Netflix, launched in 2007, offers original and acquired content globally. It has over 260 million paid memberships in 190+ countries. By 2022, half of its library in the US consisted of 'Netflix Original' productions. The company has expanded into video game publishing. As of October 2023, Netflix is the 24th most-visited website worldwide.
Netflix, an American media-services provider and production company, was founded on August 29, 1997. It started as a DVD rental service and later transitioned into a subscription-based streaming service.
On April 14, 1998, Netflix officially launches as a streaming service with approximately 900 titles in its video library. The website crashes shortly after its launch due to a surge in orders, prompting the need to purchase more servers.
Netflix introduces its monthly subscription concept, allowing users to pay a fixed fee every month to access its video library.
In February 2000, Netflix launched the Unlimited Movie Rental program, offering customers unlimited movie rentals for a monthly fee of $19.95, with no additional charges for shipping, late fees, or per-movie fees.
Netflix acquires exclusive distribution of the DVD version of British film Croupier for three months before the title becomes available elsewhere.
Following the September 11 attacks, Netflix doubles its monthly subscription rate, as many fearful Americans seek refuge at home.
Netflix went public in 2002, offering 5.5 million shares at $15 apiece. At that time, it was a DVD rental service, and its ceiling was considered comparable to Blockbuster. The company has since evolved into a global streaming giant.
On May 29, 2002, Netflix initiated its initial public offering (IPO), selling 5.5 million shares of common stock at the price of US$15.00 per share, bringing in $82.5 million.
Netflix opens a temporary physical DVD rental store in Las Vegas, located within a supermarket. The store was part of an experimental initiative and was closed within a month.
Netflix announces that it has achieved a milestone of 1 million subscribers, indicating significant growth and popularity of its DVD rental service.
In 2004/05, Netflix considered working with contract manufacturers on DVD disc drives with a video processor to download and stream video content on TV, similar to TiVo. However, this initiative was abandoned due to increased competition with Blockbuster and the need to focus on engaging in a pricing war.
In September 2004, a consumer class action lawsuit was filed against Netflix, alleging false advertising related to 'unlimited rentals' and 'one-day delivery'. This legal action led to changes in Netflix's terms of use and a proposed settlement for affected members.
Netflix sketched out its plans to become a streaming company 15 years ago, setting the stage for its transformation into a major player in the streaming industry.
On April 4, 2006, Netflix filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Blockbuster, alleging violations related to its online DVD rental subscription program. This legal action reflected Netflix's efforts to protect its intellectual property and competitive position in the market.
On October 1, 2006, Netflix announced the Netflix Prize, offering a $1,000,000 reward for the development of a video-recommendation algorithm that could beat its existing algorithm Cinematch. This initiative aimed to enhance the user experience and refine Netflix's recommendation system.
In December 2006, the Netflix Prize Website was launched, reflecting Netflix's commitment to innovation and improvement in its services.
Netflix launched its streaming service on January 16, 2007, marking a significant transition from its mail-based rental business to online streaming. This move allowed Netflix to expand its reach internationally and offer a wide range of films and television shows in multiple languages.
On June 25, 2007, Netflix settled a patent infringement lawsuit with Blockbuster. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
The Netflix Player becomes available in a Roku device, allowing users to stream TV shows from Netflix to their TV sets.
On October 1, 2006, Netflix announced the Netflix Prize, offering $1,000,000 to the first developer of a video-recommendation algorithm that could beat its existing algorithm Cinematch, at predicting customer ratings by more than 10%.
On December 21, 2007, Netflix removed the 'Releasing This Week' page from its website without notice, replacing it with a slider system showing only four previously released movies at a time. This change was made to address complaints about delays in receiving newly released movies after demand outstripped the supply of DVDs on hand.
Netflix secures a four-year agreement with Starz, granting access to a library of 2,500 titles, enhancing its streaming content offerings.
LG Electronics announced the first Blu-Ray Disc player with the capability to instantly stream movies from Netflix to the TV, marking a significant advancement in home entertainment technology.
LG demonstrates the world's first Blu-ray Disc Player with embedded Netflix streaming, marking a significant advancement in device compatibility for Netflix.
Netflix partners with Starz Inc. to produce 2,500 additional movies available for instant viewing online for subscribers.
Netflix begins offering subscribers rentals on Blu-ray for an additional fee. The company also sells used discs, delivered, and billed identically as rentals. This service would be discontinued at the end of November.
Netflix begins collaborating with electronics companies to enable access to its streaming services through smart TVs and gaming consoles, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
Netflix announces streaming on Vizio's HDTV set models.
The US$1 million Netflix Prize is awarded to the BellKor's Pragmatic Chaos team for developing the best method to enhance Netflix's movie recommendation algorithm.
Netflix's streaming service becomes accessible on Sony's PlayStation 3, expanding the platform's reach to a wider audience.
