Amazon Prime Video is making headlines as it shifts focus toward live sports, alongside the release of new action-packed films like Liam Neeson's latest thriller, In the Land of Saints and Sinners. This move marks a significant change for the streaming giant, which has been known for its extensive library of films and series, now leaning heavily on sports to attract viewers.
Released this year, Being the Land of Saints and Sinners has quickly become popular among subscribers, showcasing Neeson as Finbar Murphy, a former assassin who must protect his quiet Irish town from terrorists. The film's success on the platform serves as a reminder of Neeson's impressive filmography, especially for fans of the actor's action roles. With similar themes, audiences who enjoyed Being the Land of Saints and Sinners are also encouraged to check out Neeson's previous work, The Marksman. Although the latter received mixed reviews, boasting only 38% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the audience's more favorable rating of 83%, it remains etched in viewers' minds as another worthy entry.
Interestingly, industry shifts are evident beyond just films. Amazon is reportedly moving away from exclusive films and series production to target sports content, which promises more personalized advertising experiences. According to reports by Reuters, the company plans to invest significantly more—while maintaining about $3 billion per year for sports rights—thus shifting its allocations strategically. Following internal decisions made during strategy meetings, Amazon hopes to make the Prime division profitable by 2025.
This approach places Amazon Prime Video alongside competitors like Netflix, which has made its own foray deep within the sports niche, including wrestling and other live sports events. With this competitive backdrop, Amazon’s claim on streaming rights for various sports, including the NFL and NBA, fits neatly within its strategic objectives.
Simultaneously, fans have voiced mixed reactions about the series Sivarapalli, which recently started streaming on Amazon Prime. Initially perceived as organic to Telangana, viewers were surprised to later find out it was, in fact, closely based on the acclaimed Hindi series, Panchayat. While the new series offers commendable execution and characterization, many audiences have questioned the originality—hindered by memories of the original series. The show's reliance on familiar settings and themes appears less innovative and has garnered divided opinions from viewers.
Compounded with its sweeping changes, Amazon also recently made waves of excitement among wrestling fans with the announcement of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) making its pay-per-view events available through Prime. Currently, wrestling fans access AEW events through various platforms, but the transition to Amazon Prime enables enthusiasts to purchase tickets directly through their existing Prime subscriptions.
Sources indicate AEW had noted customer feedback around purchasing options, particularly with how many customers previously utilized Amazon's payment functionalities via B/R when events were streamed there. Brandon Thurston from Wrestlenomics reported this development, highlighting ease of access as one of AEW's motivations for creating these direct ties with Prime Video, reinforcing the trend of discoverability within the industry.
The increasing accessibility of wrestling events and the prioritization of live sports content signal Amazon's reformed content philosophy aimed at elevational user engagement. With sports broadcasts becoming increasingly important to Amazon's approach, it's clear the platform is poised to capitalize on potential advertising revenue and diversified audience engagement.
From action movies to wrestling pay-per-views, Amazon Prime Video continues to evolve, shaping how audiences consume content. All these changes show not only Amazon's ambition to redefine its brand amid growing competition but also address how viewers are interacting with sports and entertainment.