The Future of Paramount+

[billd91]

The good news is that the truly good shows (as opposed to the ones we enjoy despite knowing they're mediocre or worse) will almost all survive, as they'll be picked up by other distributors, as the model shifts to an online version of how broadcast and cable television worked for decades.

I'm not sure that's a model anyone can really count on. It's worked for a few good examples including Arrested Development, The Expanse, and Longmire. But I suspect the streaming services are going to get pickier as they start dealing more with a sponsorship model rather than just a subscriber model like Netflix had when it picked up both Arrested Development and Longmire.

 

[Mallus]

I really want Paramount to license Star Trek out to another service.

 

[Mistwell]

Taylor Sheridan's shows remain the hottest things on television today.

 

[Mistwell]

Netflix still does, and they are number 1. And Disney+ is moving towards a full Seaspn dump now, moving forwards.

Ummmm. They have not done that yet and denied it, but then said they plan to continue to "experiment" which, in the PR world, means yeah they are looking to get out of the binge format but have contracts committing to it for now.

 

[Mistwell]

Nevermind

 

[Umbran]

This is correct, but I think it's too late for the genie to go back in the bottle, especially because of the continuing subscriptions issue and the fact that there are an ever-increasing number of competing streaming channels.

The pattern of, "turn on a subscription for a month to binge my shows, then turn it off," is possible because the pricing structure supports it. So, eventually, we can probably expect to eventually see changes to the pricing structure that encourages different patterns.

 

[Rabulias]

The pattern of, "turn on a subscription for a month to binge my shows, then turn it off," is possible because the pricing structure supports it. So, eventually, we can probably expect to eventually see changes to the pricing structure that encourages different patterns.

Many services offer discounts for subscribing for an entire year. I continually find it odd that Netflix (at least here in the USA) does not. Back at the height of Black Mirror, Lost in Space, and Stranger Things, I would have locked in. Instead it was a three-month sub and then dropped for a year.

 

[fluffybunbunkittens]

When HBOMax came out in my region, they did a 'get it at half price for as long as you stay subscribed' thing, and that is the sole reason why I am still subscribed. I just tend to game too much to passively binge-watch shows, so this arrangement has worked for me.

I'm out the moment they raise the price, ofc. Or the first time Netflix acts like our phones aren't part of our home setup. Basically, I'm just waiting for them to give me an excuse, then it's back to the high seas with a black flag again.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

I really want Paramount to license Star Trek out to another service.

Why? I should add here is Canada all the Star Trek shows are on CTV Sci Fi/Cravetv streaming.

 

[Ryujin]

Why? I should add here is Canada all the Star Trek shows are on CTV Sci Fi/Cravetv streaming.

And that's precisely where I wanted to do a rewatch of "Strange New Worlds", only to find that they (CTV SciFi Channel) had pulled it.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

And that's precisely where I wanted to do a rewatch of "Strange New Worlds", only to find that they (CTV SciFi Channel) had pulled it.

Just checked CraveTV and SNWs is still there.

 

[Ryujin]

Just checked CraveTV and SNWs is still there.

I don't have Crave, so that isn't an option. I do have cable, which is why I have access to the CTV SciFi Channel (was better when they just called it SPACE).

 

[Ruin Explorer]

The pattern of, "turn on a subscription for a month to binge my shows, then turn it off," is possible because the pricing structure supports it. So, eventually, we can probably expect to eventually see changes to the pricing structure that encourages different patterns.

Sure. Though it's hard to see them doing much that actually helps them longer-term, rather than just annoying consumers. A lot of these companies seem surprisingly bad at what they're doing, too.

 

[bloodtide]

I see the problem is the average family that is attached to "having" streaming services likely has three...often Netflix, Disney and a sports one. But no matter how cheap they are...they add up. And you might not think three is too much, but adding four or five or more....and you are right back to the Cable Problem of having a HUGE cost entertainment bill.

And the world wide streaming just gets silly and crazy. This show is only on X in the USA, but in place Y it's on W. And sure they have silly crazy reasons....but the viewer will just be like "why can't I just watch it on W?"

And with just Star Trek....maybe Paramount+ can save the channel if they were willing to do stuff they will NEVER do:

1.Make more CHEAP Star Trek shows. So for a good 20+ years Star Trek made some really cheap shows....as they had no choice. This includes MOST of TOS and TNG. Some of the shows had tiny budgets. BUT, at the SAME TIME a LOT of those episodes STILL ARE some of the BEST Star Trek shows EVER made. Tos City on the Edge of Forever has a couple of effects and then is shot on the Paramount Backlot. It tops most lists of "best Trek shows". TNGs Measure of a Man does not have 8 million dollars of CGI spam, and basically has one set: a courtroom. And your sure to find it on any "best of TNG list".

