Trends in Television

Over the years, we have seen TV networks follow different trends that are either different or similar to other networks. The competition it always fierce in order to Bobtain viewers for new and existing shows. Networks will form their strategies going into the most important seasons such as the fall and winter. To go deeper into the trends happening now, Adweek looked at a few in 2015.

Giving The Fans What They Want

First, the success of FOX’s new show Empire has gained a lot of attention because f the way FOX got to this point with the show. The network had a strategic marketing campaign where they targeted multiple demographics that led to it becoming its first new show that saw its ratings rise each week. The most important thing FOX did was directing its audiences to catch up with the series via VOD and streaming. As we know, digital streaming is becoming the favorable way to watch TV because one can watch at a time that is best for them.

One of the most interesting trends adweek highlighted was the fact that non-white TV stars are having success and more networks will start to follow this trend. This is showing that networks are open to innovating and diversity, which is beneficial to gain a larger and more diverse audience. One of the main ways for networks to stick with what they know is the content of the show. If certain storylines are working, it is smart to continue with storylines that give off similar emotional reactions. This is a big reason why our favorite shows are multiplying with more and more seasons.

Taking Over

Another trend that has stood out is branded network rights, such as ABC rolling ut its #TGIT campaign for its packed Thursday night lineup. ABC’s entertainment president has said branding an entire night of TV is ‘”very difficult” and he wouldn’t be surprised if other networks try this strategy as well. If someone consuming TV is loyal to a certain network on a certain night, their trust for that network will grow when it comes to other shows on other days.

As consumers of television, we control the content provided because it’s all about the audience. Networks are smart to look at what other networks are doing and what is working. Digital streaming is starting to take over and networks who provide their shows via streaming are putting themselves ahead of their competitors.

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3 Responses to Trends in Television

  1. sro5073 says:

    With things like Netflix and other movie streaming sites now available and thriving it is very important that shows keep up with this trend. With people’s busy lives and crazy schedules and in this day and age having the ability to stream your shows, it just seems silly not to. I think this article really drives home the importance of keeping up with the trends that happen in the Television market. There is no question people love just vegging out and watching their favorite show on repeat so FOX streaming their new show, Empire was a very smart move on their part and it clearly had great success because it was the first show that saw its ratings rise each week. I also really like the #TGIT campaign because it will raise awareness using a medium that kids and teens are very familiar with and accustomed to, hastagging. This will spread the word faster then ever, provoking people to tune in for Thursday nights. Overall, FOX seems like it has the right idea and it will be interesting to see what other networks follow in their footsteps.

  2. Mackenzie Schrock says:

    I think this is a very interesting topic discover given your major. I think major TV networks have had a lot to think about in recent times because of the popularity of streaming sites like Netflix and with social media use as a newer marketing tool. I think Fox allowing Empire to be streamed so people can catch up on their own time is a great way to boost the show’s popularity. I know for me, I often can not watch a show live and once I get behind I cannot watch the show live cause I have missed too much. Being able to stream episodes I missed as the season is going on would allow me to get caught up and watch the new episodes live. I also think ABC using #TGIT to attract audiences on social media to their Thursday night lineup is a great marketing tool. It gets people on social media excited for all the new shows/episodes that night and gets people tweeting about those shows. Live tweeting favorite TV shows has grown a lot of social media and has expanded the audience for those shows. Both ideas are innovative and new and I expect to be seeing more of these strategies in the future.

  3. Rashed Kamal says:

    Television networks change their trends constantly in order to compete with other networks and obtain viewers. The use of diversity in television shows has been apparent in recent years, with networks making a point to have characters from different demographics. The latest trend I have noticed is the use of homosexual characters in television shows. Every television I have watched recently has at least one homosexual character, which is trend used to appeal to the LGBT community. Something else I have noticed with television shows is that they are constantly selling sex. This has been a trend for a while now because television networks know that sex sells. It is something that attracts a huge number of viewers, and has become almost a necessity for a show to be successful.

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