Streaming giantsNetflix, Prime Video, and others slash their original output in Western Europe by a staggering 44 percent
A significant shift has been observed in the streaming industry across Western Europe, as the number of formats has decreased from 102 to 57. This change, according to a recent study, can be attributed to increased economic uncertainty and potential new taxes on international productions.
German Media State Minister Wolfram Weimer is advocating for more productions from streaming services like Netflix, linking this to future film funding. Weimer proposes a "voluntary self-commitment" from streamers, with 20% of net turnover generated in Germany being discussed.
In contrast, the situation may improve in the second half if economic prospects improve and tax issues become clearer. The study authors highlight that the decrease in original productions is a trend seen across the continent, with no specific fact about the number of productions, formats, or order volumes in Germany, Western Europe, Central and South America, or North America mentioned.
In North America, the number of projects remained at 95. However, notable changes have been observed in streaming providers' business models. The development reflects a strategic realignment after the end of the Peak TV era, with reduced investments in original productions, a more cautious approach to ordering, and a greater dependence on licensed content.
Amazon Prime Video reportedly halved its originals, while Netflix decreased its order volume the least (6%). Apple TV+ reduced its order volume the least (4%). Interestingly, Netflix's top 10 lists have been featuring more older acquired films, such as "Elektra," a 20-year-old Marvel superhero film with a low Rotten Tomatoes rating.
The decline in original productions is not limited to the crime & thriller genre in Western Europe, as the total number of self-produced, scripted series decreased from 318 in the first half of 2024 to 242 in the first half of 2025.
In a surprising turn of events, the live-action "Barbie" movie is currently the number one film on Netflix, and it's also performing well on Prime Video. This suggests that despite the shift in focus towards licensed content, there is still a demand for fresh and popular content.
Streaming providers argue for lower quotas in other EU countries compared to Germany. This could potentially impact the production landscape in the future, as countries negotiate their streaming quotas. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes unfold.
