Three intense days at the Series Mania Forum in Lille — and they’ve left the drama industry with plenty to reflect on. There’s no denying it’s been a turbulent couple of years, but what we saw this week suggests there’s cautious optimism ahead. So, what’s next for international drama?
Not a Boom—But a Rebuild
Being honest: we’re not returning to the golden days of free-flowing streamer cash and runaway drama budgets. The “correction” is still very real. But the industry is recovering—slowly, strategically, and with an emphasis on creative agility and international collaboration.
The strongest and most flexible players will emerge into 2026 intact. But smaller, under-resourced companies are feeling the squeeze, and many won’t make it. We’re also seeing talent drift—writers, directors, and crew are migrating into gaming, advertising, and branded content. It’s a brain drain the industry can’t afford long-term.
Audiences Are Craving Comfort
In a geopolitical moment marked by war, uncertainty, and crisis fatigue, it’s no surprise that viewers are turning away from bleak thrillers and gritty realism. Series buyers and commissioners at the Forum were aligned: the pendulum has swung.
What’s in demand right now?
- Cosy crime and nostalgic formats
- Relationship dramas with emotional stakes
- Comedies (yes, even dark ones—if they’re character-driven)
- And intriguingly: a growing curiosity for erotic and sensual storytelling—as a form of escape from the heaviness of the everyday.
Crime Still Reigns—If You Reinvent It
The evergreen genre of crime drama continues to dominate—but the successful ones now come with a fresh spin. Think BBC’s Ludwig, which infuses procedural structure with offbeat energy, or Netflix’s Adolescence, blending youthful POV with classic genre beats.
Even the procedural—once dismissed as formulaic—is back in fashion. Why? It’s comforting, familiar, and endlessly adaptable across markets.
Co-Productions Are No Longer Optional
Perhaps the biggest shift at Series Mania was the strong consensus on international co-productions. With local funding becoming harder to secure, cross-border partnerships aren’t just strategic—they’re essential.
And not just within the same language group. We’re seeing a rise in what execs call “true co-pros”—Nordic-Spanish alliances, French-Korean collaborations, and beyond. These hybrids allow stories to travel further and funding to be creatively pieced together. Expect more of these as we move into 2026.
The Mood in Lille? Energised.
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere at the Forum was dynamic. Projects were being pitched. Talent was networking. Financiers were listening. It felt like the beginning of a bounce-back.
Were you at Series Mania this year? I’d love to hear what stood out to you. What trends did you spot—and do you agree the cosy revolution is real?
📩 Drop me a comment or message—and check out the site for more takeaways from the world of indie film and TV.
Leave a Reply