Netflix is the streaming service that paved the way for modern television as we know it. The service was the first widely accepted alternative to cable, and the first to implement entertainment that was available anytime, anywhere. It has been critically acclaimed since its release for its variety of content and convenience.

Upon seeing the success of the platform, many companies wanted to replicate its wealth, causing streaming services such as Disney+, Hulu, Max, Paramount +, Peacock, and Prime Video to form. With a vast intake of new competitors in a once empty field, an era known as the “streaming wars” began, and Netflix started to become greedy.

Netflix has begun to cause public outcry by enforcing ads, cancelling beloved shows after one or two seasons, removing well-liked TV shows and movies constantly, and not allowing individuals from different households to share a Netflix account.

The big question among many people is why is Netflix suddenly making their service unrecognizable to the way it used to be? The answer is quite simple: Netflix has become money-hungry.

With such a rapid increase in dense competition, Netflix has been striving to generate as much wealth as possible by causing streamers to pay for the premium “no-ads” feature, and by forcing people to purchase new Netflix subscriptions entirely.

Once viewers picked up on this tactic, many have made the decision to boycott the platform for its competitors. It is argued that plenty of other streaming services offer a greater amount of content for a lesser cost.

“I don’t like that Netflix is adding ads because why on earth am I paying money just to have to watch a ton of ads per movie or show?” said Audrey Cronk (‘28), who considers herself a part of the Netflix boycott. “So, instead I use Disney+ because at least I can watch a movie without there being an ad every couple of minutes,” Cronk added.

With Netflix continuously adding unnecessary updates to their platform, many are choosing to cancel their subscriptions and consume their entertainment elsewhere. As the prices are rising and content is dwindling, Netflix is causing its users to be annoyed and frustrated with the company. With so many streaming services to choose from, it is becoming increasingly difficult to decide if Netflix is worth its steep cost.