Netflix launches a streaming-only plan, offering unlimited streaming service without DVDs, and subsequently expands its service to Canada, marking its international expansion.
On January 6, 2010, Netflix agreed with Warner Bros. to delay new release rentals to 28 days after the DVDs became available for sale, in an attempt to help studios sell physical copies.
Netflix announces the availability of its streaming service on Nintendo's Wii console, allowing members to access a vast library of movies and TV shows.
Netflix reaches a five-year deal worth nearly US$1 billion to stream films from Paramount, Lionsgate, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, significantly increasing its annual spending fees.
Netflix faced challenges during its launch in Canada, experiencing setbacks as it entered the Canadian market.
Netflix starts expanding its streaming service to the international market, beginning with Canada, marking the company's first step towards global expansion.
Netflix played a role in driving Blockbuster into bankruptcy on September 23, 2010, after facing mounting losses and approaching Blockbuster about a potential acquisition. This event marked a significant shift in the entertainment industry.
An announcement about Blockbuster remaking itself under creditors was published in The Wall Street Journal on September 24, 2010.
Netflix content streaming through Wii consoles becomes available for customers in the United States and Canada, expanding the accessibility of Netflix's streaming service.
Netflix was made available on the PlayStation 3 without the need for a disc, providing users with more convenient access to the streaming service.
In June 20, 2011, Netflix faced a lawsuit from a deaf group due to the absence of subtitles, which was considered a violation of disability civil rights.
On July 12, 2011, Netflix announced that it would separate its existing subscription plans into two separate plans: one covering the streaming and the other DVD rental services.
The National Association of the Deaf sues Netflix for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by not providing equal access to its 'Watch Instantly' streaming content.
Netflix changes its pricing structure, requiring customers to pay separately for mail rental and streaming services, resulting in a price increase for those using both services.
Netflix expands its streaming service to Brazil, providing access to a wide range of movies and TV shows for the Brazilian audience.
Netflix extends its streaming service to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, offering a diverse collection of content to the viewers in these countries.
Netflix introduces its streaming service to Chile and Bolivia, granting access to a variety of movies and TV series for the audience in these regions.
Netflix expands its streaming service to the Andean region, including Peru and Ecuador, providing a wide selection of entertainment options for the viewers in these areas.
On September 11, 2011, Netflix expanded to countries in Latin America.
Netflix introduced its streaming service in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, expanding its reach beyond the United States. This move allowed more people in these regions to access Netflix's content through online streaming.
Qwikster released an explanation and reflections, possibly related to its business operations or strategy.
On October 25, 2011, Netflix experienced a significant decline in its subscriber base, with 800,000 subscribers quitting the service. This led to a notable impact on the company's stock performance.
Nook Tablet was launched with pre-installed apps including Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Pandora, providing users with access to a variety of entertainment options.
On January 4, 2012, Netflix started its expansion to Europe, launching in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
On January 9, 2012, Netflix introduced its film and TV streaming service in the UK. This expansion marked a significant milestone for the company's global presence.
Netflix was made available on the PS VITA handheld gaming console on January 12, 2012.
Netflix acquired the U.S. rights to the Norwegian drama Lilyhammer after its television premiere on Norway's NRK1 on January 25, 2012.
PlayStation Vita is released with a built-in Netflix app, allowing users to stream content on the go.
Redbox partners with Verizon to launch a streaming video service, aiming to compete with streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu.
Netflix acquires the domain name DVD.com, expanding its online presence and potentially diversifying its services.
Netflix established a Political Action Committee (PAC), indicating its foray into political lobbying and advocacy. This move signifies the company's engagement in political activities.
Netflix launched its own content delivery network called Open Connect in June 2012, aiming to improve streaming quality and reduce costs by delivering content directly to Internet service providers.
In July 2012, Netflix started experimenting with crowd-sourced captioning, allowing viewers to contribute and improve the accuracy of subtitles for a more inclusive streaming experience.
On August 23, 2012, Netflix and The Weinstein Company signed a multi-year output deal for RADiUS-TWC films.
The Wall Street Journal reported in October 2012 about the significance of subtitles in bridging language barriers, highlighting their role in enhancing the global accessibility of Netflix's content.
Netflix expands its services to Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, marking a significant step in its international expansion.
On November 15, 2012, patches to the Wine compatibility layer were made available, enabling the viewing of Netflix on Linux and similar systems, providing a solution for Linux users.
Netflix becomes available on Nintendo's Wii U, enhancing its accessibility to a wider range of users.
On December 4, 2012, Netflix and Disney announced an exclusive multi-year agreement for first-run United States subscription television rights to Walt Disney Studios' animated and live-action films.
On Christmas Eve in 2012, Netflix experienced a massive outage due to its hosting on Amazon Web Services. This resulted in disruption of service for Netflix users, impacting their holiday viewing experience.
