First off, my friends, Pierpoint may be going down in flames, but Industry Season 4 is just around the corner.
Yes, we got an update and this little show can continue to defy the odds in the best possible way.
The best-kept secret is that “Industry” is one of the best TV series currently on the air, but it manages to fly under the radar.
In the shadow of giants, the industry has quietly become TV’s hidden gem
It has the grit, edginess, incredible writing, and stunning performances of some of the most watchable (and Emmy-worthy) series.
Yet, like the acerbic cousin in The Succession or the glib single aunt in Euphoria, it has somewhat escaped mainstream acclaim and recognition.
But then again, that’s part of the charm of the series, which has produced some of the most intellectually stimulating yet utterly bizarre creations since Mr. Robot crept onto the scene.
I could name countless best series to compare to.
Still, while inarguably superior to Billions, the fact remains that Industry is a series in its own right, carving out its own unique space and happily staying on that track with every episode. Getting better.
Strong reasons to be patient on TV
But that’s something few TV series get these days: a chance to win over viewers and expand on an already great story.
These days, it’s like a bad habit for a network or streamer to abandon a series if they don’t come out of the gate quickly with unrealistic ratings and whatever facts and figures they use to justify the sudden cancellation of a TV show.
There was a time when networks would at least allow shows to try to build an audience week by week, give the show time to make some adjustments that might be necessary, or give the writers the respect they deserve to keep their stories moving at a progressively reasonable pace.
We’re in an age of instant gratification, and it’s spilled over into the television industry.
There are even viewers online who have little patience or attention span to build a good story.
A slow-burning series can be a death sentence, and anything that dares to be overlooked is usually eliminated before the end credits of the second episode roll.
Industry overcomes difficulties and ultimately reaps benefits
Industry is a fairly unique concept, with original storytelling rather than being stuck in the endless cycle of prequels, sequels, reboots, revivals and procedurals that plague everything from networks to streaming.
But beyond that, industry also represents one of the perks of the past, and we desperately need to get back to our roots if we hope to have long-lasting quality collections rather than endless limited series.
The Industry represents an era when networks put complete trust in a series, allowing the creative freedom needed to produce and deliver entertaining and exciting content, and allowing viewers time to discover, fall in love with, and support the series.
Industry Season 3 is the show’s most talked-about season yet, and after debuting as one of the most underrated shows of the pandemic, it continues to pick up speed and enter the mainstream.
It’s so underrated that it’s not considered one of HBO’s biggest series at all (this will hopefully change).
However, HBO tapped into the show’s full potential, and it continues to pay off.
HBO’s risk pays off with industry success
The third season’s ratings growth was the most significant – a 40% increase compared to the second season.
The Season 3 premiere of “The Industry” attracted 300,000 viewers on HBO and Max, a 60% increase from the Season 2 premiere.
Each episode averages 1.6 million viewers across platforms, but that number may change as HBO counts up to 90 days from the date of premiere.
No, it didn’t bring in the numbers of House of the Dragon or other similar HBO series, but it’s all about climbing the industry.
All HBO has to do is give it the space and time to do what it does best: tell compelling stories and keep viewers excited.
We all lament the tension between viewers and the networks that deliver content to them through shows.
Networks often cited poor ratings as the reason they killed the show during its heyday.
At the same time, viewers have become so accustomed to being burned that they are reluctant to tune in to a series unless they are sure it will last a full season, let alone go beyond one.
Gaining the trust of your audience is proven to be effective
Of course, there’s also the nagging issue of trying to explain what “ratings” actually means or should look like in an era when the average viewer won’t be watching live and streaming series on any number of streams What is already a problem.
The key to any successful series these days is often half-assed promotion and earning the trust of viewers, and if any series has cracked that, it’s “Industry.”
Industry is a critical darling and has developed a loyal audience, all willing to do the heavy lifting and promote the series to anyone who will listen.
Stepping out of the shadow of more popular series like Succession, which has officially gone on hiatus, Euphoria has fallen into a staggering lull that’s also been good for the industry.
(Photo by Simon Ridgway/HBO)
But just seeing that the show has actually lasted for more than one season and is now heading into its fourth season certainly reassures people that by the time the latest season inevitably debuts in 2026, it will be able to build Following the success of Season 3, we’re better than ever.
That’s probably what HBO is counting on, their willingness to put their money where their mouth is and let Rishi Ramdani shine in all his glory, because the high risks lead to nothing but great rewards.
Industry is a lesson in trusting the process.
Hopefully they will become an example of the new rule rather than an exception.
Over to you, industry fanatics.
How do you feel about this contract renewal news?
