Industry News

Documentaries become fastest-growing streaming genre

6 April, 2021

It appears documentary series are becoming a new way for many of us to escape at this point in the pandemic. New data released by Parrot Analytics shows documentaries became the fastest-growing genre on streaming platforms in 2020 – and this year, that trend is continuing to climb.

“I think because people aren’t able to go out and experience these, we’re all kind of living vicariously through our streaming services. As evidenced by things like, ‘My Octopus Teacher’, which was on Netflix and made a huge splash — because I think everyone was missing travel and swimming and exploring,” said Nate Luebbe, a documentary filmmaker originally from Evergreen, Colorado.

The data from Parrot Analytics looked at insights and views from several streaming platforms and found between January of 2018 and March of 2021, the number of documentary series soared by 63%, while demand for them skyrocketed by 142%.

Visit KDVR to read this article.



Get a glimpse into the future of global audience demand measurement for TV shows, movies and talent and learn from consolidated insights and strategic thinking focused on the entertainment industry.

Exclusive global, regional and market-specific content and talent analyses
Rank 15,000+ talent in 50+ markets across all platforms
Rank 20k+ TV shows and 12k+ movies in 50+ markets across all platforms

The Global Television Demand Report

  • Truly understand the global SVOD originals landscape
  • Comprehensive platform market share benchmarks
  • Released each quarter covering 10 global markets
  • Get exclusive access to our comprehensive reports
  • Available for FREE with a DEMAND360LITE subscription