Netflix has been making originals for years, but the subscription streaming service really upped the ante in 2015, bringing to life two brand new Marvel TV shows, international TV programming like Narcos and even bringing the NBC comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt back from the dead. All in all, Netflix produced 16 original TV series this year, but they company has plans in the works to be even bigger and bolder in 2016. That’s right, Netflix announced this morning that users can expect more than double the original programs to be produced next year.
This week, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos announced that 31 scripted originals are in the works for 2016. That’s a ton of original TV shows, but the added content value doesn’t end there. In addition to the 31 new shows, Netflix is also set to produce 10 more stand-up specials, 30 more kid’s programs, 12 documentaries and 10 feature films. Some of this comes as more of a surprise than others. We’ve known for a while that Netflix has been wanting to get more into the movies game for a while and has even signed deals with people like Adam Sandler to make that happen. In addition, stand-up specials have done quite well for the streaming service. But doubling up on original TV shows and creating so much more children’s content is a really fascinating and exciting move.
In the announcement, Sarandos isn’t clearly regarding exactly what the original content will entail. I’m guessing that he means 31 total new seasons getting released rather than new shows, as stuff like Daredevil Season 2 is already in the works. If he’s not counting shows like Bloodline, Daredevil, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Orange is the New Black and Narcos that are all getting new seasons (and again I think he is), that means even more new originals could be coming our way.
Last February, Netflix announced it was borrowing a ton of money to produce original content. When Netflix is producing its own content, that makes global licensing easier and Wired reports that may be the motivation behind creating so many original shows that can be viewed in multiple countries around the world. When Netflix produces shows on its own, the company can then distribute those shows to a large international audience with few obstacles. And now there will be even more originals tying viewers together globally. Not a bad way to kick off 2016.
The only downside to all of this original content is that eventually it should affect the cost of the streaming service for subscribers. Netflix already recently increased prices in the US and with much more content coming our way, we wouldn't be shocked to see that trend continue.