On January 14, 2013, Netflix signed an agreement with Time Warner's Turner Broadcasting System and Warner Bros. Television to distribute Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Animation, and Adult Swim content.
Netflix released its first notable original content production, House of Cards, on February 1, 2013, marking a significant milestone in the company's transition to original content creation.
Departing from the traditional broadcast television model, Netflix chose to release the entire first season of a series on February 8, 2013.
In February 12, 2013, DreamWorks Animation announced its collaboration with Netflix to produce the first original series for kids. This marked a significant milestone in the partnership between the two entertainment giants.
In February 2013, Netflix announced its plan to host its own awards ceremony, named The Flixies. This initiative aimed to recognize and honor outstanding content available on the Netflix platform.
On March 13, 2013, Netflix added a Facebook sharing feature, allowing United States subscribers to access 'Watched by your friends' and 'Friends' Favorites' by agreeing.
On March 27, 2013, Netflix became available on Nintendo TVii, expanding its reach to a new platform and enhancing the accessibility of its streaming services for Nintendo users.
In April 2013, Netflix began streaming its original horror series Hemlock Grove.
On June 17, 2013, DreamWorks Animation revealed its plan to create TV shows for Netflix based on its popular characters. This further strengthened the relationship between the two companies and expanded the content available on Netflix.
Netflix launched its first original series 'House of Cards' in July 2013, intensifying the competition in the streaming content industry.
In July 2013, Netflix started streaming its original comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black.
On July 18, 2013, Netflix earned the first Primetime Emmy Awards nominations for original streaming programs at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards. This marked a milestone in the recognition of streaming platforms in prestigious award ceremonies.
On August 1, 2013, Netflix reintroduced the 'Profiles' feature that permits accounts to accommodate up to five user profiles.
On August 8, 2013, software repositories were made publicly available, allowing the usage of the Windows Silverlight plugin in Linux-native web browsers using Wine, eliminating the need to run the entire Firefox web browser through the Wine compatibility layer.
Netflix introduced the Profiles feature on September 1, 2013, enabling users to create separate profiles within a single account, enhancing personalized viewing experiences.
Netflix released its first original series, 'Hemlock Grove', on December 13, 2013, marking the beginning of its venture into original content production.
Netflix made a strategic move by betting on international expansion to sustain its growth.
On June 13, 2014, Netflix unveiled a global rebranding, introducing a new logo and website UI. The modern typeface and removal of drop shadowing sparked controversy, with mixed reactions from users.
On June 19, 2014, Netflix signed a deal with American comedian Chelsea Handler for the creation of a talk show. This partnership expanded Netflix's original content offerings.
In July 2014, Netflix received 31 Emmy Award nominations, highlighting the growing recognition of its original content in the entertainment industry.
In July 2014, a box capable of storing the entire Netflix library was featured, demonstrating the increasing volume of digital content and the need for efficient storage solutions.
Netflix intentionally slows down its speeds to oppose proposed changes in net neutrality rules that act against net neutrality by giving preferred websites the option to pay telecommunication companies for a guaranteed fast lane, in effect slowing down websites that don't pay for that fast lane.
Netflix is pressured to block VPN access from major film studios, as up to 200,000 Australian subscribers were using it despite it not being available yet in Australia.
On December 12, 2014, Netflix began streaming its original drama series Marco Polo.
Starting January 1, 2015, all episodes of the beloved TV show FRIENDS became available on Netflix, offering subscribers the opportunity to enjoy the iconic series on the streaming platform.
Netflix intentionally slowed down its website in 2015 as a form of protest to advocate for net neutrality, drawing attention to the importance of open internet access.
Netflix revealed plans to raise $1.5 billion through a debt offering, indicating the company's strategic financial decisions to support its expansion and content investment.
Netflix released its first original documentary, 'Virunga', on March 20, 2015, marking a significant expansion into non-fiction original content production.
The Australian Netflix service is launched, marking a significant expansion of Netflix's global presence.
On April 14, 2015, Netflix introduced audio descriptions to cater to blind and visually impaired individuals, enhancing accessibility to its content.
Netflix's stock rose by over 500% in a span of 5 years, indicating significant growth and success in the market.
Italian Internet Protocol television provider TIM partners with Netflix to integrate video streaming service into its TIMvision set-top box.
Netflix expands its streaming service to Japan, marking an international expansion.
In January 2016, Netflix announced it would begin VPN blocking since it can be used to watch videos from a country where they are unavailable.
On Jan. 6, 2016, Netflix announced a simultaneous expansion into 130 countries, marking a significant milestone in its global growth. This aggressive ramp-up contributed to a substantial increase in subscriber numbers.
At the Consumer Electronics Show, Netflix announced a major international expansion into 130 new territories, making its service available nearly 'worldwide', with exceptions like China, Crimea, Syria, and North Korea.
