Streamers and Networks Depend on Producers, TV Executives Warn as Hollywood Contraction Deepens

Television executives are urging distributors—including streamers and networks—to prioritize the financial health of their producing partners as Hollywood’s post-Peak TV contraction tightens its grip on the industry.

The entertainment sector’s once-booming Peak TV bubble burst in 2022, triggering a 37% reduction in the number of scripted TV series ordered by U.S. distributors over the past three years. The rise of streaming giants like Netflix as dominant distribution forces has further eroded the profitability of traditional licensing and syndication deals, leaving producers with fewer revenue streams.

This financial squeeze has forced production companies to downsize. For example, Bad Robot, founded by J.J. Abrams, has reduced operations due to shrinking budgets and limited opportunities.

“I would like to think we can get to a place where streamers, distributors and networks want to see their producing partners make money. A lot of our colleagues have been squeezed out of the biz because you still need to make a living. Distributors need to remember that … They’re dependent on us, so they should want to see us stay in business and hopefully succeed and thrive.”

— Howard T. Owens, founder and co-CEO of Propagate Content

In a market marked by shrinking slates, financial strain, and growing political resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, securing a greenlight for a series in 2026 has become an increasingly difficult challenge. This was the central theme of TheWrap’s first Trade Secrets roundtable on TV greenlights, where top producers and executives—including Owens, Sarah Schechter (Chairwoman and Partner at Berlanti Productions and Berlanti Films), Lauren Neustadter (President of Hello Sunshine film and TV), Pilar Savone (EVP of Simpson Street Production and Development), and Hannah Pillemer (EVP and Head of Scripted at Fox Entertainment Studios)—discussed the evolving landscape of TV development.

What It Takes to Sell a Series in 2026

During the roundtable, the executives highlighted the critical factors that determine whether a pitch secures funding and moves forward:

• Undeniable concepts: Buyers are prioritizing content that is “undeniable”, according to Neustadter. This often stems from strong intellectual property (IP), such as a bestselling book, or a writer with a proven track record that platforms cannot ignore.
• Strategic partnerships: Successful pitches require the right combination of writers, producers, studio executives, and network leaders to champion the project and navigate the greenlight process.
• Clear and compelling premises: A well-defined pitch with a strong narrative hook is essential to stand out in a crowded market.

The executives emphasized that even as artificial intelligence (AI) begins to influence content creation, the final greenlight decision still hinges on human judgment and taste. The business of television ultimately thrives or fails based on these human-driven choices.