Gary R. Benz on GRB Studios’ Commitment to Proven Genres & Efficiency

GRB Studios is a leading global distribution company focused on unscripted programming. Its catalog spans numerous genres, from crime, docuseries, automotive and lifestyle to food, science, travel and wildlife. CEO Gary R. Benz discusses trends in the market, the continued appeal of event-driven documentaries, crime and investigative series, and GRB’s commitment to proven genres, production efficiency and expertise in worldwide distribution.

TV REAL: What is your view of the current market for unscripted programming?
BENZ: The unscripted market is in a period of recalibration. Buyers are more selective than they were during the peak commissioning boom, but demand has not disappeared. In fact, unscripted remains a cornerstone of programming strategies because it’s cost-effective, flexible and scalable across platforms and territories.

TV REAL: Are certain topics or types of programs in demand right now?
BENZ: GRB has excelled for years in creating compelling content in the natural disaster space, and that continues to be a strong area of interest. With the recent launch of our new series LA Firestorm: Inside the Inferno, a deep dive into the harrowing Los Angeles fires of 2025, we’re seeing significant buyer engagement in high-stakes, event-driven documentary storytelling. Audiences are drawn to stories that combine immediacy, human resilience and cinematic scale.

Crime and investigative series also continue to perform exceptionally well across both linear and streaming platforms. True crime remains a powerful global genre, particularly when it is character-driven and offers fresh access, new evidence or a distinctive point of view.

Buyers are prioritizing series with built-in audiences or brand recognition, as well as concepts that have the potential to return for multiple seasons. And there is continued interest in formats that can be adapted or localized for regional markets, giving strong IP the opportunity to travel and scale globally.

TV REAL: How is GRB Studios satisfying buyers’ needs?
BENZ: At GRB, we focus on three core strengths: proven genres, production efficiency and global distribution expertise.

We also structure production projects to be economically smart, balancing high-production value with budgets that make sense in today’s environment. Our long-standing relationships with networks and platforms allow us to anticipate programming gaps and tailor concepts accordingly.

TV REAL: How helpful is having a large library in today’s market?
BENZ: A deep library is incredibly valuable right now. As platforms look to manage costs and maximize ROI, library content offers immediate scale and proven performance. It provides flexibility, whether for FAST channels, AVOD platforms, international sales or curated streaming collections.
Our catalog gives buyers confidence. It allows us to package content strategically, create themed offerings and respond quickly when platforms need volume. In many cases, library programming is a gateway to new partnerships.

TV REAL: Are there upcoming titles you would like to mention?
BENZ: We are excited to be expanding our hit medical franchise, Untold Stories of the E.R.‌, with a new season coming this fall. The new season, season 14, continues in the same format that brings viewers inside some of the most astonishing real-life cases to unfold in emergency rooms.
With a proven track record across international markets, Untold Stories of the E.R. remains a dependable performer for broadcasters and platforms seeking compelling factual storytelling with broad audience appeal.

TV REAL: Besides long-form programming for linear channels and streamers, is GRB also offering content for digital platforms?
BENZ: Absolutely. The digital ecosystem is a critical part of our strategy. Digital has emerged not only as a secondary window but as an opportunity to extend IP, reach new audiences and build communities around our brands.