Are You Choosing Quality or Quantity?

With the series finales of Succession, Barry, and Ted Lasso all taking place in the past week, it got me to thinking about how television, both smart traditional formats like HBO and progressive streaming services like Apple TV+, have re-branded how audiences look at programming by focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to content.

For many of us older folks (aka those over 40), we grew up with television seasons that lasted from September to May, which meant each series – comedy or drama – had to produce 20-25 episodes per season. That is a lot of content. It means there is also a lot of filler. There has to be. To sustain perfection for that long is nearly impossible (save for the first season of Lost, in my opinion, which was 24 episodes of pure exhilaration, fear, and twists at every turn).

But look at the top series today.

29.

34.

32.

Those are the number of total episodes – from pilot to final bow – of Succession, Barry, and Ted Lasso. These shows, each of which ran over the course of several years, would barely be in their second seasons if this was 2005. Yet despite so few episodes, they are beloved by critics and fans alike. They drive subscriptions and dominate popular culture.

Businesses and brands are smart to consider this approach when it comes to marketing communications. Sometimes more is just more. Focus on quality – be it earned media, media relationships, blog posts, e-marketing campaigns, advertising, social posts – over quantity where it makes sense.

Want to up the quality of your marketing communications game? Ted Lasso is no longer available, but our team of PR coaches are ready. Connect with us today.