Description

Why Streaming Is Becoming Cable 2.0

Netflix, Disney+, and Max all now have ad-supported tiers. The original streaming thesis—pure subscription, no ads, unlimited content—is dead.

In this episode:

• Why subscriber growth has plateaued across all major platforms
• How ad-supported streaming returns to the broadcast television model
• The economics of why pure subscription models can't achieve Wall Street demands
• How ad tiers change what content gets greenlit
• Why the streaming revolution is quietly becoming cable 2.0

Key takeaway: "Ad-supported tiers favor broad, brand-safe programming over prestige niche content."

Related topics: streaming economics, advertising revenue, content strategy, entertainment business models, media industry trends

The Option is a daily intelligence briefing on the business of Hollywood. Subscribe for entertainment industry news, streaming analysis, and media business insights. New episodes every weekday at 6 AM PT.