Two Game Changing TV Shows

With an increasing number of subscription services that allow audiences to watch their favorite TV shows whenever they want and, with some, the ability to bypass commercials entirely- the nature of TV viewing  is changing. Another revolutionary trend is taking shape within the television world: original programming on streaming services. This Two for Tuesday, we’ll look at two of these original series: House of Cards and the revival of Arrested Development.

House of Cards

House of Cards, Netflix’s most attention-grabbing original programming, combines serious star power with critical acclaim. Not only does House of Cards star Kevin Spacey and other high profile names such as Robin Wright and Kate Mara, but David Fincher served as an Executive Producer and director of the first two episodes. The project production reached a level usually reserved for only big-time network pilots. Once released, the series received strong reviews among critics across the board, due mostly to Spacey’s captivating portrayal of conniving, ambitious politician, Frank Underwood. The show’s rapid success allowed Netflix to commit to two full seasons.

Arrested Development

As a self-admitted, unabashed TV junkie, I’m considering this week a special one as the cult hit Arrested Development returns. The fan-favorite ran for three seasons between 2003 and 2006 before its untimely cancellation. Fans of the show have been clamoring for its return ever since, and their wishes were granted in 2011 when Netflix agreed to develop 15 new episodes (all to be released at the same time). Now, eager fans await the Bluth family homecoming, as season four premiers on Sunday, May 26th. While calling this one an “original” series may not be entirely correct, the programming is pretty unique seeing as the fourth season was produced and released entirely for Netflix.

These shows are just two examples of how instant streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu are changing the television broadcast game with viable, unique programming. This innovative approach to television programming speaks volumes about creatively reaching out to audiences and consumers. However, since these paid services pretty much eliminate commercials entirely, they also come with some problems for marketers to address.  Reaching audiences through televisions broadcasts will have to be as innovative as the game changing programming itself.

Cover Photo Source: Avijeet Sachdev via Flickr
Photo Source 1: David Erickson via Flickr
Photo Source 2: Chris Favero via Flickr

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wpmaster.sjadv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Our-Space-The-San-Jose-Group.png[/author_image] [author_info] Kevin is a junior executive at SJG. A Texas native, he is currently working on obtaining a BA from Northwestern University in Comparative Literary Studies and Creative Writing, with a special interest in media and pop culture in Latin America and the Latino U.S. His love of TV is only outpaced by his love of his hometown San Antonio Spurs.[/author]