Predicting Netflix's Next 10 Smash Hit Shows
What could be the next Witcher, Black Mirror or The Crown?
It's an interesting time for Netflix (and not just because millions of people are suddenly stuck at home streaming a whole lot more than usual). The kings of streaming have now been making their own original programming for long enough that they have a pretty good idea of what people like, just in time for some of those early Netflix original series to reach their end points.
Now, though, they've got a bunch of rivals to their throne that never existed when the likes of Orange Is The New Black or Stranger Things began. The streaming market has only become more competitive with the launch of the likes of Disney+ and Netflix are going to have to step up their game to remain on top of the pile.
With that in mind, the former DVDs-by-post people are bringing you a whole host of new and original material over the next couple of years, hoping that each will be more Unbelievable than Insatiable.
But which of the countless in-development Netflix shows are likely to be their next big hit, the new Mindhunter or the next Dark Crystal? Let's look at ten likely contenders.
10. Masters Of The Universe: Revelation
Released: Summer to Autumn 2020
Just as the curtain falls on Netflix's surprisingly successful reimagining of She-Ra, another take on Mattel's sword and sorcery toyline steps up to take its place.
Shepherded by geek hero Kevin Smith, undoubtedly a man who values the arcane lore of a 35-year-old glorified toy commercial, the new Masters Of The Universe comes from Powerhouse Animation, the makers of existing Netflix animated hit Castlevania. It will adopt the latter's anime-influenced aesthetic rather than trying to replicate an 80s Filmation look, but in other respects offers the fan-pleasing hook of a direct continuation of the original series' narrative.
The storyline will initially focus on action girl Teela and her search for the missing Sword Of Power. Presumably it won't remain missing permanently as Smith as promised that Prince Adam will take centre stage as He-Man in an epic final battle with the forces of evil.
Apart from simply the fun of carrying on the old 80s story, Revelation also comes with a hell of a cast. Facing off against Supergirl's Chris Wood as Adam, Buffy herself Sarah Michelle Gellar as Teela and Game Of Thrones' onion knight Liam Cunningham as Man At Arms, Smith has recruited Mark Hamill to voice the evil Skeletor, Lena Headey as his wicked sorceress sidekick Evil-Lyn, and Hamill's old Batman nemesis Kevin Conroy as Mer-Man.
Narrative continuity with a cult 80s kids' favourite, only with modern production values and a top notch cast, made Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance into a cross-generational hit. Masters Of The Universe has the chance to do the same and unite the brand's new She-Ra fans with 80s purists.