Netflix chief says 2016 will bring emphasis on family shows

PASADENA, Calif. — Netflix says it will make a special effort to produce programming for children and families, with the streaming service offering 20 new programs in the category this year led by the Feb. 26 premiere of the “Fuller House” remake.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer, said Sunday that there’s not enough of this programming on traditional TV right now. The emphasis also coincides with Netflix’s broadening subscriber base — it’s more than 19-year-old boys clicking onto the service now.

The streaming service is in only its fourth season of making original content with deep pockets that have made traditional TV networks envious. Sarandos, who said Netflix will spend $5 billion on content this year, aggressively fought back against recent criticism from rivals.

The remake of the popular “Full House” is highly anticipated. The network on Friday also made available new episodes of the teen-focused series “Degrassi.” Jim Henson’s company is making “Word Party,” a show for preschoolers, and “Lost &Found Music Studios,” premiering in April, is about striving teenage musicians. Also in April, the animated “Kong: King of the Apes” will update the King Kong series.

“The Get Down,” a series starting this summer about the formative days of rap music, could appeal to both youngsters and their parents.

Netflix said it has 43 million subscribers in the United States, or more than a third of households with television, and 70 million worldwide. It has steadfastly refused to detail how many people watch their original programs, leading a rival to try and pull back the curtain this week.

NBC researchers said they used audio measurements from Symphony Advanced Media to estimate viewership for some Netflix programs. For instance, NBC said the comedy “Master of None” was seen 3.9 million times by viewers ages 18-to-49 over a 35-day period, while “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” had 4.8 million youthful viewers during the same stretch of time. NBC argued this meant Netflix wasn’t a serious threat to its business.

Sarandos said NBC released “remarkably inaccurate data that does not reflect any reality that we track,” and said Netflix doesn’t measure viewership in the 18-to-49-year-old demographic. He said NBC probably took the time to talk about Netflix “because it’s more fun than talking about NBC’s ratings.”

He did not, however, release any specific data to dispute what NBC said.

One thing not in Netflix’s immediate future: live programming, including news or sports. While Netflix has the technical ability to deliver live programming, it would muddle the company’s chief marketing message that viewers can watch whatever they want whenever they want.

Sarandos also needled John Landgraf, CEO of the FX Networks, who complained Saturday of Netflix’s big programming budget and has suggested that there are too many television shows being made for consumers to get a grip on.

“Is there too much TV?” Sarandos asked. “We don’t think there’s too much TV, and if there is too much TV, somebody else has to slow down.”

David Bauder, Associated Press

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Matt Stewart, left, and Janice Ayala, right, spin during country dance lessons at Normanna Lodge on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. Normanna Lodge will be hosting country dance next Tuesday during PBR Stampede. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett Stampede aims to become a Western-themed tradition

The new weeklong event combines a popular Professional Bull Riders event with live music, two-step dancing and more.

Lewis the cat weaves his way through a row of participants during Kitten Yoga at the Everett Animal Shelter on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Downward cat? At kitten yoga in Everett, it’s all paw-sitive vibes

It wasn’t a stretch for furry felines to distract participants. Some cats left with new families — including a reporter.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Edmonds Center for the Arts plays host to comedian Don Friesen on Friday and Grammy-nominated vocal group säje on Sunday.

2024 Honda Civic Type R (Photo provided by Honda)
2024 Honda Civic Type R

Developed in Japan, and track-tested around the world, the Civic R Type delivers 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it Honda’s most powerful production vehicle in the U.S.

Suomenlinna
Soul sisters Helsinki and Tallinn are pearls of the Baltic

While they have their own stories to tell, these cities share a common heritage of Swedish and Russian influences.

My trip to Iraq was canceled, so why can’t I get my $7,590 back?

When Diane Gottlieb’s tour of Iraq is canceled, the tour operator offers her a voucher for a future trip. But she wants a refund.

How to help your youngster become a successful adult

Surprisingly, it has little to do with how early you learn the alphabet, start reading, or learn the capitals of every state.

The 2024 Kia Telluride midsize SUV is available in 10 trim levels, all sporting the same V6 engine. (Photo provided by Kia)
2024 Kia Telluride makes every drive a pleasure

The midsize SUV has more going for it than many others in its class.

The 2024 Subaru WRX is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 271 horsepower. (Photo provided by Subaru)
2024 Subaru WRX lineup adds a new TR model

The TR trim performs like the other WRX models, only better.

Carrying the Newcomb College name, this rare sewing bag fetched a bundle

Who made this linen and silk bag featuring a Louisiana landscape is unknown. The quality of its craftmanship, however, is clear.

Market for sale plants. Many plants in pots
Snohomish Garden Club plans annual plant sale

The event is scheduled for April 27 at Swan’s Trail Farms. Proceeds will go to scholarships.

Bleeding heart
These colorful spring perennials are awakening from their winter slumber

From bleeding hearts and lungwort to candytuft and carnations, a rebirth of bright flowers and striking foliage has begun.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.