Netflix expanded its streaming service to cover almost every country in the world on January 22, 2016, significantly increasing its global presence.
Netflix completed the massive migration of its data servers to Amazon Web Services.
Netflix worked with ISPs globally to ensure a high-quality viewing experience for its users.
Netflix announced a price increase, impacting the subscription fees for its users.
Netflix released the French drama series Marseille, marking it as the first French language original production for the platform.
Netflix's dominance was evident as Blockbuster closed its last retail stores, signifying a major shift in the entertainment industry.
According to Time.com, Netflix was reported to account for over one-third of internet traffic.
Netflix completed the migration of its services to the cloud, marking a significant technological milestone in its infrastructure and operations.
A Netflix user sued the company over a rate hike, claiming breach of contract. The lawsuit was filed on July 1, 2016.
Netflix started streaming the original horror series Stranger Things on this date.
Janko Roettgers reported on the status of Netflix's servers before the release of 'The Get Down'.
The first part of the TV series 'The Get Down' was released on Netflix on August 12, 2016.
Netflix moved all of its IT operations to Amazon's public cloud, streamlining its infrastructure.
Netflix releases the Croatian drama series Novine, marking the first Croatian-language series on the platform.
Netflix introduced the download feature to its app on October 28, 2016, allowing users to download content for offline viewing, enhancing the platform's accessibility.
On November 4, 2016, Netflix began streaming the original historical drama series The Crown.
The Brazilian dystopian thriller series 3% is released, marking the first Portuguese-language Netflix original series.
Netflix rolls out an offline playback feature to all subscribers in all markets, fulfilling years of requests from subscribers.
Netflix releases the series White Rabbit Project, which is the platform's first reality-based educational entertainment production.
Netflix starts streaming the original mystery series The OA.
On January 13, 2017, Netflix started streaming the original black-comedy mystery series A Series of Unfortunate Events, adding to its collection of original content.
On February 2, 2017, Netflix entered a partnership with BMG Rights Management to manage music rights for Netflix original content outside the United States.
Netflix started streaming the original teen drama/mystery series 13 Reasons Why on March 31, 2017, adding to its diverse collection of original content.
In April 2017, Netflix formed a partnership with Verizon aimed at enhancing the service performance for their mutual customers.
On April 25, 2017, Netflix signed a licensing deal with IQiyi, a Chinese video streaming platform owned by Baidu, to allow selected Netflix original content to be distributed in China on the platform.
Netflix began streaming the original psychological thriller series Gypsy on this date.
On August 7, 2017, Netflix acquired Millarworld, the creator-owned publishing company of comic book writer Mark Millar, marking the first corporate acquisition made by Netflix.
Netflix signs a multi-year deal with American television producer Shonda Rhimes to produce new series and work on other projects for the streaming company.
Netflix released The Defenders, a notable original content production, on August 18, 2017, contributing to the company's diverse range of original series.
Italian crime drama series Suburra: Blood on Rome is released, marking the first Italian original series on Netflix.
Netflix starts streaming the original drama series Mindhunter.
On October 29, 2017, Alexa provided insights into Netflix's website traffic, demographics, and competitors.
In November 2017, Netflix announced its first original Colombian series, to be executive produced by Ciro Guerra.
In December 2017, Netflix signed Stranger Things director-producer Shawn Levy and his production company 21 Laps Entertainment to a four-year deal.
The German science fiction thriller series Dark is released, marking the first German-language original series.
Netflix partners with WhatsApp in India with the aim of increasing user engagement among local customers.
In February 2018, Netflix acquired the rights to The Cloverfield Paradox from Paramount Pictures for $50 million and launched it on its service shortly after.
Netflix starts streaming its original science fiction series Altered Carbon on this date.
The TV series Seven Seconds premiered on Netflix on February 23, 2018.
In March 2018, Netflix ordered Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a racing docuseries following teams in the Formula One world championship.
At the 90th Academy Awards, Netflix's film Icarus wins the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
Netflix releases Edha, its first Argentine original series, on this date.
Netflix added a warning video to '13 Reasons Why' in response to concerns about its potential impact on viewers, particularly regarding its depiction of suicide.
In April 2018, Netflix pulled out of the Cannes Film Festival in response to new rules, sparking discussions over simultaneous digital releases and theatrical screenings.
Netflix released a new series 'Lost in Space' on April 13, 2018, marking the comeback of the show.
Netflix released the post-apocalyptic series The Rain, which is the first Danish series premiered by Netflix.
Netflix partners with Indonesian telecom operators XL Axiata, Hutchison 3 Indonesia, and Bolt to participate in their video data plans.
On May 22, 2018, former president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, signed a deal to produce docu-series, documentaries, and features for Netflix under their newly formed production company, Higher Ground Productions.
Netflix surpasses The Walt Disney Company to become the world’s most valuable entertainment company for the first time.
