Netflix exploring new genres, including reality TV

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos says the streaming giant has "more buying power than anyone in Hollywood".

Netflix has become a formidable force in the ever-evolving world of film and television, and it's well aware of its position of power.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said the streaming giant has "more buying power than anyone in Hollywood".

Netflix is currently working toward making the service have a 50:50 split between its own original content and licensed programming.

With money to spend, the company is open-minded in terms of original content and has been giving its programming team members room to make bets.

One of these bets will see the streaming giant exploring new genres, with one specific category being a strong focus for Netflix: reality TV.

"We are embarking on a lot of unscripted programming," Sarandos said.

The chief content officer said Netflix had about 20 original unscripted programs in various stages of production or pre-production.

"The newest thing we're encroaching on are competition shows," he said.

As an example, Sarandos mentioned a show executive produced by Sylvester Stallone called Ultimate Beastmaster.

Featuring contestants from six countries across the globe, the reality show puts participants through difficult obstacle courses, until there is only one person left standing.

So, if this example is anything to go by, you can expect to see a lot more reality television popping up in your Netflix feed.

While the streaming giant has previously avoided going too hard with reality television, Sarandos is confident his team will make the right choices.

"This year, we had 17 different shows for 54 Emmys," he said.

Sarandos said the formula for creating exclusive shows was very simple.

"Our job is to pick the right shows, pick the right storytellers and create an environment where they can do the best work of their life," he said.