In his coverage for VideoAge, editor Dom Serafini explains the landscape clearly: “Very few new series mean many renewals.” As of mid-April, just seven new pilots have been commissioned by U.S. broadcast networks, while 35 series have already been renewed—an unmistakable sign of caution and strategic conservatism in the wake of strikes and shifting industry economics.
One of the biggest changes this year is the independent screenings, which will be hosted at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood—a fresh venue for the indie segment, running over just two days (May 15–16). Despite the short timeframe, 47 exhibitors will be present, underscoring the continuing importance of non-studio content for global buyers. Major studios are streamlining their presence at the 2025 L.A. Screenings, with NBCUniversal leading at four days, Disney following with three, Paramount Global, Sony, and Warner Bros. Discovery taking two each, and Fox, Amazon MGM, and Lionsgate limiting themselves to single-day presentations—yet, as Dom Serafini of VideoAge notes, the event still stretches across a full seven days for buyers, packed with meetings, screenings, and industry gatherings.
While this year’s offerings may appear modest, Serafini notes that the 2026 season could see a strong rebound in content demand, driven by state and congressional elections, the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina (Feb 6–22), and the FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19)—all powerful engines for linear TV and streaming viewership. Combined with staples like U.S. football and basketball, broadcasters are likely to lean heavily on live content and event-driven programming.
As the international buying community prepares for its annual pilgrimage to Los Angeles, the 2025 edition of the Screenings reaffirms the industry's adaptability—streamlined, focused, but still filled with potential. Or, as Serafini puts it, "The programs are here—not just content, but also logistics."
