Its been a weird year for the unscripted television business.
All well and good, but whats next year going to look like?
Deadline spoke with to close to 50 unscripted producers about their hopes and dreams for 2025.
Reality TV producers are urging buyers to be braver and bolder with bigger budgets In 2025.Getty Images
What Changes Would Help the Unscripted TV Business In 2025?
INVESTMENT IN LIVE PROGRAMMING
More live event programming.
Lets keep our industry thriving locally.
Come on, Gavin make it happen!
Larger episode orders would not only stabilize businesses but also unlock better economies of scale.
More episodes equals better stories plus healthier businesses.
DEI feels like its slipping away, but letting it die is bad business.
Weve got a deep pool of talent, behind the camera and on-screen, that deserves a fair shot.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion isnt just about doing good; its good for the bottom line.
But when we look at the most daring scripted hits, they are almost always true original ideas.
A show that a online grid just flat-out believed in and took a punt on.
Taking risks has never been harder, but its the only way to create something special.
Firstly, for networks, cablers and streamers to re-allocate budget for unscripted.
What I mean is, we are the adaptable ones, the survival of the fittest.
My greatest wish for 2025 is for decision-makers to take more strategic chances on new content.
Embrace original ideas from creative thinkers who understand how to deliver a big content bang for smart bucks.
Recently, weve seen our industry embrace this time-tested formula on both broadcast and streaming platforms.
Leaders like Nancy Dubuc and Eileen ONeill considered all of that but ultimately relied on their own instincts.
They championed series that became hits by stepping outside the safety net of research.
I miss those days because many hits were born from that decision-making process.
We want to surprise audiences when they show up, regardless of platform.
But at some point, you just cant do more with less money.
And lets take some risks!
Data and research provide insights into the past, they cannot predict the future.
A talented producer with a creative mind will find your next big hit.
No one was looking for that kind of show.
Today, many of the most talked-about series come from abroad, where risk-taking and creativity are more prominent.
We have some of the most talented producers in the history of unscripted television walking among us.
We need to move away from the mindset that a shows success is determined by its first outing.
They would go out to market and find a distributor willing to come in to help close financing.
We love this but need $50,000 an ep to close financing.
Be a part of the conversation.
Nonfiction offers it all.R.J.
Cutler, Founder, This Machine (NetflixsMartha)
The heart of unscripted will always be the people.
The industry has been weighed down by hesitation and fear, with too much posturing born from anxiety.
Its time to take bold risks and move faster.
Thats what will inject new life into the business.
Accelerate renewals, reduce development limbo and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Lets prioritize real action and restore a higher standard of professionalism and ethical business practices.
The industry cannot move forward by standing still.
So lets stop obsessing about staying alive to 25 and focus instead on the creative opportunities that change generates.
