There have been rumors that YouTube maybe exiting original scripted dramas and comedies. But it denies a report by Bloomberg.
According to Bloomberg, the Google-owned video service was canceling plans for “high-end dramas and comedies.” YouTube, reported Bloomberg, had even stopped taking pitches for “expensive” scripted shows for its subscription video on demand (SVOD) service.
YouTube released a statement that read: “YouTube denies the report” and made mention of its upcoming roster hat included several scripted projects in development. The statement added that YouTube “is steadily building its SVOD business, while also developing new series and formats that will appeal to a global audience through a new ad-supported model that will be in place for all of our series and events by the end of the year.”
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And, says YouTube it is still taking pitches for more scripted projects.
It is true, however, that YouTube has canceled plans for two shows it had in development: 10-part sci-fi series “Origin” and the half-hour female buddy comedy “Overthinking with Kat & June,” starring Tenea Intriago (“Law & Order: SVU”) and Alexia Dox (“Quick Draw”).
And there have been various changes at YouTube’s SVOD.
“YouTube last year shifted to a new strategy, which it calls “Single Slate,” to make all of its original programming available free to watch. That will include in some cases an exclusive window on its YouTube Premium service, which is priced at $9.99 per month in the U.S. That signaled a shift for YouTube Originals toward content with a wider appeal that can amass a big audience on the free, ad-supported side as well as SVOD,” Variety reported.
