- Procedurals Are Back: In a world craving escapism from crises, the procedural genre is riding high again, offering viewers consistent, comforting storytelling.
- Streamers Are Going for Gold: Platforms like Netflix, Max, and Hulu are not just hoarding procedurals; they’re actively commissioning fresh content that capitalizes on their evergreen appeal.
- Evolving Engagement: Limited series may be losing their luster as streamers shift focus towards maximizing viewer retention with familiar faces and predictable patterns.
Well friends, grab your detective hats and put on your thinking caps because the procedural genre is making a delicious comeback—no, it’s not just your mom’s “Law & Order” marathon. With everything from conflict to pandemics whirling around us, and let’s not forget that pesky economic stress, viewers are crying out for some good old escapism. Enter the humble procedural, no longer just a relic of the past but poised to reclaim its throne in the television universe. And guess what? The streamers are swooping in like hawks eager for their next meal.
The Resurgence of Procedurals
If you’ve been living under a rock, let me fill you in. Procedurals are those quintessential shows where some grizzled detective teams up with an eager rookie to solve crimes week after week. They’ve had their ups and downs, but right now, these formats are hotter than a summer sidewalk in July. Why? Because escapism is the name of the game. Who doesn’t want to escape into a world where a savvy detective can unravel the knottiest mysteries before sunset? And, to put it mildly, this genre is in vogue.
The Rise of International Franchises
You’d think that in a time of streaming giants and social media influencers, procedurals could only fade into irrelevance, right? Wrong! International franchises like NCIS, Death in Paradise, and SEAL Team are not just maintaining their ground—they’re expanding wildly. Imagine if these franchises had a party; everyone would show up, begging for more episodes.
The Streamer Strategy
It’s no secret that streamers have a love/hate relationship with content. While they’re busy snatching up popular titles, they’re also hungry for fresh blood. They’re not just collecting procedurals; they’re diving headfirst into production. Here’s a sneak peek into what’s cooking:
Hot New Titles by Streamers:
- Pulse (Netflix): A medical procedural from Carlton Cuse of Lost fame.
- High Potential (ABC/Hulu): The American remake of the hit French-Belgian procedural HPI.
- New Cop Drama (Max): Based on Geraldine Hart’s real-life experiences as an FBI agent.
Can you feel the excitement?
The Downgrade of Limited Series
Now, let’s chat briefly about limited series. Remember when they were all the rage? Well, spoiler alert: They may be fading into the background. Sure, there’s still a place for them, but current analytics suggest major players are pivoting toward shows with recurring engagement. Why? Because it’s less risky and way easier to market something where viewers already know the characters and are invested in the arc.
Future-Proofing with Familiar Faces
Brandon Katz, a Senior Entertainment Industry Strategist at Parrot Analytics, put it aptly when he said,
“Procedurals have become a foundational building block both for linear and streaming.”
That’s the kind of classic jab that makes you rethink your entire relationship with TV. Procedurals not only draw in consistent viewers but are also extremely recyclable. This means networks can spin off new shows like your parents spinning off a discussion about your love life—endlessly and often without a hint of creativity.
Why Streamers Love Procedurals
Let’s break this down a little because there are some golden nuggets here. Here’s why procedurals have charmed their way back into the hearts of streamers and networks alike:
Benefits of the Procedural Format:
- Consistent Viewership: Think of it like your favorite breakfast cereal; you know what you’re going to get and you like it.
- Recyclable: It’s easy to spin off new IPs. If one detective show is working, why not make three more?
- Engagement Levels: Katz mentions that procedurals have some of the highest levels of genre affinity. Once you’re in, it’s hard to resist the pull of that next episode.
A Look Back at Procedural Successes
| Show Title | Network | Launch Year | Season Count | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCIS | CBS | 2003 | 20 | Spin-off potential, long-running cast |
| Death in Paradise | BBC One | 2011 | 10 | Beautiful locations, vibrant characters |
| SEAL Team | CBS | 2017 | 6 | Military perspective, action-driven |
| Grey’s Anatomy | ABC | 2005 | 19 | Medical drama with rich character arcs |
Are you seeing a pattern? Procedurals are like the comfortable jeans of the TV world—reliable, familiar, and always there when you need a pick-me-up!
What Lies Ahead for the Genre?
Now, let’s gaze into our crystal ball. If we’re to take a wild guess, we could easily postulate that procedurals will only keep gaining traction in this overly complex and often bitter TV climate. As Brandon Katz suggests, “audiences don’t have to be sold on something new,” which is pretty darn handy for cash-strapped networks and streamers alike.
Future Trends:
- More Spin-offs: Expect to see networks building franchises like they’re going out of style. If it sells, baby, make more!
- Sub-genres: With success from Pulse and High Potential, we might start to see variations that blend genres—like comedy-crime or sci-fi-medical procedures!
- More Focus on Viewer Retention: Instead of trying to lure in new subscribers with new shows, networks will double down on keeping their audience glued to the screen.
A Little Bit of Sarcasm
But let’s not forget, while we’re riding this wave, there are some folks who would argue (probably over a glass of wine) that procedurals are all just the same washed-up formula. “Oh look! Another crime gets solved by a quirky duo!” So here’s a thought—are we all just masochists watching the same story unfold, or do we genuinely find comfort in the familiarity?
Rhetorical question time! Isn’t the joy of operating within our comfort zones sometimes worth the eye rolls? At some point, can’t we just appreciate clever writing and character development?
Reflecting on Procedurals in Our Lives
We tend to gravitate toward what feels like home. Think about it: during tough times, who hasn’t turned to a good show? Sure, we could veg out to some reality TV trainwreck, but why not dive into a compelling story filled with moral quandaries and spine-tingling suspense instead? That feels better, doesn’t it?
So, What’s the Take?
Procedurals might be labeled formulaic by some, but in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, who doesn’t want the comforting predictability of a good “whodunit”? Much like our favorite childhood snacks, these shows offer a nostalgic taste of security at a time when the world feels ever so chaotic.
In Conclusion: Procedurals aren’t just surviving; they’ve transformed into a bedrock essential for broadcasters and streamers alike. As we look towards the future, the genre appears set for not merely survival, but a substantial renaissance, all while giving viewers the escape they crave. So pull out that popcorn, sit back, and join in on the excitement—because, folks, the procedural is back, baby!
