“What we expect to see across the Asian content landscape, amid global uncertainty, is the likely resurgence of uplifting, feel-good content following years of more intense stories. Second, socially relevant stories that engage with real issues will remain important for buyers. Finally, with advertising revenues still under pressure, many broadcasters and platforms will continue leaning on acquired and cross-border content to help sustain their programming slates.”
Pia Laurel, Sales Head, OTT and Co-production, ABS-CBN Studios

“Fewer commissions and tighter budgets are driving a sharper focus on strong, proven IP that can deliver across platforms and monetisation models, and stand out in a crowded market. Collaboration is becoming even more central, from funding and production to marketing and international rollout. The Asian market continues to grow locally and internationally in ambition. Recently “The Traitors India” aired on BBC in the U.K., a testament to the strength of the local version and highlighting the power of strong partnerships.”
Sabrina Duguet, EVP Asia Pacific, All3Media International

“Mega-media consolidation seems unlikely to end any time soon. We will likely see consolidation extend to the production industry with M&A occurring at indie studios. We’ll see more format remakes and co-production between diverse territories, as many producers have become risk-averse and are looking to share the cost and rights with partners, and draw on the success of proven formats. While the use of AI in content production has become more common than ever, the industry might start discussing protocols for its usage to avoid ambiguity and protect creatives.”
Henry Or, SVP, Strategic Partnerships, Asia, Boat Rocker Studios

“Community-led formats that facilitate real-time viewer engagement are set to be the “showstoppers” of 2026, aligning perfectly with the burgeoning trend of creator-content partnerships. Social media has evolved beyond a mere promotional tool; it is now a full-scale innovation lab offering massive monetisation potential. As the creator economy continues to thrive, we are entering the ideal window to leverage the synergy between creators and established content, allowing both to benefit from each other’s unique strengths. Lastly, we anticipate a massive resurgence in reboots. In an increasingly uncertain M&A landscape, reboots serve as a critical risk-mitigation strategy. By revitalising shows with proven track records, we can leverage existing fandoms while tapping into the powerful combination of cost efficiency and nostalgia.”
Rashmi Bajpai, EVP Asia, Banijay Rights

“Buyers are becoming more disciplined in their commissioning decisions, placing greater emphasis on content that can deliver measurable value and long-term returns. While local content remains a priority, there is an increasing focus on stories that can resonate both locally and internationally. We are seeing growing demand for IP that can live beyond a single commission or platform. Buyers are increasingly seeking content that can be adapted, extended and monetised in multiple ways, creating deeper audience engagement and longer-term value.”
Haryaty Rahman, EVP Distribution Asia, International, Fremantle

“Emphasis on Strong Intellectual Property and Star Power: In a competitive landscape, buyers are focusing on premium IP and recognisable talent that can stand out, attract viewers, and enhance both ratings and digital engagement. Innovative Monetisation Strategies: As pressure on ARPU persists, we anticipate a continued evolution of hybrid AVOD-SVOD models, bundled services, and performance-driven licensing agreements. Buyers are shifting their focus toward sustainable revenue generation rather than merely increasing acquisition volumes. Internationally Influenced Genres: Asian content is evolving to be more genre-blending and globally appealing. Genres such as GL, BL, female-led dramas and high-concept romances are gaining traction internationally, bolstered by dedicated fan communities and cross-border events that enhance visibility and engagement beyond traditional viewing platforms.”
Tracy Ann Maleenont, Assistant to Group COO, BEC World PLC

“Scripted fiction will remain the primary growth driver, led by long-form series and the rapid expansion of microdrama, which deliver strong engagement and scale effectively across platforms. Films will continue to play a key role, particularly in mass-appeal genres that perform well across theatrical and digital windows. At the same time, hybrid docu-drama formats are gaining momentum, combining factual storytelling with cinematic treatment across investigative, social, travelogue and political engagement content.”
Nini Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, Media Prima Content & TV Networks (MPCTN)

“Omnichannel preschool is now the baseline. Young families move seamlessly between YouTube, AVOD, SVOD and linear, and expect trusted kids’ brands to move with them. The opportunity is to activate the same IP across open and closed ecosystems, optimised for discovery, safe profiles and long‑term retention rather than treated as silos. Preschool is increasingly education‑centric and co‑viewing led… 360° IP ecosystems are now expected. Shorts, games, live experiences and location‑based activations are core to keeping kids engaged within a platform’s universe, unlocking sponsorship and retail, and helping local services stand out from global players.”
Amrita Sindhu, Head of Distribution and Partnerships, APAC, Moonbug Entertainment

