Why Doesn't Pixar Make Any TV Shows? Unveiling the Company's Strategic Decisions

The animation industry has witnessed significant changes over the years, and the question of why Pixar, a renowned animation studio, hasn't ventured into creating TV shows has sparked considerable debate. With the launch of Monsters at Work, and Dug Days, we shed light on the strategic reasons behind Pixar's decision to focus primarily on movies.

Recent Changes in Pixar's TV Show Strategy

Times have changed since the last time this question was posed. Pixar has indeed made some strides in the realm of television, with the production of the Forky Asks a Question series and the Monsters at Work sequel series for Disney . These shows are part of a broader trend within the Walt Disney Company (WDC), where different divisions handle movies and TV shows, each with its own mandate and focus.

The Role of John Lasseter

One primary reason for Pixar's reluctance to produce television shows lies in the visionary influence of John Lasseter. As one of the driving forces behind Pixar's success, Lasseter had strict rules regarding the creation and distribution of media. One of these rules was not to produce TV shows, with the exception of the Buzz Lightyear of Star Command series in the early 2000s. This was a clear indication of his philosophy and strategy at the time.

John Lasseter's decision to leave Pixar in 2020 significantly changed the studio's approach to TV production. Now, under the leadership of new executives and management, Pixar has embraced the creation of TV shows, starting with the Monsters Inc. and Toy Story spin-off series. These initiatives demonstrate how the departure of Lasseter allowed for a more flexible and diverse approach to media creation.

The Walt Disney Company's Divisional Structure

The Walt Disney Company (WDC) is known for its well-defined divisional structure, where different subsidiaries focus on specific aspects of media production. Pixar Animation is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, which operates under the WDC umbrella. This structure mandates that while Pixar creates original animated films and content, it does not produce TV series.

On the other hand, Disney Television Animation (DTA), also a subsidiary of WDC, is tasked with creating animated TV series and specials. DTA can make productions based on Disney Animation and Pixar IPs, but its preference for 2D animation and its focus on other properties often result in fewer Pixar-based TV shows.

Distinctive Strategies within the Animation Industry

Not all animation studios follow the same strategic path. For instance, DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of NBC Universal, has its own distinct approach. Unlike Disney, DreamWorks directly oversees its television production, and its IP is often used in shows outside its parent company's network, such as Adventures of Puss in Boots on Netflix and Penguins of Madagascar on Nickelodeon. This strategy emphasizes the importance of using popular IP to gain traction in various markets.

In contrast, Pixar's strategy aligns with WDC's overall mandate to focus on producing high-quality, original animated films that cater to a global audience. While this may limit the number of TV shows produced by Pixar, it ensures that the studio stays true to its core mission and maintains a strong reputation in the animation industry.

In conclusion, Pixar's decision not to produce TV shows stems from a combination of strategic decisions made by management, particularly John Lasseter, and the broader organizational structure within the Walt Disney Company. However, the studio is now gradually adapting to new market demands and is embracing this aspect of media production, as evidenced by the recent launch of the Monsters Inc. and Toy Story series. These initiatives demonstrate Pixar's evolving approach to media creation while maintaining its commitment to excellence in animated storytelling.