The streaming platform that revolutionized entertainment through premium television series and films available instantly for subscribers is now pivoting toward programming formats that previously anchored traditional cable television packages, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the streaming service has engaged in discussions with Spotify regarding collaborative ventures on multiple entertainment projects, including a potential music awards ceremony or ongoing live concert programming. Industry sources familiar with these negotiations told The Wall Street Journal that the company has also explored producing high-profile celebrity interview content and rapid-production documentaries designed to capture current events and trending topics.
The entertainment giant is simultaneously reviving the legendary talent competition "Star Search" while maintaining a strong emphasis on musical content, The Wall Street Journal noted. The company plans to launch "Building the Band" next week, with another music-focused competition series currently in development that executives hope to release within the coming months, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Households that eliminated cable subscriptions or never subscribed to traditional cable packages increasingly depend on the streaming service as their primary entertainment destination. The platform is strategically working to provide diverse content offerings spanning scripted programming and films to reality television, comedy content, and live broadcasting.
Identifying family-appropriate programming with global appeal remains crucial for the company's development of its advertising-supported subscription option, The Wall Street Journal reported. The service achieved significant success with "Love is Blind," which offered an innovative approach to dating shows, and "Million Dollar Secret," its interpretation of "Survivor," explained Brandon Riegg, vice president of nonfiction series and sports.
Jeff Gaspin, the executive who approved "The Voice" during his tenure at NBCUniversal, is leading the streaming platform's initiative to discover outstanding music competition programming and broaden unscripted content offerings. The self-described pop-culture enthusiast joined the organization in the previous year.
"Building the Band," featuring Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean as host, will showcase musicians competing for band positions. The innovative element involves contestants remaining unseen by each other until rehearsals commence, according to individuals with knowledge of the production. The concept combines elements of "Love Is Blind" with "The Voice."
The streaming service recently revealed plans for a trivia-focused game show featuring Neil Patrick Harris as host, titled "What's in the Box."
Although company executives have contemplated major celebrity interview programming, internal debates have focused on whether audiences would engage with full-length content when highlights would circulate on social media platforms almost immediately, according to people familiar with internal discussions cited by The Wall Street Journal.
The organization is developing a pilot program with Daily Beast, concentrating on rapid-turnaround coverage of trending non-political news stories. Semafor previously reported on the Daily Beast collaboration project.
Gaspin stated he doesn't anticipate the streaming service becoming a comprehensive news programming provider, which the company internally refers to as "information." "You can't cover news and be a news organization occasionally," he explained.
Leadership must also determine appropriate circumstances for producing unscripted programming as live broadcasts. The streaming platform has witnessed certain live events, including its Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing match last fall, generate massive viewership. However, that event experienced technical difficulties, as did a "Love is Blind" reunion special from previous years. The company successfully livestreamed two NFL games during Christmas without encountering problems.
Although "Building the Band" will be available on-demand, the streaming service might broadcast the finale live if a second season is produced, Riegg stated. The "Star Search" revival will enable audience members to participate in live voting.
"We don't want to do live for live's sake," Gaspin said. "If we are going to do live, we should have a reason."
