Streaming services have really changed how we see our national identity in TV shows. Here are some key ways this change has happened:

1. Global Reach vs. Local Content:

   • Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ allow people to watch shows from all around the world. In 2022, Netflix spent over $15 billion on original shows, with more than half of that content in languages other than English. This means viewers get to enjoy different stories and perspectives that can challenge the usual ideas about national identity and help us understand each other better.

2. Diverse Voices and Representation:

   • Streaming services are great at giving a platform to voices that often go unheard. For example, shows like “Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel) from Spain and “Sacred Games” from India have become very popular worldwide, each attracting over $100 million in viewers. They highlight different cultures and stories, making them important in today’s TV landscape.

3. Audience-Centric Content Production:

   • Streaming platforms use data to decide what shows to create based on what their viewers like. In 2021, Netflix had 209 million subscribers worldwide. They use viewer information to make programming that reflects a mix of different identities, moving away from just traditional national identities to include global stories.

4. Impact on Cultural Homogenization:

   • Some people worry that while we have access to international shows, we might start seeing less cultural variety. Studies show that nearly 40% of viewers mainly watch content from their own cultures, which might make our existing national identities stronger instead of more diverse.

These changes show how streaming is influencing both the production of shows and how we view national identities in TV today.