Ampere Says Streaming Season Gaps Hit 21 Months as Waits Over 30 Months Lift Engagement
Updated
Updated · Deadline · May 27
Ampere Says Streaming Season Gaps Hit 21 Months as Waits Over 30 Months Lift Engagement
6 articles · Updated · Deadline · May 27
21 months separated seasons of scripted streaming originals on major platforms in 2025, up from 12 months in 2020 and 10 months a decade earlier, Ampere Analysis found.
Pandemic disruptions and the 2023-24 U.S. labor strikes drove the sharpest jumps, pushing the average from 12 to 16 months in 2021 and from 17 to 21 months in 2024.
Shows returning after more than 30 months posted the strongest premiere-month engagement; Ampere said Stranger Things viewing jumped 300% in H2 2025 ahead of its final season, with Season 1 drawing both new and returning viewers.
Ampere warned the strategy still risks churn: 54% of U.S. respondents in Q1 2026 said they would likely cancel a subscription if they were not using it often enough.
The firm said streamers must balance blockbuster production timelines for tentpole series such as Stranger Things, Wednesday and Severance against a steadier flow of content.
Are blockbuster shows a brilliant strategy or a costly gamble that encourages viewers to cancel?
With platform loyalty dead, what is the future for streaming services built on long-term subscriptions?
As AI revolutionizes visual effects, will the multi-year wait for our favorite shows finally end?