TV Networks Step Away From Pricey Originals Amid Saturation Of Shows (Report)

Are we closer to reaching ‘peak TV’ — a phrase coined by FX network chief John Landgraf in 2015 to describe an overwhelming and ultimately unwatchable glut of original TV shows from networks and streamers? According to a report in Bloomberg, the so-called ‘Golden Age of Television’ is beginning to show signs of wear and tear.

MTV, A&E, and WGN are all stepping back from pricey originals in lieu of reality series and other programming after mediocre ratings have failed to justify the costly investments. This shift arrives as a record 455 original scripted programs premiered last year, Bloomberg reports. However, growth came primarily from digital players like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, while every TV network cut back on original productions in 2016.

One of the reasons an investment in originals is important for subscription services is that they can convert paying subscribers on a show-by-show basis. It’s not always as lucrative for TV networks, which rely on ads and therefore must produce multiple originals in order to see returns. Some recent casualties, per Bloomberg

, include WGN’s Outsiders and Bates Motel, which will be A&E’s last scripted show. At the same time, MTV is pulling the plug on Loosely Exactly Nicole and Mary + Jane in favor of reality series, including a reboot of My Super Sweet Sixteen.

In the first quarter of 2017, analyst Michael Nathanson of MoffettNathanson told Bloomberg, audiences for original TV dramas fell 15% while reality show viewership grew 1%, sports programming increased by 6%, and news viewership exploded by 22%.

For additional findings, check out Bloomberg’s report right here.