Netflix didn’t just change how we watch TV—it revolutionized the entire entertainment industry. From its humble beginnings as a DVD rental service to becoming a global streaming giant, Netflix has reshaped storytelling, viewer habits, and even how shows get made. Here are seven fascinating facts that highlight its massive impact.
1. Netflix Started as a DVD-by-Mail Service (And Almost Failed)
Before streaming, Netflix was a DVD rental company founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. The idea came when Hastings got hit with a $40 late fee for returning Apollo 13 to Blockbuster. Netflix’s original model was simple: rent DVDs online, mail them to customers, and let them keep the discs as long as they wanted—no late fees.
But in 2000, Netflix almost sold itself to Blockbuster for $50 million. Blockbuster laughed them out of the room. Fast-forward to today: Blockbuster is extinct, and Netflix is worth over $200 billion.
2. The First Original Show Was a Political Drama (Not What You Think)
Most people assume House of Cards (2013) was Netflix’s first original series. But that title actually goes to Lilyhammer (2012), a Norwegian-American crime dramedy starring Steven Van Zandt (The Sopranos).
However, House of Cards was the game-changer. Netflix took a huge risk by ordering two full seasons without even seeing a pilot—something unheard of in traditional TV. The gamble paid off, proving that streaming platforms could produce high-quality content rivaling HBO.
3. Netflix’s Algorithm Decides What You Watch (And Even What Gets Made)
Ever wonder why certain shows pop up on your homepage? Netflix’s recommendation algorithm is scarily accurate. It tracks every click, pause, rewind, and even how long you hover over a thumbnail to suggest content.
But it goes deeper. The algorithm also influences which shows get greenlit. For example, House of Cards was chosen partly because data showed Netflix users loved political dramas, Kevin Spacey films, and David Fincher’s directing style.
4. Binge-Watching Wasn’t a Thing Before Netflix
Before Netflix, TV shows aired weekly, forcing fans to wait seven days for the next episode. Netflix flipped the script in 2013 by releasing entire seasons at once.
This wasn’t just convenient—it changed storytelling. Writers began crafting shows for binge-watching, with cliffhangers designed to keep viewers glued for hours. The term “binge-watch” skyrocketed in popularity, and now, even traditional networks like Disney+ and HBO Max have adopted the model.
5. Netflix Spends More on Content Than Hollywood Studios
In 2023, Netflix spent a staggering $17 billion on original content—more than Disney, Warner Bros., or any other studio. That’s roughly 50 new movies and 25 new series every month.
This massive investment has turned Netflix into a content factory, producing everything from Oscar-winning films (Roma, The Power of the Dog) to viral hits (Stranger Things, Squid Game).
6. It Invented the “Skip Intro” Button (And Saved Us All)
How many times have you mashed the “Skip Intro” button? Netflix introduced this feature in 2017 after data showed most viewers skipped opening credits.
But there’s more to it. Netflix also customizes intros based on viewing habits. For example, if you always skip Stranger Things’ intro, Netflix might shorten or remove it from your experience.
7. Netflix Once Had a Secret “Taste Team” to Rate Movies
Before algorithms took over, Netflix employed a mysterious group called the “Taste Team”—real people who manually rated movies on a 1-5 scale. These ratings helped fine-tune recommendations.
The team was so secretive that even Netflix employees didn’t know who they were. Eventually, AI replaced them, but their work laid the foundation for today’s hyper-personalized suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many subscribers does Netflix have? A: As of 2024, Netflix has over 260 million paid subscribers worldwide.
Q: What’s Netflix’s most-watched show ever? A: Squid Game holds the record with 1.65 billion hours watched in its first 28 days.
Q: Does Netflix still mail DVDs? A: Surprisingly, yes! Netflix’s DVD service (now called DVD.com) still ships discs to about 1 million loyal customers.
Q: Why does Netflix cancel so many shows? A: Unlike traditional TV, Netflix relies heavily on viewer retention. If a show doesn’t keep people engaged quickly, it gets axed—no matter how good it is.
Final Thoughts
Netflix didn’t just change TV—it rewrote the rules. From killing late fees to pioneering binge-watching, its influence is everywhere. And with AI, interactive shows (Bandersnatch), and global hits (Money Heist, Dark), Netflix isn’t slowing down.
Love it or hate it, one thing’s clear: TV will never be the same.