In June 2018, Netflix announced a partnership with Telltale Games to port its adventure games to the service in a streaming video format.
The PR chief of Netflix was terminated from the company due to the repeated use of a racial slur, causing controversy and leading to their dismissal.
Netflix officially launched in Japan, adapting its approach to suit the local market.
In July 2018, Netflix earned the most Emmy nominations of any network for the first time with 112 nods.
Netflix releases 'Sacred Games,' the first Hindi-language original series, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of its original content to cater to diverse audiences.
Netflix introduces 'Smart Downloads' for Android, a new feature designed to enhance the user experience for those who download episodes to watch on their mobile devices while offline.
Netflix made a significant impact in the entertainment industry by securing a substantial number of Emmy nominations, showcasing its growing influence in the television landscape.
Netflix decided to eliminate user reviews and reduce ratings to thumbs up and thumbs down on its website.
Netflix reveals its plans to develop films and series based on the works of Scottish comic book writer Mark Millar, signaling the streaming platform's commitment to expanding its original content offerings.
Netflix announced the launch of its first European production hub in Madrid, focusing on boosting Spanish-language production.
Netflix decided to remove its tool for writing user reviews from its desktop website, changing the ratings system to thumbs up and thumbs down. This change would restrict users from adding new reviews and eventually reading previously written reviews.
Matt Groening's fantasy animated sitcom Disenchantment is released.
On August 27, 2018, Netflix signed a five-year exclusive overall deal with international best–selling author Harlan Coben and an overall deal with Gravity Falls creator Alex Hirsch.
Netflix's popular series 'Narcos' premiered globally on August 28th, attracting a wide audience.
Netflix creates a new executive position focused on inclusion and diversity and appoints Vernā Myers to the role. This decision follows the firing of Jonathan Friedland for using a racial slur in the workplace.
Netflix forms a partnership with Indian cable television service operator Hathway to provide video streaming services to Hathway's 800,000 subscribers.
In October 2018, Netflix paid under $30 million to acquire Albuquerque Studios, a $91 million film and TV production facility, for its first U.S. production hub.
In October 2018, Netflix announced the acquisition of ABQ Studios, a production studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This marked Netflix's first purchase of a studio complex, indicating the company's commitment to expanding its production capabilities.
In October 2018, Netflix released 'Wild District,' the first Colombian original series produced by the streaming platform. This marked a significant expansion of Netflix's original content into the Colombian market.
In November 2018, Paramount Pictures signed a multi-picture film deal with Netflix, making Paramount the first major film studio to sign a deal with Netflix.
Nintendo announced the discontinuation of Netflix streaming on the Wii console, effective from January. This decision impacted users who enjoyed watching Netflix on their Wii devices.
Paramount Pictures forms a production partnership with Netflix, marking the first collaboration of a major studio with the streaming platform to create original films.
In December 2018, Netflix announced a partnership with ESPN Films on a television documentary chronicling Michael Jordan and the 1997–98 Chicago Bulls season titled The Last Dance.
The Protector, the first Turkish Netflix original series, is released, expanding the platform's original content offerings.
Netflix released the film Bird Box on December 21, 2018, which garnered widespread attention and became a notable addition to the company's original content portfolio.
Netflix faced a $25 million lawsuit over the 'Black Mirror' Bandersnatch episode, alleging that it infringed on trademarks and copyrights.
In January 2019, Sex Education made its debut as a Netflix original series, receiving much critical acclaim.
Netflix blocked an episode of Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj from streaming in Saudi Arabia due to violation of cybercrime laws after the Saudi government complained about its criticism of the crown prince, Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.
Netflix receives 15 nominations for the 91st Academy Awards, including Best Picture for Alfonso Cuarón's Roma, which is nominated for 10 awards.
Support for Netflix on the Wii is discontinued. Netflix confirms the end of service on the Wii console was Nintendo's decision, as it coincides with Nintendo's discontinuation of the Wii Shop Channel.
In February 2019, The Haunting creator Mike Flanagan joined frequent collaborator Trevor Macy as a partner in Intrepid Pictures and the duo signed an exclusive overall deal with Netflix to produce television content.
On March 11, 2019, media executive David Kosse left STX Entertainment and joined Netflix to lead its new international film division.
The first Swedish language Netflix original series, Quicksand, is released on April 5, 2019.
Netflix leases approximately 15000 square meters to build six sound stages and support spaces in Brooklyn, with the expectation to host thousands of production crew jobs within five years on April 18, 2019.
On May 9, 2019, Netflix contracted with Dark Horse Entertainment to make television series and films based on comics from Dark Horse Comics.
Netflix announced a price increase for its customers in the United Kingdom, with the cost of a standard plan rising by £1 to £8.99 and premium by £2 to £11.99.
Netflix partnered with the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada (APFC) to support francophone creators.
