From Sci-Fi to Reality TV: The Mastery of Disney in Movie Creation

Today’s streaming market is highly competitive but also obviously dominated by a powerful player, which is Netflix. It’s a leading platform thanks to the significantly rich movie libraries and international content too. However, Disney is a tough competitor for Netflix as well as other platforms like HBO Max or Paramount+, despite having not the highest number of subscribers.

According to the numbers, Disney+, the main streaming platform of Disney, has been attracting more and more people since 2020. Simply consider the spike from around 26 million subscribers in the same year to more than 150 million subscribers as of 2024. From the price standpoint, the difference between streaming platforms, in general, is not big, whereas Disney+ has way less number of content compared to Netflix, for instance. But what’s the secret that keeps Disney growing and favorable among many viewers?

Of course, this question may have several explanations, but we went through the uniqueness of the content library the platform owns, and it’s more varying than one might think. Let’s go into the important notes one by one, discovering the inner charm of the content that Disney offers.

Light-hearted Films Featuring an All-Star Cast

There’s no denying Disney’s knack for putting together stacked comedy casts in a way that just instantly elevates their more grounded, light-hearted projects into must-see TV events. A perfect example is the smash hit murder-mystery series Only Murders in the Building, which became popular not only thanks to its cast but also the storyline. Well, if you are a fan of Disney+ or its streaming hub Hulu murder shows, then you definitely love “Only Murders in the Building,” too, which is hilarious.

This show leans so heavily on the sheer charisma and comedic chops of its lead trio – Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. You’ve got two all-time great veterans of the craft playing off an effervescent young star, and that generations-spanning chemistry is absolute magic.

Martin and Short obviously have that protracted creative partnership where they can practically finish each other’s sentences extemporaneously. The two play off each other’s timing with the casual brilliance of true comedy partners. But then you add in Gomez bringing her sincere youthful patterns to the ensemble, and it’s like they’ve packaged the perfect dramatic foil to bounce the more seasoned humor riffing off of.

It’s just such an inspired casting move that immediately gives the show unmatched energy and cosigns its quality from the jump. You see those names attached and you simply know you’re in for a masterclass of snappy dialogue, lovable characters, and just an all-around good time with zero pretense. People just enjoy these actors’ presence, no matter whether they are attending the most-waited opening night or watching the series from the comfort of their homes.

The Power of Franchises

Of course, at the end of the day, Disney’s core strength has always been its stable of blockbuster-caliber franchise properties. They know exactly how to take a universally beloved IP (intellectual property) and run it into the ground in the best possible way through hit after hit after hit.

The textbook example has to be the entire Star Wars universe they inherited from George Lucas. Disney paid a whopping $4 billion for those rights and they’ve capitalized on the enduring popularity of Star Wars by consistently producing content that appeals to a wide range of fans.

Just look at the viewership numbers and media coverage – one of the latest shows, “The Mandalorian,” has become a phenomenon, nominated for 48 Emmy Awards. It’s considered as one of the best series and people just loved it, pushing Dinsey+ to the frontiers of the streaming wars.

Of course, the franchise is woven into our collective subconscious at this point as viewers. We all feel some sort of magnetic connection to that universe, so we’ll return to the theater or smash that streaming ‘watch’ button in droves every single time a new chapter drops no matter what.

…And the Unexpected Ones: Reality Shows

While Disney+ is known for epic fantasy and superhero sagas, their unscripted shows offer a different kind of appeal, attracting a loyal viewership. One of their latest addition, “The Kardashians,” delves into the lives of a famous family, offering viewers a glimpse into their personal stories and dynamics.

With this new series, Disney+ caters to those who enjoy reality TV and docu-soaps. The show explores themes of family, relationships, and navigating life in the spotlight.

Despite its focus on celebrity lives, the series provides unexpected relatability for viewers. Seeing the challenges and complexities faced by this prominent family taps into a desire for connection and a reminder that celebrities are human too.

“The Kardashians” might be considered filler content compared to Disney+’s blockbuster titles, but it serves a purpose. The series offers a break from high-concept narratives and provides viewers with a lighter, more familiar viewing experience, proving its success in attracting a dedicated audience.