Netflix CEO: Theater Visits Outdated, 'Saving Hollywood'

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently made a bold statement at the Time100 Summit, asserting that Netflix is "saving Hollywood." Amidst the backdrop of production shifts away from Los Angeles, the shrinking theatrical window, and declining audience satisfaction with cinema experiences, Sarandos defended Netflix's role, emphasizing the company's consumer-centric approach. "We deliver the program to you in a way you want to watch it," he stated, highlighting Netflix's commitment to meeting viewer preferences.

Sarandos also addressed the slump in box office revenues, suggesting that it reflects a broader consumer shift towards home viewing. "What is the consumer trying to tell us? That they’d like to watch movies at home," he remarked. While he acknowledged his personal enjoyment of the theater experience, he described it as "an outmoded idea, for most people," though not universally so.

These views align with Netflix's business interests, which naturally favor streaming over traditional cinema attendance. The entertainment industry has faced significant challenges, with even reliable hits like Marvel films experiencing inconsistent success, while family-oriented films like "Inside Out 2" and video game adaptations such as "A Minecraft Movie" help sustain the market.

The debate over the relevance of cinema-going continues. Actor Willem Dafoe lamented the decline of movie theaters last year, pointing out that the way people consume films at home lacks the focused attention and social engagement that theaters provide. "More difficult movies, more challenging movies cannot do as well, when you don’t have an audience that’s really paying attention," Dafoe noted, missing the communal aspect of cinema-going.

In 2022, filmmaker Steven Soderbergh shared his perspective on the future of movie theaters, suggesting that while there is still an appeal to the cinematic experience, the industry must focus on engaging younger audiences to maintain theater attendance as they age. He emphasized the importance of programming and engagement, saying, "I think people still want to go out. There's still an appeal to seeing a movie in a movie theater. It's still a great destination."