We dig into why CNN+ has to exist, even though it doesn't make a lot of sense. Also, the strange divisions between what's on HBO and what's on HBO Max, we talk a surprising amount about The CW (again), and Netflix has... a blog?
Diving into Netflix's brand new global and regional top 10 lists, and what they tell us about Netflix's self-promotional powers, its use of South Korean content, the drive to program for kids, and the potential fate of the binge drop. Also, ViacomCBS corrects its Star Trek mistakes, and your letters allow us to grouse about bad interfaces, skipping the credits, and why Netflix is bad at movies.
Disney+ came out of the gate strong, but its growth is waning. What does it need to do to reach a broader audience? It's all about the 'Hamiltons.' Also, we discuss ViacomCBS pulling the rug out from underneath international Star Trek fans, the obsessive search for more streaming franchises, Jason hasn't read "The Wheel of Time," and we make our plans to go see "Spider-Man: No Way Home."
What happens when a TV network has a potential big hit, but doesn't have a streaming strategy to find an audience? Are sports leagues in the U.S. finally going to risk their fat cable contracts in order to build a local streaming service? And what the heck is going on in Australia? All this, and Julia tries to envision Netflix's final form--or at least, what it will charge you to see its final form.
There's a lot going on right now at Netflix, which is trying to manage growth, changing how it reports viewership, and facing internal criticism for some of its programming. We also delight in how easy it is to cancel (and return to) a streaming service, answer your questions about service price increases and the true value of franchises, and consider what streaming services are the most desired by the people who make TV.
"Squid Game's" viral success makes us consider Netflix's international programming strategy and the difference between a hit and a franchise. And no conversation about "Squid Game" is complete without a conversation about "Law & Order," right? So Julia and Jason discuss the value of TV franchises and how their owners balance the desire to grow streaming revenue with the linear TV networks that pay the bills. Also: "Venom" proves the movies are back (at least for the Marvel adjacent), "Many Saint...
Downstream is a new podcast about the future of streaming media. Tech and entertainment companies are vying for our attention and money, all to see who will become the media giants of the 21st century. Julia and Jason tell you a little about their background and what they'll be covering on this podcast. And as a preview of what is to come, this episode also includes our entire test show from August.
