Netflix wants to “own” content
April 22, 2015
Despite shows such as House of Cards and Orange is The New Black being billed as ‘Netflix originals’, they are not technically Netflix’s content – which is why the content can often also be seen on TV or via rival services.
The online streaming giant plans to change that shortly though, with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings telling Bloomberg that the company will soon be “taking on ownership and production” for original programming. The move will expose Netflix to more risk if there’s a flop, but it’ll give the service more control over where its content is available.
Hastings didn’t reveal which productions will be completely in-house, although Bloomberg suggests that one might include Flaked, a Will Arnett comedy due next year. Any such move would position Netflix to compete more directly with the likes of HBO, which also owns nearly all of its shows.