Published 15:21 IST, October 24th 2019
Friends & The Office to go, Netflix chill; says it's an 'essential'
Netflix content acquisition officer Ted Sarandos talks about the need for constant changes in the streaming library to keep subscribers entertained and happy.
Days after announcing the news of taking down the beloved TV shows 'Friends' and 'The Office' from their library next year, the entertainment streaming giant Netflix announced earlier on Thursday that they are not worried about losing their subscription services with the emerging competition from giants like Apple and Disney. Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos said that a big part of the reason why people subscribe to Netflix is because they have the best value to give. Netflix has decided to take the popular 90s TV show 'Friends' off from their library starting next year. 'The Office' is another show that will face the axe next year.
Netflix is chill
Sarandos claims that the reason why 'Friends' and 'The Office' are still watched after so many years is because of Netflix. He attributes the popularity of these shows to their availability on Netflix before any other streaming network. In conversation with a leading international magazine, Sarandos expressed his view of Netflix as an essential in today's day and age. He said this in response to concerns about the decline in Netflix subscriber base. He believes that anyone who wants to be a part of cultural conversations and wants to be entertained will have Netflix as their first basic choice.
Changes are exciting
Sarandos further emphasizes on the primary driving force for the company. He emphasizes on the need for fresh content for its viewers all over the world. He says that TV shows like 'Friends' and 'The Office' will continue to remain popular as it has had exceptional viewership rates worldwide. He now looks forward to have the American sitcom 'Seinfeld' in the media library.
He says that Netflix will focus on entertaining the viewers with their increasing original content. This will aid in keeping them ahead in their game as subscribers have loved their TV shows like 'Stranger Things' and 'Murder Mystery'. The more original their content, the more will their subscriber base increase. Constantly changing and shuffling their library with new and excititng content will promote their services.
HBO and Peacock to benefit
Netflix has 'Friends' until the end of the year, and 'The Office' until the end of 2020. 'Friends' will be available on HBO Max, a new streaming service to be launched in 2020, while 'The Office' will go to NBC Universal's Peacock which will be launched in 2021. With the promise of new and original content and the challenge of meeting the targets for subscribers all over the world, Netflix will surely have to make some bold moves in the future.
Updated 18:45 IST, October 24th 2019