Facebook making a push into original scripted programming makes sense. They already have the attention of almost 2 billion monthly users, so why not get into Facebook-created content (as opposed to the user-generated content that dominates the platform currently), in what would be a logical move to keep users on Facebook as long as possible, and returning as often as possible.
It was rumored earlier this year that the social media giant was planning to unveil a slate of original programming this summer, comprised of about a dozen series initially, to take on behemoths in the space like Netflix and Amazon, as well as upstarts like Snap, all seeking to secure premium original content.
It’s still uncertain whether Facebook’s users will actually embrace Facebook programming, or do so en masse. But Mark Zuckerberg and company are certainly willing to find out.
Reported today, Facebook is in negotiations to revive Nicole Byer’s canceled MTV freshman, scripted comedy series “Loosely Exactly Nicole.”
From 3 Arts Entertainment, “Loosely Exactly Nicole” stars Nicole Byer playing a version of herself, striving to achieve the so-called Hollywood dream, as she steps out on her own for the first time, and deals with humiliating auditions, unpaid electric bills, friendship ups and downs, and the battlefield that is Tinder as she slowly but surely finds her voice as a comedian.
The series premiered last fall and ran for 10 episodes before being canceled by MTV in February of this year.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the story on Facebook’s interests; but Facebook has declined to comment, despite THR saying that the revival will be one of a few “tentpole projects” that Facebook hopes will “lure viewers to its new video tab.” So expectations are high.
Co-starring with Byer in “Loosely Exactly Nicole” are Jacob Wysocki, Jen D’Angelo, Kevin Bigley and Allyn Rachel. It wasn’t a big hit for MTV, hence the cancelation, drawing about 150,000 viewers by its finale.