From Blockbusters to Binge-worthy: Is Netflix Reshaping Hollywood?

Written by Young Eta and Adewuyi Favour.

In today’s short-attention world of TikTok and YouTube shorts, longer content is surprisingly becoming more popular.

Streaming services have revolutionized the way we watch entertainment. Gone are the days of rigid TV schedules and blockbuster-or-bust cinema trips. Now, we’re the curators of our own personalized entertainment marathons, devouring shows by the season and movies at our own pace. And guess what? It turns out, we’re much more drawn to the allure of the series than the fleeting thrills of the silver screen.

The Rise of the Serial Storyteller

Here’s the tea: According to Netflix’s recent viewership data, 55% of all viewing hours in the first half of 2023 came from original series, compared to just 45% for films. This isn’t just a Netflix phenomenon; other streaming platforms like Hulu and HBO Max are seeing similar trends. So, what’s the deal with our newfound love for long-form storytelling?

• Character Connection: We crave connection. Shows, with their extended episodes and intricate character arcs, allow us to truly invest in the lives of the people on screen. We laugh with them, cry with them, and root for them to overcome impossible odds. Movies, with their compressed narratives, often leave us feeling like we’ve only just begun to know the characters before the credits roll.
• Storytelling Symphony: Series have the luxury of time. They can weave complex plots, explore nuanced themes, and build anticipation across multiple episodes. This creates a sense of investment and satisfaction that’s hard to replicate in a two-hour movie. It’s like the difference between savoring a gourmet meal and grabbing a quick burger.
• The Binge Factor: Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good binge session? Streaming platforms, with their endless libraries of content and “play next” buttons, make it oh-so-easy to fall down the rabbit hole of a captivating series. It’s like having a never-ending buffet of stories at your fingertips, and who can resist going back for just one more episode…and then another…and then maybe the whole season?

Numbers Don’t Lie: The Financial Flicker

The financial side of the story further cements the rise of series. Production costs for high-quality TV shows have skyrocketed, rivaling (and sometimes even surpassing) those of major motion pictures. Take for example, “The Crown,” with its estimated budget of $13 million per episode, or “Game of Thrones,” which reportedly cost a staggering $15 million per episode in its later seasons. These numbers wouldn’t be possible without the guaranteed viewership and long-term engagement that series offer.

Streaming services, aware of this captive audience, are pouring money into creating original series that cater to diverse tastes and demographics. This investment is paying off big time, with subscriber numbers and revenue steadily climbing. In fact, some analysts predict that the global streaming market will reach a whopping $173 billion by 2027, driven largely by the popularity of original series.

A New Golden Age?

So, is this the death of cinema as we know it? Not necessarily. While series are undoubtedly stealing the spotlight, movies still hold a special place in our hearts. They offer a condensed, cinematic experience that can be both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Think of them as the gourmet appetizers to the series’ main course. There’s room for both in our entertainment smorgasbord.

Ultimately, the rise of series reflects a fundamental shift in how we consume stories. We crave connection, depth, and the satisfaction of a journey well-told. And in the age of streaming, series are perfectly positioned to deliver just that. So, put on your pajamas, grab your favorite snacks, and settle in for another epic binge-watching adventure. The future of entertainment is episodic, and it’s looking brighter than ever.

Remember, this is just the beginning of the conversation. Feel free to add your own thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s discuss what makes a great series, share our favorite binge-worthy shows, and explore the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling in the streaming age.