Strictly Business Daily Variety — Fifth Season Chiefs on 'Severance,' Emmys and Building an Indie Studio; A Bold Proposal for the Next Emmy Awards TV Contract
Sep 11, 2025
Fifth Season's co-CEOs dive into the success of 'Severance,' celebrating its impressive 27 Emmy nominations and discussing its potential for future licensing. They emphasize the significance of rights retention in today's streaming landscape. A bold proposal is also made for revamping the Emmy Awards to boost viewer engagement and attract a larger audience. The rivalry between 'Severance' and 'The Pitt' adds a layer of excitement, while reflections on societal issues remind us of the deeper implications of the entertainment industry.
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Emmys Validate Indie Studio Cred
- Fifth Season's Emmy haul is concrete business validation that draws top creatives to the company.
- Chris Rice says awards help build a reputation that makes people want to work with Fifth Season.
Retained Rights Matter Post-License
- Fifth Season evaluates retained rights like linear, EST, DVD and merch as future revenue streams beyond streamer licenses.
- Graham Taylor highlights those secondary rights as an important part of a show's long-term business model.
Streaming's Sweet Spot: 6–10 Hour Stories
- Long-form streaming shows can be creatively satisfying even if they only run a few seasons, and still carry economic value.
- Graham Taylor notes the six-to-ten-hour format expands storytelling opportunities distinct from classic syndication hits.