Tech Brew Ride Home (Bonus) Is The Netflix Algo Broken? With Julia Alexander @loudmouthjulia
Aug 17, 2019
Julia Alexander, a streaming wars beat reporter at The Verge, dives into the challenges facing Netflix's recommendation algorithms. She discusses audience reactions to abrupt show cancellations and how Netflix's renewal strategy has evolved, prioritizing efficiency and viewer engagement. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of streaming rights ownership and the critical role of exclusive content. As Netflix navigates this new terrain, Julia offers insights into emerging user habits and the impact of sports streaming on subscription models.
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Netflix Cancellations
- Shows like Tuca and Bertie and The OA were canceled by Netflix, sparking outrage.
- This is unusual for Netflix, which previously avoided cancellations, leading to viewer confusion.
End of the Gravy Train
- Netflix's long-standing practice of funding shows generously is ending.
- They are now more budget-conscious, leading to cancellations of weaker shows.
Netflix's Efficiency Metric
- Netflix uses an "efficiency" metric to determine renewals, focusing on subscriber acquisition and retention.
- Shows like Stranger Things succeed with this metric, while niche shows like Tuca and Bertie struggle.