Netflix has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1997. If you’ve been around that long, you’ve probably witnessed its evolution first-hand. From receiving DVDs rented from Netflix by mail to now watching movies on your Spectrum mobile screen, it’s been a long journey. At this point, you can probably say you’ve been raised by this media platform!
And why not? After all, Netflix takes care of some of your vital needs. Maybe it doesn’t feed and clothe you—unless you work there! — but it sure comforts you at the end of a long, tiring day. Perhaps this is why Netflix remains the best streaming service you could use even in 2023.
However, it’s not simply because of an emotional connection. The oldest online streaming does not have to be the best. But in this case, Netflix is. Even with major rivals entering the streaming market, Netflix reigns supreme.
And why is that? Well, if you’ve ever found yourself muttering “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” as you gazed at that red screen, this is for you.
Anyone can follow, but only one is the blueprint. All the streaming services that are now popular have Netflix to thank for their existence. In 2007, Netflix dipped its toes into the digital realm by introducing online streaming. It was the first platform in the world to ever do so.
By allowing users to stream on-demand movies and television shows, it turned the world on its head. While most people were used to consuming media on cinema or television screens, this was new. Since then, Netflix has held tightly onto innovation.
In 2010, you could start streaming on your phone devices. In 2013, Netflix became the first streaming platform to launch its original TV shows. These include House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black—which both became instant classics. By 2023, Netflix houses more than 1,300 original shows and movies. These combined have brought Netflix 204 awards to date, including 15 Oscars, 112 Emmys, and a Grammy.
Netflix is constantly launching new features for its 208 million users. This is why people continue to trust Netflix to always keep innovating and improving.
In a world where streaming platforms are plentiful and users experience streaming fatigue, Netflix remains the most popular. The reason is simple. Other platforms are known for a select number of great titles. For instance, HBO Max for Game of Thrones, Amazon Prime for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Disney+ for Marvel’s original shows and movies. Can you quickly list any other names connected to these platforms? Probably not.
Meanwhile, Netflix has produced numerous hits in all sorts of genres. For example, The Queen’s Gambit, The Crown, Stranger Things, and The Haunting of Hill House are some of the best recent TV shows. In movies, you have crowd-pleasers like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Marriage Story, Roma, and Irishman. Even Netflix’s original reality-TV shows like Queer Eye, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and Indian Matchmaking have heavily shaped pop culture. The list is endless. On Netflix, there’s something for everyone.
Despite rising competition, Netflix remains the most popular choice for users. With its subscription packages ranging from $9 to $18 per month, it’s more expensive than other platforms.
However, you have the option to choose any plan. If you pay for premium, you can get up to five separate screens and support for multiple devices. So, you can share costs with others. Also, the offerings on Netflix more than makeup for its price. Plus, you can even watch in 4K!
Moreover, Netflix has a much cleaner interface than other apps. Across all devices, you can easily navigate through all titles. You can even download content for offline watching!
This is one of those times where you can be happy about technology keeping an eye on you. Netflix first introduced customized suggestions in 2000. Since then, it has never looked back. Based on your viewing patterns, history, and ratings, Netflix curates the best things for you. Also, the platform’s “Recommended for You,” “Popular,” and “Top Viewed” categories make selection much easier.
Not only does Netflix recommend the most popular shows in your region, but it also lets you explore content from around the world. With subtitles and dubs in multiple languages, you can view content from around the globe. From Japanese anime and Korean dramas to Bollywood movies, you’ve got it all. This is why even after all these years, one streaming platform continues to rule them all: Netflix.
