Apple TV+ Executive: 'We're Not Doing Demographic Programming'

[xander49x]

I like it. I think the aim is to catch those viewers that Netflix and Amazon are losing due to their promotion of LGBT/modern shows ("losing" is a strong word, more like "viewers that are simply uninterested in it and are watching such shows less). The message is that "we're not trying to impress anyone or think too much into social statements and kill character developments for it. We're just trying to make the best shows possible (those that test best with most of a varied demographic).

My $0.02. I remain optimistically hopeful.

I do not think they are losing because of LGBT/modern show, they are losing because of the price hike.

 

[coolfactor]

I’m excited for Apple TV+. However, I don’t see how this is a profitably strategy for Apple’s slowing iPhone business. Even if Apple capped the budget at $2 billion (which it didn’t), it would take 400 million paying subscribers at $4.99/month to recoup that investment.

And that would be 400 million "families", not individuals.

 

[aka777]

The best thing apple can to do is avoid the polarization trend of current cable service.

We look at TV to escape, relax, and have fun. So we don't need every sitcom or TV show to become a lecture on every issue, from a hollywood perspective of course.

Instead of lecturing people on every issue, entertainment shows need to go back to being - you know - entertaining. That has gotten old fast. More importantly, it's why I cut cable.

 

[agsystems]

What market research? Two guys with an impressive history of being able to identify quality programming go into a room and say yes. Or no.

Thank you - I am not sure why is this so difficult to understand - Apple its not trying to fill their channel with 24/7 programming like a regular TV channel (or even netflix) - prospective producers/creators show up with a project and they are green lit based on whatever the 'quality' scale Apple is using (great directors, great producers, great actors, interesting scripts, etc) - As an example, Apple hired master director Alfonso Cuaron to produce some shows - no script needed to be approved first.
[automerge]1571671832[/automerge]

I’m excited for Apple TV+. However, I don’t see how this is a profitably strategy for Apple’s slowing iPhone business. Even if Apple capped the budget at $2 billion (which it didn’t), it would take 400 million paying subscribers at $4.99/month to recoup that investment.

based on your own math Apple would be clocking over 1B every month - which is, what do you know the same revenue reported by Netflix in 2018 (with 115m subscribers)

 

[DNichter]

I am looking forward to it, I think they can have a positive impact. There are a ton of services out there, but they are starting to become less and less based on quality. I think Apple should buy HBO and rope that in also.

 

[StuBeck]

im scared for apple tv tbh...all the money spent if it flops..

If they spent $10 billion on it and lose it all they'll still be fine. Nothing to be scared about.

 

[69Mustang]

Thank you - I am not sure why is this so difficult to understand - Apple its not trying to fill their channel with 24/7 programming like a regular TV channel (or even netflix) - prospective producers/creators show up with a project and they are green lit based on whatever the 'quality' scale Apple is using (great directors, great producers, great actors, interesting scripts, etc) - As an example, Apple hired master director Alfonso Cuaron to produce some shows - no script needed to be approved first.

Nothing is difficult to understand. Most people seem to understand clearly that Apple is doing the exact same thing that Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and other streaming services are doing. The difference is, Apple's marketing is telling the audience they aren't doing what others are doing. They're presenting it as something different. Marketing it as Quality instead of demographic programming. Buuuuuuuuuuuuut...
when you look at the programming on offer, both finished and future product, you can clearly see the intended demographic for each of the shows.

So no Apple isn't trying to duplicate a regular TV channel. None of the streaming services are trying to do that. Never have really. Apple is trying to do the same as the other steamers: find content that will connect with the consumer. Apple will have something geared towards the young kids, pre-teens/teen agers, young adult, adults, men, women...

The example you gave of Apple hiring a director to produce some shows isn't a unique thing. I doubt you can find a streaming service that hasn't done that. You really can't. Apple is simply trying to market their streaming service as something different, when it is simply a streaming service. Content will determine it's success. Just like with every other streaming services.

Apologies for length.

 

[15ngcs1]

I applaud Apple and Disney for entering the market, however, for those of us that like to binge-watch shows I do not see myself subscribing to them. On Apple going for quality shows, if they are only family shows then they are missing out on the majority of the viewing population. I wish them luck in their endeavor.

