Ok, I've About Had it With Netflix. It's starting to Suck.

[rico]

Is it just me, or is Netflix starting to suck more and more balls with every passing day?! They keep taking these shows that my wife and I like off and it seems as if their mission is to get to the point where every movie, documentary and TV series is a Netflix original. And maybe it's just me, but I haven't watched any Netflix original series shows that I've been very thrilled about. First one I watched was Orange is the New Black. That show is alright, but if you were an "Oz" fanatic in the prior to watching it, it is difficult to be that thrilled about OITNB...and Prison Break. I can't even get through this latest season. The entire thing seems to be based on a riot that I lost interest in after an episode or two. And the couple-few Netflix series I've tried since, just hasn't kept my attention. This may because I have a bad attitude coming in about Netflix and haven't been able to shake it. To be fair, I probably haven't been giving the shows much of a chance because I am pissed at Netflix. My wife is really in to Stranger Things right now...she told me I would like it...I am having a difficult time forcing myself to watch it...and she is pretty good about knowing which shows I would like...so I really think it is an anti-Netflix bias.

So Netflix initially ruffled my feathers in a major way when they didn't renew the 30 for30's. I love 30 for 30's...I can watch them over and over. That started it all for me. Now I don't know where to watch them...and I refuse to buy cable/satellite in my town.

Then suddenly, a couple of my favorites; Malcolm In the Middle and The Wonder Years were taken off. That really, really pissed me off. 3 out of the 5 shows I watch more than anything on Netflix (The Office and Always Sunny being the other 2), all taken off...just like nothing. Those were all go-to shows to watch when I wanted to relax on a stressful day...always put me at ease. And my wife is upset about 30 Rock being taken down.

Thank goodness Hulu is stepping up and claiming some of these. Huge fan of Hulu right now.

Eventually, so may only be a subscribe to Hulu and HBO Now. I've about had it with Netflix.

Is that what Netflix is doing? Gravitating towards being exclusively Netflix originals? Because it sure seems like it. I knew it was too good to be true to have access to those great shows for well, more years.

The straw that will break the camel's back for me will be when they take The Office down. I have every season's DVD and everything, but I don't feel like whipping out one of my DVD players just because Netflix sucks. My wife and I watch The Office every day/night when we go to sleep. We have for the past 6-7 years... it's like our bedtime lullaby. At least with Always Sunny, I think Hulu will still have it.

I don't know where to watch The Wonder Years now. What, is it finally on DVD or something?!!

Ugh. Anyone else frustrated with this?

I think South Park was on to something a couple weeks ago when they jabbed at Netflix, teasing them for seemingly accepting any Netflix Orignal Series that is pitched to them.

[Chief Pagan]

Originally Posted by patteeu

People have been complaining about paying for useless channels with their cable subscriptions forever and saying they wish they could select programming al a carte. But now that it's starting to happen, people will complain about having to pay multiple subscriptions. Not directed at you, necessarily. Your post just made me think of it.

Sure. I would like to be able to pay for ESPN without getting a big bundle package.

I semi-pirate Sunday ticket because I got a student intern to sign up for a standalone streaming package. I even bought the most expensive package that includes the 22-camera re-watch or whatever it is called even though I'm not using it.

But having to have subscriptions to multiple services to watch one-off movies isn't what I would call al a carte.

Just my take.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Stranger Things
Trailer Park Boys
Master of None
Marvel Originals

[Eleazar]

Yeah, my recent forays into netflix and hulu turned up basically the same things. Lots of B-movies and other low rent type of content.

But I think there's something deeper going on here, and it's that people are starting to move away from the forms of media that entertained their parents and grandparents. Cable TV, movies, whatever.

I agree that very little quality content is being made these days. There's a good example here and there, but between these slapdash online series and the reconstituted dreck that populates network TV, I think people are not only uninterested in what's out there, but they aren't even really looking anymore. Cord-cutters, cord-minimizers, and the unimpressed include most people these days.

People are finding other ways to entertain themselves. And fitting with the trend of people being more healthy and active, the couch potato generation that created the demand for tons and tons of content in their day just isn't there anymore. Gen Y and Millennials don't sit through a network TV programming block every night.

A lot of things are shifting, and I think that it's shifting away from the mindless sorts of entertainment toward people wanting to actually do things. To be able to post about it online, to have experiences instead of watching commercials, spending more time outdoors or exercising, whatever it is. People have just been losing interest in old media.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Chief Pagan

If it requires its own monthly subscription, I'm not going to shed tears about it being pirated.

That's because you're a not a content creator whose very livelihood depends on being paid legally and properly.

If your income was generated by your Intellectual Property, I'm sure you'd have a different view.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by 007

and none of those options include live sports. Well, except Amazon prime on Thursday night football.

