Ampere: Netflix responds to popularity of sci-fi and fantasy content

Science fiction and fantasy has become the most popular genre among Netflix subscribers and this preference is being reflected by Netflix’s commissioning behaviour, according to Ampere Analysis.

Stanger Things

The research firm said that following the success of flagship series like Stranger Things, sci-fi and fantasy was the most popular genre on Netflix in Q1 2018 with 12% of users favouring this programming.

The genre overtook previous leader comedy, which was favoured by 11% of Netflix users in Q1, down from 14% a year earlier.

Ampere said that in response to this preference change, recent commissioning data indicates that 29% of all upcoming Netflix originals are sci-fi and fantasy – higher than any other genre.

Netflix’s movie acquisitions were also found to reflect this trend, as seen by titles like The Cloverfield Paradox and Annihilation.

“Changes in Ampere’s consumer data suggest that we could be foreseeing a second golden age for sci-fi and fantasy television,” said Olivia Deane, Analyst at Ampere Analysis.

“An increase in preference for the genre is also being reflected by recent commissioning trends, with several broadcasters stating their increased investment in sci-fi and Fantasy programming.”

The research firm cited shows like HBO’s Westworld, CBS All Access’ Star-Trek: Discovery and Apple’s forthcoming reboot of Amazing Stories as part of the new wave of big-budget sci-fi and fantasy series.

“Ampere’s Netflix commissioning data shows how the streaming giant has been able to respond dynamically to changes in preference. The fact that we have been able to mirror Netflix’s programming behaviour for several genres, means that we have strong insights into the likely programming requirements of the streaming giant in the future.”

The research compared Ampere’s consumer data, taken from interviews with over 66,000 people in 16 markets, with Netflix’s programme commissioning behaviour to see how the streaming service has been able to adapt its originals catalogue to meet changing viewing preferences.