Seriously, Netflix is a billion dollar company and has no shame.

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In 2022, Netflix was estimated to be worth $4.5 billion[1]! Not million, but billion.

I understand that all the revenue Netflix generates has to be allocated towards paying employees, actors, software, marketing, equipment, and other expenses.

In 2022, Netflix decided to increase prices for 2023. Inflation[2] is a challenge, and they aim to join the trend of Shrinkflation[3].

Fine, Netflix, raise your prices. But, not only did Netflix decide to raise the prices in 2023, but they also decided to no longer allow sharing! Netflix used to be about sharing, allowing friends and families to watch TV and discuss it together.

This year, we had to get our own Netflix account because we could no longer share it with our family. Currently, we’re paying $15.49[4] plus tax a month—so $16. This subscription doesn’t include 4K or HD, limits to two devices, and offers subpar video quality. I suppose it’s still better than the $6.99[4] with ads!

What’s the point of cutting cable for many families across the US if they still have to pay for ads on Netflix, Hulu, Disney, and every other streaming service?

So, you’ve cut the cord, and you want to watch a TV show? Well, you have to open one of your 20 streaming apps, each costing between $10 and $50 a month. Surprisingly, 27% of families are paying for streaming services they don’t even use[5]. Why aren’t they using them? My guess is that they’re exhausted from working two or three jobs, making it hard to keep their eyes open while watching TV, or they simply don’t have the time.

Netflix is the #1 streaming service[5]. Which makes sense, they really pioneered the way. They used to offer great content you could only get on Netflix. Has anyone ever heard of Stranger Things? They picked up shows that were cut from cable TV and brought endings we all needed, like Manifest.

However, Netflix has just gone downhill. From ridiculous reality TV shows to documentaries spreading misinformation. They’re canceling great TV series like Shadow and Bone just when the series are hitting their stride. We’re left needing answers and missing out on potentially great endings. All this just to churn out cheesy Hallmark-type movies akin to The Christmas Prince.

Ugh, Netflix, you’re really letting us down. At a time when the world is facing its lowest point since the Great Depression, you implement all these changes in 2023, only to announce in November that you’ll be hiking your prices up again[6]?!

With inflation running rampant[2] and over 224,503 Americans in the tech industry being laid off[7], not to mention the hundreds in other industries facing the same fate, people are working two or three jobs just to cover a fraction of their bills. And now, boomers are realizing they can’t afford to live[8]. You throw all this garbage at us?!

Netflix, you shouldn’t keep raising prices and you need to allow sharing again. Stop being greedy[9]! Many Americans can barely afford to eat[10]. Let us at least zone out while rewatching Parks and Rec for the 20th time. Allow us to share accounts so families and friends can split the cost.

Also, Netflix, with your greed! How come you don’t offer discounts for students[11], senior citizens[12], or the disabled[12]? These are the groups that EVERYONE offers discounts to. Even Bezos offers discounts[12] to give people a break.

Ted Sarandos & Greg Peters[13], you need to pull your heads out from between your mistresses‘ legs and realize this isn’t going to end well. Americans are exhausted; we’re tired of your greed and your garbage. Sort yourselves out!

Citations

  1. Netflix’s net income from 2000 to 2022
  2. Here’s the inflation breakdown for October 2023 — in one chart
  3. ‘Shrinkflation’ isn’t a trend – it’s a permanent hit to your wallet
  4. Netflix Plans
  5. Nearly 50% Of People Pay For Streaming Services They Don’t Use, According To New Forbes Survey
  6. Here comes another Netflix price hike
  7. A comprehensive list of 2023 tech layoffs
  8. Senior care is crushingly expensive. Boomers aren’t ready.
  9. Netflix: Stop the corporate greed, stop raising prices, NOW!
  10. Food insecurity on the rise, Census data show
  11. Amazon Student Discount
  12. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying government assistance, you can save more with Prime Access.
  13. Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters Are Now Co-CEOs of Netflix, With Reed Hastings as Executive Chairman

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