Streaming’s Shifting Sands: What the Holiday Lineup Tells Us About 2026
The holiday streaming schedule is here, a comforting blanket of content promising escape during the break. But beneath the surface of new releases – from the return of critically acclaimed dramas like The Pitt to hard-hitting documentaries like Cover-Up – lies a story of a rapidly evolving industry. This year’s offerings aren’t just about entertainment; they’re a reflection of tightening budgets, changing audience habits, and a looming question: will Aotearoa New Zealand be left behind as global streaming giants reshape the media landscape?
The Global Picture: Consolidation and Investment
2025 has been a brutal year for the screen industry, marked by Netflix’s massive acquisition of Warner Bros. for $144 billion. This isn’t isolated. Consolidation is the name of the game. As reported by CNN, this move signals a shift towards fewer, larger players controlling content creation and distribution. But it’s not just about mergers. Countries worldwide are increasingly recognizing the need to protect their local industries. Australia recently enacted laws requiring streamers to invest in Australian content, a move detailed by Deadline. This raises a critical question: will New Zealand follow suit?
The pressure is mounting. A recent report from NZ On Air highlights shifting audience habits, particularly among children, while simultaneously, funding for local Māori news has been slashed, as Stuff reported. This creates a precarious situation where local storytelling is at risk of being drowned out by international content. The Spinoff recently questioned whether Netflix has “forgotten about New Zealand,” a sentiment echoing concerns across the industry.
Did you know? The global video streaming market is projected to reach $338.26 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 18.2% from 2023 to 2032, according to Allied Market Research. This growth underscores the importance of navigating the changing landscape effectively.
The Rise of Local Content Quotas: A Potential Lifeline?
The Australian example is significant. Mandating local investment isn’t just about preserving cultural identity; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem for local filmmakers, actors, and production crews. A quota system could stimulate a surge in New Zealand-made content, providing opportunities for emerging talent and telling uniquely Kiwi stories. However, implementation is key. Simply imposing quotas without adequate funding and support could prove ineffective.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Canada. They’ve been experimenting with various models of content regulation, offering valuable lessons for other countries considering similar policies. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is a good resource for understanding these approaches.
What the Holiday Schedule Reveals About Current Trends
Looking at the December/January streaming lineup, several trends emerge:
- Documentary Demand: The inclusion of Cover-Up, a deep dive into the work of investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, speaks to a growing appetite for non-fiction storytelling. Audiences are increasingly seeking content that informs and challenges them.
- Revivals and Nostalgia: The return of Shameless and the availability of older series like Arrow on Prime Video tap into the power of nostalgia. Familiar franchises and beloved characters offer a sense of comfort and predictability.
- Genre Diversification: The mix of offerings – from medical dramas (The Pitt) to thrillers (His & Hers) to rom-coms (People We Meet on Vacation) – demonstrates the need for streamers to cater to a wide range of tastes.
- The Power of Adaptation: The adaptation of Alice Feeney’s novel His & Hers and Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation highlights the continued importance of book-to-screen adaptations.
The Future of Streaming in Aotearoa: Scenarios and Predictions
Several scenarios could unfold in the coming years:
- Scenario 1: Status Quo. New Zealand continues to rely on voluntary agreements with streamers, with limited government intervention. This could lead to a gradual decline in local content production and a further erosion of cultural identity.
- Scenario 2: The Australian Model. New Zealand implements similar content quotas, requiring streamers to invest a percentage of their revenue in local productions. This would likely stimulate the local industry but could also lead to increased subscription costs.
- Scenario 3: A Hybrid Approach. New Zealand adopts a more nuanced approach, combining content quotas with targeted funding initiatives and tax incentives. This could strike a balance between protecting local content and maintaining a competitive streaming market.
The most likely outcome is a hybrid approach. The government will likely face pressure from both the industry and the public to take action. However, any intervention will need to be carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences.
FAQ: Streaming in New Zealand
- Q: Will streaming services become more expensive? A: It’s likely. Increased investment in local content and rising production costs could lead to subscription price increases.
- Q: What can I do to support local content? A: Watch New Zealand-made shows and movies, and advocate for policies that support the local screen industry.
- Q: Where can I find more information about New Zealand’s screen industry? A: Check out the websites of NZ On Air, the New Zealand Film Commission, and Screen Auckland.
The next few years will be pivotal for the New Zealand screen industry. The choices made now will determine whether Aotearoa can thrive in the age of global streaming or risk being overshadowed by larger players. The holiday streaming schedule is a reminder of what’s at stake – and a call to action to ensure a vibrant future for local storytelling.
What are your thoughts on the future of streaming in New Zealand? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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