TVOT SF 2026: Vertical Entertainment: What Makes Audiences Stop, Watch and Stay?
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026
4:25pm - 5:10pm
The Sarnoff Room
Short episodes. Fast-moving stories. One more cliffhanger. Vertical dramas are changing how stories are told and consumed—but what draws viewers in, keeps them watching and motivates them to pay?
This panel brings together Lior Sasson of Shortical, Liz Huszarik of Crosswalk and Christina Parish of ScreenEngine/ASI to explore vertical entertainment through the platform experience, observed digital behavior and audience research. The discussion will be moderated by Holly Leff-Pressman, Chief Client Engagement Officer at Screen Engine/ASI.
Lior will discuss Shortical’s approach to mobile-first dramas, from short, cliffhanger-driven episodes to building engagement and revenue through free and paid access. Liz will bring Crosswalk’s perspective on consumer behavior across apps and platforms, helping examine how viewers discover vertical dramas, how frequently they return, and how this viewing fits alongside their other media habits. Christina will share select, non-confidential highlights from research conducted for vertical entertainment platforms, offering insights into audience reactions, preferences and expectations.
Together, the panel will explore the journey from initial discovery to repeat viewing and paid access. Are vertical dramas filling brief gaps in the day or prompting longer viewing sessions? How do social media and search lead audiences to these platforms? What encourages viewers to continue, switch services or leave—and how do advertising, episode unlocks and subscriptions influence those decisions?
The discussion will connect what audiences say with what they do, offering practical considerations for creators, platforms and entertainment companies looking to reach and retain vertical drama viewers. Panelists include:
- Christina Parish, EVP/GM of the TV and Digital Entertainment Group, ScreenEngine/ASI
- Holly Leff-Pressman, Chief Client Officer, Screen Engine/ASI (Moderator)
- Lior Sasson, Head of US Operations, Shortical
- Liz Huszarik, CEO, Crosswalk Technologies
