The ability of streaming platforms like Netflix and Putlocker to deliver series that creatively, financially and critically rival that of network TV has significantly increased interest in—and decreased stigmas about—web-based media. Critical and audience reception of short form digital content is changing, and fast: No longer are web series associated only with low-budget or one-off pastime projects. Digital streaming platforms like YouTube Red and Comic Con HQ have turned the Internet into a home for original and progressive storytelling. Driven by that changing perception, this year saw one of digital short form’s strongest and smartest showings yet. In the age of “peak TV,” viewing on the go and crowd-sourced financing, these are the 2017 web series that prove the future of digital media is already here.
