The Wit’s trends: from nostalgia to interactivity

Top 20 formats (# of distinct countries of origin, H1 2019 – H1 2023) (Source: Ampere Analysis)

In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, the quest for innovative content is ceaseless. The consuntancy firm The Wit, unveils the latest game-changers shaping the global consumption and production trends at this season. From reviving nostalgia to embracing interactive formats, here’s a glimpse into the shows dominating the industry. One of the axes that she defines these formats is their mimicry with the live audience and their use of social networks.

The first of these shows that the consultancy mentions is Big Brother – Knossi Edition (Germany, Twitch.tv), a 57-hour branded entertainment spectacle where German streamer Knossi and influencers inhabit the Big Brother house, engaging with viewers via Twitch chat and challenges. The show garnering 8.81 million live views and 2 million unique viewers, captivating audiences on Knossi’s Twitch channel and SAT.1‘s streaming app. The format is distributed by Banijay Rights.

Also Idiot Sandwich (United Kingdom, YouTube), where celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay hosts a comedic cooking competition on YouTube, challenging contestants to impress him with their sandwich creations. The show’s initial episodes amassed over 3 million views, with Ramsay’s YouTube channel boasting 20.5 million subscribers. Distributor: Studio Ramsay Global.

By YouTube, Poker Society (France), reunites celebrities and influencers who compete in a branded reality poker series for a €100,000 prize, showcasing their skills in an abandoned warehouse turned battleground. With over 1 million views, the series gained traction on Winamax’s YouTube channel, attracting a dedicated audience. Distributor: Dreamspark.

Proportion of commissions base don formats, VoD vs. Linear (% of titles) (Source: Ampere Analysis)

From SBS6 (The Netherlands), Ranking the Talent follows artists who perform live, while the audience ranks their acts, prompting celebrities and viewers at home to predict the rankings via an interactive app. Garnering 57,000 subscribers, the talent contest became a hit on social media, with its interactive format resonating with audiences. Distributor: Talpa Studios.

Being one of the top shows in the USA, The Golden Bachelor (USA, ABC) is a senior spin-off of The Bachelor, where individuals get a second chance at love in their golden years, fostering connections and creating heartwarming moments. With over 118,000 subscribers and a 6.4 IMDb rating, the series garnered a dedicated fanbase, resonating with viewers seeking love later in life. Distributor: Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP).

As audiences crave fresh experiences, these shows redefine storytelling, engagement, and cultural resonance, setting the stage for a dynamic era of entertainment. With a blend of nostalgia, interactivity, and compelling narratives, they represent the cutting edge of content creation, shaping the future of the industry.