Everyone Thought Streaming Would Fix This Problem…But It Only Made Things WORSE

It’s official. Using a streaming service to watch TV has become the new normal.

©Disney

Things especially changed once streaming companies like Netflix and Hulu began to introduce their own TV shows exclusive to one subscription platform. Now, most streamers offer some kind of original programming, including Disney+. In fact, Disney has released a lot of original content, including new Star Wars and Marvel TV shows. At one point, it felt like we were in the middle of a TV renaissance. Except…things are changing.

When streaming services first began offering original content, they seemed pretty dedicated to letting original series run their course without quick cancellations. That began to change as more and more companies stepped into the streaming arena. Now, it feels like shows are getting canceled all the time, doesn’t it?

©Netflix

Now that competition has picked up, streamers are struggling to find more ways to be profitable. When Disney CEO Bob Iger returned to his position, he was quoted as saying that streaming was his #1 priority. That seems to be something a lot of companies are focusing on now, which means they’re taking a good hard look at their original content and making cuts.

Bob Iger message at Destination D23

Big cuts mean shows getting canceled, which is certainly happening more right now. But which streamer is making the most cuts? Well, according to Variety, that answer isn’t surprising: it’s HBO’s Max, which recently went through a complete restructuring involving cutting a LOT of shows (26.9% of its original content). However, you might think Netflix would be right up there, too, considering it has a reputation for being cancel-happy. But it’s actually Disney+ that’s coming in second place with show cancellations at 21.1 percent.

©Disney

Disney+ has been on a cancelation roll recently. It’s canceled many of its original series, including National Treasure, The Mysterious Benedict Society, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., and more. The streamer has also pulled many series from its available streaming library. Not only that, but Disney+ has decided not to move forward with several other original projects that were in the works.

©Disney

Coming in third in Variety’s cancelation rate study was Paramount+, followed by Hulu. Although Netflix has a reputation for canceling shows, it’s actually behind Hulu with just 10.2%. Here’s how all the streamers came out when it comes to series cancellations. This chart also shows how streaming cancellations compare to broadcast and cable cancellations.

©Variety

As you can see, if you combine all the streaming subscription services, there are far more series cancellations than on broadcast TV. So, if streaming was supposed to fix that problem, it seems to have become worse. We’re likely to see even MORE cancellations soon, too, especially if the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes continue.

We’ll be keeping an eye on Disney+, of course, and let you know what shows get the axe next. Stay tuned to DFB for more.

Here’s How Disney+ Is Financially Doing

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What do you think? Do you think these cancellations will affect how people watch streaming TV? Let us know in the comments!