Hello people, 

If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent a few late nights glued to your screen, binge-watching the latest web series on different streaming platforms. 

But what goes into creating these addictive shows that keep us coming back for more? In this newsletter, we’re peeling back the curtain to explore how Indian web series are redefining entertainment and what makes them stand out compared to traditional TV shows.

The Story Begins: A New Era of Storytelling

Let’s face it – we’ve grown up on a steady diet of TV serials. You know, the ones where dramatic background scores intensify every glance, and episodes stretch on for years. Then came the web series – crisp, bold, and refreshingly different. One key difference lies in the way stories are told. Web series creators aren’t bound by the limitations of typical TV formats or the pressure of pleasing a broad audience. Instead, they focus on niche stories that strike a chord with specific audiences, giving rise to shows like Stranger Things, Mirzapur, and Money Heist.

Source : filmdaily.co

What makes these shows stand out is their ability to blend authenticity with drama. The rawness, the flaws of the characters, the grit of the settings – these aspects are captured with a cinematic lens, making the narrative feel closer to reality.

Breaking Free from the 9-to-5 Format

Traditional TV shows are often bound by rigid episode counts, fixed airtimes, and advertisers’ demands. But web series? They enjoy far more creative freedom. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar allow producers to experiment with episode lengths and formats, unshackling them from the 30-minute or 60-minute formula. 

Want to tell a story in six episodes? Go ahead. Need a longer runtime to do justice to the plot? No problem!

This freedom has opened the door for creators to take risks – both in terms of content and structure. And audiences are loving it! Web series, unlike TV, don’t have to cater to the masses; they can cater to you – the individual viewer who’s craving something fresh.

Inside the Production Process: More Like Films Than TV

You might be surprised to learn that many popular web series follow a production process more aligned with film than television. Traditional TV shows are usually produced on tight schedules with limited budgets. In contrast, web series often involve elaborate pre-production, with in-depth scripts, research, and planning. Many series, especially the ones you binge-watch over weekends, go through a full cinematic production process – from location scouting to specialized set design.

The Money game 

Source: Unknown

One of the key differences between web series and traditional TV shows is in their production budgets. Whether it’s an Indian web series like Scam 1992 or a global phenomenon like Stranger Things, a single episode can cost anywhere from $500,000 to millions. For example, The Crown is rumored to have a per-episode budget of over $13 million! In contrast, traditional TV shows operate on much smaller budgets, focusing on volume over quality.

This difference in budget is evident in the cinematic quality of many web series, which often feel more polished and visually stunning compared to their TV counterparts.

The Binge Factor: Hook, Line, and Sinker

Ever wondered why you can’t just stop at one episode? The binge factor is real, and it’s no accident. Unlike TV shows, which rely on cliffhangers to keep you tuning in daily, web series are designed with binge-worthy narratives in mind. The storytelling pace is faster, and the plot arcs are tighter. There’s little filler content, which means every minute counts – and you’re left craving more at the end of each episode.

Series like Breaking Bad and Money Heist have mastered the art of layered narratives. Multiple subplots and twists unfold slowly over the course of the season, keeping you hooked until you’ve devoured an entire series in one sitting. It’s this addictive, non-stop engagement that has turned web series into global sensations.

Audience Power: Tailored Content for a Digital Generation

Perhaps the biggest shift that web series have brought to the entertainment industry is the move from broad, general content to more focused, relatable narratives. TV shows had to cater to family audiences, but web series are made for individuals. Platforms use algorithms to figure out what you, personally, want to watch – whether it's dark crime thrillers or heartwarming coming-of-age dramas. This means creators can craft content with specific groups in mind, allowing for more unique and unconventional stories.

This shift in audience power has also paved the way for regional content to thrive. Shows like Emily in Paris, Korean Dramas, Friends, Kota Factory and many more have not only entertained audiences in their home countries but have also gained international recognition, proving that great stories are not confined by borders.

A New Chapter in Indian Entertainment

So, the next time you’re glued to a screen, lost in the world of The Office or drooling over Emily’s clothes, remember that you’re part of a digital entertainment revolution. The production process, from script to screen, has evolved, offering high-quality, gripping content that feels more like an experience than just another show.

And as the lines between cinema, television, and digital continue to blur, we can’t help but wonder – what’s next?

Till then, happy binge-watching!

Vipul

Leeds1888

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PS. Puzzle Time!

Here’s a quick puzzle for you:

• Love, Rome, Scooty and Marcello

• Lily, Marshall, Robin and Barney

• Lavish and expensive weddings

• Orange Kesar cake and sex

Can you guess which Indian web series I am talking about from the above hints?

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Answers: 

1. Emily in Paris

2. How I met your mother

3. Made in Heaven

4. CA Topper