Netflix, once the undisputed king of streaming, has been facing a growing wave of user discontent. Despite continued subscriber growth, a significant narrative has emerged questioning the platform’s value and customer-friendliness. Several key decisions in recent years have fueled this sentiment, leading many to ask: Why Is Everyone Cancelling Netflix?
One of the most significant points of contention is Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing. Previously a widely accepted practice, sharing accounts with individuals outside of a single household became a policy violation in 2023. This shift, aimed at boosting subscription numbers, forced users who had long relied on shared accounts to purchase their own subscriptions. For many, this felt like a betrayal of previous leniency and a blatant attempt to squeeze more money from existing users. The frustration was palpable, as a feature once tolerated, even implicitly encouraged, was suddenly revoked.
Adding fuel to the fire is Netflix’s history of cancelling beloved shows prematurely. Series like The OA and GLOW, despite garnering critical acclaim and dedicated fan bases, were axed after just a couple of seasons. This trend has created a sense of unease among viewers, making them hesitant to invest emotionally in new Netflix originals, fearing they might be abruptly cut short. The message sent was clear: fan loyalty and critical success are not always enough to guarantee a show’s longevity on the platform.
Netflix Ditches Basic Ad-Free Plan: A Price Hike in Disguise
How Removing the Basic Plan Impacts Netflix Users
Netflix further aggravated subscribers by discontinuing its cheapest ad-free plan in July 2024. The $9.99 Basic plan, a popular option for budget-conscious viewers seeking an ad-free experience, was eliminated for new subscribers. Existing users could retain it, but new sign-ups were pushed towards either a cheaper, ad-supported plan or a significantly more expensive Standard plan at $15.49.
This move effectively raised the entry price for an ad-free Netflix experience. The table below illustrates the current plan structure, highlighting the considerable price jump from the ad-supported option to the ad-free Standard plan.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $6.99 | Watch on 1 device; HD resolution; Ads included |
| Standard | $15.49 | Watch on 2 devices; Full HD resolution; No ads |
| Premium | $22.99 | Watch on 4 devices; Ultra HD/4K; No ads |
For many, this felt like being cornered into accepting ads or paying a premium, eroding the perceived value of a Netflix subscription. The removal of the Basic plan was widely seen as another example of Netflix prioritizing revenue maximization over customer satisfaction.
Political Controversy: Co-Founder’s Donation Sparks #CancelNetflix Backlash
Conservative Users React Angrily to Reed Hastings’ Political Donation
Adding a different layer of complexity to subscriber dissatisfaction was the political activity of Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings. In 2024, Hastings made a substantial $7 million donation to a political action committee supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. While a personal donation, it ignited controversy, particularly among conservative users.
The hashtag #CancelNetflix trended on social media platforms as some subscribers viewed Hastings’ donation as a political endorsement by Netflix itself, despite its personal nature. Calls for boycotts and cancellations arose, demonstrating how even actions separate from content and pricing could impact public perception of the streaming giant. This incident highlighted the increasing intersection of politics and consumer choices, and how personal actions of company leaders can trigger broader brand repercussions.
Subscriber Numbers Still Rising: The Netflix Paradox
Despite Backlash, Netflix Continues to Grow
Despite the chorus of complaints and cancellation threats, Netflix’s subscriber numbers continue to climb. By the second quarter of 2024, the platform boasted 277.65 million subscribers globally, an increase of over 8 million from the previous quarter. This seemingly paradoxical situation raises the question: if everyone is supposedly cancelling Netflix, why are subscriber numbers still growing?
Several factors could explain this. Firstly, the sheer scale of Netflix’s user base means that even a small percentage of cancellations can be offset by new subscribers. Secondly, password sharing crackdowns, while unpopular, are likely contributing to new subscriptions. Thirdly, Netflix’s vast content library and global reach still hold considerable appeal. Finally, the lag between user dissatisfaction and actual cancellation may mean that the full impact of recent controversies is yet to be reflected in subscriber data.
Conclusion:
While subscriber numbers currently paint a picture of continued success, the narrative surrounding Netflix is undeniably shifting. User frustrations regarding password sharing policies, show cancellations, price hikes, and even political controversies are valid and vocal. While not everyone is actually cancelling Netflix, the growing discontent signals a need for the streaming giant to address these concerns to maintain long-term subscriber loyalty and positive brand perception. The question isn’t just “why is everyone cancelling Netflix?”, but rather, how can Netflix regain user trust and ensure its continued dominance in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape?
