The Spin-off
Summer 2015 TCA's: Streaming Media Boom & Networks as Brands
The Spin-off crew steps away from the Beverly Hilton, the home of the summer TCA gathering, to report back on this year's press tour. The story of the season seems to be the explosion in content streaming media outlets. Other noteworthy presentations focused on the current TV glut and the potential that the bubble could burst, as well as the increasing importance of brand identity for networks.
By Michael Schneider • • 37m ListenThe TCA press tour used to look a lot different, with the broadcast networks spending three days each promoting virtually everything on their schedules. But as the broadcast networks pull back, the number of networks have grown, and especially as more digital players have gotten into the game, the schedule has ballooned to accommodate everyone. We do our best to break it all down and give you the most pertinent points from this year's gathering.
Remember the good ol' days of 2013? That's when a little show called House of Cards premiered on Netflix.
And now, just two years later, Netflix is looking at 36 original shows. Netflix was actually one of the first presentations at TCA this year, and Ted Sarandos -- a name not very many people knew not very long ago -- emphasized just how much the company is in it to win it. They've got A-list talent and production budgets to make buzz-worthy and critically acclaimed shows.
Other digital outlets like Hulu and Amazon made presentations as well, and everyone is stepping up their original content game.
If it seems like there's officially "too much TV," you're not alone in your thinking. During FX's day on the stage, John Landgraf, the head of the network, gave a talk that resonated with a lot of people. He pointed out the the current TV glut is not sustainable. In the future there has to be some kind of slowing in the rate of increase of new shows.
But later, as something of a counterpoint to Landgraf, Showtime's David Nevins' rebuked that "there can never be enough GREAT TV."
End of show Downloads:
Diane: The show isn't out yet, but just the trailer for the new HBO series Vinyl has Diane super excited. It's about a 1970's record company trying to save itself from ruins. Bobby Cannavale stars, and Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger executive produce.
Joe: Going way back in the archives, Joe recommends That Show with Joan Rivers. It's a fascinating look at the 1960's and gives the opportunity to see Rivers developing her comedy.
Mike: It's only been a week and change, but Mike is already missing Jon Stewart's commentary on The Daily Show. The beloved long time host officially retired, but based on the promising TCA appearance of new host Trevor Noah, the future of The Daily Show still looks bright.
