Why Prequels Are Struggling in the Streaming Era
Prequels like IT: Welcome to Derry entered 2025 with high expectations, banking on nostalgia and the reputation of original creators. Yet the formula often backfires when the story feels forced rather than earned. Audiences now demand fresh perspectives, not just a recycled mythos dressed in a new timeline.
Data shows diminishing returns on prequel launches
According to a Nielsen 2024 streaming trends report, prequel titles averaged 12% lower retention after the first three episodes compared to original series. The same study cites “story fatigue” as a top reason viewers drop off.
Sequels and Franchise Fatigue: A Growing Concern
Flagship franchises such as The Last of Us and Squid Game saw their follow‑ups stumble under the weight of fan expectations. The Last of Us Season 2’s cliffhanger left many viewers frustrated, highlighting a broader trend: extended story arcs risk alienating audiences when narrative momentum stalls.
What the numbers reveal
Variety reported that season‑two viewership for top‑tier series fell an average of 18% YoY. The drop is especially stark for shows that rely heavily on source material controversy, as seen with the divisive Last of Us Part II video game.
Series‑creators are now adopting “compact storytelling” — limiting seasons to 6‑8 episodes to preserve intensity, a move that aligns with the rise of limited series.
The Rise of Anthology and Limited Series
Anthology formats like Alien: Earth experiment with self‑contained arcs, allowing creators to reset expectations each season. While Alien: Earth received mixed reviews, its structure illustrates a trend: networks are hedging bets by offering complete narratives that don’t require long‑term commitment.
Success stories to watch
- Why Anthology Shows Are Winning – an internal deep‑dive on the surge of anthology series.
- BBC Culture: The Power of the Limited Series – external analysis of limited‑run success.
Data‑Driven Decisions in TV Production
Production houses now lean on AI‑enhanced analytics to gauge audience sentiment before green‑lighting scripts. A Forbes Tech Council article explains how predictive models flag potential “misfire” elements—like overused tropes or misaligned casting choices—reducing costly missteps.
Pro tip: Creators should pair data insights with creative intuition. Numbers can highlight trends, but authentic storytelling still wins the heart of viewers.
How Viewer Expectations Are Shaping Future Content
Modern audiences expect more than just spectacle. They look for:
- Authentic representation – diverse casts and inclusive narratives see 2‑3× higher engagement, per a Statista 2024 study.
- Interactive elements – “choose‑your‑own‑adventure” episodes have been trialed by Netflix, showing a 15% increase in completion rates.
- High‑quality production values – even mid‑budget series are investing in cinematic visuals to meet the bar set by blockbuster franchises.
These expectations push networks to explore hybrid models—short‑form series, interactive episodes, and cross‑media storytelling.
FAQ
- What makes a prequel succeed?
- A fresh angle on familiar lore, strong character development, and clear stakes that don’t rely solely on nostalgia.
- Are limited series better than long‑running shows?
- Not inherently, but they often maintain narrative focus and avoid filler, which can keep audiences more engaged.
- How can creators balance data with creativity?
- Use analytics to identify audience trends, then apply storytelling instincts to craft compelling, original content.
- Will franchise fatigue end the era of sequels?
- Sequels will continue, but they’ll likely be more self‑contained and risk‑aware, with stronger emphasis on character arcs.
Take the Next Step
If you’re a creator, marketer, or avid TV fan, staying ahead means watching these trends unfold. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights, or share your thoughts in the comments—which 2025 miss surprised you the most?
