The number of unscripted shows commissioned in North America fell by 14% in the run-up to the writer-actor strikes, as the unscripted boom seen in the previouslaboraction failed to materialize.
Ampere Analysismeasured the volume of North American unscripted titles commissioned between H1 2022 and H1 2023, just after the writers first put down their pens and a few weeks beforeSAG-AFTRAcalled members to action.
While the previous labor strikes in 2007-08 are widely regarded as leading to an unscripted boom, Amperes research shows that the networks didnt rush to the genre as the action approached, and this has been confirmed anecdotally via Deadlines conversations with unscripted producers over the past few months.
The Masked SingerMichael Becker / ©Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection
Ampere found that unscripted shows based on formats were less affected in North America, with a decrease of just 6% over the same period.
Related Stories
Germany’s Seriencamp Sets 2025 Plans With ‘Ghosts’, Games, Co-Production & Focus On Innovation Amid Industry Disruption
Writers Guild Of America West Staff Union Wins Voluntarily Recognition, Moves To Negotiate First Contract
Masked Singer boom
Amperes global formats research found that the world is becoming less reliant on English-language titles.
Between H1 2019 and H1 2023, the proportion of English-language formats being commissioned worldwide tumbled from 59% to 36%.
Watch on Deadline
The growth in Korean formats was flagged as a major factor, with the likes ofTheMasked SingerandI Can See Your Voicetravelling.
MBCsThe Masked Singerwas commissioned 29 times over the period, more than any other show, ahead ofMasterChefandThe Voicein second.
Big BrotherandSurvivormakerBanijaycomfortably topped the global format sales chart for the four-year period with 824 titles based on its formats, which doubledITV Studiosin second.
Banijay owned a fifth of the top 20 formats globally, according to the research, although ITV Studios technically exported more new formats than any other owner, with the majority of Banijays being renewals in existing markets.
While streamers have a long way to go to compete with more established players in the formats landscape VoD commissions made up just 15% of all format-based commissions announced between H1 2019 and H1 2023 Ampere said they are increasingly focused on using formats as a way to boost local originals.
The future will represent unprecedented competition for Western European format owners, said Olivia Deane, Senior Analyst at Ampere, as more international and global players increase their focus on format-based titles.
With commissioners facing more stringent spending limits, format-based titles offer an opportunity for companies to reduce risk by recreating shows that have a proven track record, added Deane.
