As a seasoned gamer and streaming enthusiast, I’ve seen the evolution of TV content over the past decades, from the golden age of network television to the peak of Peak TV, and now into this new era of streaming. It seems that the industry is finally starting to understand the power and preference of diverse stories and characters, a fact that has been evident in my own viewing habits.
In the aftermath of Peak TV, budget-minded streaming viewers have turned to timeless or long-lasting shows such as Suits, The Big Bang Theory, and Grey’s Anatomy. These programs garner significant attention from streamers when assessed based on total viewing minutes, and it is worth noting that they primarily feature characters of the white race.
However, the most recent Hollywood Diversity Report from UCLA expanded their measurements to include streaming series ratings. This expansion revealed an underestimated market: women and BIPOC viewers have a preference for fresh and ongoing shows that often boast diverse narratives and characters.
According to a study conducted at UCLA, women tend to watch the most newly released streaming series when considering total viewing minutes and overall ratings. Interestingly, researchers noted that shows with actors of diverse backgrounds and those telling underrepresented stories received higher median ratings across all demographics.
Darnell Hunt, interim chancellor at UCLA, stated that by emphasizing overall viewing time, older shows with numerous episodes and seasons on streaming services gain an edge. However, contemporary shows, consistently proven to be more diverse through our research, initially face certain disadvantages.
In 2023, a recent analysis of Hollywood’s diversity was conducted, examining the variety of actors, writers, and viewers in popular streaming TV series. This research particularly focused on the top 250 television programs offered by major streaming platforms. For the first time, it took into consideration both newly released and existing shows, as well as older library titles, regardless of language, to predict where the future of prominent streaming TV content might be headed.
One of the key conclusions was that new shows, often with stories from underrepresented communities, and diverse actors and creators, proved popular with audiences. “Top streaming shows in 2023 that featured underrepresented stories posted higher median ratings than those that did not, especially for female audiences (1.57 rating points vs 0.78 ratings points),” the study found.
Approximately two-thirds of the highest-ranking TV shows featured secondary themes, such as narratives focusing on female or LGBTQ characters. In terms of overall household viewership, popular streaming series that captivated audiences range from children’s animation like Cocomelon and Bluey to diverse productions such as Wednesday, Queen Charlotte, and Beef.
As a gamer, I’m all about the fresh and exciting. The future of gaming isn’t found in relying on old, tired content. Call it “comfort TV” if you will, but it won’t attract new players or keep existing ones from dropping their subscriptions. What we truly crave is something innovative!
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2024-12-17 17:27