If you think Netflix has a lot of original content now, hold onto your butts. The streaming service launched 450 hours of original programming in 2015, which not only saw an increase in original series but also the launch of Netflix’s first original film,Beasts of No Nation—which, to be fair, was acquired by Netflixafterit was produced. However, we’ve merely seen the tip of the iceberg. Speaking at Goldman Sachs’ Communacopia conference on Tuesday, CFODavid Wells(viaVariety) said that Netflix is aiming towards having half of its content be original productions within the next few years, with the other half made up of licensed TV shows and movies.
In 2016 alone, Netflix plans to launch 600 hours of original programming, and we’ve heard the streaming service say before that the endgame is launching a new original production every single week of the year. In an era where there’s already too much TV, this may come as both good and bad news.
If you’re asking how in the world Netflix can keep up its quality with this much original programming, the answer is it probably won’t. Wells noted that not every show needs to be anOrange Is the New Black-sized hit:
“We don’t necessarily have to have home runs… We can also live with singles and doubles and triples especially commensurate with their cost.”
Indeed, singles and doubles are the hallmark of any successful TV network. USA skimped by pretty much exclusively with these fairly low-cost, medium-popularity shows likeSuitsandRoyal Painsbefore the prestige dramaMr. Robotcame along. And even a network like FX hasTyrantandThe Strainto balance outThe AmericansandFargo. Netflix has arguably already treaded into this territory with shows likeFuller HouseandThe Ranch.
While we’re now a long ways away from the expensive launch ofHouse of Cards, it does feel like we’re in the midst of a tide change for Netflix. The networkjust cancelled its first series inBloodline, announcing that the upcoming third season will be its last owing to the high cost of the series versus presumably lower viewership. Therein lies the rub: since Netflix refuses to release ratings numbers, we really have no idea who’s watching what aside from what Netflix tells us.
And thus Netflix’s path to world domination continues. It’s interesting to see the streaming service slowly become one of the major homes for prestige entertainment, as twoDavid Fincherprojects fell apart at HBO only to see theHouse of Cardsdirectorreturn to Netflix for a new series calledMind Hunter. And with low-profile shows likeStranger Thingsbreaking out in a big way, we now know Netflix users will find quality content on their own—they don’t necessarily need a big name star or director to convince them to watch. It’s not TV, it’s Netflix.
