Are Streaming Services Producing Too Much Quality TV These Days
It seems like streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV, and Disney+ are constantly churning out new content. Many people feel overwhelmed by the number of quality TV shows to choose from across all these platforms.
With new releases coming out almost every week, it can seem overwhelming. This begs the question: are streaming services producing too much quality content?
streaming service output
First, let’s look at the output of these services. Most of the top streaming services release a small to medium mix of new shows and movies each week. It’s worth noting though that some of this content is new to the streaming platform rather than completely new. For example, Netflix adds many shows months after the season has finished airing on network or cable channels.
Next, let’s consider whether these services are sacrificing quality for quantity. The definition of high-quality TV is subjective, but it’s fair to say that most streaming shows released today have engaging storylines, interesting characters, and high production quality.
From trending on Twitter and TikTok to earning nominations at the Emmys and Golden Globes, any show from these services can have a cultural impact. And the best content from these services is still gaining recognition. But is it too much?
Streaming sites are producing a lot of content to keep up with casual TV viewers, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless. In fact, it is likely to be an effective strategy. Here are five reasons why.
1. Streaming content can have a long life
Streaming content is intended for on-demand viewing. This is not the movie theater experience where viewers need to be up-to-date with the latest releases or risk missing them and waiting months for DVD/streaming releases. Having a backlog of high-quality content is ideal for streaming services and helps them retain subscribers.
Often with television, new people will discover shows after new seasons are released. For example, season three of a show may hit Netflix’s top charts and prompt people who missed the first two seasons to go back and start watching from the beginning. Most streaming services have shows that people can enjoy for years to come.
Late night television, daily newscasts and timely entertainment are often less suited to streaming because of this.
2. Streaming Shows Are Shorter
It may seem like streaming sites release more content now, but that’s not entirely accurate. Network television shows have approximately 22–26 episodes per season. This means that in most cases they have been airing new episodes for about half a year. Some shows have up to 35 episodes per season, although this number is less common now.
On the other hand, streaming shows usually only have eight to 10 episodes per season. On a weekly release schedule, viewers can have a new episode for about two months. However, many streaming shows release all their episodes at once.
As such, viewers need to be offered more TV shows to fill the gap.
3. Different Streaming Shows Target Specific Consumers
The production of large volumes of content adds to the appeal of these platforms. For example, Netflix releases a ton of high-quality shows every month, but they’re spread across a variety of genres.
Occasionally there will be a Tiger King or Squid game that becomes a cultural phenomenon that everyone watches. But most of the time, Netflix targets content to different segments of its consumer base.
Netflix has drama, horror, comedy and more. It’s generally more of a “there’s something for everyone” situation for audiences than a “I need to see every single release” situation.
4. Some audiences demand constant content
Keen film and television fans enjoy having so much content available to keep them entertained. Streaming shows also have fewer episodes on average, so people who watch a lot of TV can get full seasons quickly (maybe even in a weekend or a lazy Saturday).
Some people like to have a show to watch while they eat lunch or have something on in the background while they do the boring tasks of their job. The lack of commute also gives viewers more time in the evening to sit on the couch and watch the latest shows.