Sleeper hit

In the entertainment industry, a sleeper hit refers to a film, television series, music release, video game, or other entertainment product that was unpromising on release but eventually became a surprise success. A sleeper hit may have little promotion or lack a successful launch but gradually develops a fandom following media (including social media) attention, which in turn increases its public exposure and public interest in the product.[1] As Variety puts it, "A 'sleeper hit' can be defined as the kind of show that catches us by surprise—programs whose popularity grows over time and can ultimately outshine the preordained hits."[2] A sleeper hit often lacks star performers or high production values, but prevails, at times against its own makers' expectations, on the strength of such qualities as narrative, approach, or novelty, as well as market accidents.[3] Sleeper hit films benefit theater owners because the owners keep a larger percentage of money from ticket sales.[4]

  1. ^ Berra 2008, p. 68.
  2. ^ Morris, Chris (31 October 2022). "Streaming Platforms Can Turn Slow-Burn Shows Into Red-Hot Hits". Variety.
  3. ^ "6 sleeper hits of Bollywood from recent years!". filmfare.com.
  4. ^ Haupert, Michael J. (2006). The Entertainment Industry. Bloomsbury. p. 123. ISBN 9781573566322.