U.S. Scripted TV Series Decline by 24% in 2023

Fewer series ordered and released amid economic downturn and labor strikes, with recovery expected to be slow.

Research from Ampere Analysis reveals a significant drop in the number of U.S. scripted TV series released in 2023, with just 481 series compared to 633 in both 2021 and 2022, marking a decline of 24 percent.
Fewer series were also ordered in 2023, with only 418 U.S. scripted series ordered compared to 661 in 2022, indicating a larger decline of 37 percent.
Streaming services released 77 fewer seasons of TV in 2023 than in 2022, with Netflix alone reducing its releases from 107 to 68.
Broadcast and cable television released 55 fewer seasons in 2023, but many of these are expected to be delayed rather than cancelled, potentially inflating 2024's numbers.
Despite the expected temporary bounce in 2024, the trend suggests a long-term decrease in U.S. scripted series, with recovery likely to be slow.