Future-Forward Entertainment 25/26
New technologies, venues and viewing formats are presenting audiences craving novelty and innovation with more entertainment options than ever. But what will resonate most strongly in 2025/26? Spanning film and TV, live performances, exhibitions and ‘sportstainment’ – via real-life immersive thrills, status-quo-disrupting TV, atmosphere-rich at-home augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and evolved branded attractions – we outline the best strategies.
Immersive Realities: IRL Sensory Spectacle & Visionary Venues
Neo-TV: Micro Dramas & Squad-Viewing
AR & VR for At-Home Entertainment
Upgraded Fan-tainment: Franchise Theme Parks & Transmedia Interactivity
Spurred by the post-pandemic return to real-life cultural experiences, an ever-more inventive entertainment sector continues to conjure the IRL (in real life) wonder 68% of audiences globally crave (Deloitte, 2023). From artificial-intelligence-(AI)-augmented art installations and visionary new venues prioritising sensory spectacle to a purple patch in immersive theatre, we outline the most technically adventurous and original prospects for drawing crowds.
Spurred by the post-pandemic return to real-life cultural experiences, an ever-more inventive entertainment sector continues to conjure the IRL (in real life) wonder 68% of audiences globally crave (Deloitte, 2023). From artificial-intelligence-(AI)-augmented art installations and visionary new venues prioritising sensory spectacle to a purple patch in immersive theatre, we outline the most technically adventurous and original prospects for drawing crowds.
Summary
Immersive Realities: IRL Sensory Spectacle & Visionary Venues | Spurred by the post-pandemic return to real-life cultural experiences, an ever-more inventive entertainment sector continues to conjure the IRL (in real life) wonder 68% of audiences globally crave (Deloitte, 2023). From artificial-intelligence-(AI)-augmented art installations and visionary new venues prioritising sensory spectacle to a purple patch in immersive theatre, we outline the most technically adventurous and original prospects for drawing crowds. |
Neo-TV: Micro Dramas & Squad-Viewing | Audiences accustomed to platform-hopping media diets are seeking new TV types that disrupt the status quo. From the rise of ultrashort dramas delivering addictively snackable yet still epic storytelling (i.e. a more than 50-episode series with a maximum episode runtime of two minutes) to refreshed watch-party platforms letting friends interactively watch TV and movies together, key emerging platforms are showcasing new audience priorities. |
AR & VR for At-Home Entertainment | AR and VR are starting to settle into the mainstream entertainment landscape, with the smartest innovations focusing on enhancing at-home entertainment. From atmospheric AR overlays upping the vibes for wrestling fans to goosebump-raising VR horror TV, live musical metaverses and better-than-pitchside virtual sports viewing, we explore some of the most promising applications. |
Upgraded Fan-tainment: Franchise Theme Parks & Transmedia Interactivity | As detailed in Look Ahead 2025, a strengthening imperative for any entertainment brand is developing fan-conversant strategies that give audiences touchpoints way beyond (passively) watching TV and movies. From real-world imaginings, like Netflix’s first permanent theme parks and deluxe branded experiences, to the young-fan-luring transmedia possibilities in Roblox and Fortnite, we outline major moves with mileage. |
Future-Forward Entertainment 25/26
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Want to see the full report?
Offering access to over 350 consumer and cross-industry reports annually, Stylus Membership is your window to tomorrow’s most exciting opportunities.
We already arm more than 500 of the world’s most forward-thinking brands and agencies with the creative insights they need to make transformative business decisions.
We’d love to do the same for you.
Book a demo with us today to discover more.
