Netflix Takes Lead in European Scripted Commissions

Netflix has become the largest single commissioner of new scripted projects in Europe, according to data from Ampere Analysis.

In 2019, BBC was the biggest commissioner of new European scripted shows, with 71. France Télévisions had 59, ZDF 50, Netflix 43 and ARD 41. Last year, however, Netflix jumped to the front with 72 projects, ahead of ZDF (55), BBC (54), France Télévisions (38) and ARD (33). These are new commissions only and do not include renewals.

“As a marker of the wider changes in the entertainment industry, the ascent of Netflix to become the largest single commissioner of new European scripted content is pivotal,” said Guy Bisson, executive director of Ampere Analysis. “To date, Europe’s major public service broadcasters have driven the European content creation industry and local drama production. However, the ever-increasing importance of international markets to Netflix’s growth, its wide investment in locally relevant drama across the region, and the shift to pan-regional or global content as the basis for value means that today, global streamers like Netflix drive even local markets.”

Bisson added, “With the newer studio direct streaming platforms already beginning to emulate Netflix’s strategy of commissioning new scripted content outside the U.S., there could not be a better time to be a European content creator.”