The Hamilton effect has run wild since 2016. The musical won 11 of 16 Tony nominations in 2016 and changed audience priorities.
Twenty-first-century viewers want more filmed theater instead of Hollywood adaptations. Why are viewers gravitating toward these productions?
Accessibility has been integral to the rise. Streaming services have prioritized theatrical performances and have experienced success. One of the best examples of fame was Hamilton’s Disney+ release in 2020.
It’s hard to overstate Hamilton’s success in streaming, considering that upon its release it outpaced titles like The Mandalorian and the box office-shattering Avengers: Endgame, which had both released on Disney+ in late 2019. A record-breaking 80% of Disney+ users watched it in the first five days of its release, with 87% of time spent on the app being dedicated to Hamilton streams.
The 2015 performance has been influential enough for Lin-Manuel Miranda to consider putting Hamilton on the silver screen, beyond the 2020 Disney+ production. However, he’s proud of the Broadway show.
“I’ve always said I’m open to it if I hear a director with a great take,” Miranda said. “I already have an amazing production of the one we made on Broadway.
“I’m really happy that it exists and that we’re able to share it with the world. But if someone’s got an idea, holla at me.”
Convenience is a significant factor, as filmed theater lets people watch at home. Some of the most prominent actors perform on Broadway in New York City, which can be a long trip.
This Big Apple theater hub remains popular, with 12.3 million attending shows between May 2023 and May 2024. However, time constraints and travel costs mean some people may never see a show.
While Hamilton may have set the stage, recent productions have pushed the movement forward. In February 2025, Waitress: The Musical finally premiered on HBO Max after much anticipation, receiving the rarely achieved 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, in addition to a 98% audience score.
Streaming platforms like Disney+ and HBO Max have become key players in the movement, but recently, other services have sought to compete. In 2022, Roku TV released Heathers: The Musical as exclusive content, bringing the Off-Broadway musical adaptation of the cult classic to a new generation. If you love the story, you can watch the original 1989 film on the same app as well.
Filmed theater has also moved into live TV, as CNN broadcasted Good Night and Good Luck in June 2025 with legendary actor George Clooney, combining the immediacy of live performance with the accessibility of national TV. The success of these projects suggests that filmed theater is no longer a niche offering, but a slowly growing mainstream form of entertainment.
Theater speaks to audiences in ways that movies cannot, even if audiences are watching them on TVs. The something uniquely powerful about watching stories unfold in real time with real people on a real stage. Theater has existed as a medium for centuries and is just as beloved as ever, though many argue that actual Broadway productions are becoming less accessible due to ticket and travel prices.
Thanks to streaming platforms, theater seems to finally be moving into the 21st century, allowing audiences who can't book a flight to New York City to still experience the productions in the comfort of their home. Advanced technologies have even begun creating immersive theater experiences with augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) elements, expanding the idea of what theater can be.
Filmed theater preserves the art of live performances that people have craved for centuries. Performers thrive on audience reactions as fuel for their acting, whether they invoke laughs or gasps. You get more raw emotions instead of Hollywood’s editing and occasional overacting.
Another reason these productions are attractive is the respect for the source material. Creators typically lean on the original playwrights and directors to make the show successful, considering the audience includes knowledgeable theater fans. They’ll know if you changed the plot and added unconventional elements.
From Hamilton to Newsies, the filmed versions include minimal script and music changes. However, some adjustments are necessary to adapt them for TV screens. Subtle adjustments like camera work and sound design require the actors and directors to be aware.
The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music and other musical movies have significantly impacted Hollywood and American culture. Experts say this entertainment form has represented the country’s melting pot of immigrants since the late 19th century.
Although filmed theater is on an upswing, adaptations aren’t going away anytime soon. For example, Wicked received rave reviews last fall in the initial screening and became a smash hit throughout the rest of 2024.
Filmed theater is only getting started as Broadway popularity returns to pre-2020 levels. Soon, fans should expect a stage recording of Frozen from London’s famous West End. Between that, and the release of Wicked: For Good later this year, theater lovers have a lot of great things to look forward to.