The first Arabic Netflix original series, Jinn, was released.
In July 2019, Netflix announced that it would be opening a hub at Shepperton Studios as part of a deal with Pinewood Group.
Netflix released the third season of its popular original series, Stranger Things, on July 4, 2019, drawing significant viewership and cultural impact.
Netflix hires Jackie Lee-Joe, a veteran from BBC Studios, as its new chief marketing officer.
The Australian government announces a plan to compel Netflix and other streaming platforms to produce more local content by the end of the year.
In early-August 2019, Netflix negotiated an exclusive multi-year film and television deal with Game of Thrones creators and showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
Better than Us is released, marking the first Russian series presented as a Netflix Original.
Netflix and Nickelodeon announced a partnership for original programming on August 18, 2019, following the launch of Disney+.
Love Alarm is released, becoming the first Korean Netflix original series.
Netflix reaches a milestone by shipping a total of 5 billion DVDs to its customers.
A man from Los Angeles turned himself in to the FBI for allegedly scamming investors out of US$14 million for a fake Netflix feature film.
On September 30, 2019, in addition to renewing Stranger Things for a fourth season, Netflix signed The Duffer Brothers to an overall deal covering future film and television projects for the service.
Italian prosecutors are investigating Netflix for allegedly failing to file a tax return.
Amid intensifying marketing competition, Disney bans Netflix ads.
Netflix signs a deal with Italian mass media company Mediaset to produce films in Italy.
Verizon announces a promotion offering a free year of Disney Plus service, posing competition to Netflix.
Netflix releases its first Mandarin language show, Nowhere Man.
In November 2019, Netflix announced that it had signed a long-term lease to save the Paris Theatre, the last single-screen movie theater in Manhattan.
Netflix partners with Nickelodeon to co-produce original animated feature films and television series.
The Stranded, the first Thai language Netflix original series, is released on this date.
Home for Christmas, Netflix's first Norwegian original series, is released on this date.
Netflix partners with Tipping Point, the digital content arm of Viacom18 Studios, for three new India focused originals: Jamtara, She, and Taj Mahal 1989.
On January 1, 2020, the popular TV show Friends officially departed from Netflix.
On January 9, 2020, the Brazilian supreme court overturned an attempted censorship by a judge in Rio de Janeiro, who had ordered the withdrawal of a film from the Netflix platform for depicting Jesus as gay.
Netflix made a significant impact by receiving 15 Oscar nominations, challenging traditional Hollywood studios in the prestigious awards.
On January 17, 2020, the horror drama series Ares was released, marking the first Dutch Netflix original series.
Netflix announces a deal to stream 21 films from Studio Ghibli globally, excluding United States, Canada, and Japan, through their distribution partner Wild Bunch.
Netflix achieves a milestone by reaching 167 million subscribers worldwide.
Netflix faced accusations of committing 'superhighway robbery' over a low tax bill during a debate in the British parliament, drawing attention to its tax practices.
Netflix introduced an option for customers to control whether they want to see autoplay previews, giving users more control over their viewing experience.
Netflix added a Top 10 row to its homepage to display the most popular content being watched by viewers.
On February 25, 2020, Netflix formed partnerships with six Japanese creators to produce an original Japanese anime project.
Netflix collaborates with six Japanese creators to produce Anime shows, aiming to expand its content with Japanese influence.
Netflix launches 'Queen Sono,' a South African crime drama web series, marking the first original African series on the platform.
On March 4, 2020, ViacomCBS announced that it will be producing two spin-off films based on SpongeBob SquarePants for Netflix.
Netflix agrees to pay royalties to creators of German series in line with European Union directives, primarily based on the success of Netflix's native collection productions.
On March 18, 2020, Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services urged streaming services including Netflix to cut back their service to limit the stress on Europe's broadband networks. Netflix agreed to reduce its streaming rate in the European Union by 25% for 30 days, while allowing users to stream in HD and 4K with reduced image quality.
On April 7, 2020, Peter Chernin's Chernin Entertainment made a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix to make films.
Netflix announces the launch of a new series through its Instagram account, designed to support viewers in managing their mental health and coping with the challenges posed by the current coronavirus crisis.
Netflix introduces a new feature allowing parents to filter the content their kids see on the platform and gives them the ability to remove titles entirely. This is aimed at providing a safer and more controlled viewing experience for children.
Netflix's total worth surpasses Disney after the former's stock hits a record price of nearly US$427 per share. This marks a significant milestone for Netflix in the competitive streaming and entertainment industry.
In April 2020, Netflix added a new screen lock feature to the media controls on Android devices. This feature allows users to lock the screen UI elements while watching content on the Netflix app.
Netflix released the action-thriller film Extraction on April 27, 2020, which gained significant attention and viewership, showcasing the company's success in producing notable original content.
