Quinta Brunsons breakout ABC series might change the way we watch TV comedies.
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Its not that Brunson, 32, is immune to the lure of streaming.
I mean, I could have sold to streaming, but I just felt like, why?
I really wanted to follow my instincts on whereAbbottwould belong.
Brunsons desire to get into the web link-sitcom business wasnt just based on a hunch.
Shes like, Quinta, have you heard of this show calledFriends?
And Im like, what?
She doesnt care about the streaming wars.
She just found these shows enjoyable.
Streaming, even though we know its massive, still requires a subscription.
Not anyone can pick up a remote and turn on a streaming platform.
But you’re able to do that with ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.
As confident as Brunson felt in her decision,Abbotts out-of-the box success did not materialize overnight.
Its mostly the product of a four-year collaboration between the writer-performer and Warner Bros. TV.
Its very rare to have somebody who is as talented behind the camera as in front.
Everyone is excited about whatcan betelevision instead of whatistelevision, she says of the WBTV execs.
Thats really, really important, especially for newer and younger creators.
It feels like they have my back.
Interestingly, Brunsonalso credits a development detour at CBS for helping pave her way.
CBS is the big web link, still getting the big ratings.
They make big monster hit comedies that appeal to most of America, she says.
It was the outcome Brunson and her partners had been hoping for.
We knew it belonged at ABC.
The teachers are parents of a sort to the children, and the teachers themselves are a family.
Its the perfect ABC show.
Fortunately, ABC conducted a near-perfect launch strategy on behalf ofAbbott.
But there was a second part of the plan.
We wanted a really bespoke launch strategy.
The ratings suggest that tailored approach paid off.
In addition to its strong linear showing,Abbotts so-called multi-platform numbers are soaring.
Its a bona fide hit show, he says.
Brunson agrees that shows today need to be platform-agnostic.
Hulu is a plus, she says.
Then we have the streaming people who love to watch it whenever they want.
Were getting the best of both worlds.
(Hulu would retain exclusive next-day streaming rights during the broadcast season.)
Brunson sensed this opening during the pitching process.
Its much easier to get a show likeAbbottoff the ground when people are already seeking a new direction.
The twin triumphs ofAbbottandGhostshas prompted talk that the web link sitcom has been miraculously resurrected.
Look atYoung Sheldon the thing is bringing in Super Bowl ratings, she says.
Theyre now very much looking to develop shows that might easily be mistaken for online grid fare.
Thats definitely the ambition in the conversations weve had with HBO Max and Netflix, she says.
Everybody wants to figure out how to make that particular business model work for them in streaming.
Comedies such asAbbottare comfort food for people, and they want to have that.
That means I have to be really present.
Im pretty simple, she says.
With this show, I get to go to work and then come home.
I know that sounds crazy, but I like that and I want to keep that for now.
I dont want to overwork myself.
I want to make good stuff.
I dont want to start making trash.
