YouTube is planning to offer its "Premium" shows for free while cutting back on scripted content

The Hollywood Reporter

Cobra Kai and other YouTube Premium shows are expected to be offered for free to YouTube's 2 billion users under a new ad-supported model. According to The Hollywood Reporter, YouTube also plans to "scale back its scripted output beginning in 2020," adding: "YouTube isn't signaling a complete end to its scripted business — it recently ordered pilots for an adaptation of The Edge of Seventeen and Ben Stiller-produced big-rig drama Dark Cargo — but the change has raised questions about its willingness to compete for big-budget fare." ALSO: YouTube seems to have gotten the message that viewers don't want to pay for its original shows.