In 2019, Netflix released 371 original movies and TV shows surpassing the total number of TV shows released in 2005 by the entire industry. The streaming service was launched in 2007. However, its popularity increased rapidly once it started releasing original content. The first ever original Netflix show was political drama House of Cards which premiered in 2013. Two new dramas, Hemlock Grove and Orange Is the New Black, were released just months later. As its originals rapidly gained traction, Netflix branched out to comedy releasing Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Grace and Frankie and Master of None all in 2015. Original Marvel series Daredevil and Jessica Jones also debuted in 2015. From there, the floodgates opened, and Netflix added more original TV series and movies each year.

Variety Insight collected data proving Netflix has released more original content than ever before in 2019 including Golden Globe nominated The Politician, Marriage Story and The Irishman. From 2018 to 2019, Netflix released 54.6% more original content increasing from 240 to 371. Not only has Netflix broken its own records, but records set by the entire TV industry. Netflix released more content in 2019 than the entire TV industry has prior to 2006. In 2005, only 292 shows were released, and that number only decreases with each prior year.

While Netflix has been conquering the streaming industry for the past decade, other streaming services are gaining speed in the race to the top. Disney+ launched a little over a month ago, and viewers are already spending more time watching content on Disney+ than Netflix. Apple TV has also launched its own service with its original show The Morning Show already receiving Golden Globe nominations. Many popular shows on Netflix like The Office and Friends are being pulled in preparation for new streaming services like HBO Max and NBC’s Peacock. Netflix is expected to lose nearly 4 million subscribers due to these new streaming services and their competitive prices. Netflix will likely retaliate with even more original content in 2020.

Netflix has provided opportunities for creatives in the TV industry. The more original shows it takes on, the more writers’ scripts are being bought and roles are available for actors. Writers are also able to pitch shows that may be deemed too controversial for broadcast networks which allows masterpieces like Orange Is the New Black, Russian Doll, and Black Mirror to be created. These are also the kind of shows that viewers are demanding more of. The Golden Globes recognition is the concrete evidence that viewers want the unique, non-cookie cutter shows that streaming services like Netflix can provide.

However, this raises the question, “How much is too much?” While Netflix released a lot of new TV shows and movies in 2019, how much of it is quality content? If there are only three or four breakout shows out of 371, is Netflix really batting a thousand? It may be wiser for Netflix to prioritize quality over quantity in 2020 if it wants to retain its subscribers.

Next: Disney+ Shows Already Have One Big Difference To Netflix

Source: Variety Insight