Streaming services such as
Netflix take advantage of Covid production shutdownCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our
Coronavirus coverage Streaming services such as Netflix are taking advantage of the global shortage of new television programmes to outbid
British channels for new shows, forcing traditional broadcasters to find new ways to fill schedules in the coming years.
Although television audiences rose sharply during the coronavirus lockdown, the near-global production shutdown has created a looming shortage of new material to show to viewers in the coming months. At the same time Britain’s commercial television channels are dealing with the collapse in the advertising market caused by the recession, leaving subscription streaming services able to swoop in and spend big on new commissions to maintain their growth.