BOTH are perfect examples of "cheap" shows they can do without 8 million of CGI spam of some new aliens getting ready to destroy the universe...again.

So how about bump up the tiny small seasons of 9-13 shows, up to 20-24, using this model?

2.License out Star Trek to production outside the USA. Star Trek is loved world wide. Why not save some money by having world wide production? I bet a lot of production companies would jump at the chance. And P+ gets a bunch of new Star Trek shows. And this expands world wide Sci-Fi. And talk about diversity!


3.Maybe the CRAZIEST idea of all......how about getting a little help from the fans? There are a TON of Star Trek fan made 'shorts" shows. Sure not all are "great", but some are at least average or better. But there are a huge pool of fans willing to make content....that P+ can buy. P+ could buy them, and make them offical...and then even make 5-10 shows 'around' them to fill them out (maybe even getting some of the fans to come back). And for that matter....there is a TON of books, novels and such. How about P+ buy them and make shows about them?

 

[Mallus]

Why? I should add here is Canada all the Star Trek shows are on CTV Sci Fi/Cravetv streaming.

Because in the US it’s on Paramount+ and there too many streaming services for the market to support. I hear Evil is good, but other than that Paramount doesn’t have much outside of a few movies.

The sad thing most of these services have legitimately great shows. Apple has several. Heck, Peacock has two (Mrs. Davis & Poker Face).

 

[Umbran]

Sure. Though it's hard to see them doing much that actually helps them longer-term, rather than just annoying consumers. A lot of these companies seem surprisingly bad at what they're doing, too.

The industry is still very, very young.

 

[Ryujin]

I see the problem is the average family that is attached to "having" streaming services likely has three...often Netflix, Disney and a sports one. But no matter how cheap they are...they add up. And you might not think three is too much, but adding four or five or more....and you are right back to the Cable Problem of having a HUGE cost entertainment bill.

And the world wide streaming just gets silly and crazy. This show is only on X in the USA, but in place Y it's on W. And sure they have silly crazy reasons....but the viewer will just be like "why can't I just watch it on W?"

And with just Star Trek....maybe Paramount+ can save the channel if they were willing to do stuff they will NEVER do:

1.Make more CHEAP Star Trek shows. So for a good 20+ years Star Trek made some really cheap shows....as they had no choice. This includes MOST of TOS and TNG. Some of the shows had tiny budgets. BUT, at the SAME TIME a LOT of those episodes STILL ARE some of the BEST Star Trek shows EVER made. Tos City on the Edge of Forever has a couple of effects and then is shot on the Paramount Backlot. It tops most lists of "best Trek shows". TNGs Measure of a Man does not have 8 million dollars of CGI spam, and basically has one set: a courtroom. And your sure to find it on any "best of TNG list".

BOTH are perfect examples of "cheap" shows they can do without 8 million of CGI spam of some new aliens getting ready to destroy the universe...again.

So how about bump up the tiny small seasons of 9-13 shows, up to 20-24, using this model?

2.License out Star Trek to production outside the USA. Star Trek is loved world wide. Why not save some money by having world wide production? I bet a lot of production companies would jump at the chance. And P+ gets a bunch of new Star Trek shows. And this expands world wide Sci-Fi. And talk about diversity!


3.Maybe the CRAZIEST idea of all......how about getting a little help from the fans? There are a TON of Star Trek fan made 'shorts" shows. Sure not all are "great", but some are at least average or better. But there are a huge pool of fans willing to make content....that P+ can buy. P+ could buy them, and make them offical...and then even make 5-10 shows 'around' them to fill them out (maybe even getting some of the fans to come back). And for that matter....there is a TON of books, novels and such. How about P+ buy them and make shows about them?

They already stomped down #3, hard, with legal jackboots.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

I don't have Crave, so that isn't an option. I do have cable, which is why I have access to the CTV SciFi Channel (was better when they just called it SPACE).

If you have access to cable or satellite you get access to crave for free.

https://www.crave.ca/en/support/i-h...i-get-access-to-the-apps-and-website-94543550

 

[Ryujin]

If you have access to cable or satellite you get access to crave for free.

https://www.crave.ca/en/support/i-h...i-get-access-to-the-apps-and-website-94543550

I don't have a television subscription to Crave. You still need to be subscribed to it, then the site redirects you to your cable subscriber's login.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

I don't have a television subscription to Crave. You still need to be subscribed to it, then the site redirects you to your cable subscriber's login.

No, I no longer subscribe to cravetv, I just my Bell login.