Netflix just isn't that cool anymore. What once existed as the go-to streaming platform, now blends in with other options—Hulu, Disney+ Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and HBO Max have succeeded in crashing Netflix's party.
Since when did the leading platform start to lose the streaming war? Netflix has a few quirks that make it fall short of other streaming services.
Lack of Newly-Released Content
One of Netflix's biggest downfalls is the fact that it doesn't have many newly-released titles. Unlike other streaming platforms like Hulu or Disney+, you can't expect a ton of new TV series or movies to appear on Netflix. Instead, you're left rewatching old favorites like The Office (which is getting kicked off).
There are only so many outdated TV shows and movies that you can watch before you start craving some newer content that Netflix just doesn't have. The recently-released movies that Netflix does have, however, are typically B-list movies that you probably never heard of.
And why does Netflix add great movies and TV series so late? Netflix has only just added Perks of Being a Wallflower, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and The Silence of the Lambs, among many others, despite having an ample amount of time to include them in its library.
In the meantime, Hulu has already picked up Bong Joon-Ho's hit movie, Parasite, while Disney+ includes all of the latest releases in Marvel and Star Wars.
Too Much Emphasis on Netflix Originals
These days, it seems that Netflix Originals dominate all of Netflix. Yes, Stranger Things, Narcos, and Ozark are definitely binge-worthy, but you can't say the same for every Netflix Original. Since Netflix has seen the success of some of its shows and movies, it's taken to filling the library with a long list of Netflix Original productions.
The number of Netflix Originals is overwhelming, and the worst part is, they've started taking over the platform. Once you sign in to your Netflix account, you're faced with a carousel of new releases that are almost all Netflix Originals.
Not every Netflix Original has reached the same level of popularity as Stranger Things and Orange Is the New Black. Flops like Fuller House, Iron Fist, and Disjointed have helped sully the Netflix Original name.
The more Originals that Netflix produces, the less unique they become. When Netflix focuses more on the number of Originals it produces, the quality will inevitably plummet.
You Can't Expect a Consistent Library
One of the biggest pet-peeves among Netflix viewers is Netflix's lack of consistency. Netflix pulls shows and movies off of its platform faster than you can even finish watching them. The streaming giant has even canceled the production of some of its own fan-favorite Originals—Jessica Jones and The Punisher are just some examples.
If only a couple of shows are the reason why you subscribe to a platform, and they get unexpectedly yanked or canceled, wouldn't that make you want to cancel your subscription? In this way, Netflix becomes an enemy of the viewer.
As you delve into a new series on Netflix, you never know when it's going to disappear, but all you know is that it's a real possibility. While it's understandable that Netflix has expiring contracts with various movie studios and TV networks, Netflix should at least make the effort to keep the viewers' favorites, and shouldn't try to patch up the void by adding more Netflix Originals.
Rising Price of Subscriptions
With all of the above issues interfering with your ability to enjoy Netflix, the company still has the audacity to issue price hikes. The cost of a Netflix subscription has spiked dramatically since the service first debuted. As time goes on, the price of Netflix just seems to get higher.
In 2019, Netflix made the most significant price increase that affected each plan. The Premium plan had the highest increase, as it jumped from $14 to a steep $16/month.
Even the lowest-tier Basic plan is a bit pricey—why get Netflix's Basic plan for $9/month, when you can pay for Hulu's lowest-tier plan for $6/month? You'll have to sit through ads on Hulu's cheapest plan, but at least you'll save some cash.
Netflix Needs to Make Some Changes
If Netflix wants to stay relevant in the world of streaming, it needs to make some major changes. Netflix needs to tone down the focus on Netflix Originals, and start paying attention to what the viewers really want.