One way, or another, they will get their money. So you want to drop cable? Sure ok. You still have to pay for your ISP at a level that supports your usage and purchase each streaming service you want. After its all said and done, the consumer will always lose.

All that said, Hulu streaming has surpassed Netflix streaming for what Netflix initially provided. Eventually ABC, NBC and Fox will all start charging for their streaming services as well then Hulu will have to do the same thing Netflix is doing.

With all of that, you still have the live sports problem. Outside WatchESPN and Fox sports, which still requires a cable contract to view, there is still no legal streaming options for sports.

I love cable. Especially now with DVR and all the sports channels you get. Not sure why everyone hates it, it's sooo convenient. Only peasants get all of these firestick, Hulu, Sling TV and **** with them all to be able to watch SOME of what they want for like $50 cheaper a month. I have a Roku box, and I messed with that shit. **** that. Long live cable!

I have Amazon Prime, Netflix too, but I find myself only using it to watch movies, F is for Family and stand up comedy. Really have no idea how you could cut the cord if you are an avid sports fan.

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I love cable. Especially now with DVR and all the sports channels you get. Not sure why everyone hates it, it's sooo convenient. Only peasants get all of these firestick, Hulu, Sling TV and **** with them all to be able to watch SOME of what they want for like $50 cheaper a month. I have a Roku box, and I messed with that shit. **** that. Long live cable!

I have Amazon Prime, Netflix too, but I find myself only using it to watch movies, F is for Family and stand up comedy. Really have no idea how you could cut the cord if you are an avid sports fan.

I'm kind of with you. I went for about 15 years with nothing but broadcast TV and netflix because I lived in the country. Cable wasn't available and satellite wasn't a good option for my situation.

I live in the suburbs now and get cable with most of the main premium channels as well as Netflix and Amazon. I'm sure I'm paying more than I have to, but the convenience and the back catalog of shows that I've missed over the years make it worth it to me at least for the time being. And sports.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Eleazar

Yeah, my recent forays into netflix and hulu turned up basically the same things. Lots of B-movies and other low rent type of content.

But I think there's something deeper going on here, and it's that people are starting to move away from the forms of media that entertained their parents and grandparents. Cable TV, movies, whatever.

I agree that very little quality content is being made these days. There's a good example here and there, but between these slapdash online series and the reconstituted dreck that populates network TV, I think people are not only uninterested in what's out there, but they aren't even really looking anymore. Cord-cutters, cord-minimizers, and the unimpressed include most people these days.

People are finding other ways to entertain themselves. And fitting with the trend of people being more healthy and active, the couch potato generation that created the demand for tons and tons of content in their day just isn't there anymore. Gen Y and Millennials don't sit through a network TV programming block every night.

A lot of things are shifting, and I think that it's shifting away from the mindless sorts of entertainment toward people wanting to actually do things. To be able to post about it online, to have experiences instead of watching commercials, spending more time outdoors or exercising, whatever it is. People have just been losing interest in old media.

I agree with part of your argument about old media losing ground. I can see a small segment that's wanting to have (and narrowcast) their own experiences and be outdoors, but I think the far bigger shift is people moving to alternate online entertainment like games and social networks.

[KCTitus]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I have Amazon Prime, Netflix too, but I find myself only using it to watch movies, F is for Family and stand up comedy. Really have no idea how you could cut the cord if you are an avid sports fan.

It's a cost thing...I can pay Verizon 100 @ month for loads of channels I dont want to get sports or I can find a streaming service. I want/need NBCSN for English Premiere League, Big 10 network, FS1 and FS2 and I could really GAF about ESPN--if I want political commentary, I'll put up some rabbit ears to get govt run NPR. I can get what I want on Fubo for 40 @ month and there's some channels Mrs. KCTitus enjoys as well.

I'm happy to stop paying ESPN until it dies in an aids tree.

[007]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I love cable. Especially now with DVR and all the sports channels you get. Not sure why everyone hates it, it's sooo convenient. Only peasants get all of these firestick, Hulu, Sling TV and **** with them all to be able to watch SOME of what they want for like $50 cheaper a month. I have a Roku box, and I messed with that shit. **** that. Long live cable!

I have Amazon Prime, Netflix too, but I find myself only using it to watch movies, F is for Family and stand up comedy. Really have no idea how you could cut the cord if you are an avid sports fan.

If cable had reasonable prices I would probably still have it. There is no real competition in my city and Cox charges too much for even basic channels. Uverse isn't any better. I refuse to pay $100 per month for any kind of tv.

Don't get me started on their nickel and diming bullshit.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by patteeu

I'm kind of with you. I went for about 15 years with nothing but broadcast TV and netflix because I lived in the country. Cable wasn't available and satellite wasn't a good option for my situation.

