Netflix and Competitors Continue to Embrace Live Reality Shows – Highlights from the Reality TV Summit
Netflix is redefining live unscripted programming, showcasing a range of series in recent years, including Pop the Balloon and Star Search, alongside notable events like its BTS live special and Skyscraper Live.
Most recently, the streaming giant launched BTS: The Comeback, attracting an impressive 18.4 million viewers. “That was hugely successful,” a Netflix representative stated. “We’re just trying to find those quintessential moments that everyone talks about, and fans have been waiting for, as opposed to just a straight concert. We need eventized concerts.”
Another endeavor, Star Search, hosted by Anthony Anderson and featuring judges Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chrissy Teigen, and Jelly Roll, premiered on January 20. However, it did not achieve a spot in Netflix’s global top 10 and is unlikely to be renewed for a second season.
Despite its challenges, the series did yield some advancements in technology. “We just tried Star Search. Unfortunately, we probably won’t have a second season of Star Search, but we did deploy new technology with our voting so you could vote with your remote,” said Netflix executive Gaspin. “It was wildly successful. Over 80% of people who watched the show used the voting capability. They didn’t have to download an app. There wasn’t a second screen. We’re only 10 years old in our reality journey, and we’re going to keep trying things. Some will work, some won’t, but it’s still an exciting time and place for us.”
Gaspin faces the challenge of maintaining Netflix’s competitive edge against other streaming platforms and networks. At the recent Reality TV Summit, many industry peers expressed interest in live reality shows.
Amazon’s Head of Nonfiction Series, Jenn Levy, emphasized the importance of stakes in programming. “When you think about sports or you think about watching someone’s life change on a talent show, or a guy scale a building, and you’re wondering if he’s going to fall off, it’s lean-in stakes,” she remarked.
Rob Mills, head of Disney’s alternative programming, noted the significance of live events like Dancing with the Stars and American Idol. “On those formats, it’s making sure it’s not live for live’s sake, having stakes there. On streaming, it’s figuring out what you can do that you can’t on a broadcaster. I think the big tentpole events still feel like it’s better to have a linear broadcast audience,” he added.
“The real win is to figure out what’s worth eventizing,” commented Allison Wallach of Fox. “That’s what we talk about all of the time.”
