Netflix recently announced that its limited series His & Hers has landed on its list of most-watched TV shows of all time.
While this news surprised me, maybe it shouldn’t have.
His & Hers certainly isn’t the first Netflix limited series to take off, and it won’t be the last.
(Eli Joshua Ade/Netflix)
While the quality of Netflix’s limited series is undeniably good, there’s another reason why Netflix has been so successful in this genre.
The streamer has found its perfect elements that make its limited series such worldwide hits.
To Make a Perfect Storm
Netflix has proven time and time again to be killing it in the limited series category for so many years now.
With series like Baby Reindeer, Adolescence, and Queens Gambit racking up awards, there’s no doubt that the storytelling in these shows is excellent on their own.
However, there’s also something else at play to essentially guarantee consistent success for Netflix in this category.
(Netflix)
It’s no secret that Netflix caters to viewers with short attention spans.
Even though Netflix has claimed that it doesn’t ask writers to restate plot points multiple times, the streamer has already earned that repetition.
So, when you pair Netflix’s target audience of people with short attention spans with limited series with short seasons of six to ten episodes, it’s a guaranteed win.
Plus, limited series require very little investment from the viewers’ side, too.
By watching a limited series, viewers don’t have to wait for another season.
(Courtesy of Netflix)
Limited series deliver a complete, satisfactory story to audiences.
This promise is especially important for Netflix viewers who typically have to wait multiple years between seasons (I mean, look at Stranger Things!)
Also, the streamer has built a pretty steady reputation for delivering consistently good limited series, whereas the quality of its other series can be… variable.
If It Ain’t Broke, Renew It!
(Eli Joshua Ade/Netflix)
Compared to traditional broadcast and cable models, Netflix hasn’t prioritized longevity in recent years.
It hasn’t had a House of Cards or Orange is the New Black in such a long time.
I can hardly even recall a Netflix original series that’s hit over four seasons, but there have been so many limited series that have been hits.
The streamer seems aware of this, too, which is why it seems like limited series are its new way of testing the waters of longevity.
There have been countless limited series that have been given more seasons because of how popular they are.
(Andrew Cooper/Netflix)
Just recently, Beef had a new season, and Squid Game got three seasons. Yet both were originally billed as limited series.
Therefore, from a business perspective, it’s no wonder that Netflix would invest in its limited series strategy.
If limited series don’t succeed, then Netflix doesn’t have to worry about letting audiences down with another one of its famous one-season cancellations.
While I personally don’t love limited series, I can’t deny that Netflix has been crushing it in the category for years now.
I’m definitely curious to see whether it can keep up the momentum of its successes.
(Ed Miller/Netflix)
Netflix’s strategy of investing in limited series works both to cater to their target audience and to keep their investments low.
As long as it continues delivering series with great stories, then Netflix has the perfect formula to keep loyal viewers subscribed and waiting for the next great limited series.
Are you a fan of the limited series that Netflix produces? Which ones are your favorites?
Comment your recommendations below!
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