2024 Streaming Hits and Misses and What to Expect for 2025
By Movieguide® Contributor
Sports is a big draw for streaming networks like Netflix and Peacock, and the lack of original content is a challenge for others, while Disney continues to push a left-leaning agenda in its shows.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+’s legal thriller PRESUMED INNOCENT based on Scott Turow’s 1987 novel by the same name became the company’s No. 1 drama series and has been green-lit for a second season.
On the other hand, the streamer remains “fairly lean as an offering,” according to Deadline.
“Without the serendipity of third-party titles luring viewers, as is the strategy for Netflix, Peacock, Max and others, can Apple deliver enough sticky new seasons of its popular originals, or add other titles on a monthly frequency in order to minimize churn?” Deadline reported.
Disney+
Disney+’s merging with Hulu and ESPN+ has been a large part of the mega company’s first-time streaming profit with $47 million in Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) operating income in Q3, ending June 29, 2024.
The LGBTQ+ agenda keeps slipping into shows like THE ACOLYTE and the animated series WIN OR LOSE.
THE ACOLYTE, which featured transgender character Ensign Eurus as the first openly transgendered character in the STAR WARS universe, and twins born to two moms, was canceled after the first season.
READ MORE: STAR WARS SPINOFF PROMOTING LGBT IDEOLOGY CANCELED AFTER SEASON 1
Meanwhile Disney’s upcoming series WIN OR LOSE removed a transgender storyline after backlash.
Disney responded by saying, “[W]hen it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
Max
HBO offerings such as HOUSE OF THE DRAGON and TRUE DETECTIVE continue to make Max “the shining star,” while this year provided a “lighter year” for new shows such as THE PENGUIN and DUNE: PROPHECY.
On the downside, Max lost NBA streaming rights to Disney/ESPN, Amazon Prime and Peacock, with an 8% fall in Warner Bros. Discovery, who owns HBO Max, shares after the announcement.
READ MORE: NBA’S DEALS WITH AMAZON, ESPN, NBC LEAVE WBD’S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
Netflix
Meanwhile, Netflix saw a “roaring stock price” and signed off on a three-year deal with the NFL. In addition to the NFL deal, WWE RAW signed a 10-year, $5 billion deal with the streaming giant.
Paramout+
YELLOWSTONE’s showrunner Taylor Sheridan has been Paramount’s “saving grace” according to Deadline, providing the company with six shows such as TULSA KING and LANDMAN.
One of the challenges that Paramount+ faces is the need for more original content.
“Other than Sheridan’s gold mine, Paramount+ largely relies on theatrical releases and next-day linear shows to stay relevant,” Deadline reported. “With Showtime still walled off to a premium tier, there just isn’t much on basic Paramount+ that stands out in the crowded streaming marketplace.”
Peacock
The Olympics were the highlight for Peacock in 2024.
“Viewership on the streamer increased 39% in July to its largest share of TV usage ever, nearly doubling its 35-49 audience,” according to Deadline.
Similar to Paramount+, new offerings will be the challenge for the streamer in 2025.
“Peacock needs to step up its game on original content if it hopes to survive the streaming consolidation on the horizon,” Deadline said. “With the service considered a strong candidate to merge with a rival (and such talks occurring in recent months), Peacock’s financial results will soon be even more visible.”
Amazon Prime Video
Sports saved the day again, or at least provided a major boost, as Amazon Prime Video partnered with the NBA and WNBA in an 11-year deal.
As for the future of the streamer, there have been talks about joining forces with other streaming rivals.
“The tech giant has held talks with Warner Bros Discovery and other media majors about some form of collaboration and has also been a white knight for bankrupt regional sports network owner Diamond Sports Group,” Deadline reported.
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