“Not Growing” - Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Voices Concerns Over Netflix’s Slow Growth as Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Nears
Sarandos said Netflix is growing more slowly and is testing live events and theatrical releases as the streamer faces a stronger rival network.
- Ted Sarandos, Netflix CEO, addressed the company's 2% year-over-year viewership growth during the first half of 2026 at the Bloomberg Screentime conference on Wednesday. He acknowledged the need for faster expansion.
- A judge approved the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger on Wednesday, intensifying streaming competition. Sarandos remained dismissive of the combined entity's threat, stating, "It's looked on paper so far it's one and one," regarding market share.
- Netflix is dedicating 5% of its content budget to live events like the NFL, which generate about 1% of viewership. Sarandos noted these initiatives drive sign-ups and reduce churn without offering a free, ad-supported tier.
- Recent high-profile talent departures, including the Duffer Brothers to Paramount and Shawn Levy to Disney, have marked a creative shift. Despite these exits, Netflix continues signing deals with creators like Ryan Coogler and Shonda Rhimes.
- Distinguishing its model from user-generated platforms like YouTube, Netflix remains in the "professionally produced content business." Greta Gerwig's Narnia: The Magician's Nephew will receive a 49-day theatrical window, signaling continued experimentation with theatrical releases.
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Netflix recorded between April and June the lowest growth rate in almost three years (13.4%), while in the first semester he also saw a modest 2% increase in viewing hours. "We're generally not growing as fast as we would like, and we're working on accelerating this," said the executive during the annual Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles. Live programming could "achieve a lot of progress in that figure," the executive said in conver…
Ted Sarandos Has No Regrets Over WB, Talks Overall Deals & Casey Bloys
Appearing at Bloomberg’s Screentime hours after Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery overcame the last hurdle when a federal judge approved the settlement with the state attorneys general, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was asked whether he regretting going after Warner Bros. given the scrutiny from Wall Street the streamer has been put under since then. “No, I think it was the plan was solid,” he said. “I think we won the deal at som…
Netflix’s Ted Sarandos on If He Sees Paramount-Warner Bros. As Competition, and If He Courted Casey Bloys: ‘We Had a Very Well-Publicized Lunch’
Netflix's Ted Sarandos discussed whether he sees a merged Paramount-Warner Bros. as competition, and if he courted Casey Bloys.
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