Netflix’s New Ad‑Supported Plan: Full Catalog? Not Quite.
What the Big Boss Has To Say
The Netflix co‑chief, Ted Sarandos, gave investors a quick rundown on the live earnings call. In short: you’re not getting the entire library when you switch to the ad‑plus tier.
“Most of what people watch is available,” Sarandos admitted. “But a few titles—especially those that are licensed from U.S. studios and international distributors—might be missing. We’re talking to those partners; if we launch today, users in the ad tier will still have a solid experience. We’ll clear more content in the future, but it won’t be everything, and that’s not a dealbreaker for the business.”
What’s In It for You?
- Original Netflix series and movies. These stay solid.
- Major licensed titles. The majority will slip into the ad‑tier.
- Excluded needs. Some recent or heavily protected content may go on hold.
Where It Might Fall Short
- New releases that are heavily licensed.
- Certain international distributors’ catalogues.
- Unresolved negotiations could delay availability.
Next Steps
Netflix is in talks with studios to patch these gaps. The plan was announced in May for folks who want to save a few bucks, and the company recently opened its “password‑sharing plan” to more regions.
Bottom Line
If you’re on the fence about swapping to the ad‑supported tier, remember: you’ll still get the bulk of Netflix’s magic and a few ads—just keep an eye out for those elusive titles that might stay in the VIP stash. The streaming giant says the lack of a few pieces is a nuisance, not a hurdle, so they’re pushing to smooth things out. Until then, popcorn and patience are your best friends.
