In the streaming sector, syndication, once considered outdated, is increasingly becoming a new monetisation strategy. Faced with slow subscriber growth rates and rising production costs, studios and streaming platforms are rethinking the practice of licensing their original series to competing services. In this way, they can generate additional revenue and revitalise older content without significant additional investment.

Rather than keeping shows exclusive to one platform, the concept of "co-exclusivity" is being explored, where rival subscription services are given limited access to original titles. This approach is proving particularly valuable for older, less successful shows, as studios realise that syndication can increase visibility and attract new viewers.

Netflix, which once stuck to exclusive content, is also starting to look at syndication. Shows like BoJack Horseman offer an insight into the potential of licensing older content to external platforms. This shift shows how licensing can extend the life of a show and open up new revenue streams.

As studios face mounting losses and limited growth, they are turning once again to third-party licensing and reversing the trend of keeping content exclusive only on their own platforms. The industry is realising that syndication is not just a relic, but a valuable tool to make a profit in the increasingly competitive streaming market.

FILMTAKE reports in detail.