“AI adoption in workflows and operations in addition to the widely talked about contributions in content production and storytelling. Short-form vertical videos and micro dramas will proliferate rapidly, providing overwhelming choice to viewers on the move – but this will lead to renewed appetite for quality long-form storytelling that is more meaningful in a lean-back large-screen experience. Curated playlists and ease of discovery will be critical drivers for marquee content consumption. Ancillary sports content and programming will be key to maintaining and driving sports fandom and to sustaining viewer interest for live sports. Short-form social content and match highlights alongside docu-style reality elements and high-end sports documentaries will be a critical component of wholesome sports television offerings.”
Avi Himatsinghani, Chief Executive Officer, Rewind Networks

“Generative AI and hyper-personalisation will be leveraged on more platforms to tailor experiences, enabling more dynamic and responsive storytelling. This will not only enhance viewer satisfaction but also open new avenues for data-driven monetisation. Sports remains one of the genres that consistently delivers real-time audience attention but will be the focus of fewer platforms given the costs as well as expertise to deliver that best-in-class experience. We foresee a surge in on-ground experiences that are both un-piratable and monetisable –  meet-and-greet events with K-stars, concerts, and fan activations and extensions of big hits, e.g. Netflix’s K-pop “Demon Hunters Sing Along” in cinemas. These formats offer unique value propositions for both audiences and brands.”
Agnes Rozario, Chief Content Officer, Astro

“There are several key trends shaping Asia this year. Short-form and vertical video continue to dominate across social and mobile platforms, while local production and regional storytelling grow in importance.”
Daniel Vogelgesang, Head of Distribution Asia/Australia, Deutsche Welle 

“Renewed focus on current affairs and Asia’s role in global events. Across Asia, there is a growing demand for programming that helps audiences navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, from shifting geopolitics and economic realignments to climate, technology, and security. As global events become more interconnected, broadcasters and platforms are seeking trusted factual content that provides context, clarity, and credible storytelling. Stronger demand for local stories with global appeal. Local storytelling is becoming a major driver of audience engagement across Asia. Streamers and broadcasters are increasing investment in projects that reflect local cultures and history, while resonating with audiences around the world.”
Anna Alvord, Director, International Sales, Asia, PBS Distribution

“Co-productions, co-financing, and co-commissioning are defining a new era of cooperation across Asia. Whereas past international collaborations primarily involved production partnerships, the industry is now embracing broader, more comprehensive alliances spanning development, financing, commissioning, and distribution.”
Jin Woo Hwang, President/Executive Producer, Something Special

“Crime drama will continue to be popular during 2026, particularly English-language content with well-known talent… In the entertainment formats genre, demand for gameshows and quiz shows will continue to be strong... We are also expecting a stronger market for reality TV to emerge.”
Joyce Dröse, Sales Manager (Asia, Africa, Nordics, Inflight), Seven.One Studios International

“Over the next year, Asia’s content landscape will be shaped less by individual formats and more by how projects are structured and financed. Cross-border co-productions are requiring clearer creative alignment earlier in the process, while tighter timelines and margin pressure are forcing producers to rethink scale, speed and consistency. These conditions are also accelerating more disciplined use of technology – particularly virtual production and AI – not to replace creativity, but to reduce friction and risk across production and post.” 
Karen Seah, Founder & CEO, Refinery Media

“Asia’s media landscape will be shaped by accelerating cord-cutting – with tens of millions of subscribers expected to transition away from linear pay TV, alongside the rise of operator-led streaming bundles. Buyers are increasingly focused on adaptable IP, co-production opportunities, and format sales that balance risk with creative ambition. Distinctive, character-driven storytelling remains in demand, while consolidation, aggregation, and smarter deal structures will define the next phase of growth, creating new opportunities for collaboration across the region.”
Vanda Rapti, EVP Viaplay Select & Content Distribution, Viaplay Content Distribution
 

▶ Published in ContentAsia's August 2026 Magazine