While some studios’ streaming operations have already started reporting small profits, Ampere’s study looks at the timelines for consistent profitability, taking into account income from subscription and advertising against content costs, staff and marketing costs, depreciation and amortization to predict the point that businesses reach consistently positive earnings before income and taxes (EBIT). The study excludes sports streaming operations.

Disney is likely to reach profitability as early as the first quarter of 2024, according to the firm — two quarters earlier than the entertainment giant itself has predicted. Following closely behind will be Warner Bros Discovery by the third quarter of 2024. Both Paramount and NBCUniversal are expected to achieve the goal by the first quarter of 2025.

By 2028, Ampere expects that the studios will earn between $1 billion and $2 billion EBIT per year from streaming based on their current market footprint alone. Additional geographic expansion would lead to even more upside.

Ampere says the shift will be primarily driven by studios’ cost-cutting efforts, particularly related to content and staff, and the move to embrace advertising. The latter has the opportunity to provide significantly more growth and profit than currently predicted by the models, Ampere notes, which are based on known existing operations.

“A confluence of factors as varied as the end of Covid-19 lockdowns, geopolitics and the cost-of-living crisis created the environment that forced the studios to reassess the return on investment of the streaming direct model. The cost rationalization of the last 12 months has now positioned the industry for genuine streaming profitability in relatively short order,” Ampere Analysis executive director Guy Bisson said in a statement.

“Passing that milestone will impact multiple windows within the entertainment value chain,” Bisson added. “It will enable a return to flexibility and experimentation and a realization that existing models are already in place to fully exploit studio output when streaming direct takes its rightful place as one window in the broader value chain.”

Profitability of the streaming direct model could also lead to an acceleration of free streaming, including free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels.

Disney, which narrowed losses in its streaming division by 70% year over year to $420 million in its fourth quarter of 2023, has said its streaming business is on track to reach profitability by September 2024.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery turned a $111 million profit in its direct to consumer division during its third quarter of 2023 — a $745 million year-over-year improvement and its second profitable quarter in a row.

NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which narrowed its losses to $565 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to 614 million a year ago, said it expects peak losses of $2.8 billion in 2023 down from previous guidance of peak losses of $3 billion, and “meaningful EBITDA improvement” in 2024.

Paramount Global, which saw its direct to consumer division’s losses narrow 31% year over year to $238 million in the third quarter of 2023, expects full-year streaming losses for 2023 to be lower than in 2022, with fourth quarter 2023 losses similar to the fourth quarter of 2022. The segment remains on track to drive “significant earnings improvement” in 2024.

The post Streaming Industry Could Turn Consistent Profit Within 18 Months, Research Firm Predicts appeared first on TheWrap.

“Kevin James: Irregardless” will see the actor and comedian deliver his unfiltered take on parenting, marriage and getting older, covering topics from motivating children to put to their video games to why he doesn’t trust technology and how many tater tots he can fit in his mouth.

“They’re all up to something those apps, you know it. That’s their goal, they want to stay on your phone as long as possible. That’s why it’s so hard to delete an app,” James says. “You ever try to delete an app? You gotta do that hard press on the phone first of all. All the apps are shaking. They know somebody’s going. This is judgement day for one of them. Just looking around seeing what each other did, thinking about whose going.”

“That’s why they make that little x so small. It’s small in the corner because you can’t get it with your fat thumb, and you hit anywhere else on the screen and everything settles,” he jokes. “Then you gotta fire it up again and they’re like ‘Oh my gosh, this guy is relentless.’ They’re thinking about what they did. ‘He’s definitely getting rid of me. It’s not, you it’s me. I’m Learn Spanish in 30 Days. This idiot couldn’t learn Spanish if he was raised in Guatemala for 30 years.’” 

James began his standup career in Long Island. After being discovered at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, he signed a network development deal to create, the CBS sitcom “The King of Queens,” which would run for nine seasons and earn him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. 

He made his feature film debut in debut in Columbia Pictures’ “Hitch,” starring opposite Will Smith, and starred in, produced and co-wrote the hit comedies “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” 1 and  2, “Zookeeper” and “Here Comes The Boom.” He has also starred alongside Adam Sandler in “Pixels,” “Grown Ups” 1 and 2,  “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” and “Hubie Halloween.” Other features include “True Memoirs of an International Assassin” and “Home Team” for Netflix, as well as the independent action thriller “Becky.”

The comedian recently brought his standup act to TV in “Sweat the Small Stuff” for Comedy Central and “Never Don’t Give Up” for Netflix.

“Kevin James: Irregardless” is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Positive Image Video, with Kevin James, Jeff Sussman, Anthony Giordano and Brady Nasfell serving as executive producers. 

