by the high costs of producing original prestige TV and the need for safer bets in a market flooded with options.
The Future of Streaming: Nurturing Longevity through Franchises
In an era where long-running series are increasingly rare, leveraging established franchises through spinoffs and prequels is a strategic way to extend the lifespan of popular shows. This approach not only offers cost benefits but also meets the evolving interests of both viewers and talent. For instance, Jenna Ortega’s potential departure from a long-running “Wednesday” series could be mitigated with new, related content that keeps fans engaged.
Source: Bloomberg Newsletter
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