Where’s the Rebound? Why “Big Shot” is MIA on Disney+

“Big Shot,” the John Stamos-led dramedy about a disgraced college basketball coach finding redemption at an all-girls private school, was initially a Disney+ original series. So why can’t you find it there now? The simple answer: Disney+ removed “Big Shot” (along with numerous other original series and films) as part of a cost-cutting strategy in May 2023. This controversial decision was aimed at reducing content amortization expenses and improving the streaming service’s profitability.

The Great Content Cull: A Disney+ Strategy

Think of it as Disney taking a hard foul on their own team. The removal of “Big Shot,” alongside titles like “Willow,” “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” and even the film adaptation of “Artemis Fowl,” sent shockwaves through the streaming world. While Disney emphasized these moves were necessary for the long-term health of Disney+, the decision drew considerable criticism from creators, actors, and fans alike. The primary driver was financial. Disney, like other streaming services, is under immense pressure to demonstrate profitability. Removing content, even original series, allows them to write down the value of those assets, resulting in substantial savings on their balance sheet.

More Than Just “Big Shot”: A Pattern of Removal

It’s crucial to understand that “Big Shot” wasn’t singled out. It became a casualty of a broader strategic shift. Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, after returning to the helm, has made it clear that profitability is paramount. This means a more cautious approach to content spending and a willingness to make tough decisions, including removing content that isn’t performing to expectations or generating sufficient revenue. While some content is being licensed to other platforms, the removed titles effectively vanish from legal streaming avenues in many regions, a rather unsettling prospect for fans.

The Economics of Streaming: A Harsh Reality

The economics of streaming are far more complex than simply producing content and putting it online. Content amortization is a significant expense for streaming services. It’s the process of spreading the cost of producing or acquiring a piece of content over its estimated useful life. By removing shows like “Big Shot,” Disney can significantly reduce these amortization expenses.

Furthermore, streaming services must pay residual payments to actors, writers, and other talent based on the performance of their shows. Removing a show eliminates these ongoing payments. While morally debatable, from a purely financial perspective, it makes sense to prune underperforming assets. Think of it as trimming a sports team to get under the salary cap.

The Future of “Big Shot”: Is a Rebound Possible?

The removal of “Big Shot” doesn’t necessarily mean its story is over. There’s always the possibility that Disney could license the series to another streaming platform or even revive it in the future. However, at the moment, there are no public plans to do so. For fans yearning for a return to Westbrook School for Girls, the best hope lies in grassroots campaigns and demonstrating continued demand for the show.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Big Shot”

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the removal of “Big Shot” from Disney+, providing additional context and information.

1. Why was “Big Shot” removed from Disney+ if it had a dedicated fanbase?

While “Big Shot” did have a loyal following, Disney likely deemed its overall performance, including viewership numbers and engagement metrics, insufficient to justify the ongoing costs associated with keeping it on the platform. The decision was driven by financial considerations, not necessarily a lack of fan support.

2. Will “Big Shot” ever return to Disney+?

It’s unlikely, but not impossible. Disney could reverse its decision if there’s a significant shift in strategy or if the show generates renewed interest. However, given the current focus on profitability, a return to Disney+ seems like a long shot.

3. Where else can I watch “Big Shot”?

Currently, “Big Shot” is unavailable on any other streaming platform. The show was pulled from Disney+ and has not been licensed elsewhere. This makes it difficult to watch legally.

4. Is it possible that “Big Shot” will be available on DVD or Blu-ray?

As of now, there are no announced plans for a DVD or Blu-ray release of “Big Shot.” Given the trend away from physical media, this is also unlikely.

5. What does “content amortization” mean in the context of streaming services?

Content amortization is an accounting method that spreads the cost of creating or acquiring content over its estimated useful life. For streaming services, it’s a significant expense, and removing content allows them to write down the value of those assets, resulting in cost savings.

6. How much money does Disney save by removing shows like “Big Shot”?

The exact amount saved is not publicly disclosed. However, it’s estimated that Disney could save hundreds of millions of dollars through this content removal strategy, primarily by reducing content amortization expenses and residual payments.

7. Has Disney removed other popular shows and movies from Disney+?

Yes, Disney has removed numerous other shows and movies from Disney+, including “Willow,” “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” “Y: The Last Man,” “Dollface”, “The World According to Jeff Goldblum”, and “Artemis Fowl,” among others.

8. Was John Stamos aware of the show’s removal before it happened?

While it’s not publicly known whether John Stamos was given advance notice, it’s likely he was informed of the decision. However, actors and creators often have limited influence over these kinds of corporate decisions.

9. Are other streaming services also removing content?

Yes, other streaming services like HBO Max (now Max), Paramount+, and Hulu have also removed content for similar reasons: cost-cutting and improving profitability. This is becoming an industry-wide trend.

10. What can fans do to try and bring “Big Shot” back?

Fans can organize online campaigns, sign petitions, and actively engage with Disney on social media to express their desire for the show’s return. While these efforts may not guarantee success, they can demonstrate the continued demand for the show and potentially influence future decisions.

11. Does the removal of “Big Shot” affect the creators and actors involved?

Yes, the removal of “Big Shot” affects the creators and actors involved, as it limits their potential for ongoing residuals and reduces the show’s visibility. It can also impact their future career opportunities.

12. Is there a chance “Big Shot” could be revived on another platform?

Yes, there is a chance “Big Shot” could be revived on another platform if Disney licenses the rights to another streaming service or production company. However, this is entirely dependent on whether another party sees value in reviving the series. It depends on many factors, including cast availability, creative vision, and financial feasibility.

In conclusion, the removal of “Big Shot” from Disney+ underscores the evolving landscape of streaming and the increasing pressure on these services to achieve profitability. While disappointing for fans, it’s a strategic decision driven by financial realities. While the future of “Big Shot” remains uncertain, fans can hold onto the hope that this beloved series might one day find a new home.