Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, August 13th, 2025:
MOST STREAMERS TAKE A BALANCED APPROACH TO A BINGE-RELEASE MODEL
According to a new study by Ampere Analysis, while Netflix still releases most of its originals shows on a binge release model, other streamers take a more nuanced approach, with each streamer trying to balance its content and release dates to garner the optimal amount of attention in a crowded marketplace.
Between H1 2024 and H1 2025, Netflix released 84% of its new seasons as a binge release. Rival SVoD platforms like Prime Video, Hulu and Disney+ did a binge release closer to 60% of the time, while Apple TV+ and HBO Max employed it approximately 30% of the time.
One release pattern that has become increasingly popular for some streamers is a "stacked release." That is when multiple episodes (typically 2-3) are released for the premiere, followed by single episodes released weekly throughout the rest of the season.
But when it comes to unscripted or reality programming - especially dating and relationship shows - seasons are increasingly being released in "tiers." Which is releasing a season in three or four groups of multiple episodes.
What research does show is that there isn't a right or wrong approach to releasing episodes. The decision about which method to use often has to do with maximizing viewership and building word of mouth in a way that doesn't require the expenditure of a lot of marketing and promotional resources.
VIEWER FEEDBACK
"Thanks for the great newsletter. Even though I don't always agree with you, I enjoy reading. I had a different reaction to the Sling pass. I thought "Finally!" As a cord cutter, I pick and choose my streaming services and there have been plenty of times where I've wanted something for a day, usually for an NFL game or an awards show. Sling, Fubo and others are on to me with trying free trials so this is perfect. I even sent the article about Sling's plan to a few family members and friends who aren't as tuned in to TV things and they were excited too. Sling probably has seen enough people try to do what I've done with free trials and thought there's an untapped market here."
--Ben W.
Rick: I'm glad to hear this, because as I mentioned when I posted the news, it wasn't an idea that made sense to me. But I was curious if there was a market for it. And apparently there is.
"Hey, idiot, Karen Pirie is on Britbox, not Acorn TV!"
--A number of people
Rick: Yes, you are all correct.
"What I've always heard is that the hardcore PBS audience either renews automatically or will never give because they believe that public broadcasting should be supported entirely by government (these are the same people who bitch the most about underwriting), so that in order to bring in more money, they have to try to attract the channel surfers. And don't forget that Ken Burns' contracts with PBS specifically state that his shows cannot air during pledge drives."
--Mark J
ODDS AND SODS
* The documentary Bodyguard Of Lies premieres Tuesday, September 23rd on Paramount+. Here is a first video look at the documentary, and here is the official logline: "Bodyguard Of Lies is the first unvarnished documentary of the history of the Afghanistan war, exposing the falsehoods told to Americans and the secrets kept over four administrations. Through damning testimonies from insiders, confidential documents, never-before-seen footage and private audio recordings of those at the highest levels of government, this gripping film reveals how failed war policies and strategies were perpetuated, sacrificing thousands of lives and trillions of dollars in the process."
* Beginning on August 15th, The Roku Channel will premiere a FAST network devoted to the animated series Builder Brothers Dream Factory. The series is inspired by the real-life Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott.
* Season six of Seeking Sister Wife premieres Monday, September 22nd on TLC.
* The Food Network is premiering a new season of Halloween Baking Championship on Monday, September 15th and Halloween Wars on Sunday, September 21st.
* The docuseries Katrina: Come Hell And High Water premieres Wednesday, August 27th on Netflix. Here is a first video look at the docuseries and here are some images. Here is the official logline: "This is the story of a brutal coastal hurricane turned cataclysmic through human error and neglect. Over the course of a gripping and emotional three episodes, the people of New Orleans recount their past, extoll their present and lean into the future of what they and their beloved city survived and have become 20 years later. The series sets the stage for a tragedy - whose man-made elements expose the systemic governmental neglect that led to the city being defenseless in the face of the storm - and Katrina’s devastating impact that changed New Orleans irreparably. Detailed, harrowing and triumphant first-person accounts and never before seen archive illustrate the magnitude of Katrina, the aftermath of the levees breaking and the bungled recovery."
* Season two of Taylor Sheridan's Landman will premiere Sunday, November 16th on Paramount+.
* The two-part documentary aka Charlie Sheen premieres Wednesday, September 10th on Netflix. Here is the official logline: "Tabloid black hole Charlie Sheen knows what’s been said about him, and he’s finally ready to confess. Directed by Andrew Renzi (Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?), aka Charlie Sheen tracks his upbringing in Malibu to his effortless rise to megastardom — and dramatic fall, all within the public eye. With a stunning clarity earned through seven years of sobriety, Sheen openly speaks about the subjects and events he's never discussed publicly before. Through extraordinarily candid interviews with his family, friends, and cast members, including Denise Richards, Heidi Fleiss, Jon Cryer, Sean Penn, Ramon Estevez, Brooke Mueller, Chris Tucker, and his drug dealer Marco, the most outrageous moments of Sheen’s life are revisited with raw emotion and exceptional warmth, painting a portrait of a flawed man whose penchant for self-destruction is ultimately no match for the ferocious love and forgiveness he inspires in those closest to him."
* The theatrical documentary Stans premieres Tuesday, August 26th on Paramount+
* The South Korean action drama Tempest premieres Wednesday, September 10th on Hulu. Here is the official logline: "Tempest follows Seo Munju, a skilled former diplomat, as she tries to uncover the truth behind an attempt on a presidential candidate’s life. After discovering the candidate was accused of being a North Korean spy, Munju digs into his past, unlocking a Pandora’s box of deception, state secrets and more. Protected by Paik Sanho, a mercenary with a suspicious history and a hidden backer, Munju repeatedly finds herself under attack as she uncovers an international conspiracy stretching all the way to the White House. But, with danger drawing ever closer, will Sanho be able to keep his principal safe and his emotions in check?"
WHAT'S COMING TOMORROW
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH:
* ...And Just Like That Series Finale (Max)
* Bob’s Burgers Season Fifteen Finale (Fox)
* Honest Renovations Season Three Premiere (Roku Channel)
* Hop (HBO Max)
* In The Mud Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Miss Governor Season One, Part Two Premiere (Netflix)
* Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes Of Rage (Netflix)
* Press Your Luck Season Six Finale (ABC)
* Revival Season One Finale (Syfy)
* The Good Ship Murder Season Two Finale (BritBox)
* The Kingdom (ESPN/ESPN+)
* True Crime Story: Smugshot Season Two Premiere (Sundance TV)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15TH:
* BMF Season Four Finale (Starz)
* Fit For TV: The Reality Of The Biggest Loser (Netflix)
* Limitless With Chris Hemsworth Season Two Premiere (Disney+/Hulu)
* Magic City: An American Fantasy (Starz)
* Night Always Comes (Netflix)
* Perfect Match Season Three Finale (Netflix)
* Smoke Season One Finale (Apple TV+)
* Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical (Apple TV+)
* Stand Up To Cancer (ABC, CBS, Disney+, Fox, Hulu, NBC)
* The Great American Recipe Season Four Finale (PBS)
* The Legend Of Ochi (HBO Max)
* The Rainmaker Series Premiere (USA)
SEE YOU ON THURSDAY NIGHT!