Facebook May Release Original TV Shows as Early as This Summer

Facebook is reportedly in talks with Hollywood studios to produce original scripted, TV-quality shows, with the mission of launching TV shows by the end of the summer

The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the social network giant is committed to spending as much as $3 million per episode. Facebook reportedly had several meetings with Hollywood Talent agencies about the new and original programming.

Apparently, Facebook is hoping to target audiences between the ages of 13 to 34 years old with a focus on audiences between the ages of 17 to 30 years old. The company is already working on a series called Strangers, a drama, game show, and Late State Standing.

“We’re focused on episodic shows and helping all our partners understand what works across different verticals and topics,” said Nick Grudin, Facebook’s vice president for media partnerships.

Facebook Headquarters
MENLO PARK, CA – MARCH 18: A sign at the entrance to the Facebook World Headquarters located in Menlo Park, California on March 18, 2014. Facebook is a popular online social networking service. (Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com)

The company is planning one releasing episodes in a traditional way, instead of dropping in a binge-watching format like Netflix and Amazon.com, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The company is also willing to share their data with Hollywood.

More and more companies are expanding their business models with original content. Apple recently hired co-presidents of Sony Pictures Television earlier this month to lead their video-programming efforts. Also, Apple released their original TV series last week, with a reality show called Planet of the Apps, an unscripted TV series about developers pitching their ideas in 60 seconds.

The company is also working with James Corden to create Carpool Karaoke TV series, which will begin airing in August.