Why Streaming Services Claim Prior Season series as Originals

In recent years, the rise of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume television shows. More and more viewers are opting for the convenience and variety offered by platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll.

However, one might come across a perplexing situation where a streaming service claims a series as an original, even though it had prior seasons on a different platform.

In this blog post, we will delve into this intriguing trend, using examples such as Hulu's claim on Tokyo Revengers Season 2 and Futurama, to shed light on why this phenomenon occurs.

Understanding Licensing Agreements

To comprehend why streaming services can label a series as an original despite prior seasons existing elsewhere, we must first understand the complex world of licensing agreements.

When a television show is created, production companies often enter into agreements with different networks or streaming services to distribute the series.

These agreements can have specific terms, including exclusivity rights for a certain period and jurisdiction restrictions.

The Role of Exclusivity

One of the key factors that allow streaming services to claim a series as an original is the concept of exclusivity.

When a streaming service signs an agreement with a production company, it often includes an exclusivity clause for a specific season or the entire series. This means that for a set period, the series can only be streamed on that particular platform.

Once that exclusivity period expires, the production company is free to negotiate deals with other platforms.

Brand Association and Marketing Strategy

For streaming services, claiming a series as an original is not just about exclusivity but also brand association and marketing strategy.

By labeling a series as an original, a streaming service enhances its brand image and creates a perception of being the go-to platform for that particular show.

It can help the streaming service differentiate itself from competitors and attract new subscribers.

Renewed Interest and Continuation

In some cases, streaming services acquire a series after it has had prior seasons on a different platform.

When this happens, it is not uncommon for the streaming service to claim the subsequent seasons as originals. This approach allows the streaming service to reignite interest in the series by introducing it to a new audience.

It also ensures continuity for existing fans who can now enjoy the new season on their preferred streaming platform.

Monetary and Licensing Considerations

Money plays a crucial role in the decision-making process when it comes to claiming a series as an original.

Streaming services invest significant amounts in acquiring exclusive rights to popular shows.

By branding a series as an original, the streaming service can maximize its return on investment and leverage the show's popularity to attract more subscribers.

Furthermore, licensing agreements can be complex, and negotiations with production companies regarding the labeling of a show as original may involve financial considerations.

Audience Reach and Expansion

For streaming services looking to expand their audience base, claiming a series as an original provides a unique opportunity.

By acquiring subsequent seasons of a show and labeling them as originals, they can tap into an existing fan base and introduce new viewers to the series.

This strategy allows the streaming service to appeal to a wider audience and potentially gain a competitive edge.

Conclusion

The practice of streaming services claiming prior season series as originals can be puzzling at first. However, when considering factors such as exclusivity, brand association, marketing strategy, renewed interest, monetary considerations, and audience reach, it becomes clearer why this phenomenon occurs.

Understanding the intricate world of licensing agreements and the motivations behind streaming services' decisions gives us a glimpse into the strategies and tactics employed by these platforms to capture our attention and keep us hooked on our favorite series.

So, the next time you encounter a series labeled as an original despite having prior seasons elsewhere, you'll have a better understanding of the complex dynamics at play behind the scenes of the streaming world.