In addition to the special for Prime Video, James will head out on a new comedy tour, “Owls Don’t Walk,” beginning Feb. 3.

Check out the clip for “Kevin James: Irregardless” in the video above.

The post Kevin James Tackles Challenge of Deleting Social Media Apps in Prime Video Comedy Special | Exclusive Video appeared first on TheWrap.

The film takes place in a dystopian London, where the gap between rich and poor has been stretched to its limits and all forms of social housing have been eradicated with the exception of The Kitchen, a community that refuses to move out of the place they call home.

The story follows Izi (Kane Robinson), a man living in The Kitchen by necessity who is desperately trying to find a way out, and a 12-year-old boy named Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman), who has lost his mother and is searching for a family, as the unlikely pair struggles for forge a relationship in a system stacked against them.

In addition to Robinson and Bannerman, “The Kitchen” stars Hope Ikpoku Jr, Ian Wright, BackRoad Gee, Cristale, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo.

The film is directed by Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares, written by Kaluuya and Joe Murtagh and produced by Kaluuya and Daniel Emmerson.

Watch the full trailer in the video above.

The post ‘The Kitchen’ Trailer Reveals Daniel Kaluuya’s Dystopian Directorial Debut for Netflix | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Below, we have a carefully-curated list of the best TV shows to fit your needs. From swoon-worthy period pieces to nail-biting mysteries, prolific medical dramas, sitcoms and everything in between, here are 30 of the very best binge-worthy shows to stream now.

Yellowjackets

Showtime’s breakout hit “Yellowjackets” is a non-stop banger that will keep you on the edge of your seat through each brutal new reveal. Set across two timelines, the series follows a high school soccer team that crash-lands in the Ontario wilderness and has to survive on their own for more than a year, chronicling both their late-90s time in the woods and picking up with the survivors in the present day. It’s a mystery, survival thriller, nuanced drama about trauma, and possibly a supernatural thriller, which means you never know where it’s going to go next. With a knock-out cast that includes Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis, Tawny Cypress, Liv Hewson, Jasmin Savoy Brown and Courtney Eaton, “Yellowjackets” is a genre-bending show that never flinches, no matter how sticky or complex the subject matter — or the human viscera — becomes. — Haleigh Foutch

You

One of Netflix’s most engrossing, addictive shows started out as a Lifetime original. The genre-bending hit “You” stars Penn Badgley in the twisted romantic saga of stalker-killer Joe Goldberg. Badgely also narrates, a storytelling choice that makes you so intimately wrapped up in his weaponized leading man charm, you sometimes forget what a monster Joe really is — which only makes those monstrous moments hit harder. “You” is certainly chilling in its indictment of privilege, obsession and violent gender dynamics, but it is also laugh-out-loud funny in its depiction of the vapid ranks of elite wealth, and underlined by compelling drama that will keep you hitting play on the next episode as obsessively as Joe Goldberg himself. — Haleigh Foutch

The Crown

Whether you’re a history buff, or you just like to sink your teeth into a good old-fashioned drama series, Netflix’s “The Crown” is here to fit all of your watching needs. Written by Peter Morgan, the show follows the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, starting with her wedding to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, and spanning through her 21st Century rule. The show is ripe with biting familial drama, dazzling set pieces and an all-star cast, with stellar actors like Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter and Elizabeth Debicki leading the royal charge. — Aurora Amidon

30 Rock

It’s hard to think of a more iconic modern sitcom than NBC’s “30 Rock.” Created by comedian Tina Fey and based on her time as a writer on “Saturday Night Live,” the series follows sketch-show showrunner Liz Lemon (Fey) and her endless gaffs and faux pas at the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza address. Rounding out the stellar comedic cast are actors such as Tracy Morgan, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer. The show has a total of seven seasons and 139 half-hour episodes, which each come with a premise so unique and hilarious that it’s practically impossible not to digest multiple in one sitting. “30 Rock” is currently available to stream on Hulu and Peacock. (What are you waiting for?) — Aurora Amidon

House

Let’s face it: there probably isn’t a more bingeable TV genre than the medical drama. From the stunningly prolific, 19-season (and counting!) “Grey’s Anatomy,” to the beloved “The Good Doctor,” and the classic “ER,” we could write a whole separate list about binge-worthy medical shows. Without a doubt hanging near the top of that list would be “House,” a show which centers around the delightfully antisocial Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) as he spearheads a team of diagnosticians at a hospital. Running for eight seasons starting in 2004, “House” is a captivating watch due to its unconventional protagonist, funny one-liners, and, of course, adrenaline-pinching medical drama. Stream it on Prime Video. — Aurora Amidon

Andor

When Disney+ announced that they were developing “Andor,” the fourth live-action series in the coveted Star Wars franchise, fans of the intergalactic series were understandably very excited. But the Disney+ series isn’t just for Star Wars enthusiasts – it has something for everyone. The show not only allows audiences to sink their teeth into juicy Star Wars lore, but it is also a riveting classic adventure story, political commentary and character study. And need we mention that it’s also just a hell of a lot of fun?

