Did you know back in 2000, defunct video store chain Blockbuster rejected an offer to buy a struggling Netflix? But now, streaming IT service Netflix rakes in billions a year. Meanwhile, those under 18 can’t even remember Blockbuster. Also, people watch one billion hours a week on Netflix.
However, this is according to Netflix’s own blog post. As of September 2017, Netflix has over 109 million subscribers globally. About half of them are in the USA. But let’s take a look at how far Netflix came in just two years. Because in December 2015, they had just under 75 million subscribers around the world. Those viewers watch around 43 billion hours that year. I was no math major, but play with those stats, and you see more people are watching more Netflix.
This could mean good or bad news for competitors, and there are a lot in 2017. We have Hulu, Amazon Prime, and also several others. Furthermore, I have to admit, some of Hulu’s own shows are very good. And a lot of my computer repair colleagues like the HBO GO show Silicon Valley.? This is good because Netflix shows the potential of streaming entertainment. Think about it…one billion hours a week. I don’t know how much Amazon Prime has, but I doubt it’s that many. That’s the bad news. How can they compete with 109 million subscribers and a billion hours a week? You know they’re going to try.
Stockholders must be happy with this news. Because Netflix stocks went up 50% this year. However, not all the news is good about Netflix. Sexual assault scandals affected the company. In fact, one of it’s most popular shows, House of Cards, is now in limbo. But Netflix is going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. I can think of some prime time TV shows they should bring to Netflix. I’m sure some of you can too. What will 2018 hold for the most popular streaming service in the world?