The Morning Show: Three episodes at once then the rest weekly
For All Mankind: Three episodes at once then the rest weekly
Dickinson: 10 (30 mins) episodes all at once
Not sure about the others

 

[marcushe]

I remember when Apple made computers instead of TV shows and credit cards

 

[philpalmiero]

Shows should be made for specific demographics. You can’t tell me that shows aren’t designed with a kids theme, a teen audience, young adults, elderly folks. Grandma probably isn’t getting the same value out of Sabrina that the grandchildren are. It’s ok to divide programming into demographics. When did this become wrong?

I agree, for the most part.
[automerge]1571676027[/automerge]

Of course they are, Apple only does demographic marketing and now programming

They market hardware and software to all as to sell as many iPhones and Macs as they can.

 

[PickUrPoison]

I applaud Apple and Disney for entering the market, however, for those of us that like to binge-watch shows I do not see myself subscribing to them. On Apple going for quality shows, if they are only family shows then they are missing out on the majority of the viewing population. I wish them luck in their endeavor.

Though Apple does have some family programming, it’s not exclusively that. There are some shows that are for mature audiences

 

[doelcm82]

I remember when Apple made computers instead of TV shows and credit cards

Cute little computers with a 9 inch monochrome 512 × 342 pixel display. Why can’t Apple go back to that?

 

[PickUrPoison]

I remember when Apple made computers instead of TV shows and credit cards

If you know your Apple history, I’m sure you’d agree the new Mac Pro is by far the best Mac ever. That reality is pretty much decoupled from Apple’s new services, or more recent hardware like iPod, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Watch, AirPod, HomePod, etc.

 

[69Mustang]

I am looking forward to it, I think they can have a positive impact. There are a ton of services out there, but they are starting to become less and less based on quality. I think Apple should buy HBO and rope that in also.

I doubt WarnerMedia is going to sell HBO. At least not without making Apple severely overpay for it. HBO is one of their crown jewels.

 

[dan110]

There's a running joke amongst my peers. Tim Cook's era of "services" will initially provide profits, but will fall off a cliff once Apple has totally focused on that business model. Tim will leave the company and Apple will try to recapture its previous tech innovation soul.

 

[15ngcs1]

I applaud Apple and Disney for entering the market, however, for those of us that like to binge-watch shows I do not see myself subscribing to them. On Apple going for quality shows, if they are only family shows then they are missing out on the majority of the viewing population. I wish them luck in their endeavor.

Ratings
The Morning Show: TV-MA
See: TV-MA
Dickinson: TV-14
For All Mankind: TV-MA
Oprah: TV-14
Helpsters: TV-Y
Snoopy in Space: TV-G
Ghostwriter: TV-G
The Elephant Queen: PG
Servant: TV-MA
Hala: R
Truth Be Told: TV-MA
Little America: TV-14
Little Voice: TV-14

 

[agsystems]

Nothing is difficult to understand. Most people seem to understand clearly that Apple is doing the exact same thing that Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and other streaming services are doing. The difference is, Apple's marketing is telling the audience they aren't doing what others are doing. They're presenting it as something different. Marketing it as Quality instead of demographic programming. Buuuuuuuuuuuuut...
when you look at the programming on offer, both finished and future product, you can clearly see the intended demographic for each of the shows.

So no Apple isn't trying to duplicate a regular TV channel. None of the streaming services are trying to do that. Never have really. Apple is trying to do the same as the other steamers: find content that will connect with the consumer. Apple will have something geared towards the young kids, pre-teens/teen agers, young adult, adults, men, women...

The example you gave of Apple hiring a director to produce some shows isn't a unique thing. I doubt you can find a streaming service that hasn't done that. You really can't. Apple is simply trying to market their streaming service as something different, when it is simply a streaming service. Content will determine it's success. Just like with every other streaming services.

Apologies for length.

