Big changes could be in store for Netflix.
For account holders of the streaming giant, now may be the time to binge some highly-watched shows before they’re possibly removed.
The outlet reports that NBCUniversal executives are debating if pulling the show and passing on the licensing revenue is best. For exclusive streaming rights toThe Office, Netflix reportedly paid around $100 million over the course of several years.
Friendscould also be leaving Netflix if WarnerMedia, which is also launching a streaming service, decides to take it back, according toWSJ. In early December, after fans of the sitcom collectively lost it when they noticed anexpiration date of Jan. 1, 2019on the show’s landing page on Netflix, the streaming giant confirmed that the beloved NBC sitcom would remain available in the U.S. throughout 2019.
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The companyreportedly paid around $100 millionto continue licensingFriendsfrom its owner, WarnerMedia. Netflix, which acquired all 236 episodes on Jan. 1, 2015, had previously paid $30 million a year to stream the show.
Additionally, CW Network — WarnerMedia and CBS Corp.’s joint venture — programming is up in the air. The streaming giant reportedly pays between $150 million and $200 million each year for the rights to stream reruns of shows — among those areThe FlashandRiverdale— shortly after they air, but the deal expires at the end of this month.
This fall, Disney will be launching its own streaming service,Disney+. This too could impact Netflix’s offerings.
Earlier in April, Disney unveiled its first look at its highly-anticipated streaming service during an investor day event at its headquarters in Burbank, California. Within the first year of launch, which begins on Nov. 12, audiences can have access to Disney’s entire Pixar film collection, as well as Marvel’s most recent superhero releaseCaptain Marveland many more of the studios popular films.
But the anticipated changes at Netflix don’t seem to be bothering the executives behind the scenes.
Last week, Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said on a Netflix Q1 2019 earnings call that original programs are “the shows that our members most value us for, and the things that we really pay a lot of attention to,” theWSJreports.
“Seven years ago we thought it was likely (that some suppliers would take shows off Netflix) and thought we ought to get good at creating our own programming,” said Sarandos. “Every year, our percentage of spend and percentage of hours watched have continued to grow towards our owned original and branded on Netflix.”
Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings said on the same call that the company is expecting to lose some content, noting, “We’ve expected this decline in second window content, are ready for it, anticipating it, and in fact we are eager to have more and more of our money to be able to do spectacular new titles.”
source: people.com
