Growing up with cable TV felt like you had a buffet of entertainment at your disposal. Whether you wanted to watch the latest reality series, an obscure indie film, or a forgotten box-office flop, cable had it all. In this ecosystem, variety reigned supreme, allowing viewers to find something they liked, and it was all available in one convenient package of channels.
Today, the media landscape has been shaken. Streaming platforms, led by Netflix, have revolutionized the way we watch content. Netflix, which began as a DVD rental service, became synonymous with fresh, high-quality original programming. Its initial focus on original series and movies ushered in a new era of innovative storytelling that broke away from the beaten paths of traditional television.
But as the streaming wars heat up, Netflix is undergoing a transformation of its own. Once a disruptor intent on redefining television, the platform is quickly adapting to the formula it once sought to replace. By acquiring popular shows and securing streaming rights to a wide range of content — most recently adding WWE Monday Night Raw — Netflix appears to be mirroring the omnipresent nature of cable. In addition, the departure of Scott Stuber, who was a key figure behind Netflix’s three-year streak as the most-nominated studio at the Academy Awards, signals a possible turning point. The company may shift away from its focus on producing original films and focus more on acquiring proven franchises.
This shift represents a strange return to form in the world of streaming. Netflix’s vast content library is beginning to resemble old cable packages, where diverse programming options were the hallmark of the viewing experience. As Netflix continues to expand its offerings, the growth begs a broader question: Is the future of streaming heading full circle back to where we were with cable a decade ago?
