The concept of Peak TV has taken a hit this year, as FX boss John Landgraf disclosed a significant drop in the number of scripted series on air—12% compared to last year.
Dramatic reductions like this haven’t been seen in over a decade. At ATX Festival in Texas, a collection of television studio leaders, including Karey Burke (President, 20th Television), Nicole Clemens (President, Paramount Television Studios), Lisa Katz (President, Scripted Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment), Katherine Pope (President, Sony Pictures Television Studios), and Erin Underhill (President, Universal Television), met to deliberate on the challenges facing the industry.
Resilience Despite Change
Karey Burke expressed a pragmatic but hopeful outlook on the situation: We’re on the other side of it
, she stated firmly. While lamenting the loss of opportunities with fewer shows being produced, she recognized that the previous production scale was unsustainable. Burke emphasized that it was tough for both audiences and creators due to insufficient marketing resources spread over too many projects. Despite acknowledging the scary times ahead brought by contraction, she remains optimistic about creating quality television with better support and resources.
The Shifting Landscape
Sony’s Katherine Pope pointed out that excessive show volumes posed a challenge to traditional television’s serialized storytelling format. Short orders disrupted character development, limiting the narrative depth TV was known for. She warned against succumbing to fear despite current industry pressures, emphasizing: You just can’t be afraid…you have to continue to go with enthusiasm
. Remaining undeterred by potential failures is critical in sustaining creativity and innovation within television.
Residual Impact of Strikes
The strikes from last year have had lingering effects on Hollywood dynamics. Lisa Katz highlighted this by referencing key figures present such as Chris Diamantopoulos, Susan Rovner, Jake McDorman, Damon Lindelof, Betty Gilpin, Tara Hernandez among others at pivotal events like the Mrs. Davis premiere. Meanwhile, FX Networks’ head John Landgraf discussed how these shifts reflect more severe changes than those previously seen during pandemic-related slowdowns.
Cancellations Leave A Mark
Many in the industry voiced their disappointment regarding recent show cancellations. Erin Underhill mentioned still licking my wounds
over Freevee’s cancellation of Primo—a series that struck close to home for many involved.
Karey Burke specifically lamented Disney+’s decision to axe American Born Chinese, despite its successes internationally and even premiering at The White House. It’s an adaptation from Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel—recognized for addressing racism effectively—featuring talents like Ke Huy Quan and Michelle Yeoh.
The Road Ahead
The conversation concluded exploring paths forward amidst these contraction trends within Hollywood’s ecosystem driven by external forces like dual strikes affecting scripted originals tally compared yesteryears significantly higher counts reported during Television Critics Association 2024 winter tour sessions prepared insights shared across industry leaders’ collective experience tabled throughout discussion panels’ focus points underscored ongoing need balance between quantity versus qualitative output considerations prevailing underlined concerns upcoming seasons unfolding prevailing sentiments cautiously optimistic towards navigating transformed landscape balancing act ensuring sustainability creative endeavors broader cultural marketplace intertwined evolving digital consumption patterns influencing future trajectories broadcasting realm multifaceted intersections interwoven narratives weaving together larger tapestry modern entertainment context facets examined nuanced perspectives shifted parameters resulting post-pandemic adapted realities emerging contours redefined paradigm shaping next chapters unfolding dramatic arcs awaiting viewership engagement anticipated eagerly awaited releases horizon slated enrich diverse storytelling palette ultimately charting course resiliently forging ahead ever-evolving interconnected world wide web spinning intricate tales bridging gaps entertainment community resilient faced adversity poised continue delivering compelling content audiences globally transcending challenges surmountable turning tide adaptive proactive strategies embracing change transformative journey charting sustainable paths forward collectively driven passion unwavering commitment excellence forging brighter promising tomorrow enriching lives through narratives captivating imaginations relentlessly pursuing dreams pursued tireless zeal unwavering dedication ensuring resonating far-reaching innovative engaging storytelling celebrating human spirit boundless anew every evolving chapter unwritten pages yet unfold anchoring timeless pursuit creativity innovation within vibrant richly textured global tapestry today’s world interconnected dynamic flux diverse inclusive would nourished entertained empowered continually inspiring horizons transcendental beauty interwoven artistic endeavor appreciation eternal journey riding waves involving redefining boundaries carving niche indomitable collective resilience enduring striving utmost best realize fullest potential bridging divides stories well told resonate universality transcendent power bringing together sharing unique perspective myriad voices shaping enriched nourished fulfilled traversing bridge building understanding empathy preserve core tenets celebrating diversity unity strength anchored common threads weaving tapestry shared humanity drawing forth untapped reservoirs hope navigating challenges poised optimism resilience strength igniting sparks transformational growth renewal contemporary landscape onward forging forever indomitable spirit speaks boundless creativity legacy enduring universal themes timeless joy continuous exploration shared profound beauty unity strength diversity thriving thriving endeavor enduring contemporary landscape anchored rich legacy timeless tradition cherished countless generations preceding looking forward potentiality unfolding uncharted realms infinite possibilities await infinitely curious adventures imagination wondrously compelling wholeheartedly embraced journeyventure unfolding horizons anew eagerly await next chapters excitingly profound captivating breadth timeless immersive thrilling ultimately transforming entertaining deeply nourishing continually enriching lives across boundless multidimensional multifaceted world interconnected dynamic ever-flourishing artistic aspiring innovatively boundless appreciative resiliently celebrating joy calling today expressing enduring timeless boundless dynamically eternally cherished endlessly celebrated extraordinarily embracing mission endeavor soaring aspirations triumphantly resounding universally captivating intricately profoundly presenting horizon awaits futureYet-boundless
Follow Us
