The European Audiovisual Observatory, part of the Council of Europe, has just published a new report on the production of audiovisual fiction in Europe. This new study analyses the number of TV films and series produced for broadcasters and streaming services, the share of international co-productions, and the main commissioning bodies and producers.
The report shows that European TV fiction production is declining for the second consecutive year. In 2024, the number of fiction titles fell by 5%, the number of episodes decreased by 3%, and the total volume of hours produced stagnated. Commissioning by global streamers — which had previously driven growth — dropped significantly, by 7% compared with 2023. After several years of steady growth, the number of titles ordered by streamers has now fallen for two consecutive years.
In 2024, more than half of all fiction titles produced in Europe were commissioned by public service broadcasters (56%), followed by private broadcasters (30%) and global streamers (14%). On average, more than 1,200 titles, 23,000 episodes, and 14,000 hours of fiction are produced each year in Europe. A “title” refers to a TV film or a season of a TV series, and animated films are excluded. The study covers the EU27, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland.
The report also highlights the fragmented nature of the European production landscape. More than 2,000 production companies produced at least one fiction title between 2015 and 2024, but only 3% of these companies produced a title every year over the last decade. This reflects the high turnover and proliferation of new series, with first seasons representing on average more than half of all seasons produced annually.
These are the findings revealed by the European Audiovisual Observatory in the new 2025 edition of its report “Audiovisual fiction production in Europe – 2015-2024 figures.”
Download this new report here: https://rm.coe.int/audiovisual-fiction-production-in-europe-2015-2024-figures-december-20/488029937b
To receive press releases from the European Audiovisual Observatory, email [email protected]
