Analysis of 543 Netflix Original Documentaries
Unlike Traditional Documentaries, They Do Not Necessarily Pursue Public Interest
An analysis revealed that the original documentaries of the global online video service (OTT) Netflix mainly pursue various stories based on provocative subjects.
On the 8th, Professor Jeon Gyeong-ran of the Department of Digital Content at Dong-Eui University analyzed 543 Netflix original documentaries and classified the content, regional, and storytelling characteristics of these works in the study titled 'Research on Netflix Original Documentaries,' which was contributed to the Journal of Visual Culture Content Studies.
According to the analysis, among Netflix documentaries, works with crime as the subject were the most numerous at 120 titles. This number surged after 2018 and also showed high viewer preference.
Professor Jeon pointed out that Netflix crime documentaries are characterized by subjects and themes not found in existing terrestrial or cable channels, direct approaches to the subjects such as interviewing serial killers, and various modes of representation.
Among these, 96 titles, accounting for 80%, were rated as restricted for youth viewers due to high levels of profanity, sexual content, and violence. Professor Jeon analyzed, “From a marketing perspective such as subscriber recruitment, it is possible to speculate that Netflix original documentaries tend to aim for relatively more provocative content and expressive forms compared to TV productions.”
The Netflix original documentary "Tiger King," which gained popularity with its provocative content [Image source: Provided by Netflix]
In terms of story development, Netflix documentaries tended to focus on detailed introductions of crime methods or circumstances. Unlike traditional TV documentaries that raise issues and then propose or urge pros and cons and alternatives or solutions, Professor Jeon explained that Netflix documentaries do not necessarily implement ‘public interest.’
Additionally, Professor Jeon stated, “Netflix documentaries often mix reenactments and real situations, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.” The emphasis is on depicting the content in an interesting and highly communicative manner, regardless of which parts are reenactments or actual footage.
Professor Jeon analyzed, “Netflix relies on the creativity of content creators scattered across various countries while simultaneously pursuing stories based on provocative and interesting subjects that transcend borders through diverse expressive forms.”
Excluding crime documentaries, the most numerous works were 71 titles focusing on the lives and values of celebrities such as musicians, politicians, and athletes. Documentaries highlighting the life stories of ordinary people numbered 69, followed by 46 documentaries dealing with current affairs and social issues such as economic disparity and drug problems.
Regarding regional characteristics, 266 titles, accounting for 49% of the total analyzed documentaries, dealt with the reality of the United States. Professor Jeon explained, “Ultimately, most Netflix original documentaries are American stories about American realities recreated by American producers.”
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