In the landscape of modern entertainment, Netflix has emerged as a revolutionary force, which author Mareike Jenner believes to be “a dominant challenger to linear television”(Jenner;2018;p3). The streaming giant’s influence extends beyond the confines of traditional broadcasting, ushering in a new era marked by autonomy, choice, and a departure from established norms.

At the heart of Netflix’s impact is the question of whether it can be considered television at all. Unlike broadcast television, Netflix relies on broadband internet, delivering content to a plethora of devices, from laptops to smartphones. This departure from the ‘liveness'(Jenner;2018;p4) associated with traditional TV challenges the core characteristics of the medium.

One of the key distinctions lies in Netflix’s release strategy. Unlike the weekly episodic format, Netflix disrupts the linear television schedule by dropping entire seasons at once. This shift towards binge-watching reflects a departure from the communal experience of scheduled broadcasting, allowing viewers to consume content at their own pace.

Netflix’s global impact further solidifies its status as a television powerhouse. The platform is used in 190 countries(help.Netflix;2023) and participates in many international distribution events throughout the year, securing its place as a significant player in the global television market.

In essence, Netflix has not only changed the way we consume content but has redefined the very concept of television. The streaming giant’s ability to offer both control and choice to viewers has transformed the industry, challenging established power dynamics such as the BBC. While the debate continues whether Netflix is truly television, no one cand dispute the influence it’s had on forming a new a new era of entertainment. 

By Joseph Sofocleous

Reference:

Countries where netflix is available (2023) Help Center. Available at: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/14164 (Accessed: 02 December 2023). 

Introduction: Netflix and the Renvention of Television’ in Netflix and the re-invention of television, Mareike Jenner Published date (2018) Publisher Palgrave Macmillan