Yesterday marked a new milestone in media history when original Netflix programs “House of Cards,” “Arrested Development” and “Hemlock Grove” became the first digital-only television shows to be nominated for Emmy Awards. “House of Cards” earned nine nominations, including one for Outstanding Drama, while “Arrested Development” received three noms, including one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Jason Bateman. Horror series “Hemlock Grove” got two nominations. Continue reading Netflix Makes History: Digital-Only Shows Earn Emmy Noms

Netflix is not just creating popular original content for streaming, it is beginning to have a significant impact on cable television programming. Netflix’s investments are providing new life for shows after cancellation, and securing exclusive rights to stream them. Its efforts may also be improving programming, not just to keep subscribers, but to support shows that will eventually be streamed by providing a source of revenue to the network. Continue reading Netflix is Impacting Both Cable and Internet TV Programming

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, has met with some criticism for not playing by traditional media development and distribution rules, but has remained unapologetic as Netflix has emerged as one of the most attractive buyers of original programming. In an interview for the May 31 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, Sarandos discusses the future of online streaming and his disdain for the existing TV model. Continue reading THR Interview: Ted Sarandos Discusses the Future of Netflix

Netflix exceeded Wall Street expectations in U.S. streaming-subscriber growth for the first quarter and is now nearly on par with HBO in regards to number of paying customers. According to SNL Kagan, HBO had 28.7 million paid subscribers in the U.S. at the end of 2012. Netflix had 27.9 million paid streaming subscribers at the end of March, but total subscriptions reached 29.2 million when including free promotions. Continue reading Strong Quarter for Netflix, Plans Selective Licensing Strategy

According to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, original programming is important to the streaming service, but not yet critically important. At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Monday, he delicately touted the success of “House of Cards,” but downplayed the short-term success the series will have on the service. It seems he wants investors focused on the licensed library as the core of the company. Continue reading Netflix CEO on Current and Upcoming Original Programming