Netflix Advertising Tier: What You Need to Know About Unavailable Titles
Introduction
Imagine relaxing on a Friday night, popcorn in hand, ready to binge-watch your favorite series on Netflix’s advertising tier, only to find out that some of your beloved shows and movies are inaccessible. If you’re considering signing up or switching to Netflix’s advertising tier in the United States, you must be informed about the current catalog’s limitations. As of October 2024, a few significant titles remain blocked due to stringent licensing agreements.
Full Review
When Netflix introduced its ad-supported tier in November 2022, it came with both excitement and disappointment. While it offered a more affordable option for viewers, it restricted access to numerous popular titles, including some Netflix Originals. Initially, 5.1% of the titles (326 out of 6,324) were inaccessible. By February 2023, this percentage saw a minor increase to 5.4%, with 348 out of 6,444 titles blocked.
Fast forward to February 7th, 2024, there was a significant improvement—a 50% decrease year-on-year—with only 175 titles unavailable. This number slightly dropped to 160 by August 2024, constituting merely 2.2% of the Netflix US library. However, by October 2024, the count stood at 155, slightly up from 150 in September. The titles that were still blocked had a common thread of licensing agreements, especially with Universal and Sony Pictures.
For example, House of Cards, one of Netflix’s early Originals, and Peaky Blinders remain unavailable on the ad tier. Universal holds out on their TV output, primarily DreamWorks Television shows. On the flip side, Sony’s extensive movie catalog, including their first-window titles post-theatrical release, stands unavailable.
Noteworthy growth occurred this September due to a new pact between Netflix and AMC, enabling the fan-favorite The Walking Dead to join the ad tier offerings. Despite these moves, substantial gaps remain in the library.
The Unavailable Netflix Originals
The following are some of the prominent Netflix Originals not available on the advertising tier. A vast number originate from the DreamWorks Television deal, including both legacy and international series:
- 3Below: Tales of Arcadia (Seasons 1-2)
- Archibald’s Next Big Thing (Seasons 1-2)
- House of Cards (Seasons 1-6)
- Peaky Blinders (Seasons 1-6)
The Missing Licensed Movies
Major movie titles from Universal and Sony Pictures are notably absent. This includes:
- A Man Called Otto (2022)
- Baby Driver (2017)
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
The Absent Licensed Series
TV series also suffer similar restrictions, with popular series being blocked:
- Queen of the South (5 Seasons)
- The Magicians (5 Seasons)
- Vikings (6 Seasons)
It is also noteworthy that the situation is comparatively better in the UK, where only 55 titles, or 0.7% of the 8,247-title-strong library, are blocked.
Conclusion
The landscape of streaming services is continually evolving, and the restrictions seen with Netflix’s advertising tier reflect broader trends in content licensing and distribution. While access to some titles remains restricted due to agreements, steps are being made towards providing a more inclusive catalog for all subscribers.
As Netflix continues to negotiate and possibly work around these restrictions, we can only hope for an even more comprehensive library in the future. Considering the ad tier? Make sure to weigh these content gaps before deciding.
FAQs
1. Why are some Netflix Originals unavailable on the ad tier?
Netflix Originals are occasionally unavailable due to existing licensing agreements, particularly those involving pre-existing deals before Netflix launched its ad-supported model.
2. How many titles are currently blocked on Netflix’s ad-supported tier in the US?
As of October 2024, there are 155 titles blocked, up slightly from the 150 titles blocked in September 2024.
3. Which companies hold the most significant amount of blocked content?
Universal and Sony Pictures are the primary companies with blocked content on Netflix’s ad tier, including TV shows and extensive film catalogs.
4. When did Netflix’s ad tier launch?
Netflix’s ad tier launched in November 2022.
5. What percentage of Netflix US’s library was inaccessible on the ad tier at launch?
At launch, 5.1% of titles were inaccessible on the Netflix US library.
6. Are there any recent changes to the ad tier catalog?
Yes, as of September 2024, The Walking Dead has become available due to a new deal between AMC and Netflix.
7. Are international titles also affected by these restrictions?
Yes, some international titles, particularly those under older licensing deals, are also blocked on the ad tier.
8. How does the Netflix UK library compare?
Netflix UK has a better scenario with only 55 titles blocked on its ad-supported tier, constituting 0.7% of its library.
9. Will there be more titles added to the ad tier soon?
While negotiations are ongoing, it is hoped that more titles will become accessible. However, current licensing agreements dictate certain restrictions.
10. What should users consider before opting for Netflix’s ad-supported tier?
Users should consider the restricted catalog and weigh it against the cost savings of the ad tier before deciding.