This article reviews 'Beth,' Channel 4's new 'digital original drama,' which is released in three 15-minute YouTube chunks and as a single 45-minute TV episode. The reviewer finds the meditative drama about IVF, identity, and parenthood to be slow-paced and questions its 'digital' nature and ability to attract a young audience, despite its attempt to bridge traditional TV and online content.
Beth: Channel 4’s first ‘digital drama’ is so snoozy that no young people will watch it
TelevisionTelevision & radioCultureDramaScience fiction TV
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️This article reviews 'Beth,' Channel 4's new 'digital original drama,' which is released in three 15-minute YouTube chunks and as a single 45-minute TV episode. The reviewer finds the meditative drama about IVF, identity, and parenthood to be slow-paced and questions its 'digital' nature and ability to attract a young audience, despite its attempt to bridge traditional TV and online content.
- 1 1964: Andy Warhol shot 'Empire'
- 2 Last Christmas: Reviewer's niece watched YouTube video
- 3 Monday, June 9, 2025: 'Beth' to appear on YouTube
- 4 Published 2025-06-07
- Potential impact on Channel 4's strategy for attracting younger audiences
- Contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of traditional television in the digital age
What: A review of Channel 4's new 'digital original drama' titled 'Beth,' which is released in both short YouTube segments and a longer TV episode. The drama explores themes of IVF, identity, and parenthood, and the review critiques its pacing, effectiveness as a 'digital' offering, and its potential to attract a young audience.
When: The drama 'Beth' is set to appear on YouTube from Monday, June 9, 2025. The article was published on 2025-06-07. Andy Warhol's 'Empire' film was shot in 1964.
Where: The drama is produced by Channel 4, a UK broadcaster. Anecdotal references include the Empire State Building (USA) and Paris (France).
Why: To review and critique Channel 4's new drama and its experimental release strategy, and to contribute to the broader discussion about the challenges traditional television faces in competing with online content for younger audiences.
How: Through a critical review format, comparing 'Beth' to other online content (YouTube, TikTok, Reels) and traditional TV, and analyzing its narrative structure, production choices, and target audience appeal.