Netflix reportedly plans to keep a slimmer content catalog going forward after cutting more than 100 shows last year. It’s unclear what shows are no longer available.
The streaming giant released 130 fewer original programs in 2023 compared to 2022 — a 16% drop according to Bloomberg‘s calculations of data from What’s on Netflix.
Netflix dialed back on content production as a whole last year from original programming to shows, movies, documentaries, and stand-up specials.
Like a majority — if not all — streaming companies, Netflix had to make adjustments in 2023, which was a difficult year for the entertainment industry as a whole.
For example, amid the Hollywood writers and actors strikes Netflix released 60 fewer shows in the second half of 2023 — a 25% drop from the first half of the year. Around the same time, the streamer was looking at restructuring its animation unit and outsourcing some work to third-party companies. The company was also considering layoffs, canceling movie projects, and raising the price of its ad-free tier. The company also took a tougher stance on password sharing which resulted in a surge of new subscribers.
Netflix reportedly plans to keep a trimmer catalog going into 2024, focusing on quality over quantity, after cranking out hundreds of titles over the last decade to dominate the streaming market.
In addition, the streaming veteran has had to content with audiences cutting back on spending, so an attractive catalog is also crucial given the sea of streaming service options viewers have to pick from.
And the competition is only expected to heat up this year when Hulu on Disney+ launches the full version of its new app in March.
Netflix wasn’t immediately available for comment.