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Amidst a shrinking production environment, this approach has not only allowed SBS to secure a strong foothold but also to cultivate a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite shows.
At the heart of SBS’s current focus is the utilization of existing Intellectual Property (IP) to produce seasonal dramas. This strategy has brought about the continuation of several blockbuster series, such as “Chaebol X Detective,” “Taxi Driver,” “The Great Escape,” and “The Fiery Priest.” These sequels have filled prime-time slots with genre-defining content, reinforcing SBS’s position in the market. Notably, “Taxi Driver 2” has been a standout, earning its lead actor, Lee Jae-hoon, top honors, while the ending of “Dr. Romantic” has left its fanbase thoroughly satisfied.
The phenomenon of seasonal dramas, dubbed the ‘SBS Universe,’ represents a significant shift from the past, where the success of a single installment would lead to the production of a sequel. This change is partly due to the instability in the drama production environment, with many actors voicing concerns over the decreasing number of dramas being produced. In this context, the decision to develop sequels for already popular IPs becomes a logical choice for both production companies and broadcasters.
A common thread among these seasonal dramas is their unique character-driven stories. Series like “The Fiery Priest,” “Taxi Driver,” “Chaebol X Detective,” and “Dr. Romantic” revolve around strong central figures whose charm and capabilities remain undiminished across different narratives. This has enabled SBS dramas, particularly those in the superhero genre, to successfully transition into multi-season offerings.
The evolving preferences of viewers have also played a crucial role in the rise of seasonal dramas. Today’s audiences are not content with finite storylines; they crave continuations and further explorations of the narratives they have come to love. While SBS has been at the forefront of this trend, it’s worth noting that other networks, like tvN with “Signal,” have also recognized the potential for season-based storytelling, further validating the model’s success.
However, the journey is not without its challenges. One significant obstacle is the risk of losing the original charm that made a series popular, as the pursuit of commercial success can sometimes lead to a dilution of quality. The industry adage that sequels struggle to surpass their predecessors is a cautionary reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards to avoid disappointments akin to those experienced by “Believer” and “Sweet Home 2.”
As SBS continues to expand its universe of seasonal dramas, the anticipation for what’s next remains high. The success of this strategy demonstrates a keen understanding of both the market’s demands and the desires of the audience, setting a compelling precedent for the future of Korean drama production.
Source: https://www.kpopmap.com/in-the-competitive-landscape-of-korean-television-sbs-has-once-again-proven-its-strategic-prowess-by-leveraging-well-crafted-drama-universes-making-a-significant-mark-with-its-lineup-of-seasonal-dra/