Los Angeles, California – The U.S. scripted TV industry has experienced a significant decline in the number of seasons ordered since 2019, according to research conducted by Ampere Analysis. The study revealed a “Hollywood displacement” as international orders outpace those from the U.S.
In 2022, a total of 722 shows were ordered in the U.S., but this number dropped to 418 in 2023. The research attributes this decline to the strikes that occurred during the latter half of the year. It is also unlikely that the number of orders will bounce back in 2024.
The decline in U.S. series releases has been described as “more precipitous” than the overall decline in TV releases. In 2023, the number of releases fell from 633 to 481. However, Ampere Analysis suggests that the figure may rise in 2024 due to the potential for truncated seasons.
The writers and actors strikes in 2023 contributed to the slowdown in the U.S. TV industry. However, Ampere’s research suggests that the decline is more permanent, marking an “abrupt end to peak TV.” The study specifically points to the decrease in orders from streaming services as a significant factor.
Ampere noted that the decline is particularly pronounced among SVoD services. Netflix, for example, reduced its show releases from 107 in 2022 to just 68 in 2023. Other major players such as Peacock, Hulu, Max, and Paramount+ also experienced significant reductions. While some platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple, and Disney+ maintained the number of series released in 2023, only Prime maintained the series it ordered, indicating that 2024 will be even lighter for the major SVoDs.
Despite the decline in U.S. orders, the research showcased positive trends in non-U.S. commissioning. Ampere highlighted the “internationalization and the displacement of Hollywood” as a significant development. In 2023, the number of seasons of scripted international streamer shows released exceeded the U.S., with 367 coming from outside America and 257 from within. This shift marks a departure from previous years, where the two were closely aligned.
Ampere emphasized that while the strikes played a role, they also signify a broader story of internationalization and the diminishing influence of Hollywood as the center of the TV industry worldwide. Fred Black, a Principal Analyst at Ampere, noted that the U.S. scripted boom has finally come to an end. Although there may be some level of recovery in 2024, the effects will likely be felt in 2025, resulting in a slow rebound.
Overall, the declining number of scripted TV seasons ordered in the U.S. reflects a significant shift in the industry, with international orders now taking the lead. The impact of the strikes and the rise of non-U.S. commissioning have contributed to this transformation, indicating a changing landscape for the global television market.