Severance

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  • Apple TV+ Isn’t Properly Platforming Its Content
  • How Can Apple TV+ Increase Its Brand Visibility?
  • Is ‘Severance‘ the Show to Give Apple TV+ More Attention?

Introducing Apple TV+ into the fierce streaming competition might have accelerated our insatiable hunger for quality content, but instead, it seems to have left us in a state of limbo. Despite Netflix maintaining its quantity-over-quality approach, Apple TV+ hasn’t yet managed to establish itself as the platform with the best shows according to viewers. In other words, despite having many great shows, Apple TV+ has failed to persuade viewers that they should choose these over the mediocre offerings on Netflix. This situation has become quite frustrating as numerous excellent shows on Apple TV+ continue to go unnoticed.

Starting January 17, the second season of “Severance” will be available. Regrettably, it appears that the kind of captivating television dialogue we once had may not occur alongside this show, at least to the same extent. Instead, let’s consider “Severance” as a modern-day equivalent of “Lost”, catering to a new generation of mystery enthusiasts. Unlike before, there are no commercial breaks to sit through. This isn’t a criticism of Apple TV+; it’s just the path our viewing habits have taken over time. Shows like “Severance” that buck the trend serve as reminders that the supposed ‘golden age of TV’ might be more of a nostalgic memory than an ongoing renaissance.

The issue at hand highlights a broader concern in streaming services that viewers are becoming increasingly aware of. It transcends simply satisfying the attention economy; rather, it involves understanding how prestige TV is perceived within a system that presumes your focus will be divided due to constant phone distractions. How can Apple TV+ differentiate itself from this trend? Could “Severance” be the series to achieve this separation? Why hasn’t Apple TV+ kept pace with its competitors? Here’s what you should understand.

What is a problem that people are starting to notice in streaming services? It’s not just about meeting the attention economy, but also about how prestige TV is perceived as something that might be hard to focus on due to constant distractions from your phone. Can Apple TV+’s show “Severance” help it stand out? Why hasn’t Apple TV+ been able to compete with its rivals so far? Let me explain the situation.

Apple TV+ Isn’t Properly Platforming Its Content

Initially, when Apple TV+ debuted, it found itself playing catch-up in terms of subscribers, as it entered an arena where Netflix and Prime Video were calling the shots. The release of content was largely controlled by these two giants, leaving Apple TV+ little room to maneuver. To differentiate itself, Apple TV+ chose to prioritize quality over quantity, a strategy that was unique at the time. However, the challenge lay in presenting these high-quality shows not just as television programs, but as products of the tech giant Apple. While some might perceive this as an opportunistic move given the potential for profits, it wouldn’t necessarily be problematic if the shows were indeed good quality.

Apple TV+ struggles to find its place in the market due to the limited accessibility of its content compared to what contemporary streaming services offer. While it’s not accurate to claim that every streaming show is flawed or shallow, Apple’s approach to its service mirrors Netflix from a decade ago. Nowadays, Netflix has established itself with its original content, even when they may not be top-notch.

Viewers who are accustomed to swift, easy-to-consume content often criticize shows that take longer to produce. For instance, the slow release schedule of “Stranger Things” has garnered some mockery, while shows like “The Bear” receive even more acclaim for their speedy production and consistent quality. Apple TV+ finds itself in a challenging position as it entered the scene late, now facing expectations from its audience regarding the content they desire.

How Can Apple TV+ Increase Its Brand Visibility?

To achieve success, Apple TV+ shouldn’t just produce content hastily but should establish its unique selling point (USP) swiftly. Currently, as a service, it seems to lack a distinct identity beyond being primarily recognized as a tech brand. When Disney+ emerged, it didn’t seem out of place because we associate Disney with movies. However, with Apple being known for phones, the creative identity necessary to thrive in the streaming landscape was not readily apparent. Instead of creating shows for audiences, it appeared to be producing shows for the market.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to admit that when Apple TV+ entered the streaming scene, it was already quite evolved and diverse. Unlike Disney+, which had an established identity to lean on, Apple TV+ found itself having to carve out its own niche. To grab attention beyond the tech giant reputation, it might have needed to dial back some expectations and even borrow a leaf from competitors’ playbooks – something not ideal but necessary in such a competitive field.

However, let’s give credit where it’s due. Apple TV+ delivers top-notch original content. But here’s the thing: sometimes, we don’t just crave highbrow TV shows. There are moments when we yearn for a good laugh while guessing who’s under that amusing costume, singing a tune.

If Apple TV+ wanted to stand out, it would need to cater to various tastes, not just one. With its ambitious goals, the platform risks alienating viewers if it focuses on a single style of streaming. It’s all about striking a balance!

Is ‘Severance’ the Show to Give Apple TV+ More Attention?

Among a handful of series that have managed to penetrate mainstream popularity, including Ted Lasso, stands out Severance. However, other shows like Presumed Innocent, Black Bird, Lessons in Chemistry, and Sugar have largely gone unnoticed. The intriguing puzzles and mysteries presented in Severance make it an ideal show to spark widespread online discussion, but regrettably, not many general viewers are tuning in. Unfortunately, despite its quality, Severance is trapped on a streaming service that lacks the brand recognition needed to fully realize its ambitious vision.

Streaming Service Subscriber Numbers (as of Oct. 2024)
Starz 15.88 million
ESPN+ 24.8 million
Apple TV+ 25 million (estimated)
Peacock 34 million
Hulu 51.1 million
Paramount+ 71.2 million
Max 99.6 million (estimated)
Disney+ 153.6 million
Prime Video 200 million+
Netflix 269.6 million

via Digital Trends

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must admit that Netflix has undeniably made its mark, albeit not always for the better. The exceptional shows it produces manage to make a significant cultural impact, shining like beacons in a sea of mediocrity. It’s a bigger event when Netflix unearths a hit than when Apple TV+ unveils another gem from the golden age of streaming services, which ironically was an era where platforms were valued more for their service and less as content factories. Regrettably, that seems to be the current state of affairs. Yet, Apple TV+ stepped into this competitive landscape, and surprisingly, from a subscriber’s perspective, they seem to be losing this fight with a gun while everyone else is wielding sticks.

Despite having limited original content compared to some competitors, Apple TV+ deserves praise for its efforts. However, if Netflix manages to attract more viewers without requiring their full attention, it remains uncertain whether Apple TV+ should aim to completely eliminate the screen-viewing aspect. Instead, perhaps they should capitalize on the imperfections to make their strengths more apparent and stand out in the crowded content marketplace.

By the way, Season 2 of “Severance” will be streaming on Apple TV+ starting January 17.

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2025-01-17 01:31