The original post: /r/television by /u/Evans_Adaptations on 2025-11-13 02:19:22+00:00.
I’ve been developing a concept that addresses two major issues in modern television: the death of communal viewing experiences and the challenge of making scripted content financially sustainable in the streaming era.
The Format: A serialized zombie thriller where each episode ends with a critical decision for the protagonist. And the audience votes via text/app to determine which path the story takes. Think American Idol-style voting, but for narrative choices that actually matter.
Why This Works Now: Remember when everyone talked about the same TV moments the next day? When you’d debate your American Idol vote at work or school? That’s gone. Streaming killed it. But that communal experience is exactly what people are nostalgic for, and this format brings it back while giving viewers actual agency.
The Business Model: Yes, you’d need to film all three branching options per episode. Expensive upfront. But here’s the revenue solution. The two paths NOT chosen become premium content. Subscribers can access alternate timelines on the show’s platform, seeing “what could have been.” You’re essentially creating multiple versions of the show from the same production, with built-in incentive for superfans to pay.
Why Zombies: The genre has proven staying power, broad appeal, crucially, high-stakes decision-making fits naturally. Survival scenarios give you morally complex choices that audiences will genuinely debate.
I’m looking for: Feedback on the format’s viability Thoughts on the monetization model Whether this is something you’d actually watch/participate in
Has anyone seen anything similar attempted? What are the holes I’m not seeing?