Netflix to up originals, unscripted

Netflix’s chief creative officer Ted Sarandos has said the US SVoD service will double its number of original series in 2017, with a particular focus on unscripted content.

Ted Sarandos

Sarandos said Netflix would release 1,000 hours of original programming next year and would increase its production of unscripted shows from 12 to 20.

“Unscripted television is a very interesting business,” Sarandos told investors at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference in New York.

“The content itself seems to be largely interchangeable. Meaning, if you want to see a show about hoarding, there are three different shows about hoarding.”

Sarandos’ comments come after he previously admitted the streamer would have been interested in buying The Great British Bake Off but did not believe the ratings hit would ever leave the BBC.

Meanwhile, Sarandos said he wasn’t worried about Amazon’s expanding footprint, which includes the roll-out of motoring show The Grand Tour.

“It doesn’t appear they’re gaining much traction against all that spending,” the exec said. “Maybe it sells Prime memberships or other things I’m not privy to, but right now it just looks like they’re spending a lot of money.”

Sarandos also denied that Netflix was looking to be acquired by a larger company, amid rumours that Disney is considering a bid.