The number of scripted US series releases fell to 481 in 2023 as a result of strike action and a downturn in the original content boom, according to new figures from Ampere Analysis.
This figure is below the 510 series released during COVID-hit 2020, and well below 2021 and 2022 when the figure was 633 series - the pinnacle of the Peak TV trend.
Ampere said that SVoD services released 77 fewer seasons in 2023, and broadcast TV released 55 fewer seasons.
Broadcast TV releases have been falling slowly for many years, but the drop in 2023 can mostly be blamed on the strikes which delayed the launch of many new scripted seasons on broadcast TV.
The more fundamental decline can be traced to SVoD services. Netflix reduced its releases from 107 in 2022 to just 68 in 2023, according to Ampere, which explained that the drop began in the first half of the year, so cannot be blamed on strike action. Other big reductions were from Peacock (-20 titles) Hulu (-11), Max (-9), and Paramount+ (-4).
Ampere also noted that US commissions are now outnumbered by international commissions at the SVODs.
There were 202 new US commissions in 2023 (down from 342) by the top eight SVODs versus 295 international (down from 429) - a disparity of 46%.
Ampere said the strikes are partly the cause but also cited the internationalisation of the industry and the decentring of Hollywood as the core of the world’s TV business.
Fred Black, Principal Analyst at Ampere Analysis, said: “A combination of disruptive strike action, a tightening of purse strings at SVoD services, and the relative bang-for-your-buck offered by international production markets, in terms of costs, fresh content, and potential subscriber growth, saw the US scripted boom finally run out of steam. While 2024 will see some level of a bounce back in the content being ordered, many of these titles will be released in 2025, meaning any recovery is likely to be slow going.”
Stephen Nuttall unveiled as new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board
Stephen Nuttall has been appointed as the new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board. Made up of representatives from each of the six partner organisations which own IBC (IABM, IEEE, IET, RTS, SCTE and SMPTE), the IBC Partnership Board provides the governance and strategic oversight of IBC.
Saleha Williams appointed CEO of IABM
Saleha Williams has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IABM.
Comcast sets leadership team for ‘SpinCo’ cable unit
US media and telco giant Comcast has unveiled the leadership team for SpinCo as it prepares to spin off its cable television portfolio later in the year.
Labour exploring ‘alternative funding options’ to BBC licence fee
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly considering scrapping the BBC licence fee at the end of the Corporation's current charter in December 2027.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie to head Creative Cities Convention speakers
BBC Director-General Tim Davie has been lined up as one of the key speakers at this year’s Creative Cities Convention, being held from May 7–8 in Bradford as part of its UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
