Netflix is the video streaming industry leader. It allows content to be downloaded to watch offline and it is available all over the world, so it is a particularly good option for those who travel abroad frequently. However, don’t automatically jump into a Netflix subscription just because its brand is so well known. Look into Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other video streaming options before committing to a Netflix account.
Netflix has more subscribers than any other paid video streaming service in the USA, although more people in the USA stream video from YouTube for free every year. Netflix is one of only a few streaming services that operate internationally and it is also the largest video streaming service in the world. Amazon Prime Video is the only real rival to Netflix internationally.
Netflix overview
Netflix started out renting DVDs by mail. When broadband became available, internet speeds became fast enough for uninterrupted video transmission and the company switched its delivery system to a video streaming service. It also ditched the per-DVD charging system and introduced a Netflix subscription service. A member of the public who signs up for a Netflix plan gets unlimited access to the entire Netflix video library.
Although Netflix stopped sending out physical DVDs in its main business, it still operates DVD plans through a division called DVD.com.
What shows and movies are on Netflix?
Netflix buys in entertainment from other production houses. However, this strategy means that much of the content on the system has already been seen elsewhere. The “second chance” content of Netflix worked well as long as the original broadcasters kept their schedules moving and didn’t repeat TV shows until years later. However, more broadcasters now run their own catch-up services where videos can be accessible for years. The BBC iPlayer is an example of this.
Another problem that Netflix faced is that many of the sources of the rerun TV shows that the site had in its library, such as Disney, HBO, and NBC, started up their own subscription video streaming services in competition with Netflix. This resulted in many popular TV shows, such as Friends, being pulled from Netflix so they could be shown on the streaming services of their original home channels.
The solution to the problem of sourcing attractive content to its site, Netflix began to produce its own original content. In most cases, Netflix Originals are co-productions with the video streaming service providing funding, while production is actually carried out by another studio. The production agreement between Netflix and Marvel is an example of this strategy. Even these agreements can sometimes run into problems – for example, Marvel is owned by Disney, which also owns Hulu and its current production agreement with Netflix is unlikely to be renewed.
Here are some of the Netflix movies and shows developed by the streaming video service.
Shows
- Stranger Things
- Orange Is The New Black
- Bloodline
- Narcos
- Grace and Frankie
- The Sinner
- Dirty John
- White Lines
- The Politician
- The Innocence Files
- The Crown
- The Good Place
Movies
- Wasp Network
- Voyeur
- The Irishman
- Marriage Story
- The Wrong Missy
- Lost Bullet
Since 2019, Netflix has escalated its production budget and now sources more of its content through production than acquisition. The streaming service aims to provide at least half of its libraries as Netflix Originals.
Netflix devices
Netflix only transmits over the internet. This means that it can only play through internet-connected devices. TVs that can’t receive signals from the internet will need a streaming device to get Netflix.
Streaming platforms and devices
- Web browser
- GoogleChromecast
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Android TV box
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
- Blu-ray player
Video game consoles
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Nintendo
Mobile devices
- Netflix app for iOS (iPhones and iPads)
- Netflix app for Android devices and Kindle tablets
Smart TVs
- Samsung smart TV
- LG smart TV
- Vizio smart TV
Netflix price
There is no free Netflix account. There are three levels of streaming plans for Netflix. Here are the subscription prices of each:
- The Basic plan costs $8.99 per month. It streams in Standard Definition (SD) and includes the right to stream to just one device at a time.
- The Standard plan costs $12.99 per month. It streams in High Definition (HD) and includes the right to two simultaneous streams
- The Premium Plan costs $15.99 per month. Its HD streaming reaches 4K Ultra HD quality (4K UHD) and allows four simultaneous streams.
Contract conditions
There is no minimum contract period and so no early termination fee. In order to stop paying for the service, the user just has to remove payment card details from the account and/or notify the Netflix customer support team of cancelation of the service.
How to cancel Netflix
When a user cancels a Netflix subscription, the remaining paid-for period will allow continued access to the service. At the end of that time, the customer’s account will be suspended.
To cancel Netflix:
- Log in to the Netflix website.
- Hover over the down arrow icon at the end of the icon menu at the top right of the home page to get a drop-down menu of options.
- Click on Account.
- Click on the Cancel Membership button at the top of the Membership and Billing section of the Account page.
- Confirm the cancellation in the following screen.
Netflix deals
Netflix doesn’t offer any discounts and it doesn’t have any bundling agreements with other TV services that could get you the service cheaper.
Free trial
Netflix offers a 30-day free trial. It isn’t possible to get the service anonymously and just use the free trial. The trial is set up as the first month of a Netflix contract for free. So, the new customer has to enter bank card details in order to start the trial. At the end of the 30 days, the customer’s card gets charged for a month’s subscription – meaning the payment for the following month’s service.
