If you have been binging on Netflix for a while, you might have noticed the spike in stand-up comedy specials on the video streaming service. Netflix has poured millions of dollars into expanding its library of stand-up specials since HBO and Comedy Central have dialed down their own investments in stand-up.
Thanks to Netflix’s massive subscription base, the streaming service was able to invest in expanding its library of stand-up specials, broadening the audience of established comedians and elevating once unknown talent into big stars.
Netflix hasn’t seen much competition, but that could change as HBO is being pressured to expand its library to compete against Netflix. Amazon Studios on the other hand, is growing and investing more into its own original programming. But probably the biggest threat of all is Disney’s upcoming streaming service, which is set to launch next year.
Netflix was originally founded in 1997, but it wasn’t until 2012 that the company started producing its own content. While it was a bold move for Netflix to double-down on stand-up, it proved successful. For just a microphone stand and one comedian, a lot of attention and money can be made.
With the star power Netflix has gained, the company has seen a higher number of subscribers. Moreover, Netflix is retaining its subscribers. Netflix itself has spent countless hours gathering data about audience viewer habits. With all that valuable user data, the streaming service has used that information to make key decisions about the kind of content it wants to invest in. But most importantly, Netflix is simply giving users what they want.
By: Maytinee Kramer
