At a recent presentation at Mip London, Guy Bisson, the executive director of Ampere Analysis, delved into the current landscape of factual television. He discussed the impact of sports commissioning, the role of YouTube in hosting factual content, and the evolving differences between streamers and broadcasters.
Bisson shared his insights with Variety, presenting a comprehensive analysis titled “10 Factual Facts to Flourish in the Future.” He referenced his concept of “75% Peak TV,” highlighting the 25% decrease in scripted commissioning compared to a mere 15% decrease in documentary commissioning. This disparity signifies a significant opportunity within the realm of factual programming.
One positive trend identified by Bisson is the resilience of documentary commissioning, particularly in subgenres like biography and military and war, which have experienced minimal declines. He pointed out that Western Europe stands out as a hub for documentary content, with a focus on cultural, crime, biographical, and historical genres.
Moreover, Bisson noted a resurgence in documentary commissioning in Western Europe and North America, following a minor dip in early 2025. This upward trajectory indicates a positive outlook for the industry, with a return to 2024 levels of commissioning.
The rise of sports content commissioning has also played a significant role in maintaining stable numbers within the factual genre. Streaming platforms, in particular, have increased their investment in sports-related content, such as Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” benefiting documentary programming the most. Major sporting events like the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup have further fueled demand for sports-related documentaries.
In terms of platform dynamics, Bisson highlighted the impact of YouTube on factual content consumption. While crime documentaries remain a popular genre, streamers have shown a slight pullback in greenlighting factual content across the board. This shift may be attributed to the growing popularity of YouTube as a destination for documentary content, especially among younger audiences.
Public broadcasters have emerged as crucial players in the documentary landscape, particularly in producing news-driven content on topics like war, culture, and mental health. As commercial operators scale back their documentary commissioning, public broadcasters have become increasingly important in shaping the narrative around pressing societal issues.
Bisson also outlined the preferences of commissioners, noting that broadcasters emphasize a social angle and historical perspective in their crime documentaries. On the other hand, streamers look for content that offers a new perspective, focuses on personal stories, and reveals institutional secrets. Understanding these nuances can help creators tailor their pitches to suit the preferences of different platforms.
Overall, the future of factual television appears promising, with opportunities for growth and innovation across various subgenres and platforms. By adapting to changing viewer preferences and platform dynamics, content creators can thrive in this dynamic and evolving landscape.
