AI's Promise for Streaming Search
Tubi rolls out an AI-powered feature, while Netflix touts video-game inspired animation slate. Plus what I got to watch (early) on Amazon Prime Video
Tubi Wants to Help You Not Fall Down a Search Rabbit Hole
AI products like ChatGPT have inspired a both a wave of optimism and anxiety in the entertainment industry, as companies are excited to leverage them while creatives are concerned about being replaced by software. But Tubi’s latest announcement seems like a relatively non-controversial way to integrate the technology - the ad-supported streaming service announced this week a partnership with ChatGPT that will improve how users can search and find content. As someone who frequently spend just as much time choosing what to watch as actually watching, I see a definite need to improve search across these platforms. Tubi’s attempt at doing so, called Rabbit AI and powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT service, lets you search much more precisely for what you want to watch. For instance, instead of just searching for “horror movies,” you could ask for “horror movies from the 90s that feature ghosts.” While I’m sure services are always continually improving their search abilities, I think similar improvements or features will be quick to roll out - and press releases will be sure to note that they’re thanks to AI.
Netflix’s Highlights Animation at DROP 01
Netflix hosted a virtual fan event this week, similar to what it’s done in years past with events like TUDUM to drum up excitement for new programming. This week’s DROP 01 showcase was to highlight Netflix’s animated series. More than a few of the series borrow from the realm of video games, from “Castlevania: Nocturne” to upcoming season 3 of “Sonic Prime” (which Netflix also has a mobile game to accompany, called “Sonic Prime Dash”). Next year will also see the debut of “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” - but will have competition, as Amazon Prime is also developing its own (albeit live action) Lara Croft show. With the continuing extension of franchises and the need to mine familiar IP, I expect to see continued fragmentation like this, where you might find an animated version of a well-known franchise/universe on one service with a live action or other form of adaptation on other. With need for streaming platforms to make money and return to the mindset that actually, maybe it does make more sense to license out content to seeming competitors, could we see the day when even Disney+ Marvel shows make their way to a service like Netflix or Max? I wouldn’t count it out.
What I’m Watching: Amazon Prime Video Edition
As a Prime Video member, I was lucky to take advantage of their newly-launched “Prime Premiere” service, which gives Prime members access to early screenings of Prime Video content at their local theater. Ours was to see the first two episodes of “Gen V” - and I’ve also now watched episode three, which came out alongside the first two on Friday. It’s a welcome return to the gory, darkly comic world of “The Boys” - though maybe with the clever cynicism that made that such a standout toned down. Inevitably, you have late 20s and early 30s actors barely believably playing high school students, but it’s still a fun, relevant, culturally-attuned take on superheroes that continues to be a snarkily great rebuttal to Marvel-type fandom. Big thumbs-up on both the series and Amazon’s new program (which included free popcorn and posters) - I definitely plan to take advantage of more early screening offers.