History
Netflix is a U.S. based media services provider and production company founded in 1998 originally as the world’s first DVD rental store. Its initial business plan was to sell and rent DVDs through the mail, eventually expanding and introducing streaming media in 2007 while also maintaining its rental business. Netflix began releasing “Netflix Original” content in 2012 and continues to be a producer and distributor of both movies and TV series. As of 2019, Netflix has 128 million subscribers worldwide, with about 60 million in the United States.
Content
Netflix boasts an impressive content catalog, with shows and movies being added and removed from the platform from month-to-month. The TV shows on Netflix are season complete, which isn’t always the case for their competitors. What makes Netflix standout among the competition is their original content and feature films. The most popular original shows include Black Mirror, Bojack Horseman, Mindhunter, Luke Cage, Orange Is the New Black, Peaky Blinders, Russian Doll, Stranger Things, The Crown, The Umbrella Academy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Unbelievable- just to name a few.
Netflix also produces movies, recently releasing El Camino: A Breaking Bad movie, a spin-off of AMC’s smash hit TV show, Breaking Bad. Other notable titles include The Irishman, Always Be My Maybe and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.
The streaming platform as also released ground-breaking documentary series that captured the world’s attention. With a mix of true crime, food and new-worthy topics, Netflix’s documentary lineup includes popular titles like Making a Murderer, Cooked, Chef’s Table, Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer, Chelsea Does, Our Planet and many others.
Netflix also has an entire library of content including originals for kids. The service has also partnered with Dreamworks, to develop more original children’s series.
Netflix undoubtedly has an expansive collection of content, ranging from true crime, comedy stand-up specials, comedy, documentaries, thrillers, comedies and so much more.
Netflix has won six out of twenty eight major awards for their Netflix Originals.
Pricing
Netflix has three streaming packages for users to choose from:
- Basic Plan ($8.99 a month) for a SD single-screen user.
- Standard Plan ($12.99 a month) for two HD users.
- Premium Plan ($15.99 a month) for four, 4K or 4K Ultra HD users.
If you’re interested in DVD rentals, Netflix has two plans for users to choose from:
- The Standard DVD Plan is $7.99 a month, and $9.99 if you want Blu-Ray DVDs. This plan allows users to keep up to one DVD at a time.
- The Premier DVD Plan is $11.99 a month, and $14.99 if you want Blue-Ray DVDs. This plan allows users to keep up to two DVDs at a time.
Platform Features
While Netflix doesn’t offer any live streaming options or DVR options, there are some other notable features. Netflix allows for users to download select content to watch offline. Netflix also provides its users with a curated collection of suggestions, based on the user’s previous viewing history. In addition, Netflix is an ad-free platform!
Capable Devices
Netflix is available on most smart TVs, streaming media players, gaming consoles, set-up boxes, mobile devices and tablets.
Netflix is undoubtedly one of the most popular streaming platforms available. With its extensive library of shows, movies, documentaries and award-winning original content- it makes for a great option for those looking for a streaming service with what seems like unlimited options.
