Why The Traditional TV Season Still (Mostly) Matters
Viewership isn’t close to what it used to be, but broadcast networks have learned a few tricks over the years.
Can TV Get Big Again?
After Game of Thrones, many said the blockbuster series was dead. Maybe not — but the future of TV epics may look more like the movies’ recent past.
Because Generation Z and a slice of millennials are more likely to drop and add streaming services in pursuit of tempting new shows, media companies are striving to give those restless customers what they want this fall. The apparent answer: sci-fi and fantasy. With broadcast and cable outlets eager to keep pace, get ready for a galaxy of shows including a saga based on the venerated work of Isaac Asimov (Foundation), one with a Lost echo (La Brea), and additions to the Disney+ Star Wars family.
Total national TV entertainment advertising sank 25% in September to $2.0 billion — mostly due to the lack of TV network primetime programming for the new TV season, according to MediaRadar. Major TV networks experienced massive TV production delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn has pushed out many new TV shows and content launches for the 2020-21 TV season to start in November or later.