“Andor” takes place prior to the events of the 2016 film “Rogue One,” and follows the Rebel Alliance’s plot to overthrow the Galactic Empire. And while there’s only one season as of now, Season 2 has officially been ordered, giving audiences even more of a reason to get caught up on all of the episodes. — Aurora Amidon

Yellowstone

It’s the most popular show on cable for a reason — Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” is thrilling, addictive television starring Kevin Coster as John Dutton, the patriarch of a Montana crime family. Landholders to an enormous prized ranch, the Duttons defend their land through any and all means necessary; from corporations, investors, the local Broken Rock Indian Reservation that seeks to reclaim the land, and anyone else who dares to dream of infringing on their property. It’s “Sons of Anarchy” meets “Succession” through a neo-western lens. Kelly Reilly’s Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser’s Rip Wheeler are particularly unforgettable. And once you finish binging “Yellowstone,” you’ve got the spinoffs “1883” and “1923” to binge-watch, too. — Haleigh Foutch

Ted Lasso

After it premiered in 2020, it was hard to go anywhere without hearing someone talk about “Ted Lasso.” The show, which stars Jason Sudeikis as a college football coach who is thrown into the deep end when recruited to coach pro soccer, garnered a ton of praise upon its release, and went on to become the most-nominated first-season of a comedy show in the history of the Emmy Awards. So whether you are looking to binge-watch a big-hearted underdog tale with heaps of laughs, or you simply want to see what all the fuss is about, head over to Apple TV now to stream the first two seasons of the series. – Aurora Amidon

Bridgerton

In 2020, period drama “Bridgerton” took the world by storm, and by its second season, it was the most-watched English-language TV show on Netflix. The series takes place in the early 1800s, and follows an upper-class British family called the Bridgertons. Both of its seasons boast epic familial drama, mega-steamy love stories and stunning plots and costumes, all of which make it one of the most binge-worthy shows on Netflix. It’s just a bonus that everyone in the cast is really, really good-looking. – Aurora Amidon

Arrested Development

One of the most popular American sitcoms out there, “Arrested Development” follows the Bluths: a family who lost all their wealth. Most of us can attest to the fact that the majority of families are majorly dysfunctional – and “Arrested Development” dials this notion up to a ten. The show is full of conflict, drama and laugh-out-loud humor, all of which is delivered by stellar comedic actors like Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, David Cross and Jessica Walter. It is currently available to watch in all of its uproarious glory on Netflix. – Aurora Amidon

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is a GOAT-tier binge-worthy show, as evidenced by the chokehold it still has on pop culture more than 25 years later. Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as the title hero, the teen-dream chosen one, who hunts vampires, demons and all the other ghoulies that go bump in the night. Over seven seasons, “Buffy” remained ever-evolving and pioneering, merging inventing new monster-of-the-week thrills with addictive serialized storytelling. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s” grip remains as supernaturally strong as ever, from the endlessly quotable one-liners to the unforgettable doomed love stories and excellent ensemble, making it one of the absolute best shows to binge-watch — and one of the best shows in TV history. It’s streaming on Hulu. — Haleigh Foutch

WandaVision

The 2021 show “WandaVision” marked an exciting television milestone: it was the first-ever TV series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features beloved Marvel Comics characters Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they lead a quiet life in the suburbs that is quickly permeated by strange outside forces. Not only is “WandaVision” a fiercely original take on superhero tropes, but it also works as a tender love story and a bingeable drama. It also lit the torch for other great MCU shows, including “Loki,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and “What If…?,” all of which are currently available to stream on Disney+. – Aurora Amidon

Severance

One of the best breakout TV shows of 2022, “Severance” boasts a bold, original premise. The series takes place in a world where characters can undergo an operation that severs their work memories from their personal ones, which, of course, eventually comes with its fair share of shadiness. Before long, the show spirals into a full-blown conspiracy/thriller that you will be so desperate to get to the bottom of that it’ll be virtually impossible not to watch the whole first season in one sitting. And if the ending of Season 1 doesn’t have you completely satisfied, not to worry – a second season is currently in the works, and will likely dive even deeper into the show’s dark underworld. – Aurora Amidon

