The television industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with cancellations and uncertainties dominating headlines. GameSpot’s annual tracking of show cancellations reveals a troubling trend. In 2022, a total of 110 shows bid farewell, either through cancellation or coming to an end.
However, the current year has already seen 90 cancellations as of Friday, July 7. Recent casualties include Netflix’s Snowflake Mountain, canceled after just one season, and HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, which will not return for Season 5.
Strikes Add to the Industry’s Woes
Amidst the wave of cancellations, the industry is also grappling with labor disputes. The ongoing writers strike, which began on May 2, has resulted in production delays and a shortage of new shows.
Furthermore, talks between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are set to conclude on July 12. If an acceptable deal is not reached, SAG-AFTRA members, who have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike, are prepared to take action on July 13.
Content Removals Amplify Concerns
In addition to cancellations, streaming platforms are facing a disconcerting trend of content removals. Stories about shows and movies being pulled from platforms have become all too common. Recently, Crater, a sci-fi film produced by the team behind Stranger Things, was abruptly removed from Disney Plus, sparking outrage as it had been available for less than two months.
Paramount+ also made headlines by unceremoniously purging 10 titles from its streaming service without prior notice. Similar removals have occurred on Max by WB Discovery, and both Disney+ and Hulu have followed suit.
Financial Realities Shape the Industry
The surge in cancellations aligns with a broader trend of reduced spending on content by streaming platforms. Ampere analyst Neil Anderson predicts a “more cautious approach” from streamers becoming the new norm, a sentiment reflected in the current landscape. This financial reality introduces a new layer of uncertainty to the industry’s future.
With the rising number of cancellations, the looming possibility of strikes disrupting production schedules, and the increasing frequency of content removals from streaming services, the upcoming fall TV season faces a challenging road ahead. The industry, along with viewers, must navigate through an uncertain future.
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