Production delays and shutdowns due to the pandemic are still taking a toll on television. There was more viewer demand for new films and television shows than ever; but according to a new study by FilmLA, during the 2020–21 television season, the number of new scripted television shows available for viewing fell by 26.8%.
The total number of TV series released in the 2021–21 season was 331, down from 452 in the 2019–20 season. FilmLA releases filming permits for productions in Los Angeles, and has been tracking U.S.-produced scripted television shows across broadcast, cable, and streaming since 2011.
According to FilmLA, the decrease was due to “​​the COVID shutdown and sporadic production restarts,” as well as series that were “un-renewed because of COVID-related impacts.” Says the study, “As a result of production delays, many series that would have aired in the last 1.5 years are either still in production or nearing completion. Nearly every television viewer is awaiting the next season of one of their favorite series.”
The 2021 Television Report also included data on where shows were being filmed: California dominated in television production, with 36 series shot in the Golden State. In second place was British Columbia with 18 shows; following behind were New York with 12 and Georgia with five.
According to FilmLA, TV production in Los Angeles has returned to pre-pandemic levels. “This signals that production is returning, but the production pipeline logjam remains for the time being,” the report says.
Despite the dip in television series available for viewing in 2020–21, the number is still significantly higher than the 2010–11 season, when there were only 198 television shows on air. In less than 10 years, the amount of content available for viewing has more than doubled, marking a shift away from cable-dominated television and toward streaming, according to FilmLA. In 2010–11, cable made up almost 63% of all television content. In contrast, streaming made up only 3%; but streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu have changed that in the years since.
During the last season, out of all the shows in rotation, 43% were on streaming, 33% were on cable, and 24% were on broadcast networks. “In terms of sheer numbers, streaming services now dominate the television industry,” says the study.
Streaming’s rise in the entertainment industry isn’t limited to television; it has also affected films. According to Comscore, the year-end domestic box office total for films was $4.5 billion. While that was a 101% increase over 2020, it is an astounding 60% decrease from 2019. These statistics point to audience hesitancy to go to cinemas, choosing to watch movies at home instead.