The Good Place

Without a doubt one of the most bingeable shows out there, NBC’s “The Good Place“ is completely riveting from its very first episode, which sees protagonist Eleanor (Kristen Bell) landing in Heaven, AKA “The Good Place,” only to realize that someone made a mistake putting her there given that she’s actually a pretty terrible person. From this point onward, the show is filled to the brim with shocking twists and turns, hilarious moments and remarkably compelling characters, including philosophy professor Chidi (William Jackson Harper), posh British model Tahani (Jameela Jamil) and unfiltered AI chaperone Janet (D’Arcy Carden). All four seasons of the show are equally addicting and completely impossible to peel your eyes away from, as it’s always a challenge to guess where the story is headed next. Stream it on Netflix. – Aurora Amidon

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of period piece and raging comedy, Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” has you covered. Created by “Gilmore Girls’” Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show premiered in 2017 and was instantly met with rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. The show follows a Manhattan-based 1950s Jewish-American housewife named Miriam (Rachel Brosnahan) who accidentally becomes one of the city’s leading stand-up comics. All four (and counting) seasons of the show are equally hilarious and full of heart and are tied impeccably together by a tour-de-force performance from Brosnahan. – Aurora Amidon

Friday Night Lights 

Who knew that a show about a Texas high school football team would go on to become one of the most beloved series of all time? Over five seasons, “Friday Night Lights” looks at the lives and loves of the residents of Dillon, Texas, a town completely overrun by high school football. But you do not have to be a football fan to love “Friday Night Lights.” I repeat: you do not have to be a football fan to love “Friday Night Lights.” Indeed, the show has something for everyone: from swoon-worthy football players, (I’m looking at you, Tim Riggins), to roller coaster romances and heartwarming friendships, it’s virtually impossible not to get completely swept up in Dillon’s charm. Head over to Prime Video, Netflix or Hulu ASAP to get caught up on every episode. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. – Aurora Amidon

The Office (US)

You didn’t really think we’d compile a list of the most binge-worthy TV shows without including the US version of The Office, did you? For those of you who have somehow have made it this far without seeing an episode of the series, it is a mockumentary-style look at a Scranton, PA-based paper company called Dunder Mifflin, led by the world’s cringiest boss, Michael Scott (Steve Carell). The show boasts 201 hilarious episodes, with a cast of characters that it’s impossible not to fall in love with. If you’ve never given it a watch, (or even if you have), head over to Peacock and start your binge ASAP. – Aurora Amidon

Stranger Things

It’s hard to think of a show that has received more hype in the past couple of years than Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” In fact, its fourth season recently broke Nielsen’s record for the most-viewed show in the period of one week. In the seven days after its release, Season 4 of “Stranger Things” received a whopping 7.2 billion minutes streamed, and for good reason. It is a creative, adrenaline-pinching ‘80s throwback with easily loveable characters and twists at every turn. So what are you waiting for? Go binge all four seasons of the show now, before its fifth and final season hits Netflix. – Aurora Amidon

New Girl

An easy pick for one of the most laid-back binge-watches, “New Girl” is a top-shelf sitcom with a cast full of comedic scene-stealers, including Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris and Hannah Simone. Laugh-out-loud funny, with unforgettable characters, cracking ensemble chemistry and one or two of the greatest TV romances. It’s one of those comfort shows that feels warm and warn-in, like a night in on the couch in your coziest sweatpants, surrounded by friends. Sure, there may be a rough patch or two throughout the seven seasons, but part of the joy of binge-watching “New Girl” is seeing how they right the ship, and ultimately, sail off in the final season with some of the series’ best moments. Stream it on Hulu or Peacock. — Haleigh Foutch

Downton Abbey

One of the most popular period dramas out there, “Downton Abbey” is set in England in the early 1900s and looks at the lives of an aristocratic family and their servants. Like any good period piece, the show is ripe with steamy romance, betrayal and epic familial spats. It’s an added bonus that it also boasts magnificent post-Edwardian sets (those chandeliers though!) and equally dazzling costumes (can we bring back those floppy sun hats already?). So if you’re looking to sink your teeth into one of the juiciest period dramas that TV has to offer, head to Prime Video, Peacock or BritBox today to start binging all six seasons. – Aurora Amidon

Frasier

Premiering in 1993 and running for a total of 11 seasons, “Frasier” is a stone-cold classic. The “Cheers” spin-off sitcom follows Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), a psychiatrist who returns to his hometown of Seattle to become a radio show host. There, he reconnects with his roots, and is met with plenty of life lessons and laughs along the way. Not only is “Frasier” a hilarious, binge-worthy romp, but it also saw a ton of critical acclaim. The series snatched up a whopping total of thirty-seven Emmy Awards, which was a record for scripted series at the time. If you’ve already seen “Frasier,” there’s never a bad time to head over to Hulu or Paramount+ and revisit your favorite psychiatrist; and if you haven’t, do yourself a favor and see what all the fuss is about! – Aurora Amidon

