Advanced Television

Netflix targets teens

August 25, 2015

Netflix is adding a number of exclusive movies and TV series aimed at teenagers and “tweens” to its streaming service as part of a strategy to position itself as a digital entertainment hub for the post-millennial generation.

Netflix has licensed two films from YouTube personalities, including Smosh: The Movie from the creators of the YouTube comedy channel of the same name; and Bad Night, featuring the YouTube stars Jenn McAllister and Lauren Luthringshausen.  It also has picked up Lost & Found Music Studios, an original series about a group of young musicians; and Fuller House, the anticipated sequel to the 1990s sitcom Full House.

Erik Barmack, Netflix’s vice president for global independent content, said in an interview last week that scripted entertainment aimed at teenagers was scarce.

“In the on-demand world, there isn’t a place where there is lots of great scripted shows and movies that are catering to that audience. That is both an opportunity and a challenge,” he commented.

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