Prime Video’s ‘Sex Criminals’: A Sign of Riskier, More Innovative Streaming Content?
Amazon Prime Video is developing a series based on the graphic novel “Sex Criminals,” a premise that’s…unconventional, to say the least. The story centers around a couple who discover they can stop time during sexual activity and use this ability to commit bank robberies. This isn’t your typical procedural drama, and its development signals a potential shift in streaming strategies.
The Rise of Niche, High-Concept Adaptations
For years, streaming services largely played it safe, focusing on broad-appeal genres like crime thrillers, superhero stories, and romantic comedies. While those genres remain popular, we’re seeing a growing trend towards adapting more niche, high-concept material. “Sex Criminals” fits squarely into this category. It’s a bold move, and one that reflects a maturing market.
This trend is driven by several factors. Firstly, the streaming landscape is increasingly crowded. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and others are all vying for subscribers. Standing out requires taking risks. Secondly, audiences are becoming more sophisticated and demanding. They’ve seen it all, and they’re hungry for something fresh and original. According to a recent Nielsen report, viewership of genre-bending content has increased by 35% in the last year.
The Power of Creator-Driven Projects
The series is being spearheaded by Matt Nanjiani and Gordon, the duo behind the critically acclaimed “The Big Sick.” This highlights another key trend: the increasing importance of creator-driven projects. Streaming services are recognizing that attaching established, respected writers and directors can significantly boost a project’s appeal and quality.
Nanjiani and Gordon’s involvement lends credibility to “Sex Criminals” and suggests Prime Video is willing to give creative teams significant latitude. This is a departure from the more studio-controlled environment of traditional television. We’ve seen similar success with projects like “Russian Doll” (Netflix) and “The Boys” (Amazon Prime Video), both of which benefited from strong creative visions.
Beyond ‘Sex Criminals’: What’s Next for Risky Streaming?
The potential success of “Sex Criminals” could pave the way for more adaptations of unconventional source material. Expect to see more streaming services exploring graphic novels, independent comics, and experimental literature. The key will be finding projects with strong core concepts and compelling characters, even if the premise is outlandish.
Another area to watch is the blending of genres. Combining elements of comedy, crime, science fiction, and romance is becoming increasingly common. This allows creators to appeal to a wider audience while still offering something unique. Consider the success of “Barry” (HBO), which seamlessly blends dark comedy with hitman thriller elements.
The Affiliate Model and Content Discovery
As noted, many streaming news sites utilize affiliate links. This is a common practice, but it’s important to understand how it impacts content discovery. Affiliate marketing incentivizes coverage of specific platforms and shows, potentially influencing what viewers are exposed to. Transparency is crucial in this area.
FAQ
- What is “Sex Criminals” about? It’s a series about a couple who can stop time during sex and use this ability to rob banks.
- Who is involved in the production? Matt Nanjiani and Gordon, known for “The Big Sick,” are writing and producing the series.
- When will the series be released? A release date has not yet been announced.
- Is this a common trend in streaming? Yes, streaming services are increasingly adapting niche and high-concept material to stand out in a crowded market.
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