Streaming Services’ Cancellation Rates Analyzed in Recent Study
A recent study conducted by Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP+) and Luminate delved into the cancellation rates of various streaming and linear programmers over the past three years. The study, titled “The Show Must Go Off,” analyzed data from 2020 to August 8, 2023, and aimed to settle the ongoing debate regarding the cancellation policies of different platforms.
| Facts of the News |
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| Max had the highest cancellation rate at 26.9% |
| Netflix improved its cancellation rate yearly from 2020 to 2023 |
| Apple TV+ recorded the lowest cancellation rate of 4.9% |
The report revealed that Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Max (formerly HBO Max) had the highest cancellation rate at 26.9%, significantly reducing its content following the Warner Bros.-Discovery merger in 2022. In contrast, Netflix, often criticized for canceling shows frequently, had a cancellation rate of only 10.2%, ranking fifth among the platforms studied. Notably, Netflix has been reducing its cancellation rate each year from 2020 to 2023.
Apple TV+ boasted the lowest cancellation rate at 4.9%, partly due to its lack of catalog programming. The platform is known for its acclaimed series like “Ted Lasso” and “The Morning Show.” The study also highlighted that there was not a significant difference in the total number of series cancellations between streaming and linear platforms, with 221 cancellations on streaming services compared to 193 on linear TV from 2020 to 2023.
Furthermore, the study found that both streaming and linear platforms tend to cancel shows in their first season more frequently than those that have been on air for a longer period. The data suggested that cancellation rates have been decreasing across all platforms from 2020 to 2023, contradicting the perception that cancellations have become more frequent over time.
| Linear TV Defined |
|---|
| Linear TV refers to traditional television services where programs are scheduled by the broadcasters and viewed at a set time. It is different from streaming services where viewers can choose what to watch and when. Linear TV includes broadcast and cable television platforms. Learn more about linear TV on Wikipedia. |
What insights does the study provide regarding Netflix’s cancellation policy?
The study contradicts the common perception that Netflix frequently cancels shows. It revealed that Netflix had a cancellation rate of 10.2% during the period studied, ranking fifth among the platforms analyzed. Moreover, Netflix has been improving its cancellation rate each year from 2020 to 2023, becoming less prone to canceling shows over time.
How does Apple TV+ fare in terms of cancellation rates compared to other platforms?
Apple TV+ recorded the lowest cancellation rate among all the platforms studied, with a rate of 4.9%. This low rate is partly attributed to the platform’s lack of catalog programming. Apple TV+ is known for hosting acclaimed series such as “Ted Lasso” and “The Morning Show,” which have enjoyed successful runs and favorable renewals.
Has the cancellation rate of TV shows increased over the years?
Contrary to the perception that TV show cancellations have increased over time, the study found that cancellation rates have been decreasing across all platforms, including streaming and linear TV, from 2020 to 2023. The data suggests a trend of declining cancellation rates over the years, with a notable decrease observed in the last year of the study period.
Source: Variety