Business Wars Netflix vs Blockbuster Revisited - HBO Gets in the Game | 5
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May 13, 2019 This discussion highlights HBO's evolution from a small cable provider to a powerhouse in original programming. Key moments include the groundbreaking impact of 'The Sopranos' and a look at how 'Six Feet Under' transformed storytelling on television. The podcast also underscores HBO's commitment to creative freedom, which led to critical acclaim for shows like 'The Wire.' As iconic series reach their conclusions, the conversation explores HBO's current challenges in a rapidly changing landscape of premium content.
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HBO's Humble Beginnings
- Charles Dolan launched HBO in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, amidst a disaster zone after Hurricane Agnes.
- Despite challenges, he convinced residents to pay for "special programming" like B-movies and sports.
Dolan's Vision for Cable
- Early cable television was seen as a workaround to bring broadcast TV to areas with poor reception.
- Charles Dolan envisioned cable's potential for delivering diverse content like movies and live sports.
Early Cable Experiments
- Dolan tested his cable idea with closed-circuit systems in New York hotels and later wired Lower Manhattan.
- High costs led to bankruptcy, but proved the concept's viability.
