Last Sunday, April 24, has been a day for HBO. Three series were premiered that day: Game of Thrones, Veep, and Silicon Valley. The total amount of time for these three series is just two hours.
What is in it for HBO really?
The three shows Game of Thrones, Veep, and Silicon Valley are the top hit series of the channel. Two others, The Leftovers and Girls, although unique, are losing audience as supposed-to-be HBO audience only are now flocking it to Amazon and Netflix and other online streaming channels.
This means that HBO is no longer the sole runner of the creative universe.
According to a critic article published in the Hollywood Reporter, "despite the fact that Game of Thrones is the reigning Emmy winner for best drama and Veep and Silicon Valley comprise the best comedy hour on television, it's not like Netflix or anyone else is freaking out about HBO's power and clout right now. In fact, all of the streaming services are probably looking at HBO and thinking one word: opportunity."
Meaning to say, HBO has to step up or it would lose all of its glory, thanks to online streaming.
This is a challenge for HBO: to prove that it still has an edge over all its competitors
The channel has still a chance to turn things around, especially because it's still a place filled with talents. However, if you take a look at it right now, "with Vinyl in wreckage, Westworld stalled, series preparing their farewells, others failing to shine and a pipeline that has yet to produce anything," then criticisms might be right. It is losing its shine.
Plus, another point to consider right now is the fact that Netflix is leading in terms of making exclusive shows. Netflix has been able to come up with more original programming than HBO. "The Internet video service isn't slowing down, either, even if it risks losing subscribers to price increases that will help pay for more exclusive shows," Daily Herald report.
