In a world grappling with serious issues, Disney+ is turning to laughter. Eric Schrier, President of Disney TV Studios and Global Original Television Strategy, recently shared exciting news: the streaming giant is actively seeking more comedy series from the UK. He believes the world could use some humor right now, and Disney+ is stepping up to deliver it.
During a Content London event, Schrier highlighted the shift towards comedy, noting the current focus on drama. He even showcased a trailer for the upcoming comedy-drama Alice & Steve, a show exploring the unique relationship between platonic friends, starring Jermaine Clement and Nicola Walker. The show, produced by Clerkenwell Films and directed by Tom Kingsley, with Sophie Goodhart as the writer and creator, promises a fresh perspective. Schrier described it as a "super unique concept," encouraging producers to bring ambitious ideas to the table.
He also pointed to the success of Rivals, the comedy series adapted from Jilly Cooper’s novel series, as a major win for Disney+ in the UK and beyond. This move aligns with Disney CEO Bob Iger's earlier statement about increasing local market production, marking "phase two" of Disney+'s evolution. The platform has already launched 100 series in over 20 territories this year, with the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Korea, Turkey, and Brazil as key focus areas.
But here's where it gets controversial... Schrier touched upon Disney+'s content partnerships with free-to-air broadcasters like ITV in the UK, Atresmedia in Spain, and ZDF Studios in Germany. He sees these partnerships as a productive way to offer content to subscribers, even if it means not always prioritizing exclusivity. He mentioned that producers are still primarily interested in the large upfront fees offered for global rights, a model popularized by Netflix.
Schrier also announced The Devil in My DMs, a four-part Hulu true-crime series exploring the dark side of social media. The show, made by Lightbox, the producer behind the Disney+ original Camden, delves into real-life crimes sparked by online interactions.
What do you think about Disney+'s shift towards more comedy and its partnerships with free-to-air broadcasters? Do you agree that the world needs more laughter? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
