Streaming platforms have revolutionized TV genres, enabling new storytelling possibilities. Serialized, arc-driven narratives and niche subgenres like true crime docuseries have flourished. These changes reflect the binge-watching model and global reach of streaming services.
The shift to streaming has also revitalized existing genres. LGBTQ+ representation has increased, and anthology series have made a comeback. Non-fiction formats like food travelogues have gained prominence, benefiting from streaming's flexible scheduling and content standards.
New TV Genres for Streaming
Rise of Serialized, Arc-Driven Storytelling
- Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu have disrupted traditional TV models by offering on-demand, ad-free viewing experiences and investing heavily in original content
- The binge-watching model enabled by streaming has led to the rise of serialized, arc-driven storytelling formats that diverge from episodic network TV norms
- Serialized shows feature continuous, season-long plot arcs rather than self-contained episodes (Stranger Things, The Witcher)
- Streaming shows often have shorter seasons (8-13 episodes) compared to network TV (22-24 episodes), allowing for tighter, more focused storytelling
- Streaming platforms' global reach and data-driven content strategies have birthed new cross-cultural genre hybrids like K-dramas and international co-productions
- Korean dramas like Squid Game and Crash Landing on You have gained global popularity through Netflix
- Streaming services have partnered with international production companies to create cross-cultural originals (Money Heist, Lupin)
Flourishing of Niche Subgenres
- Niche subgenres like true crime docuseries, coming-of-age dramedies, and adult animation have flourished on streaming
- True crime docuseries delve deep into real-life criminal cases, often with a social justice angle (Making a Murderer, The Staircase)
- Coming-of-age dramedies blend humor and pathos to explore the trials and tribulations of youth (Sex Education, Never Have I Ever)
- Adult animation pushes the boundaries of the medium with mature themes and complex characters (BoJack Horseman, Big Mouth)
- Interactive genres blending elements of video games and traditional TV, such as Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, have emerged on streaming platforms
- Viewers can make choices that affect the story's outcome, creating a personalized viewing experience
- Interactive shows blur the lines between passive and active media consumption
Revitalized Genres on Streaming
Increased Representation and Diversity
- Streaming services' subscription-based model allows for greenlighting riskier, less commercially viable projects that cater to specific audience segments
- LGBTQ+ representation has increased through streaming originals like Orange Is the New Black, Transparent, and Pose
- These shows feature diverse queer characters and storylines, often created by LGBTQ+ showrunners and writers
- Streaming has provided a platform for exploring underrepresented LGBTQ+ experiences (trans identity in Pose, lesbian prison life in Orange Is the New Black)
- Streaming has provided a platform for auteur-driven, cinematic TV genres like prestige drama and avant-garde comedy
- Prestige dramas feature high production values, A-list talent, and complex themes (The Crown, The Handmaid's Tale)
- Avant-garde comedies push the boundaries of the genre with surreal humor and experimental formats (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, The Eric Andre Show)
Revival of Anthology and Non-Fiction Formats
- Streaming has revived the anthology series format with acclaimed offerings like Black Mirror and The Haunting series
- Anthology series tell self-contained stories with new characters and settings each episode or season
- The format allows for diverse storytelling and attracts top talent drawn to the creative freedom (Black Mirror attracted actors like Jon Hamm and Miley Cyrus)
- Non-fiction genres like food travelogues and investigative docuseries have gained prominence through streaming
- Food travelogues explore culinary cultures around the world, often with a focus on underrepresented cuisines (Ugly Delicious, Salt Fat Acid Heat)
- Investigative docuseries take a deep dive into complex real-world issues, often with a social justice angle (Wild Wild Country, The Keepers)
- Streaming's on-demand nature allows for deeper exploration of niche subject matter without time slot constraints
Creative Freedoms vs Challenges on Streaming
Latitude in Content Standards and Formats
- Streaming services offer showrunners and creators more latitude in terms of episode length, season structure, and content standards compared to broadcast networks
- Episodes can vary in length, from short 15-minute installments to feature-length 90-minute specials
- Seasons can be any number of episodes, allowing for more flexible storytelling (Stranger Things seasons range from 6 to 9 episodes)
- Streaming's lack of advertiser pressure and governmental regulation allows for edgier, more explicit content addressing mature themes
- Shows can feature graphic violence, nudity, and profanity without fear of censorship (Game of Thrones, Euphoria)
- Creators can tackle controversial subjects without worrying about alienating advertisers (13 Reasons Why's depiction of teen suicide, Ramy's portrayal of Muslim American identity)
Demanding Production Schedules and Discoverability Issues
- Streaming's accelerated production and release schedules can be creatively and logistically demanding for showrunners and production teams
- The pressure to churn out new seasons quickly can lead to burnout and compromised quality
- Tight turnaround times can strain VFX houses and post-production workflows
- Streaming's hands-off creative approach has, in some cases, led to a lack of notes and constructive feedback for showrunners during the development process
- Without the traditional pilot process and studio notes, some creators may struggle to refine their vision
- The lack of feedback can result in self-indulgent or underdeveloped series
- Streaming's content glut and recommendation-based discovery create challenges for new shows to break through the noise and find audiences
- With countless new series premiering each month, it's harder than ever for individual shows to generate buzz
- Streaming platforms' algorithms tend to favor established hits over new releases, making it difficult for original series to gain traction
- Social media buzz and viral marketing have become crucial for streaming shows' success in a crowded attention economy
- Word-of-mouth recommendations and meme-able moments can make or break a new series (Squid Game's viral tracksuit and dalgona candy challenges)
- Savvy social media strategies are essential for cutting through the streaming clutter
- Streaming's season-based greenlighting and viewership-driven renewal decisions can lead to abrupt cancellations, precluding long-term storytelling plans
- Fan-favorite series can be axed after just a season or two if viewership doesn't meet expectations (The OA, I Am Not Okay With This)
- The constant threat of cancellation can make it difficult for showrunners to plan multi-season character and plot arcs