Dead to Me

It is no secret that Netflix pretty consistently churns out highly binge-worthy shows and original series. From “Stranger Things”, to the adrenaline-pinching “Ozark” and the beloved ensemble show “Orange Is the New Black,” there are almost too many to count. One of the most addicting shows that the streamer has to offer is “Dead to Me,” which follows two women who meet in a grieving support group, and from there get involved in an unexpected world of crime and conspiracy. All three seasons are stuffed with unexpected twists and turns, and almost every episode ends on a cliffhanger, making it pretty much impossible to avoid binge-watching. – Aurora Amidon

Parks and Recreation 

If you’re a fan of “The Office,” run – don’t walk – to Peacock and get started on your 7-season “Parks and Recreation” binge today. One of the greatest entries into the cringe-comedy-sitcom genre, the show follows the Parks department in a small town in Indiana. Perhaps the best thing about the show is its all-star cast, which has to be one of the greatest of all time. Some of the main actors include Amy Peohler, Rashida Jones, Paul Schneider, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe. Come on – can you really top that? – Aurora Amidon

Breaking Bad 

Often referred to as one of the best TV shows of all time, Vince Gilligan’s “Breaking Bad” premiered in 2013 and has since become a cult classic. The series follows a high school chemistry teacher named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) who, following a lung cancer diagnosis, decides to use his advanced chemistry skills to cook prime quality crystal meth so he can leave his family enough money after his death. Soon enough, Walter’s master plan spirals out of control and he sees himself in the midst of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s dangerous drug scene. Not only does “Breaking Bad” boast a superb high-concept premise, but it also remains consistently engaging and suspenseful throughout all five seasons, with cliffhangers that will leave you on the edge of your seat even on a second watch. Head to Netflix now to get started on your binge. – Aurora Amidon

Manifest

One of the lesser-known additions to this list, “Manifest” is one of the most binge-worthy hidden(ish) gems out there. The show starts with passengers landing from a seemingly short flight only to discover that they have somehow been missing and presumed dead for over five years. If that wild premise isn’t enough to hook you, rest assured that all four seasons of the show are wildly entertaining and perplexing, and are guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very end. Head to Netflix now to let the mystery begin. – Aurora Amidon

The Great British Bake Off

Perhaps the most wholesome show that this list has to offer, “The Great British Bake Off” is a reality cooking competition that sees amateur bakers competing in front of seasoned judges. Not only is it always fun to watch people battle for a prize, but the food on this show always looks utterly delicious, and everyone is so sweet to each other that it’s difficult to feast on any of the episodes without a smile on your face. The show has 13 seasons currently available on Netflix, with each tastier than the last. – Aurora Amidon

Freaks and Geeks 

Talk about a classic! Binge-watching “Freaks and Geeks” is bound to hit any viewer with a serious dosage of nostalgia. The 1999 show, which takes place in a high school in the early 1980s, centers around a group of wacky teens. Not only is it a fun throwback drama, it also offers the unique opportunity to look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars back in the early days of their careers, including Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and Busy Phillipps. Head over to Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+ or Pluto TV to binge the show now. – Aurora Amidon

Grey’s Anatomy

Without a doubt one of the most prolific TV shows out there, “Grey’s Anatomy” premiered back in 2005 and has been running for a total of 19 seasons – and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon! The show follows Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), a surgeon who makes her way through an internship, residency and eventual full-time position at Seattle Grace Hospital. Along the way, she has some pretty epic romances and friendships, and faces a great deal of trauma (including but not limited to: plane crashes, bomb scares and vengeful gunmen). So whether you’re in it for the action, the romance, or the medicine, “Grey’s” has something for everyone. Head over to Netflix to start your binge ASAP. – Aurora Amidon

Schitt’s Creek

Given that it is helmed by “American Pie’s” Eugene Levy and his son, Dan, it’s no surprise that “Schitt’s Creek” is an absolute barrel of laughs. The show follows a wealthy family who, after being found guilty of embezzling money, lose their fortune and are forced to turn to their one asset: a small town called Schitt’s Creek that they bought as a joke. Now streaming on Hulu and Freevee, the six-season show sees the family members adjusting to their new life, with hilarity naturally ensuing at every corner. – Aurora Amidon

Better Call Saul

It’s hard to think of a better spin-off show than “Better Call Saul,” a series based on “Breaking Bad’s” kooky criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk). The six-season show chronicles how Saul got involved in the brutal meth world of “Breaking Bad,” and is both harrowing and surprisingly funny. Not only was “Saul” very well-received, but some also deem it superior to its predecessor. Head over to Netflix now to see for yourself. – Aurora Amidon

The post 30 Binge-Worthy Shows to Watch Right Now appeared first on TheWrap.

