YouTube scales back original programming

Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s global head of originals, inside the YouTube sound stage at the Spruce Goose Hangar in Los Angeles in 2019. YouTube, long known for its user-generated videos, began paying for Hollywood productions and launched shows including “Cobra Kai,” a spinoff of 1984’s hit movie “The Karate Kid;” and series that highlighted the video giant’s stars like Liza Koshy in “Liza on Demand.” When the shows first launched, full seasons were only available with a subscription to the streaming service YouTube Red, which later changed its name to YouTube Premium. How Susanne Daniels is getting ahead of streaming wars Four years ago, veteran TV executive Susanne Daniels was tasked with an ambitious plan: build a set of original programs that would leapfrog YouTube into a prominent player in the subscription streaming marketplace, competing against the likes of Hulu and Amazon Studios. “Part of the way we’re thinking now is, ‘what can only be done on YouTube?’” Daniels is a veteran TV executive who has held roles including MTV and Lifetime Networks. “I’m so proud that our Original content could contribute to the ongoing growth and success of this remarkable platform, and I look forward to new adventures ahead.” Hollywood Inc. YouTube doubles down on kids programs with nine new shows this year YouTube is adding nine new original kids shows this year in a move to retain and expand viewers in a competitive streaming market.