Is Netflix creating too many originals? Everyone freaked out when they heard that F.R.I.E.N.D.S was being taken off, and after enough backlash they paid $1 million to keep it. But there have been many popular shows and movies already taken off due to budgeting. However, Netflix’s CEO alone (Reed Hastings) is worth more than $3.7 billion. So, why are they replacing these shows?
With that kind of money in the CEO, I’m assuming the budget is very large for keeping these shows. Surely, they can create some ways to keep classic shows available to viewers? Maybe they could survey the viewers on what shows they would like to see more of and what they would like to see less of. Of course, they could get this information from what shows are popularly being streamed, but just because someone doesn’t watch a show every day doesn’t mean they have no interest in it.
I see why Netflix would want to make this cut, and of course it makes sense budget wise. The more originals they put money into, the more revenue they get, all of which they get to keep. They no longer have to pay the original creator. So, it is a smart business move on Netflix’s part, but is it going to be driving customers away? I guess that is a gamble they are willing to take. There have definitely been some great Netflix originals that I’ve seen and enjoyed—e.g. “Big Mouth,” “Orange is The New Black,” “Stranger Things,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” &etc.—however, just because I like these shows doesn’t mean I don’t love classics as well.
I was very disappointed when I realized my two favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption and Can’t Buy Me Love had both been removed. I always get upset when I see what’s leaving Netflix each month, and though new things are always being released, it is frustrating. Lately I’ve thought about trying Hulu, as it has “Rick and Morty,” “Sex and the City,” and not as many originals.
I’m all for trying new things and there have definitely been great shows I wouldn’t have found without Netflix; however, they’re also raising the price for viewers. This just recently went into effect. Netflix is so popular that it makes sense why they feel the need to raise it, but they’re not struggling with money or income, so the $2 a month eventually is just another con.
I will say I was impressed to see movies that had recently been in theaters such as “Finding Dory” and “The Incredibles 2” were so quickly released on Netflix, but as someone who does not have kids, movies like these aren’t that great of a plus.
I think that Netflix is playing a risky game, but they definitely have the means to do so. However, in the meantime I would rather get Spotify and Hulu for $5 a month as a student, at least to see if it’s worth the budget cut. But hey, that’s also going to be hindering my ability to watch Black Mirror, so I’ll probably be back.