Pilot Season Slows Down as Broadcast Networks Rethink Strategy in Streaming Era

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https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/broadcast-networks-pilot-season-1203501412/

The Current take on how networks are adapting to the streaming era.

Now more than ever, the broadcast networks are feeling the need to change up their typical pilot season strategy.

With existing streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and Amazon and new competitors like HBO Max and Peacock developing shows year-round, the broadcasters are slowly but surely shifting their plans to include more off-cycle pickups.

“We’ve been pursuing a strategy we’re calling second cycle rather than off-cycle,” says Simran Sethi, executive VP of development and content strategy for ABC Entertainment. “I think the term ‘off-cycle’ to a lot of people in the creative community has historically felt secondary, so it just becomes a part of regular old pilot season that takes a lot longer. So we’re calling it ‘second cycle’ because we’re considering things in two very distinct timelines — one being the traditional cycle that’s happening now … and in the second cycle we’re holding back some of our volume to shoot in that second window.