Glance also starred in another of the trends conferences at ATF, this time, focused on docuseries. Florent Careme, Head of Research & Products, talked about the secrets behind the success of documentary programs. The session, rich with statistics and insights, delved into the nuances of audience successes and boosters across continents.
Careme began the conference by mentioning some of the most successful documentary series of the year, including: K Food Show: A Nation of Kimchi (Netflix), La Penúltima y me voy (Atresmedia), The priest from the hell (Viaplay), A murder in the family (ITVX), Kungen Och Jag (The king and I – SVT Play), Europe: A Tapestry of Themes.
Careme started by shedding light on the European landscape, focusing on the UK, Italy, Spain, and the Nordics. In the UK, nature-oriented docu-series, crime sagas, and do-it-yourself themes stole the spotlight, captivating audiences with figures surpassing 7 million viewers. Italy, with its society-oriented and travel-themed shows, showcased a penchant for imported series. Spain, on the other hand, gravitated towards celebrity-focused documentaries, with a special emphasis on exploring the lives of prominent figures.
In the Nordics, a diverse array of themes emerged triumphant, from nature and history to politics and society. Denmark, with a keen interest in the local lifestyle, presented a mosaic of successful documentaries, while Sweden exhibited a fascination for royal subjects. The trends varied across these nations, reflecting the unique tastes of each audience.
Asia: A Kaleidoscope of Themes
Shifting focus to Asia, the expert highlighted China, Japan, and South Korea’s contributions to the docu-series landscape. ‘In China, an emergence in streaming platform dynamism marked a departure from global trends. Themes of art, culture, society, history, food, and technology dominated the landscape. Notable programs like Powerful Actors and Forever Young spearheaded audience boosters.
As for Japan, according to the exec, the country continued its tradition of art and culture-centric successes, with a strong focus on seniors. Themes of lifestyle, traditional dances, and regional village life resonated strongly with Japanese audiences. South Korea, embracing society-centric, travel, and food-focused themes, showcased the diverse flavors of its cultural offerings.
As the Careme concluded the session, a stark contrast emerged between European and Asian trends, with almost no common thematic ground. However, one common thread united both worlds—society. ‘Whether exploring the societal nuances of their own or foreign lands, audiences on both continents demonstrated a keen interest in the human experience’.
