The time has come for the microdrama trend to become mainstream.
As microdrama apps like ReelShort and DramaBox quietly amass billions of dollars, Peacock announced Monday that it will launch two unscripted Bravo microdramas to stream on its app. These vertical video series are made up of approximately 60-90 second episodes and are designed for a quick TikTok-like viewing experience.
“Salon Confessions with Madison LeCroy” will feature the “Southern Charm” star giving clients makeovers while having them tell their most dramatic stories. “Campus Confidential: Miami” spotlights a group of college students, including Georgia Gay, daughter of Heather Gay from “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”
Peacock said this was the first time a major U.S. streaming platform had produced a microdrama, and it was inevitable.
The Microdrama app, which first became popular in China, is poised for a breakout year in the U.S. app market. According to app intelligence company Appfigures, total consumer spending on ReelShort reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 119% from 2024. DramaBox, another major app, had $276 million in total consumer spending last year, more than double its 2024 figure.
Earlier this year, TikTok launched a standalone microdrama app called PineDrama. Gamma Time, another microdrama app run by Hollywood veterans, has raised $14 million in funding, including angel checks from Alexis Ohanian, Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian.
But many of the existing microdrama apps are – how can I put it? – terrible. All of this makes “Riverdale” seem like a very intelligent and prestigious HBO show. We’re not talking about “terrible TV,” more like we might feel a little embarrassed about our obsession with “Real Housewives.” We’re talking about a boilerplate content machine that produces thousands of shows about a poor nerdy girl who gets bullied, but when she gets pushed to the ground and her glasses fall off, a billionaire (presumably a werewolf) realizes she (or his werewolf companion) is beautiful and falls in love with her.
Still, people seem to be unsatisfied and are subscribing to watch these addictive microdramas, sometimes paying $20 a week to find out what happens after each crazy cliffhanger.
However, this collaboration between Peacock and Bravo could prove to be smart. These two shows have a built-in audience of Bravo die-hard fans who already tune in to the Peacock app to watch their favorite hit series like “Vanderpump Rules.” Peacock is betting that while already using the app, you’ll be tempted to watch a one-minute video of Madison LeCroy giving someone a makeover while spilling tea.
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