The Now 2019-2020: Top shows of 2019-2020
Over the last few years, the world has witnessed many changes, one of which is the rise of on demand streaming services. And millions are dropping the more traditional networks in favor of these services (HBO, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon to name a few). Initially, they merely served as platforms for previously aired series and movies. However, these companies have recently trended towards the creation of their own original content, much of which is shows.
The most important recent development in streaming was the release of Disney+, where many Disney movies and shows are featured. But like many others, Disney was not content with just putting old content on an old platform. Instead, Disney has released several shows exclusive to Disney+, most notably The Mandalorian, a Star Wars spin-off that has fans and critics raving.
But it isn’t just the new services that are receiving attention. Netflix, which began by delivering movies in an envelope, has become a streaming giant. Netflix’s ability to produce seemingly endless high quality original content is incredible. One example of such content is the show Stranger Things, which recently released its third season.
The final season of Game of Thrones, the fantasy epic based on George R. R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire, came to an end in May 2019. Although the final season came under fire, the series is still the greatest show ever (considering the budget and scale of the project). Each episode, of which there are 60, cost as much to make as a small movie, reaching $15 million (the average cost for an episode in the 8th season).. And the money wasn’t for nothing, with the show drawing huge numbers of fans and receiving an Emmy for the best drama. Needless to say, the show streamed on HBO, further illustrating the conversion to such platforms. Other networks have followed suit, releasing similarly expensive fantasy series, such as Netflix’s The Witcher, which is also based on a major fantasy book series.
Recently, documentary miniseries have been increasingly popular. ESPN and Netflix co-produced The Last Dance, a show about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls of that era. The show, through old and new footage, paints a comprehensive picture of Jordan’s career with the Bulls. Although not on Netflix yet, the show is set to premiere there. However, another documentary miniseries that has blown up, Tiger King, was released directly to Netflix. The Tiger King craze came as somewhat of a surprise. The show isn’t the best, but the fascinating characters and creatures of the big cat world enthralled audiences, forcing them to look on with morbid fascination.
The TV industry is only getting bigger, especially with Covid-19 lockdown forcing people to stay in their homes. Many are finding shows and movies their way of escaping the unfortunate situation we find ourselves in.