Over the past few months there has been plenty of news regarding Apple’s decision to develop original content, signing deals with a number of producers and directors. Details of how this content will come together remains unclear, but the latest news adds even more interest.
According to a report by Variety, Apple has now teamed with Sesame Workshop to develop content for kids:
Under the multi-series order, Sesame Workshop — the nonprofit educational organization behind “Sesame Street” — will produce live-action and animated series, as well as develop a puppet series for Apple. Over the course of its 50-year history, Sesame Workshop won more Daytime Emmys than any other children’s production company.
Over on Twitter, Ben Bajarin made a great point, shining more light on Apple’s content strategy:
https://twitter.com/BenBajarin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F9to5mac.com%2F2018%2F06%2F20%2Fapple-working-with-sesame-workshop-kids-programming%2F
Sports content undoubtedly has a short shelf life, unlike original content that will be valuable for decades. After all, how many times have we seen reruns of shows like Friends and Seinfeld?
The original content deals that Apple is making may prompt customers to stick with the Apple ecosystem in the short term, but in the long term it could provide another revenue stream if they choose to license the content elsewhere.