When we think of Netflix today, we think of binge-watching and watching one episode after another. But how did someone even come up with that idea, and what is the story behind it? It started with a simple problem: late fees.
Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. The story behind it is funny-Reed Hastings was frustrated over a $40 late fee from a video rental store for a rented copy of Apollo 13. The goal was to create a more convenient and subscription-based rental system.
The very first DvD shipped was a copy of Beetlejuice on March 10, 1998. After that
Netflix.com launched on April 14, 1998. We all associate Netflix with the color red, but at the beginning the DVD envelopes were actually white.
I came across an article going more into detail about Netflix. Something I thought was interesting is that the original name, for Netflix was Kibble. It was used as a placeholder name and the story behind it is that “No matter how good the advertising, it’s not a success if the dogs don’t eat the dog food,” said Randolph.
In 2007 Netflix introduced streaming, which allows us to watch anytime, anywhere, and use multi- device streaming. Netflix is available in 37+ languages and in over 190 countries worldwide. This makes it available for so many different people around the world, no matter what cultural background.
But how did Netflix have such a big impact on our society? By releasing full seasons, it created a binge-watching culture around the world. We don't have to leave the house anymore or pay late fees. It shifted from mass broadcasting to personalized media with algorithm-driven recommendations for each user.
Each of us has a personalized homepage. I don't know how you guys feel, but when I am watching sample TV, I tend to get really annoyed by all the advertisements and I get impatient. Netflix gave us an opportunity to consume entertainment without advertisements and on-demand digital access.
Netflix got so popular that in 2021 Ben & Jerry's created a Netflix & Chill ice cream flavor.
I came across another article talking about how Netflix redefined what counts as "television", and it changed the storytelling structure. Important to know is Netflix did not invent television, but it expanded and digitalized it.
One of the first major shows Netflix published was House of Cards in 2013. It was a really huge success, and it received many Emmy nominations. For Netflix this was just a motivation to invest billions of dollars to create original content. Some other popular Netflix shows that most of us know are Squid Games and Stranger Things.
Even though Netflix made our lives more convenient, there are also some negative effects. People spend hours watching series on Netflix, and this can lead to too much screen time.
I did some research on this, and I found an article explaining that, for example, watching multiple episodes in a row can lead to sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and difficulties concentrating. We have to be aware of both sides
of effects from Netflix.
What started as a small idea to solve late fee problems has now turned into one of the biggest entertainment platforms that connect millions of people around the world.
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