Let’s return to the good old days of TV

The Case for Returning to Past TV Production Models: A Path to Sustainable Streaming

In today’s streaming landscape, content creators face an increasing number of challenges—skyrocketing production costs, declining viewership, and long gaps between seasons, all of which threaten to disengage audiences. However, looking back to the practices of past TV eras, particularly the 1990s and earlier, might offer a solution. By revisiting and adapting elements of these older models, streaming platforms can create engaging, sustainable, and cost-effective content.

The Current Streaming Crisis

To understand why revisiting past practices could be beneficial, it’s essential to examine the issues plaguing modern streaming:

High Production Costs: Shows like Secret Invasion cost upwards of $224.3 million but failed to secure high viewership or critical acclaim. This example highlights a broader trend: big budgets do not necessarily translate into audience engagement. This growing concern puts pressure on streaming platforms to reconsider how they allocate resources .
Long Gaps Between Seasons: Modern shows such as Fallout, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Reacher experience production gaps of up to two years between seasons . These long waits can cause audiences to lose interest, negatively impacting narrative continuity and the shows’ momentum. In contrast, the 90s TV era operated on shorter, more consistent production cycles that kept audiences returning week after week.

Lessons from the Past: Shorter Production Cycles and Consistency

The success of streaming series like Slow Horses and The Bear, which both manage to release new seasons annually, suggests that shorter production cycles are not only feasible but also advantageous for maintaining audience engagement . This faster turnaround keeps storylines fresh in viewers’ minds, avoiding the pitfall of long breaks that cause audiences to drift away.

In the 90s, shows followed a model of producing roughly 20–24 episodes per season, ensuring that fans had consistent content. While the streaming model may not need to return to such long seasons, embracing a shorter yet consistent release cycle could build momentum and sustain interest over time.

Reducing Costs Through Efficient Storytelling

With streaming giants like Disney looking to cut costs and focus on efficient storytelling, there is growing recognition that quality does not have to come with an exorbitant price tag . Disney CEO Bob Iger’s comments on reducing costs align with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige’s strategy of adjusting release schedules to give shows room to “shine” without relying solely on spectacle .

The TV eras of the past placed a greater emphasis on compelling storytelling and character development, relying less on high-tech special effects and more on narrative strength. Shows like The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Friends are examples of how engaging storylines, character arcs, and tighter budgets can sustain long-running, successful series. Streamers can learn from this approach, focusing on stories that resonate rather than relying heavily on visual effects or costly set pieces.

Tighter Narratives: The Case for Shorter Seasons

One aspect of past TV models that might be worth revisiting is the format of shorter seasons with focused narratives. By condensing story arcs and creating tight, compelling plots, platforms can reduce production costs and maintain audience interest. Shows like Stranger Things and The Mandalorian have seen success using shorter seasons, echoing the idea that less can be more.

This strategy aligns with the evolving trend in streaming—adapting to a more efficient model while still prioritizing quality. It also reduces the need for extensive downtime between seasons, ensuring that shows can sustain momentum and keep viewers hooked.

Balancing Modern and Classic Approaches

While returning to a complete 90s model might not be practical or necessary, incorporating key aspects of past TV eras could help modern streamers adapt to the challenges they face today:

Consistent Release Schedules: Rather than having viewers wait years for a new season, streaming services could adopt a more predictable release pattern, similar to the annual schedule seen in traditional TV.
Focus on Story Over Spectacle: High-budget productions are impressive, but they are not sustainable if they fail to engage audiences. Streamers should prioritize character-driven stories and narratives that connect with viewers on an emotional level.
More Episodes, Spread Across Multiple Arcs: While modern audiences may not have the time for 24-episode seasons, offering slightly longer seasons with multiple, smaller story arcs could allow streamers to explore characters and plots in-depth, keeping audiences invested.

Conclusion: A Future Built on the Best of the Past

The streaming landscape is at a crossroads. With production costs rising and viewer engagement declining, it may be time to look to the past for inspiration. By blending elements from the TV eras of the 90s with the flexibility and creative freedom offered by streaming platforms, content creators can produce sustainable, engaging shows that keep audiences coming back.

Ultimately, the solution lies not in abandoning modern advancements but in finding a balance—using the lessons of past successes to guide the future of streaming.