Bravo is producing unscripted microdramas for the Peacock show

It is time for a microdrama the trend has gone mainstream.

As microdrama programs like ReelShort and DramaBox quietly take in billions, Peacock announced Monday that it is launching two unscripted microdramas for Bravo, which will air on its show. These are stand-up videos, with segments of about 60 to 90 seconds, designed for quick viewing, just like TikTok.

“Salon Confessionals with Madison LeCroy” will feature the “Southern Charm” star as she gives her clients makeovers while telling her their most touching stories. “Campus Confidential: Miami” features a group of college students including Georgia Gay, the daughter of Heather Gay from “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”

According to Peacock, this is the first time a major US platform is releasing microdramas – and it should happen.

First popular in China, microdrama programs are poised to have a new year in the US programming market. According to technology firm Appfigures, ReelShort will reach an estimated $1.2 billion in consumer spending in 2025, up 119% from 2024; another leading app, DramaBox, generated $276 million in consumer spending last year, doubling its 2024 numbers.

Earlier this year, TikTok launched a stand-up microdrama app called PineDrama. Another microdrama program run by Hollywood veterans called GammaTime raised $14 million, including angel checks from Alexis Ohanian, Kris Jenner, and Kim Kardashian.

Most of the microdrama programs out there, however, show content – how can we put it right? – dangerous. This makes “Riverdale” seem like a very smart, popular HBO show. We’re not talking about “bad TV” as you might feel if you’re interested in “Real Housewives”. We are talking about a formulaic machine which creates thousands of scenes about a poor, shy girl who gets bullied, but when she gets pushed down, her glasses fall off, and a billionaire (who happens to be a werewolf) realizes she’s beautiful (or, a fellow werewolf) and falls in love with her.

And yet, people don’t seem to get enough and subscribe to watch these microdramas, paying $20 a week sometimes to find out what happens after the crazy cliffhanger.

This partnership between Peacock and Bravo could be a smart one, however. The two shows have an audience made up of Bravo fans, who are already flocking to the Peacock show to watch their favorites, such as “Vanderpump Rules.” Peacock is betting she’s already on the show, drawn to watch a minute-by-minute video of Madison LeCroy giving a man a makeover while spilling tea.