Netflix will start streaming select Spotify video podcasts, including shows from The Ringer, in early 2026, marking its entry into the podcast video content space and expanding its entertainment offerings.
Apple TV+ has rebranded to simply Apple TV, dropping the 'Plus' sign, as part of a new visual identity, with no additional details provided in the announcement.
KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix's most-watched movie ever, surpassing major blockbusters, due to its unique style and appeal to young adults, influenced by YouTube trends. Its success challenges the notion that interest in original animation is declining, highlighting the importance of targeting the 20-something demographic and creating fresh, engaging content. The film's distinct theme and Netflix's platform likely contributed to its popularity, suggesting a shift in how animated movies can succeed.
Pixar's 'Elio' underperformed at the box office, earning only $35 million worldwide, and the studio blamed fans for not supporting original content, criticizing the lack of marketing and animation style reuse as reasons for its failure.
TCL is venturing into AI-generated "original" content for its Google TV sets with the release of "Next Stop Paris," a special entirely made with AI. The company plans to continue creating AI-generated specials and projects, aiming to incorporate "key Hollywood talent" in future endeavors. This move is part of TCL's exploration of content development in various formats, including AI and traditional scripted and unscripted projects, to gain a market advantage and offer new opportunities for marketing partners.
Netflix has unveiled a comprehensive list of over 50 TV shows set to debut on the platform in 2024, featuring a mix of English-language and international titles. The lineup includes highly anticipated originals like "3 Body Problem" and returning favorites such as "Squid Game" season 2, with a diverse range of genres and storylines to cater to a wide audience. The announcement was accompanied by a preview trailer showcasing the upcoming series, as well as the movies scheduled for release.
Amazon Prime Video has started showing ads, prompting frustration among users who feel the service is now comparable to free streaming apps like Tubi unless they pay extra. The company claims the price hike is to invest in "compelling content," but critics question the quality of its original shows. Many are disappointed with the addition of ads, feeling it diminishes the platform's main advantage over other services.
Netflix has released viewership data for nearly its entire catalog of original and acquired content, providing insights into the success and performance of its shows. The data reveals that Shadow and Bone, despite being the most-viewed English-language scripted series, was canceled due to its relatively low viewership compared to Netflix's global subscriber base. The report also highlights the dominance of original content in the top rankings, with licensed content accounting for 45% of viewership. Shows from top overall deals with creators like Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy, such as Bridgerton and Dahmer: Monster — The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, performed well, while Stranger Things demonstrated staying power with high viewership for its fourth season.
Netflix has released an extensive list of viewing time for over 18,000 movies and TV shows in the first half of 2023, with "The Night Agent" and season two of "Ginny & Georgia" emerging as the most watched titles. The report provides a deep dive into viewing habits, revealing that original series and movies dominate the top of the chart, while licensed content accounted for 45% of viewing. Netflix plans to continue issuing semiannual reports on viewing time, but it remains uncertain if other streaming platforms will follow suit.
NASA has launched NASA+, a no-cost, ad-free streaming service and upgraded app that offers live coverage, original video series, and kids' content. The service aims to make NASA's inspirational content more accessible and discoverable to the public. Users can access the streaming service through the NASA App on iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming media players like Roku and Apple TV. The app also includes features such as augmented reality, live event coverage, and access to a vast collection of NASA's latest content.
NASA has launched its first on-demand streaming service and updated app, providing users with access to original video series, live launch coverage, kids' content, Spanish-language programming, and the latest news. The streaming service is available on major platforms, including iOS and Android devices, Roku, and Apple TV. The app offers features such as cloud push notifications, International Space Station sightings, and augmented reality for viewing 3D models of NASA rockets and spacecraft. These platforms aim to make NASA's content more accessible and discoverable for the public.
Warner Bros. Discovery is set to launch its streaming service Max in France next summer, following a rollout in several European countries. Max will stream live sports in Europe, including coverage of the Olympic Games in Paris. While Warner Bros. Discovery currently has an exclusive partnership with Amazon Prime Video in France, it may maintain the pact until the end of the year. The company has identified France and Spain as key strategic markets and has commissioned original content in those territories. Warner Bros. Discovery aims to create a new culture and profitability in the streaming industry.
HBO and Max will be releasing new original content in October 2023, including the second season of "Our Flag Means Death," a series based on the true story of a wealthy land-owner turned pirate. Other releases include "Last Stop Larrimah: Murder Down Under," a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a man and his dog, and the continuation of "Doom Patrol" with Season 4 Part 2. More updates and reviews can be found on Ready Steady Cut.
Disney+ is set to launch over 20 new series and films in the Asia-Pacific region in the second half of 2023, with a focus on Korean and Japanese content. The lineup includes a documentary about BTS, Korean crime thrillers, and highly anticipated Japanese anime titles. The move highlights the growing popularity of Korean drama and Japanese anime worldwide and emphasizes the region's importance as a long-term revenue driver. Disney's previous Asian originals have performed well, with shows like "Big Bet" and "Dr. Romantic" gaining significant viewership. The company plans to continue delivering exceptional storytelling in collaboration with leading content creators from the region.
Spotify has laid off 200 employees from its podcast unit and combined Gimlet and Parcast into a single operation. The company's podcast strategy is now focused on delivering more value for creators and users, including the Spotify for Podcasters ad and monetization platform. The merging of Gimlet and Parcast seems to be an unnatural one, according to a number of former employees. Spotify is moving away from pricey originals and embracing amateur podcasters and creator partnerships. Audiobooks and podcasts may become a haven in the event of a SAG strike.