The number of Scripted TV Originals ordered for production by the top six global streamers fell by 24% year-on-year, according to Ampere Analysis. Apple, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix and Paramount+ between them reduced their first-run and renewed titles from 318 to just 242. The drop reflects the streamers’ reassessment of original content strategies amid economic uncertainty. Ampere says tariff impact and economic outlook could result in an increase in the second half of the year.
Cyrine Amor, Research Manager at Ampere Analysis, says: “Several factors underpin the reduction in H1 Scripted commissions. Primarily, the move reflects the streamers’ ongoing strategic shift in their business models post the era of ‘peak TV’. This is marked by reduced investments in Originals, a more cautious approach to commissioning decisions, and a heavier reliance on licensing in their content strategies.”
While the industry as a whole reduced its commissions by 8%, cuts by the top six streamers led to a threefold decrease. While all the major streamers reduced their H1 Scripted commissioning volume YOY, Netflix and Apple were least affected, down just 6% and 4% respectively. Amazon Prime Video made the deepest cuts, more than halving its scripted commissions. Western Europe saw volumes reduce 44%, particularly in the popular crime and thriller genre, while Scripted TV Originals in North America held steady at 95 titles.