I live in the suburbs now and get cable with most of the main premium channels as well as Netflix and Amazon. I'm sure I'm paying more than I have to, but the convenience and the back catalog of shows that I've missed over the years make it worth it to me at least for the time being. And sports.

I have Fios now. They have a Netflix channel in their guides and on demand to go directly to Netflix. Apps built into the TV to go to Amazon and you tube. They look to be embracing it, not running away.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by 007

If cable had reasonable prices I would probably still have it. There is no real competition in my city and Cox charges too much for even basic channels. Uverse isn't any better. I refuse to pay $100 per month for any kind of tv.

Don't get me started on their nickel and diming bullshit.

Shit, I used to pay $180 a month for Comcast with 5 TVs. $100 per month? Thats a ****ing steal

But I hear you about the nickel and dime shit. I have Google Fiber at my Olathe house and they have increased my bill FOUR times in 15 months. Went from $135 to $185. They can do that whenever they want, and say its because the channels started charging them more.

At my Shawnee house I have Direct TV/ATT and pay $107. Crazy cost difference and Im locked in for 2 years. Google Fiber has been nothing but problems.

[007]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Shit, I used to pay $180 a month for Comcast with 5 TVs. $100 per month? Thats a ****ing steal

But I hear you about the nickel and dime shit. I have Google Fiber at my Olathe house and they have increased my bill FOUR times in 15 months. Went from $135 to $185. They can do that whenever they want, and say its because the channels started charging them more.

At my Shawnee house I have Direct TV/ATT and pay $107. Crazy cost difference and Im locked in for 2 years. Google Fiber has been nothing but problems.

We don't watch much tv and the tv we do watch is generally on the normal networks. I can get those OTA. The fact that Cox wanted $40 per month just for barebones tv with locals and the weather channel was ****ing robbery. That was just for ONE tv with HD and no DVR. When they started doing that I left them and will never go back.

I'd rather not deal with an antenna but I'll live with it.

EDIT

the fact you feel like $100 per month is a steal is part of why we have this problem. Not blaming you, its just that we have been conditioned to think that is affordable now.

The other thing that grinds my gears is how the price is NEVER the price.

[Eleazar]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Shit, I used to pay $180 a month for Comcast with 5 TVs. $100 per month? Thats a ****ing steal

Comcast bill before cord-cutting used to be $120-140 a month for one TV with the most basic cable & internet bundle that included ESPN and NFL network. We didn't have tons of channels. No premium channels. Didn't even have DVR. Ridiculous.

Yeah, I could easily afford to pay $200 a month or whatever, but I refuse. It's worth about $50-75 a month to me, if that. And only for live sports or I'd cancel it at any price.

[Chief Pagan]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

That's because you're a not a content creator whose very livelihood depends on being paid legally and properly.

If your income was generated by your Intellectual Property, I'm sure you'd have a different view.

I'm sure you are right.

If I was a musician, I would be upset that you can longer make a single that hits the top of the charts, package it with 40 minutes of B grade songs, and sell that album to millions of individuals for $20 (probably more like $30 inflation adjusted).

Those days aren't coming back. Neither is VHS tape.

Going back to my Disney example: if the only way to get a certain Disney movie legally was by a monthly subscription, I would never do that. So Disney would never get any money from me. That is true whether I pirate the movie or never watch it. It's not like making a digital copy costs any money. So it is different than say shop lifting an item from a brick and mortar store.

Is pirating the movie illegal. Absolutely. And I would like to have a system where people who are capable of making content that I want to watch have a financial incentive to do so.

But they should be realistic about human behavior. Given how easy it is to pirate movies, if the only way their content is available is by a monthly subscription, then they should realize they are going to get more piracy than if the movie was also available for a one-off sale.

If they want to minimize piracy (and perhaps they have other priorities), they should be more consumer friendly. The music industry has mostly done this.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by Dayze

I was just commenting on this to my wife last night. we sat down and tried to find something to watch yesterday evening. my god...it's really 95% old movies and a ton of shit you've never heard of. Just, obscure and random movies I would categorize as B movies.

I still dig the documentary side, and the stand up comedy side of things on Netflix, but in terms of finding a 'newer' movie that might have been in an actual movie theater in the last two years.....forget it.

and we've had Netflix since around 2003-2004. back in the day, you could log in and click a TON of recent movies in your queue that had recently just been in theaters. Now, it's largely just random garbage.

Thinking about dumping them and maybe getting Hulu instead, or just get redbox movies here and there.

No one wants to deal with Netflix anymore. They made too successful of a model and they would rather try their own online service then give Netflix money. Netflix has some amazing original offerings. Only shit shows will be offered up by the networks or movie houses. Disney will be interesting to see what happens with theirs.