Thank you for the civil conversation

Based on the 15 shows they are launching with, I don't see any bias toward any age group/demographic - - in my case, I don't see this Apple "channel" on my kids devices

TV-MA 5
TV-14 4
TV-Y 1
TV-G 3
TV-R 1
Unrated 1

 

[gkarris]

The best thing apple can to do is avoid the polarization trend of current cable service.

We look at TV to escape, relax, and have fun. So we don't need every sitcom or TV show to become a lecture on every issue, from a hollywood perspective of course.

Instead of lecturing people on every issue, entertainment shows need to go back to being - you know - entertaining. That has gotten old fast. More importantly, it's why I cut cable.

This....

I'm here for Snoopy and my free year!

 

[falainber]

Where is your proof?

I think he is just assuming that they are not that stupid.

 

[3NV7]

I do not think they are losing because of LGBT/modern show, they are losing because of the price hike.

It can be both - "you're no longer making content that I enjoy, and I'm certainly not going to pay extra for it"

 

[doelcm82]

Thank you for the civil conversation

Based on the 15 shows they are launching with, I don't see any bias toward any age group/demographic - - in my case, I don't see this Apple "channel" on my kids devices

TV-MA 5
TV-14 4
TV-Y 1
TV-G 3
TV-R 1
Unrated 1

You can manage your kids’ devices so they can only view a certain age rating (and below). This also works with some other services, in case you want them to have the Disney+ channel but don’t want them to watch the PG-13 Marvel and Star Wars stuff.

 

[ScottishDuck]

I like it. I think the aim is to catch those viewers that Netflix and Amazon are losing due to their promotion of LGBT/modern shows ("losing" is a strong word, more like "viewers that are simply uninterested in it and are watching such shows less). The message is that "we're not trying to impress anyone or think too much into social statements and kill character developments for it. We're just trying to make the best shows possible (those that test best with most of a varied demographic).

My $0.02. I remain optimistically hopeful.

Think you’re totally misinterpreting the statement being made by Apple here.

Netflix and Amazon commission a lot of programming around “the figures”. If a lot of people search “clay” they will commission a sculpting show, it’s literally that basic. It’s led Netflix in particular down a hole of commissioning shows with an increasingly obscure focus. It’s causing them to make a lot of bad TV, because it’s purely about retaining a percentage and not about making “good programming”.

Anyway, what Apple means is they’re trying to make good shows under the assumption that quality will attract an audience.

 

[miami.best21]

I have so much TV to watch already - if I watched TV 24 hours a day it would take 10-20 or maybe 50 years to watch it all.

I just don't get it.

Are you that naive? Whatever it takes to track you and to sell you stuff. As long you are sitting there you are eating sugars, releasing anxiety, buying things and then going to the doctor... there is an entire industry by having you addicted to the couch. They can educate you, they can tell you what to think, what is "trending" all that.

 

[Yojimbo007]

"No one here is sitting around saying we need to find the next show for males 18 to 34, or the next show for females older than 32”

LOL ... Ya right! ..... only idiots would not do that... and i dont believe they are idiots..
Whatever motivated them to say a stupid thing like that .. 🤦‍♂️

 

[matty.p]

I remember when Apple made computers instead of TV shows and credit cards

Apples first credit card came out in 1986. You’re an OG Apple user
[automerge]1571681741[/automerge]

I applaud Apple and Disney for entering the market, however, for those of us that like to binge-watch shows I do not see myself subscribing to them. On Apple going for quality shows, if they are only family shows then they are missing out on the majority of the viewing population. I wish them luck in their endeavor.

from initial reactions the shows aren’t that family friendly. Collider said that See had a surprising amount of violence. I think that family friendly only rumor has been debunked more than a few times now.
[automerge]1571682100[/automerge]

I like it. I think the aim is to catch those viewers that Netflix and Amazon are losing due to their promotion of LGBT/modern shows ("losing" is a strong word, more like "viewers that are simply uninterested in it and are watching such shows less). The message is that "we're not trying to impress anyone or think too much into social statements and kill character developments for it. We're just trying to make the best shows possible (those that test best with most of a varied demographic).

My $0.02. I remain optimistically hopeful.

Uh oh. Got some bad news for you. You’re not gonna like Dickinson ... #lesbian