As more and more people sign up to Netflix, the media streaming service say that they’d like to release even more original TV shows in the future.
The way in which we consume media is rapidly changing. Before, we were confined to cable subscriptions and DVRs (and maybe the odd TV boxset or two) but now we consume television shows whenever and wherever we please, binging and marathoning when our time is free.
Most of us use Netflix for that. A monthly subscription service, users pay to gain access to Netflix’s massive library of content. From popular blockbusters like Disney’s Brave to popular series like Breaking Bad and American Horror Story, it’s all available from our dekstops and mobiles to our games consoles and tablets.
But in addition to all of the shows that have already been made, Netflix’s other draw is the content that it makes itself. Prison dramedy Orange is the New Black is a massive hit whilst political thriller House of Cards has also hoovered up awards. And now, the service wants to debut even more of these original TV hits.
That reveal comes from Netflix’s Chief content officer, Ted Sarandos. Speaking at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference he explained:
“I think that we can expand on our original programming … from where we are today to probably as many as 20 original series — so the idea of launching original series or [an] original season of content every two half weeks or so.”
Such a large amount of content allows them to appeal to more people across a wider range of demographics but what will be most important is quality and not quantity. Orange is the New Black may just have 26 episodes in all (13 in each season) but the small drip-feed of content is brilliant. The same can’t be said for Marco Polo, Netflix’s latest TV offering, which has not gone down so well with critics. Making sure that they knock it out of the park more times than not will be key to their end goal of getting more subscribers to the service.
The goal of subscribers is also why Netflix is unlikely to release viewing numbers – surely these do not matter so long as people are signed up and watching something. Furthermore, focusing too heavily on what people are watching means that you risk chasing numbers instead of making good TV. Sarandos says,
“It’s an irrelevant measure of success for us … Ratings measurement has been bad for creative of television,” he said. “Now maybe it’s been necessary for the business of television, but it’s been horrible for the creative television.”
So although we don’t have numbers – or really much of an idea of what Netflix is working on next, the service is doing big things and we are paying attention. We’ll keep you posted once we know more.
Source: Vulture
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