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But the streamer isnt addingUnREALnext month or two weeks from now.
Itsavailable right now, immediately.
has increasingly become a way that networks roll out their shows.
Showtime provided less than two weeks notice that Sacha Baron CohensWho Is America?would debut Sunday night.
Before the initial teaser was released, there was no hint the show would be airing in July.
For streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, its easy enough to take this sort of shock-and-awe approach.
The question is whether this approach benefits the shows and the viewers.
Because I can tell you right now who it does not benefit: TV critics.
Now we have to anticipate surprise programming, too?
Its not safe anymore, people!
In terms of getting media attention, the surprise approach can work well in certain circumstances.
Take the two most recent examples: Sacha Baron Cohens new show and Hulus pickup ofUnREAL.
For practical reasons, keepingWho Is America?on the down low made sense.
Whether it was good or bad, the hush-hush-ness around it made it feel like a must-see.
The sudden arrival give it a little juice, at least for loyal viewers.
But surprise wont work for every show.
Which is why I think networks should be very sparing with their surprise rollouts.
Its easy to imagine the same issue arising in TV.
Provide screeners months ahead of time!
Eliminate all sense of mystery!
That will definitely make you stand out.
