Charter To Phase Out Spectrum Originals Amid Rising Production Costs & Shifting Video Strategy

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Charter Communications is getting out of the original programming business. The decision to shut down Spectrum Originals comes as Katherine Pope, who launched and spearheaded the effort as Charter’s Head of Original Content, is leaving to become President of Sony Pictures Television Studios.According to sources, the move is not unexpected, and Pope’s exit provided an opportunity to start the process now.

It will be a process — there are several series in the pipeline, and a rep Spectrum told Deadline that the company will be exploring scheduling and distribution options for all in the coming weeks.

Some could still air on Spectrum, the rights to others may be reverted to the producers so they can find new homes for their shows.The list includes Season 2 of Joe Pickett, which became Spectrum Originals’ most-watched show ever, as well as the upcoming Beacon 23, starring Lena Headey and Stephan James, which was just renewed for a second season ahead of its series premiere; George & Tammy, starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon; and two shows from Sony TV, limited series A Spy Among Friends, starring Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce, and Panhandle, starring Luke Kirby.Charter Communications unveiled its plans for a push in original scripted content at the start of 2018 when the company brought Pope on board.

At the time, it was a strategy employed by other cable/satellite providers like DirecTV (via its Audience channel) to try and stem losing video subscribers due to cord-cutting.