Downfall of Netflix

Brianna Kelly ‘24

Senior Staff Writer

Recently, Netflix has been canceling more and more shows. These decisions are made based on collected data and hunches of which shows will generate the most profit. About 11% of new Netflix shows have been removed and/or are leaving soon from the platform, including 60 Days In, Cobra Kai, One Day At A Time, Glow, On My Block, Daredevil, The Originals, Victorious, and Santa Clarita Diet, many of which got canceled without having proper conclusions. In addition to shows, movies like A League Of Their Own, the Rocky series, Titanic, Pride & Prejudice, American Pie: Girls’ Rule, Girl, Interrupted, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Coming To America, and The Expendables trilogy are also falling victim to sudden cuts. 

During an interview with Bloomberg, Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, stated, “We have never canceled a successful show,” though viewers disagree. “It's a little heartbreaking when I’m watching an amazing show and I’m waiting for the next season, but it never comes,” commented Cape student Kimora Gibbs. 

During the summer, #CancelNetflix was trending on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The hashtag was circulating because of Netflix’s new policies related to password sharing. Customers have claimed that this decision is very “anti-family” of Netflix. The new policy makes it so in order to share an account, you will have to add an “extra member slot” to your plan, costing $7.99 a month on top of the regular subscription. 

Currently, only three plans are available for users to choose from: Standard with Ads at $6.99, Standard at $15.49, and Premium at $19.99, each renewing monthly. “The Basic plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members,” Netflix claims on their website. “If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until you change plans or cancel your account.” 

An important question to consider is whether or not Netflix is worth it. The majority of watchers never considered canceling their subscription based on the variety of shows available on the platform, however, the newly implemented policies are starting to change that. According to Cape senior Katelyn Deputy, “I think if you enjoy what [Netflix] has to offer then any prices are worth it,” however, when it comes to the climbing price point and restricting regulations, users have become wary. After the Hollywood Actors Strike, Nextflix plans to increase the price of its ad-free subscription, although the specific amount is not stated.