Netflix Exec Settles ‘Mr Bates’ Commissioning Debate, Championing Local UK Content
London, June 3, 2025 – The question of whether streaming services would back locally-produced shows like ITV’s hit *Mr Bates vs The Post Office* has finally been addressed by Netflix’s top executive for Europe, The Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Larry Tanz firmly stated that Netflix absolutely would have commissioned *mr Bates*, putting to rest a debate that has lingered for nearly a year and a half.
Netflix Would Have Backed ‘Mr Bates,’ Says Tanz
Speaking at the Deloitte Conference in London, Tanz, whose team celebrated recent successes with *Adolescence*, directly addressed the speculation.”Maybe this is finally my chance,” Tanz stated. He highlighted that Anne mensah and her team in the UK have already commissioned accomplished UK-centric shows like *Adolescence*, *Baby Reindeer*, and *Toxic Town*. Tanz confidently asserted, “Maybe I can finally put that to bed here and say we absolutely would have commissioned *Mr Bates* in the UK. We think our audience would love it.”
Netflix’s Success With Local British Programming
Netflix’s commitment to local content is underscored by the success of series like *Adolescence*, which is rapidly approaching *Stranger Things* as Netflix’s second most-watched English-language series ever. This success stands in contrast to recent claims by BBC and channel 4 executives that they couldn’t have afforded *Adolescence* due to its expensive one-take style and star-studded cast, including Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and Ashley Walters.
The Debate over British Programming
The airing of *Mr Bates* in early 2024, which garnered millions of viewers and won a BAFTA, ignited a passionate debate about the support for authentically local British television. Kevin Lygo, ITV’s programs boss, jokingly mentioned at the Deloitte Conference that the show generated significant revenue through international sales, despite earlier claims that it had made a loss even with cast pay cuts.
Did you know? *Mr bates Vs The Post Office* renewed public attention on the Horizon scandal, highlighting the miscarriage of justice suffered by manny sub-postmasters.
amazon’s Contrasting View
While Tanz expressed Netflix’s willingness to commission *Mr Bates*, former Amazon UK MD Chris Bird held a diffrent view. bird suggested that the ITV hit was “too British” for an American streamer to commission. Tanz’s statement directly counters this viewpoint.
Tanz participated in the Deloitte & Enders Media & Telecoms 2025 and Beyond Conference alongside BBC boss Tim Davie and Sony international boss Wayne Garvie, further emphasizing the importance of this discussion within the industry.
Key Comparisons: Streaming Services and local Content
| Streaming Service | View on ‘Mr Bates’ | Focus on Local UK Content |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Would have commissioned | Strong, with successes like ‘Adolescence’ and ‘Baby Reindeer’ |
| Amazon | Likely wouldn’t have commissioned | Less emphasis, according to former UK MD |
Pro Tip: When evaluating the potential of local content, consider the balance between niche appeal and global themes that can resonate with broader audiences.
Are streaming services like Netflix crucial for the survival of local British programming? What other kinds of British stories deserve a wider audience?
The Enduring Appeal of Local Content
The success of shows like *Mr Bates vs The Post office* highlights the importance of authentic, locally-driven content. These stories resonate deeply with audiences because they reflect shared experiences, cultural nuances, and relevant social issues. For streaming services, investing in local content not only diversifies their offerings but also strengthens their connection with regional viewers.
Furthermore, local content often has the potential to travel globally, introducing new audiences to different cultures and perspectives. The key is to identify stories that are both deeply rooted in their local context and universally relatable in their themes and emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix and Local UK Content
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Would Netflix commission a show like ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’?
According to Netflix EMEA boss Larry Tanz, Netflix absolutely would have commissioned ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’.
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What other local UK content has Netflix commissioned?
Netflix has commissioned several successful local UK shows, including ‘Adolescence,’ ‘Baby Reindeer,’ and ‘Toxic Town’.
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Why is there a debate about streaming services and local content?
The debate stems from concerns about whether streaming services prioritize global appeal over authentically local stories, and whether they are willing to invest in programming that may not have broad international appeal.
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How successful is Netflix’s local UK content?
Netflix’s local UK content has been very successful, with shows like ‘Adolescence’ nearing ‘Stranger Things’ in viewership.
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What are the challenges of producing local UK content?
Challenges can include securing funding, finding talent that reflects local experiences, and balancing niche appeal with universal themes.
What are your thoughts on Netflix’s commitment to local UK content? Share your opinions and start a discussion below!
