On Monday, Netflix began airing its first daily live weekday program.
“The Breakfast Club,” co-hosted by Charlamagne tha God, will air for three hours. It signals a move to more live content on the streaming platform. Netflix, headquartered in Los Gatos, was the first streaming-service member of the MPA (Motion Picture Association).
Netflix has stirred controversy for not following the conventional entertainment playbook set by Hollywood. They didn’t release their movies in theatres and weren’t eligible for Oscar nominations. Hollywood legends like Steven Spielberg, who attended Saratoga High School, protested Netflix’s eligibility for the Academy Awards in 2019. “Once you commit to a television format, you’re a TV movie,” Spielberg said at the time.
With technology letting people create their own content more easily, there’s the chance for big things to happen in small places. Netflix’ podcast push could create opportunities for independent podcasters. Los Gatos has seen the emergence of several audio and video productions over the last several years: PodCats LG, “The Page Turner” (the official podcast of the Los Gatos Library), Pirate Cat Radio programs, “Calvary Church Los Gatos,” and KCAT’s slate of shows. Soon, a new podcast rental studio will open off of Victory Lane by Eli Ghazanchian.
Netflix became an important player in both tech and entertainment by pouring billions into creating its own library of content. Can we expect Netflix to bring on more live shows and podcasts in the future? Well, Spencer Wang, the company’s vp of finance and capital markets, hinted that’s exactly what’s in the cards. Participating in the Q1 earnings broadcast, earlier this year—alongside co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters—he indicated live is a major part of Netflix’ future. “As we invest into new forms of content, we also have to learn how the new programming provides different kinds of value,” he said. “I think live is a really great example of this. It often drives really significant viewing value for members.”
It’s the end of an era for our local behemoth. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings recently opted not to seek re-election to the board of directors. I got to meet Hastings in 2018—at the cafeteria at the Netflix headquarters during a visit. I was left with the overwhelming sense that he was a cordial and friendly person.
During the earnings call, Sarandos complimented the visionary entertainment player. “He built a company of risk takers and a culture where character matters, and nobody rests in the pursuit of excellence,” Sarandos said. “I have loved working with—and for—Reed, through amazing twists and turns through our business. And he’s modeled what it means to be a leader and a friend.”
