Paramount+ is undergoing a strategic shift, moving away from its Taylor Sheridan-centric approach towards a more diverse and female-forward programming strategy. With the departure of Sheridan, who has been instrumental in shaping the streamer's identity, Paramount+ is now focusing on broadening its appeal to a wider audience, particularly women and genre enthusiasts. This shift is evident in the recent acquisitions and greenlights, which include a mix of legal thrillers, true-crime dramas, and YA stories, as well as a focus on "grounded genre" concepts. The streamer is also testing out microdramas, a format that has gained popularity, especially among romance-loving audiences.
The new strategy is led by Paramount+’s head of originals, Jane Wiseman, who has been instrumental in shaping the platform's future. Her hires, such as Chris Parnell, an executive VP of originals, indicate a push towards more diverse programming. The streamer is seeking to develop destination series that will attract multiple audiences, including women and genre viewers. This shift is a response to the competitive streaming landscape, where Paramount+ aims to differentiate itself by offering a more varied and appealing selection of content.
One of the key aspects of this new strategy is the focus on female-fronted shows. Paramount+ is actively seeking to attract a broader female audience, as evidenced by the acquisitions of Discretion, Fear Not, and the sequel to Clueless. The streamer is also interested in romance and family stories, as well as adult dramas and thrillers, indicating a move away from the Sheridan-style neo-Westerns that have dominated the platform. This shift is a recognition of the importance of catering to a diverse range of viewers, particularly women, who are increasingly influential in the streaming market.
Despite the shift, Paramount+ remains committed to its existing content, including Sheridan's shows, which have been a cornerstone of the platform. The streamer has a generous offramp, with Sheridan's deal moving to NBCUniversal in 2029, allowing Paramount+ to retain its existing audience while also attracting new subscribers with its new programming. This strategic move positions Paramount+ to compete more effectively in the streaming wars, offering a more diverse and appealing selection of content to its subscribers.
