Average Time Between Seasons of Original Streaming Series Doubles: Study

Streaming audiences are in for a longer wait between seasons of their favorite original shows, according to a recent study by Ampere Analysis. The average gap between seasons of Scripted Originals has nearly doubled from 12 months in 2020 to 21 months in 2025. This trend is a result of rising costs for streaming services and tighter programming budgets.

Despite the extended wait times, loyal viewers are sticking around for hit titles like Severance and Wednesday. However, if streaming platforms don’t keep audiences engaged during these longer breaks, there is a risk of subscribers cancelling their memberships.

During the peak of the streaming boom in 2022, major platforms released more seasons of Scripted Original shows (599) than in the five years prior combined (591). But the demand for high-end, blockbuster-style content has led to significantly longer production timelines, resulting in longer waits between seasons.

Senior analyst at Ampere Analysis, Christen Tamisin, emphasized the importance of balancing blockbuster production timelines with a steady flow of content. Extended gaps between seasons may generate anticipation for flagship titles, but they can also lead to audience churn.

Key findings from the study include the fact that shows with gaps of over 30 months between seasons tend to have higher engagement in the premiere month of the new season. Genre also plays a role in audience tolerance for extended breaks, with Sci-Fi & Fantasy titles performing well despite long gaps, while Comedy shows see less tolerance for long waits.

Interestingly, the study revealed that the long breaks between seasons can actually lead to higher engagement. Existing audiences often rewatch earlier seasons to refresh their memories, and new viewers may discover shows during the gap between releases.

Despite the positive engagement around returning shows, the study also highlighted the risk of long gaps. In the US, 54% of respondents in Q1 2026 said they would consider cancelling a service subscription if they weren’t using it frequently enough. This leaves streaming platforms vulnerable to churn and encourages audiences to only subscribe when their favorite shows are back.