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Disney+ and Caracol TV revolutionize TV show distribution with “Peter the Great: greater than ever”
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Disney+ Latin America and Colombia’s Caracol TV have dramatically redefined television distribution. By airing and streaming “Peter the Great: Greater Than Ever” (original title “Pedro el escamoso: más escamoso que nunca”) simultaneously, they shattered traditional release windows, which typically start with a free-to-air broadcast followed by streaming.
A legendary sequel breaks records
The sequel to Caracol TV’s iconic series “Pedro el escamoso” has become a colossal success. With its grand finale attracting a 47.1% share and a staggering 9.3 rating, it outperformed all expectations, surpassing its direct competitor “Yo Soy Betty La Fea,” which registered a 25.1% share and a 5.0 rating. This remarkable achievement highlights the title’s enduring appeal and the successful pairing of a traditional network with a modern streaming platform.
Dominating prime time
During its 23 episodes, each lasting 60 minutes, the co-production dominated prime time slots. The series maintained an impressive average rating of 9.3 and a 44.2% share. Each episode captivated over 6.5 million Colombians on average, a testament to its gripping storyline and excellent production value.
An innovative distribution strategy
Launching a series simultaneously on a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) platform and a Free-to-Air (FTA) network is an uncommon move. However, it has proven to be extremely effective. This dual approach allowed for broad audience reach without significant risks of cannibalizing viewership. Each territory has its unique audience composition, reducing potential overlaps.
Fernando Barbosa, a senior executive from The Walt Disney Company Latin America, emphasized that this strategy was a win-win for both Disney and Caracol. Not only did it overperform expectations, but it also exemplified how local productions could thrive on both traditional and digital platforms.
Pedro Coral’s triumphant return
The sequel follows Pedro Coral’s return to his hometown after over 20 years abroad. He discovers a world very different from the one he left behind, particularly with his son, Pedro Jr., having grown into a successful professional. In a bid to earn his son’s respect, Pedro constructs elaborate tales of his past. However, these stories unravel as he takes a job as a messenger in his son’s company.
A multi-generational phenomenon
“Pedro el escamoso” has captivated multiple generations, and its return with a new storyline has resonated with both old and new audiences. Collaborating with Disney has enabled the series to achieve success across multiple screens, transforming it into a global conversation.
According to Caracol TV executives, the key performance indicators for the show’s success on Disney+ included hours streamed, reach, first streams, and completion rates. These metrics confirm that the show’s appeal has transcended regional boundaries, making it a truly regional hit.
Expanding global reach
The series launched on Disney+ across Latin America, as well as other territories such as the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, the Balkans, Andorra, Spain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and even Hulu in the USA. It was also distributed to FTA networks throughout Latin America, amplifying its reach.
U.S. audiences can catch the series on the Hispanic network Univision and on the Univision Televisa ViX platform, where it began airing in September.
Continuing a legacy of successful collaborations
Disney’s history of successful co-productions in Latin America dates back over two decades, starting with three telenovelas in collaboration with Caracol TV: “La Baby Sister,” “Amor A Mil,” and “Siete Veces Amada.” This legacy of collaboration demonstrates a strong foundation for future projects and continued success.
With the impactful distribution of “Pedro el escamoso” on Disney+, this partnership has shown a robust number of hours consumed not only in Colombia but across multiple Latin American territories. This project has set a new standard for regional productions, proving that local stories can achieve widespread acclaim.
A partnership built on shared distribution
Both Caracol TV and Disney boast strong content distribution networks, which has allowed them to evenly share the distribution of “Pedro el escamoso” globally. Their 50/50 partnership ensures that the show reaches the broadest possible audience.
In breaking with convention, Disney+ and Caracol TV have created a new model of television distribution that others will undoubtedly seek to emulate. With further seasons already in discussion, the future looks bright for this groundbreaking collaboration.
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