Television has undergone a radical transformation in recent years in the UK with the advent of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max.

Television has undergone a radical transformation in recent years in the UK with the advent of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max.

It is now possible to unblock these services across the globe the same way you can unblock BBC iPlayer in Australia and other countries outside the UK through simple steps.

These services disrupt the traditional broadcast model. The viewers do not like to wait around for their favorite show to be aired at a specific time.

Instead, they prefer to watch whatever they want and whenever they want. Consequently, this has led to a decline in traditional television viewing figures as viewers switch to streaming services. Although televisions are where we all began, they are gradually declining, and here’s why.

The Rise of Streaming Content Over Television Content

In recent years, streaming services have had a tremendous impact on the TV industry as they made people’s experiences and content better than what TV has to offer.

New previews and teasers for upcoming productions are being released, but every one of them ends with “Coming soon on a streaming platform.” Re-runs now dominate television content, with all new titles moving to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and others.

A few releases are created solely for these streaming sites, widening the gap in the content release. Also let’s not fail to notice that in 2020, all of the awards shows showcased series and films debuted on streaming services.

Related: See which Netflix shows have the most views in 2020 by Wizard Journal

The Fading of Television Advertising

Not only the imbalance in content has changed television in the UK, but the decline in TV advertising also contributes to the change.

It is a consequence of the rise in streaming services, which has allowed people to watch their favorite shows without interruption from commercials. As a result, TV advertising revenue has decreased drastically in the past years.

Although this is bad news for networks and advertisers, it’s great news for viewers. With ad-free streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, people can watch their favourite shows without commercials bombarding them.

Hence, this has led to a decline in the number of people who watch traditional TV.

Content Targeted at Niche Audiences

Niche content is not a new concept, but the way that it is being delivered has changed. Television used to be a one-way street, with networks delivering their content to the masses.

However, with the advent of streaming services, viewers have more control over what they watch and when they watch it. It led to a rise in niche content, as networks and streaming services cater to specific demographics and interests.

Streaming services provided people with choices and selectivity, winning audiences’ hearts. They do not have to sit out the rest and can change the TV series if they don’t like it. In contrast, you could only switch channels on Television.

The Trend of Binge-watching Series Is on the Rise

Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming sites have ushered in a new era of television viewership. People no longer have to wait a week for the next episode of their favorite show. Instead, they can watch an entire season on a weekend.

This change has had a ripple effect on the television industry. Networks are now producing more series, hoping that one will become a hit and bring in viewers, week after week. As a result, the days of watching a show live are coming to an end.

Thus, the practice of watching multiple episodes in one sitting, also known as bingeing, has become the ideal way of watching movies and TV shows in the UK. Dramas such as The Witcher, You, Stranger Things, and many others are binged as soon as Netflix releases them.

Streaming Platforms Are Becoming More Accessible

The way people watch TV has changed because streaming platforms are now more accessible. People can now watch their favourite shows and movies on portable devices that are easy to use. It has also added to the decline in traditional television viewership.

Streaming platforms are now more popular than traditional television, largely due to their accessibility. People can continue to watch streaming content on their phones, laptops, and tablets, making it easy to fit into their busy schedules.

Traditional television is no longer as convenient, which is one of the reasons its viewership is declining. For example, viewers no longer have to be in front of a television to watch their favourite shows. Instead, you can now watch them on any internet-accessible device you have in hand.

The Use of Shortcuts, Speeding, and Spoiling

As compared to conventional perceptions of passive viewing, series fans prefer to be in command. While some people watch episodes from beginning to end, many others re-watch scenes or avoid unnecessary content. (such as nudity, brutality, or sequences with a character they don’t like).

To intake as much content in minutes — often viewers watch shows in fast forward or speed watching. Others prefer to watch the series’ conclusion first to ensure that they will enjoy it and, as a result, that the TV series is worth their time. At the same time, many people go to great lengths to avoid spoilers.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Netflix has shepherded in a new era of television with their “choose your own adventure” style streaming. This type of streaming allows viewers to choose the plot of the show they want to watch.

This type of streaming has become incredibly popular, with almost half of all viewers saying they prefer a particular style of watching TV. Through this feature, the streaming service can cater to viewers who require deeper engagement, adding value to their narrative.

Bottom-line

There is no denying that streaming services have had a significant impact on traditional television. So it is clear that conventional networks will need to adapt to stay relevant.

Since streaming services have the major market in terms of viewership. Moreover, they keep reinventing the dynamics to make their services more attractive to viewers.