So, how do we measure mass appeal in a more complicated world? At Ranker, we have found that the only truly helpful predictor of what a given person will enjoy watching is what they’ve enjoyed watching in the past. In our view, a “four quadrant” or “tentpole” title, whether a movie or a TV show, appeals to people with diverse pop culture tastes and preferences, not to people across a few overgeneralized groups.

And when you take off the demographic blinders, you might be surprised by the titles that really have this kind of cross-genre appeal: shows like Amazon Prime Video’s “Reacher.”

Reacher Is a Stealth Mega-Hit

The first season of “Reacher” premiered back in February of 2022 to relatively little fanfare. But while many critics ignored the show, it became the first Amazon original series to top Nielsen’s SVOD ratings the week after its premiere. “Reacher” also shot near the top of some competitive Ranker lists.

The consensus among fans was that “Reacher” wasn’t just one of the best new shows of the year, but one of the best action shows of all time. 

Last year, the year that perhaps represented the very peak of “Peak TV,” “Reacher” ended up at #4 on our list of The Best New TV Shows Of 2022, behind only “House of the Dragon,” “Severance,” and “Andor” — all shows that got a significant boost from critics. Even more impressively, it’s currently beating out “24” and “The Last of Us” to earn the #3 spot on The Best Action TV Shows, an all-time list with nearly 50,000 votes, and only climbing higher as the show’s second season arrives. 

The Action-Heavy Series Has Cross-Genre Appeal

Why is this success surprising? Thanks in part to the old-fashioned “four quadrant” mindset, which sometimes encourages us to indulge in stereotypical thinking. We don’t usually expect action titles to have mass appeal. For example, one common line of thinking around why “Titanic” was such a hit was that it deftly blended romance — supposedly a genre enjoyed exclusively by women — and action — supposedly only enjoyed by men. It’s easy to write off a show like “Reacher” as a “dude show” with zero crossover appeal. 

But when you forget about the demographic information that’s supposed to tell us what people like to watch and focus on what people actually like to watch, you see that “Reacher” appeals to fans of virtually every television genre. We know that because we used Ranker’s psychographic interests platform, Ranker Insights, to look at the other shows that “Reacher” fans are likelier to watch. What we found was that “Reacher” attracts fans of a broad spectrum of titles — and that action shows represent just a fraction of them.

Action shows — including network and cable series like “The Blacklist” and “Shooter” as well as fellow streaming originals like “The Night Agent” and “Slow Horses” — make up just 13% of the total number of shows that have an Affinity with “Reacher.” The plurality of shows that share fans with “Reacher” are dramas, an admittedly general category that features historical miniseries like “Chernobyl,” neo-Westerns like “Yellowstone,” and courtroom thrillers like “The Lincoln Lawyer.” But the list is filled out by Marvel superhero shows like “Moon Knight,” fantasy juggernauts like “The Witcher,” and comedies like “Wednesday” and “Ted Lasso.”

“Reacher” Isn’t Just Popular With Amazon Subscribers

But perhaps more importantly for Amazon, “Reacher” doesn’t just reach fans of all genres — it reaches subscribers to all platforms. 

“Reacher” has successfully broken out of the Amazon original silo, with 84% of the shows that share fans with the action/thriller available on other streamers. Many of these shows originally premiered on broadcast and cable networks and have been placed into the platforms where they now stream, so it’s also possible that a good portion of viewers are being pulled from linear TV audiences. These findings suggest that “Reacher” is so universally appealing that it could be used to conquer subscribers from other streamers.

While you may not hear the term “four quadrant” itself all that often anymore, the temptation to rely on the stereotypical logic behind it is still sometimes hard to resist. For people in the entertainment industry, the issue isn’t that this mode of thinking is outdated, necessarily — it’s that it’s inaccurate, causing you to underestimate the appeal of some titles and overestimate the appeal of others. When you have the right data, you find sleeper hits like “Reacher” less surprising.

Ryan Mach is a content marketing manager at Ranker, a WrapPRO partner. Ranker is a source of crowdsourced rankings on the internet, where millions of people come to voice their opinions on their favorite movies, TV shows, celebrities, and more. Visit Ranker Insights for more unique information about any audience or to contact us for more information.

For more from WrapPRO partners, visit the Data and Analysis Hub.

The post How Amazon’s ‘Reacher’ Defies Demographic Stereotypes With Cross-Genre Appeal | Chart appeared first on TheWrap.

Against this backdrop, there’s a potential opening for an alternative platform model to make headway in the market. Enter FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) platforms, characterized by their no-contract, password-free approach.

Demand data from Parrot Analytic reveals a notable surge in demand for the leading FAST platforms (Tubi, The Roku Channel, Freevee, and Pluto TV), which saw their combined TV catalog demand spike by 37.7% between the third quarters of 2022 and 2023. By comparison, the main SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) platforms witnessed a 31.3% increase in the same period.

