TV Rolls Out Record 455 Scripted Series In 2016

Broadcast, Cable and online services aired a record 455 scripted original series in 2016, according to FX Networks Research.

This year's scripted series figure easily outdistanced the 421 scripted series made available to viewers in 2015, and more than double the number of shows offered just seven years ago. The year to year scripted series increase was mostly driven by online services, which doubled its scripted programming fare to 93 from 46 last year, according to the survey. Broadcast, pay cable and basic cable networks all posted slight year to year declines, according to the survey.

“Peak TV was once again far from peaky in 2016, with a record 455 scripted original series across broadcast, cable, and streaming sources,” said Julie Piepenkotter, Executive Vice President, Research, FX Networks. “This estimate reps a +8% increase over just last year (421 in 2015) ― but an astonishing +71% increase over five years ago (266 in 2011) and +137% over a decade ago (192 in 2006).” 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.