On May 1, 2020, Netflix released 'Into the Night,' marking the debut of the first Belgian original series on the platform.
Starting from May 21, 2020, Netflix began reaching out to customers who had not watched anything in 12 months, asking them if they wished to retain their membership. If no response was received, their membership was cancelled.
On May 29, 2020, Netflix announced the acquisition of Grauman's Egyptian Theatre from the American Cinematheque to use as a special events venue.
In July 2020, Netflix appointed Sarandos as co-CEO.
In July 2020, Ted Sarandos was appointed as the co-CEO of Netflix, marking a significant leadership change within the company.
In July 2020, Netflix signed an investment deal with Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones, the creators of Black Mirror, to fund their production company Broke And Bones.
A study revealed that 43% of Americans watch content on Netflix daily, indicating its significant impact on the entertainment industry.
Netflix blocked a show in Saudi Arabia that was critical of the crown prince. The decision was made to comply with the regulations and restrictions in the country.
Netflix announces the opening of a dedicated production hub in Toronto, Canada, aiming to expand its film and TV production capabilities.
A survey reveals that nearly half of young viewers would consider canceling their Netflix subscription if the platform loses popular shows like 'The Office,' 'Friends,' Disney, and Marvel. This highlights the significance of content offerings in retaining subscribers.
During the lockdown, Netflix experienced a surge in new sign-ups, with 16 million new users joining the platform. This increase in subscribers was attributed to the restrictions and stay-at-home orders implemented during the pandemic.
Netflix revealed plans for three original Italian projects, indicating the platform's commitment to diversifying its content with regional productions.
Netflix released 'The Stranded,' its first Thai original series, catering to thriller fans looking for binge-worthy content.
The first season of the series 'Dark' was released on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intriguing storyline and unique narrative style.
As per producthabits.com, Netflix achieved the milestone of becoming a $100 billion company within 20 years.
Netflix has entered the Japanese market with a unique approach, aiming to capture the interest of Japanese viewers.
Netflix is recognized as the world's most valuable entertainment company, surpassing other major players in the industry.
Netflix's shares reached a record high, surpassing Disney's value, according to deseret.com and forbes.com.
Netflix and Nickelodeon have entered a multi-year output deal to produce original animated films and series for kids and families globally.
Netflix and Amazon continue to face the risk of censorship in India, impacting their presence and content offerings in the country.
Netflix rolled out a more affordable mobile-only subscription in Malaysia, as mentioned in the article from Engadget. This move is part of Netflix's strategy to attract more users in the Malaysian market.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a disability civil rights lawsuit against Netflix, aiming to address the lack of subtitles for the deaf community.
Netflix became available for download from the Wii Shop Channel, allowing users to access the streaming service on their Wii consoles without the need for a disc.
Netflix created a Political Action Committee (PAC) named FLIXPAC, showcasing its involvement in political affairs and lobbying efforts. This development highlights the company's growing influence in the political arena.
Netflix secures an agreement with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to create films, series, documentaries, and children’s TV shows.
Netflix is planning to produce more of its own movies to add to its streaming service.
Shonda Rhimes signed a significant multi-year deal with Netflix, marking a major collaboration between the renowned producer and the streaming platform.
The Obamas signed a multiyear deal to produce shows and movies for Netflix, expanding their influence in the entertainment industry.
Spencer Neumann was named as the new Chief Financial Officer of Netflix. He previously held positions at Activision and Disney.
Netflix achieved a milestone by surpassing HBO in Emmy nominations for the first time, signaling a shift in the traditional television landscape and highlighting its increasing prominence in the industry.
Netflix announced the switch from Microsoft Silverlight to HTML5 video, marking a significant technological transition for the streaming platform.
In December 2020, Netflix signed a first-look deal with Millie Bobby Brown to develop and star in several projects including a potential action franchise.
Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video were trending on Google Trends on March 19, 2021, indicating a high level of interest in these streaming platforms.
Netflix was referenced in a source on books.google.com on March 22, 2021, showcasing its impact and relevance in literature.
On April 8, 2021, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced an agreement for Netflix to hold the U.S. pay television window rights to its releases beginning in 2022. This marked a strategic move for Netflix to expand its content offerings and strengthen its position in the streaming industry.
On April 27, 2021, Netflix announced the opening of its first Canadian headquarters in Toronto. This expansion signified Netflix's commitment to increasing its presence in international markets and producing original content in those regions.
On June 7, 2021, Jennifer Lopez's Nuyorican Productions signed a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix spanning feature films, TV series, and unscripted content, with an emphasis on projects that support diverse female actors, writers, and filmmakers.
Squid Game, a South Korean survival drama created and produced by Hwang Dong-hyuk, rapidly became the service's most-watched show within a week of its launch in many markets on September 17, 2021, including Korea, the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
On September 20, 2021, Netflix signed a long-term lease with Aviva Investors to operate and expand the Longcross Studios in Surrey, UK. This move reflected Netflix's investment in physical production facilities to support its original content creation.
