Netflix releases close to 400 original TV shows
With Netflix under pressure to boost subscriber counts, the company is set to release a record high 398 original TV shows in 2022. The premieres include more international content and a wider variety of genres, and only includes those shows that are already commissioned and in Netflix’s production pipeline. That means it’s likely that even more new content will surface throughout the year.
The NPD Take:
- Throughout 2021 Netflix bolstered its slate of original programming. From Q1 to Q4, originals went from 29 to 36 percent of available titles on the service. It was marked with an even more significant shift in viewership. Expect that trend to continue in ’22.
- The increasingly aggressive (and expensive) schedule of new original content will need to show ROI by driving subscriber growth.
Philo’s foray into originals
Live streaming TV service Philo, which focuses on general entertainment channels, has signed its first original programming deal. The service reached a deal with digital media company Kin to bring “Boss Moves,” a new series starring Rasheeda Frost from “Love and Hip-Hop,” to the platform. In addition, Philo will add more than 65 hours of Kin’s women’s lifestyle content. The library of Kin’s programs will be available as part of Philo’s base package for all subscribers. As with other, Philo is realizing that differentiated programming will be needed to sustain growth.
The NPD Take:
- This is Philo’s first foray into original programming, an acknowledgement that original programming is likely needed to continue to grow in an increasingly competitive market.
- Not every service can be broad based like Netflix. Indeed, targeted services draw an avid viewer base and Philo is leaning into that trend by expanding their lifestyle programming beyond linear channels.
CNN+ releases full content slate
CNN just released a list outlining the full original content slate for CNN+, the new subscription streaming service launching next month. This coming after months of programming announcements about daily and weekly shows starring key CNN personnel including Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer, Jake Tapper, Christiane Amanpour, Brian Stelter, Chris Wallace and Red Chapman. The service will cost $5.99/month and will include 8-12 daily and weekly shows on the release schedule each day.
The NPD Take:
- This new subscription streaming service launch could pump life into CNN which has been struggling for ratings in the post-Trump era.
- With all the recent current events, CNN seems poised to attract new subscribers looking for a reputable source of reporting.