This uptick in FAST platform popularity is largely propelled by Fox’s Tubi, which reported a staggering 73.1% growth rate, outpacing other FAST and SVOD platforms. The other FAST platforms grew from 24.5% to 37.7% over 12 months.

Notably, this demand surge wasn’t solely due to an expanded show lineup. In most instances, apart from The Roku Channel, demand growth exceeded supply growth, indicating an increased average demand for existing shows. Pluto TV, for instance, experienced demand growth even as its TV catalog shrank.

As cord-cutting accelerates in the U.S., audiences may adopt FAST channels’ familiar linear-like interface as a no-cost entertainment substitute. However, it’s crucial to note that despite these impressive growth rates, FAST platforms still occupy a smaller market share than the SVOD group, both in overall demand and catalog size.

FAST and SVOD platforms distinguish themselves through their unique features and catalog compositions. FAST platforms, for example, typically have a smaller proportion of exclusive content. For instance, only 16.1% of Freevee’s TV catalog demand stems from exclusive series. This figure dips even lower for other platforms, with Pluto TV at 7.3%. By contrast, the main SVOD platforms boast an average exclusive demand share of 52.3%.

FAST platforms generally attract audiences for unscripted content and older scripted shows released on linear channels. On average, an exclusive show on a FAST platform was released 11 years ago and draws 1.5 times the demand of the average show as of November 2023. In contrast, exclusive shows on major SVOD platforms are typically newer and more sought-after, with an average release time of six years and a demand multiplier of 2.8.

Despite this, several highly popular exclusive shows on FAST platforms highlight their strengths. For example, Freevee boasts original shows like “Bosch: Legacy,” and licensed shows such as “Person Of Interest” and the original “Magnum, P.I.” Pluto TV focuses more on unscripted content, featuring shows like “Dr. Phil” and “Judge Judy.” The Roku Channel offers the comedy “2 Broke Girls” and select originals, while Tubi hosts all 26 seasons of the classic “Doctor Who” series.

Daniel Quinaud is a senior data analyst at Parrot Analytics, a WrapPRO partner. For more from Parrot Analytics, visit the Data and Analysis Hub.

For all of TheWrap’s Hollywood strike coverage, click here.

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The streamer revealed the landing date for Gerwig’s take on Mattel’s famous toy, which struts onto Max less than six months following its July 21 theatrical release date. The film will be available starting at midnight to kick off the weekend that Friday.

An American Sign Language (ASL) version of the film will also be available to stream on the same date, featuring ASL performer Leila Hanaumi. Hanaumi is known for Deaf Austin Theatre’s “The Laramie Project” and the ASL cover for Tove Lo in the “True Romance” music video. “Barbie With ASL” will be displayed as a unique title in-app and can be identified by its key art with the sign language symbol.

“Max is the premiere destination for storytelling, so being able to share the biggest movie of the year in ASL, the first language for many, will make this story resonate in a more meaningful way,” HBO and Max content chairman and CEO Casey Bloys said in a statement. “By offering sign language interpretation, we will build upon the film’s empowering message of inclusiveness and offer a unique viewing experience for the Deaf community to enjoy with family and friends.”

Max will host a community screening to celebrate the arrival of “Barbie With ASL” on the platform in which star Margot Robbie will join Hanaumi onstage for a post-screening conversation for community members and Barbie fans. The event will be in collaboration with the esteemed Tony Award-winning nonprofit, Deaf West Theatre, and RespectAbility, whose mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.

Since its theatrical launch, “Barbie” has broken all sorts of records at the box office, not to mention grossing over a billion dollars and becoming the highest-grossing box office hit before inflation in Warner Bros. 100 years. The film’s soundtrack recently scored eleven Grammy nods as well, including Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night,” Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie World,” Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” and “I’m Just Ken” performed by Ryan Gosling. 

The post ‘Barbie’ Is Finally Streaming on Max appeared first on TheWrap.

The New York Times reported last month that Netflix halted nearly $3 million worth of ads, citing X estimates. But TheWrap has come across posts by Netflix advertising its films “Maestro” and “May December.”

When asked for comment, an X spokesperson confirmed to TheWrap that Netflix has resumed advertising on the platform. Representatives for Netflix did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.

On Nov. 15, Musk endorsed a verified account named @breakingbaht, which wrote, “Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them.” He responded to the post, writing, “You have said the actual truth.”

The “actual truth” tweet came in conjunction with a Media Matters report that found X not adhering to agreed-upon brand safety measures for advertisers’ content. It found the social media platform placing its ads alongside content that “touts Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party,” prompting multiple brands to suspend their advertising, including Disney, Paramount, Apple, Sony and Lionsgate.

On Nov. 16, X CEO Linda Yaccarino responded to the controversy, tweeting that “X’s point of view has always been very clear that discrimination by everyone should stop across the board — I think that’s something we can and should all agree on.”