On September 21, 2021, Netflix announced that it would acquire the Roald Dahl Story Company, which manages the rights to Roald Dahl's stories and characters. This acquisition aimed to enrich Netflix's content library with beloved intellectual properties.
Netflix officially launched mobile games on November 2, 2021, for Android users around the world. This marked a significant expansion of Netflix's entertainment offerings, integrating gaming into its subscription service.
On November 22, Netflix announced that it would acquire Scanline VFX, the visual effects and animation company behind Cowboy Bebop and Stranger Things.
On November 22, 2021, Netflix announced that it would acquire Scanline VFX, the visual effects and animation company behind Cowboy Bebop and Stranger Things. This acquisition demonstrated Netflix's investment in enhancing the visual quality of its original productions.
On December 9, Netflix announced the launch of 'Tudum', an official companion website that offers news, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes videos for its original television shows and films.
On January 14, 2022, Netflix partnered with ATP Tour and WTA Tour to create an immersive documentary series following the lives and stories of top tennis players, showcasing its diverse content offerings.
Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Netflix suspended its operations and future projects in Russia. It also announced that it would not comply with a proposed directive by Roskomnadzor requiring all internet streaming services with more than 100,000 subscribers to integrate the major free-to-air channels, which are primarily state-owned.
On March 15, 2022, Netflix announced a partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to produce five new series and specials based on Seuss properties following the success of Green Eggs and Ham.
On March 31, 2022, Netflix ordered a docuseries that would follow teams in the 2022 Tour de France, which would also be co-produced by Box to Box Films.
On the same day, Netflix partnered with Group Effort Initiative, a company founded by Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, to provide opportunities behind the camera for those in underrepresented communities. It also partnered with Lebanon-based Arab Fund For Arts And Culture for supporting the Arab female filmmakers.
On April 28, the company launched its inaugural Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival, featuring more than 250 shows over 12 nights at 30-plus locations across Los Angeles, including the first-ever stand-up show at Dodger Stadium.
On July 19, 2022, Netflix announced plans to acquire Australian animation studio Animal Logic. This strategic move aimed to strengthen Netflix's animation content offerings and expand its creative capabilities.
On September 5, 2022, Netflix opened an office in Warsaw, Poland responsible for the service's operations in 28 markets in Central and Eastern Europe.
On October 18, Netflix began exploring a cloud gaming offering and opened a new gaming studio in Southern California.
On November 7, 2022, Netflix announced a strategic partnership with The Seven, a Japanese production company owned by TBS Holdings, to produce multiple original live-action titles for the subscribers over the next five years.
On December 12, 2022, Netflix announced that sixty-percent of its subscribers had watched a Korean drama.
On January 10, 2023, Netflix announced plans to open an engineering hub in its Warsaw office to provide Netflix's creative partners with software solutions for the production of films and series.
On March 4, 2023, Netflix broadcast its first-ever global live-streaming event, the stand-up comedy special Chris Rock: Selective Outrage.
On March 6, 2023, the focus was on Netflix's efforts to acquire new customers.
On April 18, 2023, Netflix announced that it would discontinue their DVD-by-mail service on September 29. This decision reflected Netflix's focus on its streaming business and evolving consumer preferences.
In June 2023, Netflix reworked its viewership metrics to measure viewership of shows during the first 91 days of availability, instead of the first 28 days, and now based on the total viewership hours divided by the total hours of the show itself.
In August 2023, the company announced Netflix Stories, a collection of interactive narrative games from Netflix series and films such as Love is Blind, Money Heist and Virgin River.
An upcoming film by Pilot Wave and Mockingbird Pictures, set to be released on September 22, 2023, on Netflix.
Netflix announced that it will stop shipping out physical DVDs and end its DVD-rental services on September 29, 2023.
In October 2023, Eunice Kim was promoted to Chief Product Officer and Elizabeth Stone was promoted to Chief Technology Officer. Netflix also announced a multi-film agreement with Skydance Animation beginning with the upcoming Spellbound.
On October 18, 2023, Netflix began exploring a cloud gaming offering and opened a new gaming studio in Southern California. This signified Netflix's continued expansion into the gaming industry and its commitment to providing diverse entertainment experiences.
Netflix dropped teasers of the 'Concrete Utopia' sequel 'Badland Hunters' on January 3, 2024.
On January 23, 2024, Netflix announced a major agreement with professional wrestling promotion WWE, under which it will acquire the international rights to its live weekly program Raw beginning in January 2025.
In February 2024, Netflix joined with Peter Morgan, creator of the Netflix series The Crown, to produce the play Patriots on Broadway.
In 2015, Netflix had an exceptional year in television production, particularly highlighted by the success of 'Jessica Jones' and other original content.