Streaming and TV Coexist in the Digital Age
A recent study of 325 Spanish series released between 2020 and 2024 has found that streaming and linear television are not competing with each other, but rather working together. The study, published in Communication & Society, analyzed the relationship between traditional TV and video-on-demand platforms in Spain.
The researchers, from the University of Alicante, looked at 325 fiction series, including 191 series, 51 miniseries, and 83 documentary series. They found that while full-season releases are still the main strategy for streaming platforms, weekly releases are still popular and have a significant impact on viewer engagement.
In fact, the study found that weekly releases averaged a higher rating of 6.8 on IMDb and Filmaffinity, compared to full-season releases with a rating of 6.6. This suggests that episodic releases can foster stronger emotional engagement among viewers and enhance the perceived quality of the narrative.
The study also highlighted the growing collaboration between TV and VOD platforms, with over 40 seasons tied to joint production models. This allows organizations to share costs, reduce risk, and extend the commercial life of their productions.
The researchers noted that television remains essential for building visibility and credibility, even in the streaming era. While streaming platforms have changed how audiences consume media, traditional TV still plays a key role in creating a sense of event around a series.
The study suggests that a balance between streaming and linear TV is emerging in the Spanish media landscape. Platforms are adopting flexible and collaborative strategies to optimize a title's life cycle across both broadcast TV and VOD.
