Data comparing a decade of Netflix originals to theatrical peers suggest the subscription model’s 'hours watched' metric misaligns with making high‑quality films. Netflix spends more than A24 (2–3x) yet earns lower critic scores and struggles to retain acclaimed directors, who accept lower pay in exchange for guaranteed theatrical releases. The attention context (phones at home vs. one‑sitting in theaters) and catalog‑filling pressure appear to bias projects toward bloat over craft.
— If streaming economics systematically undermine quality, studios, regulators, and audiences may need to rethink windows, metrics, and funding models that determine what kinds of films get made.
Ted Gioia
2025.09.22
55% relevant
Gioia’s claim that classics like Citizen Kane are buried by platform recommendations connects to streaming economics prioritizing engagement over heritage, which sidelines high‑quality catalog works and reshapes what audiences ever see.
msmash
2025.09.17
68% relevant
The article reports fewer new prestige series, Netflix’s majority shift to unscripted since 2018, and soaring costs for high‑end seasons (Severance $200M; Stranger Things S4 $270M). These facts align with the thesis that streaming’s engagement metrics push platforms toward cheaper, high‑volume content and away from costly, crafted prestige projects.
msmash
2025.09.10
100% relevant
Examples include Netflix’s $320M The Electric State (30 Metacritic, 14% Rotten Tomatoes) and directors turning down Netflix’s $150M (Wuthering Heights) and $50M (Weapons) in favor of Warner Bros. for theatrical guarantees.