“When it comes to this platform — X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination. There’s no place for it anywhere in the world — it’s ugly and wrong,” she wrote. “Full stop.”

The following day, Musk called advertisers the “greatest oppressors of your right to free speech.” He proceeded to file a lawsuit against Media Matters on Nov. 20.

During the Times’ DealBook Summit on Nov. 29, Musk told advertisers who suspended ad buys to “go f–k yourself.”

“If somebody’s going to try to blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money. Go f–k yourself,” he said.

But he also apologized, saying that he “handed a loaded gun to those who hate me, and arguably to those who are antisemitic.”

“For that I’m quite sorry. That was not my intention,” he continued. “I should in retrospect not have replied to that particular post.”

Musk maintained that his agreement was largely taken out of context and “subsequently clarified in replies, but those clarifications were ignored by the media.” He added that a trip to Israel and meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not “an apology tour” for the post and other widely publicized instances of antisemitism at X.

The New York Times has estimated that X could lose as much as $75 million in advertising revenue by the end of the year due to the suspensions.

The post Netflix Resumes Advertising on X After Elon Musk Controversy appeared first on TheWrap.

This will be the fourth feature Levy has made with Reynolds, following “Free Guy,” “The Adam Project” and the upcoming third “Deadpool” film, slated for release in 2024.

The untitled heist flick is written by Dana Fox (“Cruella”), but plot details are being kept under wraps, with Netflix merely describing it as a “high-concept ensemble action comedy film.”

Levy will also join the movie as a producer via his 21 Laps, joining a producing team that includes Reynolds, via Maximum Effort, and Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon through Genre Films. Ashley Fox and Johnny Pariseau of Maximum Effort are also producing. Molly Milstein and Margy Love are executive producers.

Levy and Reynolds have had a fruitful partnership, churning out high concept, low calorie crowd pleasers with “Free Guy,” which brought in over $300 million worldwide, and “The Adam Project,” which debuted to the third-best opening weekend ever for a Netflix film. Their highly anticipated “Deadpool” collab costars Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and will be released by Disney on July 26, 2024, after being paused due to the strikes.

Levy most recently directed the prestige miniseries “All the Light We Cannot See” for Netflix. He is also one of the producers of Netflix’s hugely popular “Stranger Things” and usually directs at least one episode a season.

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Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke, and produced by Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, the film had Black and Hispanic households over-indexing on viewership compared to the average household (at 8% and 6%, respectively). 

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” available on VOD and Netflix, landed in a strong second place this week. The box office smash and kid-friendly adaptation of the video game hit the streamer right before the holidays after a successful jaunt in theaters across the country.

At No. 3 this week is the Christmas comedy “Family Switch” starring Jennifer Garner. The film had 1.3 million U.S. households watching in its first four days streaming on Netflix. Boston (+33%), Pittsburgh (+20%) and Cleveland (+18%) all over-indexed on viewership by double digits compared to the average household. Hispanic households were also nearly 10% more likely to tune in than the average household in the initial viewing window.

Amazon Prime Video’s “Candy Cane Lane” landed on the charts another week at No. 4. Netflix swept the next three spots on the leaderboard with “Squid Game: The Challenge,” season five of “Virgin River” and the first season of action thriller “Obliterated.”

Taylor Sheridan’s “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” continues to deliver for Paramount+, landing on the streaming charts for the fifth consecutive week. Rounding out the final two spots this week are Netflix’s “Leo” and the 2018 film “Hunter Killer.” 

On broadcast television, NBC’s “The Voice” earned the week’s top telecast and three of the Top 10 spots on the leaderboard as the Top 12 singers performed and scores were announced live. The NBC program managed to edge out the season finale of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” which garnered No. 2 this week as Xochitl Gomez and her partner were crowned Season 32’s champions. Third this week was the CBS special “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop,” where a star-studded lineup of hip-hop legends came together to celebrate the genre and its contributions to music. 

Christmas is in full swing with holiday specials on broadcast TV. “Christmas at the Opry,” hosted by host Wynonna Judd, comes in fourth. The country music special included live performances from Kelly Clarkson, “This Is Us” actress Chrissy Metz, and more. Finally, airings of “Wheel of Fortune” on ABC and “Survivor” on CBS made the charts another week alongside FOX’s “Herd for the Holidays.” 

Cole Strain is VP and Head of R&D at Samba TV, a WrapPRO partner. Click here for more data and analysis from Samba TV.

The Wrap Report provides an exclusive first look at the most watched movies and TV series from the past week across both streaming and linear television sourced from viewership trends collected from Samba TV’s panel of more than 3 million households drawn from over 25 million connected TVs, balanced to the U.S. Census.

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